Hello folks,
looking for some guidance… I’ve had the same leggings for about 8 years now and am looking to get a new pair or two in the spring.
My initial look at some specialist running shops confirmed my suspicions that I could easily spend £££ for kit.
Does anyone have brands they like, or would recommend? I don’t mind paying for good quality but I just don’t want to but spend money on fashion wear that’s not really intended for running!
thanks!
My favourites by a mile are Sweaty Betty Power Gym leggings. I’ve always bought in the sale because they’re really expensive full price.
I also really like Ronhill leggings but they don’t always have a phone sized pocket. Super comfortable though. I usually wear mine for long runs where I’m wearing a hydration vest. I’ve bought from from wiggle.com and running shoes.co.uk very heavily reduced (about £10 a pair!).
M and S have a surprisingly good selection of leggings too.
EDIT: I forgot to mention Decathlon. They’ve got great kit that is reasonably priced. Impossible to come out with only what you went in for though!
thanks! That’s so helpful!
I’ve been thinking about a water bottle and not considered a hydration vest.. how long are the runs that you feel like it’s helpful/necessary? Appreciate that everyone is different !
It’s a good question! I absolutely hate running with a water bottle and the thought of carrying one was really impacting my long runs. I was actually dreading them just because of needing to take water!! Generally the advice is it’s fine up to an hour without. I’m ok for a bit longer if it’s not too hot but that’s something I’ve experimented with while having water with me. I’ve been training for a half marathon and I’ve needed it for runs over 15km or about an hour and a half. I bought a Salomon adv skin 5 and I love it. That came from Wiggle on mega sale. Running with easy access snacks is a game changer!! It seems a bit over the top when I’ve usually only got a 250ml soft water bottle with me but that’s by far the best way for me to carry it. There is the potential to hold a lot more when I try some really long runs!
Some people like run belts-I see flip belts recommended a lot. Personally I don’t really like things around my waist so a vest is better, but one might be ok for you!
I’ve just had a side chat to a marathon running friend who has said much the same: running with a bottle is terrible and probably don’t need water for under 15k.
I think if I’ve drunk enough The day before and on the day of the run I’ll be fine for my 10ks but I am going to Kenya for a few weeks and want to run while I’m there. Last time it was 30+ degrees and I really needed water for even short runs!
I have and love my flip belt so a flexi bottle in there seems like a great option!
What are your go-to snacks? I can’t imagine I’ll ever run long enough to warrant it but I’m curious!
I was the same-did couch to 5k last year as a New Year’s resolution hoping to get to 10k. Entered a half marathon after a good training run before I’d even done 10k…. I’m more disciplined about not entering things on a whim these days! If you want to run further, I’m sure you could get there. I actually prefer 10ks and I’m really looking forward to focusing on a 10k event in June.
Eating on the run has been a real work in progress. I didn’t get on with gels at all. I like dates, fruit and seed oatcakes and mini cheddars (!!) best. I’m still not sure I’ve quite nailed it. Needing to find fuel that’s right for me been the biggest challenge in increasing the distances further and further.
Hopefully you can find something ready for your Kenya trip. I set out for a long run in Greece last year (I think I was aiming for 8k) but had to bail about 4k in when I thought I was going to pass out from the heat!
I love Sturdy by Design leggings, and they come in full length, capri and long shorts (my favourite) They also have thigh pockets now, so lots of space for phones and keys. I have had mine for years, I only buy more because the patterns tempt me but I do size up! Recently I have bought some excellent running tops from Lidl, my husband snagged 2 lightweight running jackets for about £11 each, unfortunately none in my size.
M and S also has reasonably priced good quality stuff.
My running zipped top from there has been washed and dried 3 x a week, every winter for at least 3 years.
I buy my leggings now from lucky locket loves. They always have end-of-line leggings for a reasonable price. The quality is great. And they seem to last. (My oldest are 2 years old) locketloves.com/
Most of my kit is from Decathlon. Individual items are reasonably priced, but it's dangerous to your bank balance to make a visit.
I particularly like Nike running leggings. I had a pair for over 10 years and they just lasted and washed really well. I’ve just bought (invested) in a new pair with a huge deep pocket on the leg for my phone and a small zip pocket on my waist for my key. They are super comfy, have a drawstring inside so no falling down and they just feel good when running £50 though!
thanks - will check them out too. Feels like £50 is not too bad when I’ve looked. One of my friends once told me she considered any purchase on a ‘pound per wear’ basis… I’ve found that a great measure and it would pass muster with running kit. 🙂
Hi ReyC , I am a total cheapskate and most of my running gear comes from Lidl or Decathlon, occasionally Aldi. Wear it, wash it, wear it, wash it... repeat for years!
I'm partial to sales too - step forwards sportsshoes.com! I do frequent other shops too, but I'm in France and they don't exist in the UK.
New Balance are my preference as there are two side pockets, big enough for a phone. They last ages - I've had mine for 5 years. Otherwise, look at Sainsburys or Lidl. And a good search through TKMaxx often yields good quality gear at reduced prices.Water bottles - avoid the handheld, as they can affect your running form (make your shoulders tense up). I use a flip belt with two small bottles. (Only needed for long runs, or really hot weather.) If you are hydrating before a run, consider taking an electrolyte like Dioralyte before hand.
Jelly babies are good for fuelling on longer runs. Easy to carry in a small food bag and easy on the stomach.
Good luck and have fun researching!
I'm an M & S girl when it comes to running gear. Good quality, good choice really comfy and reasonably priced. Have fun!
I second the recommendations for Sweaty Betty leggings. Great quality, drawstring waist, side pocket and back zip pocket. Don’t pay full price though. I’ve recently got some from Vinted, either never worn or hardly worn.
I have the same list as MissUnderstanding. Ronhill, full length and Capri, sweaty Betty power (but only in the sale, also the supersoft are lovely for Pilates). Decathlon warm for winter, m&s. In that order of preference. I wear a flip belt with my ronhills so I can take my phone. In fact I prefer doing that to stuffing it into a pocket in my leggings. I leave my water bottle in the car.
I love Ronhill brand Rey. A British brand which isn’t too pricey and the leggings aren’t too long for me.
I splashed out on some gorgeous floral ones from Belles & Co but have discovered my flip belt slips upwards because of the silky fabric. Live and learn.
Another vote for Decathlon here, I order online, much easier to resist than when I go in the shop. Most of my running shoes come from there too, except my trail Innov8 which I got in a mega sale online.
I always go for leggings with a back zip waistband pocket where my phone sits which is covered by my waterproof jacket if it rains (it's not long enough to cover a leg pocket) and a small leg pocket where a travel pass and door key go if I need that).
The only "kit" I spend ££ on are my aeropex earphones, which I love.
Any tips/tricks for cleaning muddy trainers? 
running jacket
First Test Run with the New Winter Running Gear.... Yippee!❄️☃️
