As a 61 year old, I don't think twice about running round my local town wearing leggings.
As a 61 year old, I can't bring myself to walk round the countryside wearing leggings, even though they're more comfortable than any of my berghaus walking trousers. 🤷♀️
Is this reasonable or do I need to get a grip?
Get a grip 🤣
As lovely as I am sure you are, I don’t think anyone has the slight interest in what you are wearing. Wear the leggings 🤣
Have to say everyone I know is in leggings or running gear. Defends against nettles, ticks and other creepy crawlies that are trying to climb up legs. Plus super comfy.
I’m not much younger than you, I run right through winter in shorts. As soon as there’s a blink of sunshine I wear shorts all the time - supermarket, cafe etc. My 90 year old father is the same! If you’re happy in leggings - go for it with pride. Happy running 🤗
I wouldn't wear shorts for walking because of ticks, brambles and stinging nettles, but I wear them at home.
I wear shorts for walking if it is along the canal, but you are right, best not worn where you might get bitten or stung.
It occurs to me that leggings might snag on brambles, unlike sturdier walking trousers. But most of the time they will be fine.
Another thought - maybe wear a longer t-shirt if it makes you feel more comfortable
Yes, it is ridiculous! But I was the same for quite some time. No idea why unless it is because I am running so fast that I am just a blur and no-one can tell it is me 
OK, maybe not!
It doesn't bother me now though. PS, I am nearly 64
I'm definitely going to go for it on holiday next week x
Yeah, go for it !
I spend a lot of time wearing Ron Hill Tracksters, although they are a bit warm at the moment. I never think twice about wearing those for walking.
My husband thought I didn't wash them frequently enough, until I told him that I have about 6 pairs - they were reduced in Go Outdoors a couple of times, plus I bought another pair in the charity shop
Love Ron Hill 👍 Just discovered Sweaty Betty, that's what prompted the post.
I’m older than you and oh dear, I used to wear proper clothes to work but for the last year we change into scrubs when we get there and so I just wear leggings to and from work, round the shops and of course walking and running 😂
👍 I’ve said the only positive from pandemic is my reduced ironing! Always going to wear scrubs now instead of suited and booted for work. Plus bonus that’s it’s harder to put off going for run if you’ve gone to work in your running gear🤣
There is that, if i only have to change my shoes when i get in i’m more likely to go
Get a grip for sure 😀Wear those leggings!
Well, I’m not far off 60 and I wear a skort, (shorts with a short skirt - like a tennis skirt) most of the year for running, otherwise I’m in shorts..the leggings only come out if it’s really cold......i’m past caring what I might look like, I’m comfortable...that’s all that matters.......I take your point about the nettles and brambles though.....I’ve had a few near misses.....😱.....especially times like now when the sun and rain makes all the wild plants and nettles grow like crazy!
I say.....just be comfortable......don’t be bothered about what others might think!
Mx
Yup! Comfort before fashion
I'm 60 and in the cooler months leggings, with tunics or long tops/jumpers, were pretty much my standard wear for work! Wouldn't occur to me to be concerned about walking round the countryside in them.
There again I'm currently dressed in a wide leg, strappy top navy linen jumpsuit that's doubtless intended for someone a third of my age. Who cares, it's comfortable and I like it.
Leggings all the way! They are so comfy, and there’s so many styles out there - I have best shiny leather look leggings (not for running 😆), running leggings, gym leggings, tired and full of holes leggings, short ones, long ones. You get the picture! I wear them with my walking boots if I’m going for a yomp and they look absolutely fine. 😊👍
63 year old here, some of the things I've learnt that may be useful:- now I'm older I have a superpower, invisibility, so can wear what I like.
- I've realised that the imperfections I stressed about when I was young and beautiful eg spots and bulges weren't noticed by anybody else. This means that it doesn't matter if my invisibility isn't working, I can still wear what I like
- at my age I deserve to be comfortable so I'm going to wear what I like
...see where I'm going? Maybe you should just wear the leggings? I admit it was a hurdle to cross the first time I wore them but they are SO much better suited to running. Try it, you'll be converted 😁 Good luck and go for it!
