Clothes to run in

[custardlover]

Right Mumsnet - please help! I need to start exercising more and I’m trying the coach to 5k app. However, when I went out tonight the only thing I could find as a semi-suitable running top (over a t-shirt) was my 12 year old’s hoodie.

please help me find better options! I’m an almost 50 year old, size 12 with determination but little fitness! What should I wear to run outdoors in comfort?

Everyone has to find what works best for them, lots of replies suggest that runners will have a different approach to clothing and what works for them.
Either way, I highly doubt any advice or suggestions on this thread will put anyone off exercise forever, do you.

@Gwenhwyfar , do you run?

At this time of year I go for leggings and a long sleeved running top as I get really hot running. In winter I'll add a jacket as it's easier to unzip or remove than a base layer, but I tend not to run outside if it's really cold or raining.

Personally, I really hate being warm when I am running. So I tend to stick to one long sleeve running top and winter leggings. I did have a hat that i could stick my pontytail through and I liked that because I didnt get to hot. However my best friend who I run with sometimes, I will meet her and she will have gloves, a snoody and about 3 layers on. So it really is an individual preference.

Try mandm direct also if you are on a budget. I hope you find something that works for you - there really is nothing like the "runners high"

Yeh I agree, I hate being hot when I run (not running atm but still think of myself as a runner haha).

Typically I (would) wear capri running leggings and a s/s running top (the kind of fabric that stays light even if you get sweaty). Usually a race top tbh.

If it is cold I would put running gloves on before anything else as you can take them off when too warm and stuff in your waistband. I did have a nylon running jacket at one point but it usually got too much. I have been known to take it off and stash in a hedge to retrieve later!

In the real winter (not yet! like January) I would run in long leggings and maybe a l/s top. Not very often tho. I have a lot more s/s than l/s running tops.

I do see ppl wearing a lot more clothes than me tho, like a woolly hat or a big jacket so maybe I am just a hot bod. <reads thread> yeh I see lots of ppl wear more than I do - fair enough. Agree tho not a hoody, light layers are better.

Agree with others – start with good trainers (the best you can buy – go to a local running shop if you have one - support your local running shop!) and a decent sports bra (Freya or Shock Absorber are good). Edit: I see you have these all good then.

start with good trainers (the best you can buy – go to a local running shop if you have one - support your local running shop!)
Yes, but £££ doesn't mean better. Entry-level shoes will be fine. You should only wear running shoes for running, and don't bung them in the washing machine.

A good running shop will be able to advise you. Support a local one.

A hood is too flappy, and a regular hoody or sweatshirt will be unpleasant to wear or carry if you get caught in a shower.

I fully agree that esp for a new runner the difference between £100 trainders and £250 ones will not be apparent so not worth it.

I guess I meant don't buy £25 ones from a cheap place (unless they are that price bc last year's colour and only in one size - yours!).

YY to support your running shop. I don't like to see "go and find out the right size and style from your local shop then buy them somewhere cheaper". If we buy from local shops they are more likely to be able to help us. I always buy mine from a running shop we are very lucky to have in my little city.

@clary , for C25K, I'd be looking to spend about £50, something like Puma Electrify Nitro Womens Running Shoes - Grey – Start Fitness or adidas Duramo SL 2 Womens Running Shoes - Purple – Start Fitness.
For training for a half-marathon, I'd get proper advice from a running shop, and invest, once I was seeing myself as a runner not a jogger.
The reason I say this is because all the running made my feet grow. The lovely pair of shoes I'd started out in got given to a grateful relative.

yes for sure as a beginner I would spend less.

Tho I have been badly burned buying trainers online and having to pay ££ to in return postage if I bought more than one size or style.

ETA: yes I know the Op has trainers but others may read this

I hate returning things too. It's easier to go to a shop, try the shoes on, and the local shop lets you try them out for a few minutes (quick supervised run in the street), then decide.

The fit of shoes varies from brand to brand, so you really need to try them on.
Also, some brands make fashion shoes.

ETA: yes I know the Op has trainers but others may read this

I wear running leggings from Sainsbury’s with a waistband zip pocket for my phone and house key, a sports bra from Lidl and a sleeveless t-shirt that I’ve had for years. I’ve got good sports socks and expensive comfortable running trainers, but can’t see the point in spending lots elsewhere when all you’re going to do in it is sweat and get muddy!

Decathlon. Anything costing over 10 quid will be good value. I'm running and walking at the moment because of an injury and I wear multiple layers, knowing that they'll land up round my waist.

When it's colder you'll want gloves and then a buff (neck tube worn as a hat or wide headband) or woolly hat. Get leggings with pockets so that you can stow unwanted headgear and gloves easily. If you misjudge the need for a woolly hat it can stuffed under your leggings in the small of your back - your back will get a little bit sweaty but the hat will be secure and you won't look too peculiar (speaking from experience!).

I don't like the noise waterproofs make, so I usually avoid them, but it's very useful to have an outer layer that is at least somewhat windproof as windchill can have a disproportionate effect on how cold you feel. Most fleeces are not windproof.

Go down the second hand route for the clothes via Vinted or the charity shops. I picked up some Lululemon leggings for around £6.99 in the charity shop as well as H&M leggings and a top. I don’t mind if they don’t necessarily match either.

Firstly, well done you OP for getting out there and doing something to improve your fitness!
As a pp says, base layers are good and needn’t cost a fortune and to be honest your footwear is a priority before looking the part in terms of clothing surely.
Good luck!

Tesco do some brilliant long sleeved running tops

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/321566381

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/321977240

https://www.tesco.com/groceries/en-GB/products/321698345

As it get colder I will layer a t-shirt with one of these tops
https://www.sportsdirect.com/under-armour-armour-tech-half-zip-top-womens-340181#colcode=34018108

I personally don’t wear a jacket unless it’s raining or very cold (1-2degrees)

I really rate the more mile London socks over much more expensive ones
https://amzn.eu/d/0rJ45LQ

leggings I have a mix of Primark actives, M&S good move, neither are my favourite but they will do.
I also have some sturdy by design and Lucy locket loves active leggings. The Lucy locket actives are by far my favourites but I struggle with buying from them any more after they phoenixes the company and left staff without wages.