Running Attire
Discussion
Don't know if this belongs in here or sports but anyway...
I've nearly made it through week 5 of CouchTo5K and without wishing to tempt fate things are going well so far. I wasn't really sure how it would go as previous running attempts have not gone well so I haven't splashed out on any kit yet. Currently run in some mesh lined shorts and a cotton T-shirt, I've added a light fleece the past few evenings as the temperature are getting noticeably lower. I've got a little bit of an issue with chafing with the current shorts and it's probably time I bought some dedicated gear, I need some proper shoes at the very least.
What do folk recommend by way of shorts? I'm thinking that a tighter fitting cycle type / lycra undershort will help my issues, is it better to get the all in one type where there is an internal lycra type short with a baggy one over the top or do you get separate items? I'm also assuming that as it gets colder I might need a pair of running tights, now I don't think the world is quite ready for me in a full lycra strip so is it okay to wear something like baggy shorts over these? I'm also quite tall (6ft3), do running tights come in different leg lengths? The top half is not so bad to deal with, guess I'll want a few long sleeve moisture wicking tops and a lightweight wind / rain proof jacket? Also what's all this compression stuff about, do I need it?
I'll also add that I'm quite a hot person and don't feel the cold particularly so don't want stuff that'll keep me too warm turning me into a sweaty mess at the end.
Finally any recommendation for brands, websites, etc., I'm on a bit of a budget at the moment so if I could kit myself out as cheaply as possible but not compromise too much on comfort that would be great?
Happy running!
I've nearly made it through week 5 of CouchTo5K and without wishing to tempt fate things are going well so far. I wasn't really sure how it would go as previous running attempts have not gone well so I haven't splashed out on any kit yet. Currently run in some mesh lined shorts and a cotton T-shirt, I've added a light fleece the past few evenings as the temperature are getting noticeably lower. I've got a little bit of an issue with chafing with the current shorts and it's probably time I bought some dedicated gear, I need some proper shoes at the very least.
What do folk recommend by way of shorts? I'm thinking that a tighter fitting cycle type / lycra undershort will help my issues, is it better to get the all in one type where there is an internal lycra type short with a baggy one over the top or do you get separate items? I'm also assuming that as it gets colder I might need a pair of running tights, now I don't think the world is quite ready for me in a full lycra strip so is it okay to wear something like baggy shorts over these? I'm also quite tall (6ft3), do running tights come in different leg lengths? The top half is not so bad to deal with, guess I'll want a few long sleeve moisture wicking tops and a lightweight wind / rain proof jacket? Also what's all this compression stuff about, do I need it?
I'll also add that I'm quite a hot person and don't feel the cold particularly so don't want stuff that'll keep me too warm turning me into a sweaty mess at the end.
Finally any recommendation for brands, websites, etc., I'm on a bit of a budget at the moment so if I could kit myself out as cheaply as possible but not compromise too much on comfort that would be great?
Happy running!
Don't spend a fortune. It will eventually end up smelling foul and need to go in the bin regardless of how well you wash it 
A proper running top (non-cotton) would be a good first step.
Trainers - Find a running shop and have your gait analysed so you get the right shoes. If you can, take somebody else credit card to pay with (ouch!!)
Interested in the opinions on shorts. I've been using the mesh lined type and have noticed some rubbing after longer runs.
A proper running top (non-cotton) would be a good first step.
Trainers - Find a running shop and have your gait analysed so you get the right shoes. If you can, take somebody else credit card to pay with (ouch!!)
Interested in the opinions on shorts. I've been using the mesh lined type and have noticed some rubbing after longer runs.
You'll find most specialist running clothes are light years ahead of cheap cotton stuff so you don't have to spend a fortune, saying that I just looked up the cost of the shorts I wear
http://www.upandrunning.co.uk/ronhill-men-advance-...
And they come in at £30...I do usually get them on offer though. The inner bamboo liner is fairly tight and I've never had issues with chafing and they don't smell after a few years of use.
Under 10 degress outside I tend to wear a long sleeve top like this
http://www.upandrunning.co.uk/ronhill-men-s-advanc...
Under 5 degree I'll stick a cheap, heavy hoodie over the top of it as it's not like I'm going for a quick time! Cheap tracksuit bottoms too.
Never bothered with a waterproof/windproof as I only run for 40 mins at a time and just make sure I change quickly once I get in, sweat makes you quite damp anyway...
http://www.upandrunning.co.uk/ronhill-men-advance-...
And they come in at £30...I do usually get them on offer though. The inner bamboo liner is fairly tight and I've never had issues with chafing and they don't smell after a few years of use.
Under 10 degress outside I tend to wear a long sleeve top like this
http://www.upandrunning.co.uk/ronhill-men-s-advanc...
Under 5 degree I'll stick a cheap, heavy hoodie over the top of it as it's not like I'm going for a quick time! Cheap tracksuit bottoms too.
Never bothered with a waterproof/windproof as I only run for 40 mins at a time and just make sure I change quickly once I get in, sweat makes you quite damp anyway...
This is a pretty decent coat for the price , i use it for 2-3 hour runs up on the hills .
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/puma-graphic-lightwe...
Shorts http://www.decathlon.co.uk/elio-shorts-id_8350912....
T shirt http://www.decathlon.co.uk/elio-t-shirt-id_8351034...
http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-short-sleeve-...
trainers go to a proper running shop and get your gait analysis done , what works for me and other people on here won't work for you because we don't have your feet.
http://www.startfitness.co.uk/puma-graphic-lightwe...