When I’m out running I often pass (she’s an avid Walker) my French teacher from secondary school. I’m 57, so I’m not sure of her age, but she’s out in shorts and looks amazing.
She’s my inspiration. But- she’s so confident that it doesn’t really matter.
Thanks everyone, leggings it is! 💕
Crikey, I’m 57 and live in leggings in the winter for running and every day use - not the same ones - and shorts in the summer. Cycle type shorts for running and proper ones when not. I don’t even think twice about it!
Wear your leggings!
You put me to shame; I need to get over myself. 🙈
Maybe I should rethink my wardrobe! 😂
No, don't do that! It's overthinking that's got me into this mess!
Go for it and set the countryside trend! Also leggings are super comfy. I would reccomend skins which are perfect for summer.
A trip to Sweaty Betty prompted my post.😊The problem I can foresee is that they're so comfortable, I have to keep checking I've actually got clothes on! 😆
I am just the same. Happily run in leggings but can’t bring myself to wear them for any other reason unless I am alone in the house. I tell myself this is madness as so many other people do wear them and look fine. For me I think it is a confidence thing, and it would be new and strange and take me out of my comfort zone …………and people would talk about the way I look. Then I try to tell myself they have better things to do and they may comment on it once or twice but then what?
Think I may just try to get the courage to try it. Hope you enjoy wearing yours when you first do it, bet we never look back once we have started wearing them out and will laugh at why it took so long 😃
That's exactly it. I think I don't mind when I'm running because the trade off is worth it. I can run quite long distances and I need the right gear to do it. When I'm walking I feel like I'm being a bit of an exhibitionist. 🙈
The irony is that thirty years ago I was overweight, now I have a healthy BMI 🤷♀️
I’m a snap with you on age, but I like to wear skirts when not running. Trouble is my feet like their comfort and I do feel foolish in trainers and skirt. Necessity is a great thing, I’m learning to ignore my feelings and just go for comfort, I haven’t had any weird looks or nasty comments. I don’t think most people care. I’ve even got a pair of shorts for running now too, which was way out of my mind’s comfort zone but my body was happy. Conclusion, go for the leggings, we’re our own worst critics.
scottishpoetrylibrary.org.u...
As a guy, I'd be even more self-conscious going out in leggings when not running. I have, however, been wearing weird toe shoes for over a decade. The feelings of awkwardness wore off after a few weeks.
Of course Speedy, you should wear what is most comfortable and helps you get the most from your activity. I'm also in my 60s and wear running leggings and, for me I wear a loose top that comes down to top of thigh and that feels better than exposing tummy and bum, but in hot weather I go shorter!Just find the right top that gives you the cover you feel more comfortable with, but keep the leggings that give you the supported, free movement you prefer. In time you might feel you can change the top and feel less self-conscious.
It's amazing to be running at a later time of life and that's the main thing - don't worry about what anyone might think of your attire, chances are they couldn't run alongside you. Go Speedy go! 😉
Thanks for the encouragement, Raisemeup. That's exactly my attitude when I'm running - don't even think about criticising me unless you can run a half marathon. It's quite empowering! 💪
So you're saying even though I've just taken out a mortgage on Sweaty Betty leggings, I need to go back and get some new tops. I like your thinking. 😁
Yes, absolutely - that's a small prize for a half marathon runner in my book! If you can't find what you like, maybe do what I do, my top is light cotton teeshirt, loose, airy and longish. I've got my late son's image on the front so he comes on my run with me!. You could have a loved one's image printed onto a similar style teeshirt or whatever you like. Best wishes ☺️
Whatever’s comfy or for me what will work best if I’ll need to call on the shewee 🙈
I wouldn't wear leggings outside of running
Not because of what people would think, but because when I get my leggings on, it's guaranteed that I go for a run, I've never gotten dressed for a run and not gone. I think if I wore them all the time, they would lose their superpower 
🦸♀️😊
This string makes me smile! When I started running (age 66) I was so worried about what I would look like and what people would say, I drove the 2 minutes to the local Walkway car park, and paid £1 for the privilege, just to avoid walking past neighbours houses! I quickly realised that my running gear was like a cloak of invisibility; nobody cared, and very quickly I didn’t care either. Importantly, I found out that I could run!! If you can’t do your thing and not care about what people think as a mature (or old in my case) adult when can you? Just do your thing and really enjoy your running!
Exactly! You put on your costume and you're "another runner".
I'm glad you're smiling, Beachcomber 😊
I also used to walk a long way from home before I started running, and I live in a cul de sac. I discovered, after a few months that far from laughing at me, two of my neighbours were actually envious and wanted to know more about couch to 5k. You never really know the influence you have on others.
A few people have asked about C25k and one friend put doing the GNR in her 70th year on her bucket list; she did it !!
Love this. I don't think any of my neighbours have done the GNR (if they have I'm well jealous). One neighbour has signed up for the Bristol 10k though, inspired by yours truly 😇
The u3a ran a survey recently on people's attitude to how older people dress. 54% felt that 'older' people should 'dress their age' (no skinny jeans, no short skirts, no baseball caps, etc), however only 24% of those same people said that when they got older they would dress for their age!
The good news was that 33% of over 65s said they dressed exactly how they pleased, they wore clothes they liked and would try out new fashions. My late mum would go out in leopard print leggings in her 70s and she didn't give a toss what anyone thought.
Wear your leggings with pride! 👍🚶♀️
The daft thing is, I wear skinny jeans which look much like leggings from a distance 🤷♀️
Love that. You've eased my guilt (although I don't really have any - why should we!). I'm in my 60s and I wear:Skinny jeans
Biker jacket
Baseball hat on runs
Baker boy caps in winter
Stretchy leggings on runs
Leopard print bumpers
Why? because that's who I am.
Be who you are, from teenager to 100 year old - you know the song by Rod, "you wear it well...", if you wear it well embrace it!
Have a good, stylish day. 🙋
I think you should wear leggings at all times but I lived in Sydney when this went viral 🤣
I would definitely not say ‘get a grip’ but honestly, there’s not a lot of difference between the two things. They are both exercise that you need to be comfortable for, and *feel* comfortable for (if that makes sense).
I’ll be 56 next month and I now feel fine wearing my bright Tikiboo (other brands are available) leggings and capris to walk the dogs over the fields, but wouldn’t wear any of my bright running shorts to do the same thing (but might wear my plain trail shorts). I don’t know why it’s different. It just is.
This morning while out on a bike ride with husband we met a few people wearing bright leggings out for their Sunday morning ‘constitutionals’ and one amazing older lady in a tartan skort by a company called ‘Flanci’ (?)
Husband I were wearing these, with padded cycle undies beneath them.
Love those. At least on a bike you're out of sight before most people clock you. 😊
Not the speed I go 😀
🤣🤣🤣
Haha this is very funny. GET A GRIP for sure. Just make sure they are super bright or day glow so you wear them with pride and stand out a mile 
Wear whatever is most practical for the occasion.
I’m on a walking holiday and did consider wearing leggings but chickened out not because I was worried about how I look. At 68 I’m not that bothered but I was worried about nettles and ticks. So walking trousers it was. Not sure if leggings would protect me from them and considering the number of nettles I’ve had to manoeuvre through in Ross on Wye I think it was the right choice. However on all other occasions I wear them and if I think I should wear ‘normal’ clothes I forget what I have in the wardrobe! 😂.
But one day i will be brave and go out strong like Julia Bradbury.
Julia Bradbury would look good in just about anything. Very annoying. I've watched her on tv and thought I could totally rock that look. Then I look in the mirror. 😆
I know and I’m a long way from her silth like look! But it looks so comfortable. 🤣
Good for you! Enjoy your holiday. X
Thank you. It’s not turning out as hoped for as hubby in A&E yesterday with dehydration! Discovered after he fell down a ditch and I had to call for help to get him out!! But he’s better this morning so 🤞🏻we get to enjoy the rest of the week. 🥴
Oh no! Really sorry to hear that. Look after yourselves 🧡
Thank you. It wasn’t what I hoped for but all part of life’s adventure.
What's happening with my legs! 
Favouring my right leg
Unusual cross-training 🧗♀️ 🏹 ⚽️ and a tired-legged run! 😬🤣🏃♀️
See through leggings! 