Shorts http://www.decathlon.co.uk/elio-shorts-id_8350912....
T shirt http://www.decathlon.co.uk/elio-t-shirt-id_8351034...
http://www.sportsdirect.com/karrimor-short-sleeve-...
trainers go to a proper running shop and get your gait analysis done , what works for me and other people on here won't work for you because we don't have your feet.
I read an article recently showing that tests had proved that man-made fibres get smellier than cotton when exposed to sweat. I insist on wearing cotton gym kit. My wife thinks it makes me sweat too much and has bought me branded synthetic kit which I hate. I also had the chaffing problem and found that wearing track suit bottoms instead of shorts solved the problem. The weight of the trouser leg stops the material from bunching up which for me was the main cause of friction.
It's worth spending a bit on good trainers, just for the sake of injury prevention, as others have said get your gait checked at a running shop.
I find wearing under armour boxer shorts stops chafing. If your nipples are chafing try Vaseline or a compression top . A compression top with a t-shirt over the top makes a nice winter outfit.
I find wearing under armour boxer shorts stops chafing. If your nipples are chafing try Vaseline or a compression top . A compression top with a t-shirt over the top makes a nice winter outfit.
As others have said worth investing in trainers including gait analysis. That said no need to spend more than about £60 for some mid-range, last season Asics or similar. If you go to a decent running shop and get the gait analysis don't feel pressured into walking out with the shiniest £150 trainers, don't ask how i know....
Kit wise i'd suggest a trip to Decathlon if you have one nearby, as someone else commented it ends up stinking so as long as it's comfy personally i tend to go for the cheaper end of the spectrum so i can have lots of changes and don't feel bad about dumping it if i notice it's not as fresh after a wash (although biological washing powder does help!).
Like you i'm not keen on the skin-tight lycra look so tend to go for lightweight running top, ideally with a tight base-layer underneath for comfort and to minimise nipple chafe, not always practical in hotter weather. Shorts wise i wear anything, from old football shorts to 3/4 length trouser things to proper running shorts... don't notice much of a difference in comfort regardless, chafing controlled by decent compression fit boxers.
Only other thing to consider is if you will carry anything, e.g. key / phone. I've latterly started listening to podcasts to minimise the tedium of 2 hour runs so tend to try and get all my shorts with pockets to hold my phone... have tried arm holders before but found them pretty annoying.
Lastly - If you plan to run right through winter, cheap simple pair of gloves are a must, i'm always too hot but on longer runs in the cold weather can find my hands getting painfully and uncomfortably cold and times....
In summary, my opinion would be - invest in trainers, get multiples of tops/shorts/socks at mid-range prices and stick at it, log runs and distances (strava is great for it) and keep looking at little victories, slightly longer, slightly faster, more climbing, fastest mile etc etc......
Kit wise i'd suggest a trip to Decathlon if you have one nearby, as someone else commented it ends up stinking so as long as it's comfy personally i tend to go for the cheaper end of the spectrum so i can have lots of changes and don't feel bad about dumping it if i notice it's not as fresh after a wash (although biological washing powder does help!).
Like you i'm not keen on the skin-tight lycra look so tend to go for lightweight running top, ideally with a tight base-layer underneath for comfort and to minimise nipple chafe, not always practical in hotter weather. Shorts wise i wear anything, from old football shorts to 3/4 length trouser things to proper running shorts... don't notice much of a difference in comfort regardless, chafing controlled by decent compression fit boxers.
Only other thing to consider is if you will carry anything, e.g. key / phone. I've latterly started listening to podcasts to minimise the tedium of 2 hour runs so tend to try and get all my shorts with pockets to hold my phone... have tried arm holders before but found them pretty annoying.
Lastly - If you plan to run right through winter, cheap simple pair of gloves are a must, i'm always too hot but on longer runs in the cold weather can find my hands getting painfully and uncomfortably cold and times....
In summary, my opinion would be - invest in trainers, get multiples of tops/shorts/socks at mid-range prices and stick at it, log runs and distances (strava is great for it) and keep looking at little victories, slightly longer, slightly faster, more climbing, fastest mile etc etc......
Another shout for Decathlon for kit, or visit www.startfitness.com and take a look at their More Mile range. Loads of variations, colours etc at good prices. I swear by their Moscow socks, which I've been using for years and 3 pairs can be had for less than a tenner.
Personal opinion, you don't need a jacket - a long-sleeve top with a compression vest or t-shirt underneath will do the trick for the coldest of winter runs. The problem with jackets, especially the water repellent ones, is they don't breathe well.
Asics and Under Armour stuff is fitted for taller folks, so give them a shot for tights.
Regarding preventing kit from smelling, always try and hang it up to air and dry soon after finishing if you can. Then, I chuck a cap full of clear vinegar in with the detergent and it seems to do the trick keeping dodgy odours at bay.
Personal opinion, you don't need a jacket - a long-sleeve top with a compression vest or t-shirt underneath will do the trick for the coldest of winter runs. The problem with jackets, especially the water repellent ones, is they don't breathe well.
Asics and Under Armour stuff is fitted for taller folks, so give them a shot for tights.
Regarding preventing kit from smelling, always try and hang it up to air and dry soon after finishing if you can. Then, I chuck a cap full of clear vinegar in with the detergent and it seems to do the trick keeping dodgy odours at bay.
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