How important is it to look good when you run?... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,099 membersβ€’159,469 posts

How important is it to look good when you run? πŸƒπŸΌβ€β™€οΈπŸƒπŸ»πŸ˜³

Millsie-J profile imageMillsie-JGraduateβ€’β€’597 Voters
319
Not important - as long as I have a good run it doesn’t matter.
221
Quite important - I don’t like to feel frumpy or scruffy
31
Other- leave a comment so we know what your view is
26
Very important - I like to wear stylish gear and feel good
97 Replies
β€’
Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

I like to feel as though I’m a runner, so even if it is a bad run I still feel I tried, so I like to put my outfits together for my run. Hehe after so many years I probably have more running outfits than I should, but I do love them πŸ˜€.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

Well, I don't even know where to start. My work gear and my running gear are planned, I never just throw things on. I never leave house if the quiff is not how it should be, so imagine if my basketball top is not matching the shorts. No? Neither can I. ;)

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduateβ€’ in reply tomrrun

Basketball top?? ----- BLASHPHEMY! 😡

May you strangle yourself on your running laces sirrah!!! 😬

At least tell us you wear PURPLE laces? 😒

πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrish-John

No, my dear friend, today I wore quite sobering Chicago Bulls training top (red) with black shorts - AND black laces. There was a bit of last moment toss up between black or white baseball cap, took the black one in the end. ;) My wife gave me that all important approval look.

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduateβ€’ in reply tomrrun

Sigh - it's the end of civilization as we know it πŸ˜• I guess I shall have to retire my Top Hat, Swallow tail coat and studded leather running loincloth in this brave New running world...πŸ˜”

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrish-John

I bet that loincloth chafes

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduateβ€’ in reply toTartancat

Nope - thank goodness for frilly underpants πŸ˜€

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduateβ€’ in reply tomrrun

I thought of you mrrun as I posted this poll teehee!

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduateβ€’ in reply toMillsie-J

The second it flashed on the screen I had to reply. I can see you guys grinning in the background. :)

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduateβ€’ in reply tomrrun

I'm ashamed of you sir. Ashamed.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduateβ€’ in reply toJundal

Lol. You see, mate, in sarf London you just don’t run wearing a football top, not worth the hassle. Hence basketball gear. Nobody knows what to make out of a slim bloke in his fifties dressed up as a parrot. Then again, why all this dressing up when it’s just a run around a park? I can ask, do you wear pyjamas at work? No? Exactly. ;)

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduateβ€’ in reply tomrrun

ACTUALLY... At certain points in my career, yes I have worn pyjamas to work, for pyjama parties. (I work in care.) Sooo, batman pyjamas at work? Check!

LM12 profile image
LM12Graduate

A little important-want to be presentable in public but I'm not trying to win a fashion contest.

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduate

I look the part when I leave the house, but after 5k the neighbours are probably saying "here comes the mad, red faced, sweaty woman again!" So all in vain!

But so long as I'm comfortable (And lycra is SO comfortable), I'm happy

OumpaLoumpa profile image
OumpaLoumpaβ€’ in reply toTartancat

Only started running yesterday after a one year gap due to hip problems and I'm with you here, altought it took me less than 5k (more like 500m!) to be red faced and sweaty!

theoldfellow profile image
theoldfellow

Whatever you wear, it should be legal. 😳

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduateβ€’ in reply totheoldfellow

Ooooops....😬

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduateβ€’ in reply toIrish-John

🀣

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduateβ€’ in reply toFabulous450

😁

I like to wear the correct gear and look good but I don’t like to think I’m being laughed at because I’m over weight so I like to hide my rear. Other than that it’s difficult when manufacturers don’t seem to make exercise clothes for overweight large women

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduateβ€’ in reply to

I like to have my bum covered too. Why do all running tops only come down to the hips?

β€’ in reply toTartancat

It doesn’t help being pear shaped and pushing 70 but I’m out there that the main thing.

Tartancat profile image
TartancatGraduateβ€’ in reply to

You know what they say, "out there, don't care"!

β€’ in reply toTartancat

I’m gonna get a tee shirt with that on it.πŸ‘

SOlb profile image
SOlb

I like to think I dont mind altho it does increase confidence if u look the part, I feel it has become a little more important as the weeks have gone on altho comfort will always be most improtant

Pagy profile image
Pagy

I get up and go running, when I've finished that's the time to pamper 😍

Zee221b profile image
Zee221bGraduate

Maybe it's because I use the treadmill right now but I'm not too bothered. I'm more concerned about my breathing and posture.

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

I went from where I was worried I'd scare dogs and small children to where I honestly don't care how I look. ☺

I'm out there running. Those who understand that commitment and effort are always going to be for me. Those who don't - I should care what their uninformed opinion of me is ? πŸ˜‚

martinhermanus profile image
martinhermanus

My polar watch makes ME feel good πŸ˜†πŸ˜Šβ˜ΊπŸ˜€

Dethark profile image
Dethark

I'm only in my 2nd week of running. Doing the C25K thing with the app. I don't have any running gear, so I'm in old swimming trunks and an old t-shirt. Don't really care.

Runningroni profile image
RunningroniGraduateβ€’ in reply toDethark

I hope they are not budgie smuggler trunks

Dethark profile image
Detharkβ€’ in reply toRunningroni

Now that would be a sight!

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduateβ€’ in reply toDethark

I have been seriously considering running in my British Boxers knickers this Summer (given that most years I only have a few occasions when I run in capri length rather than full length leggings that tells you how hot it has been)

Runningroni profile image
RunningroniGraduate

As a representative of the over 50s and not wanting to offend my fellow runners but you will have read our posts. Even the most becoming of outfits tends to loose it's shine against our red/ purple faces.

However ask us if we care we are just glad to be out there.

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate

As long as it's functional, fits and is weather appropriate, I don't care.

It's generally dark when I run anyway 🀣

Corsica1958 profile image
Corsica1958

I am very self conscious about πŸƒπŸΎβ€β™€οΈ running and people seeing me. I’m on my second run of week 4 tonight - I run after dark with a lamp so all I’m concerned about is my running not wasting energy feel self conscious and running too fast because I’m embarrassed 😳 πŸ˜”

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduateβ€’ in reply toCorsica1958

Believe me, a lot of us go through that stage - don't feel bad about it at all, it's just part of the process of becoming a Runner :)

Razouski profile image
Razouski

I like to look the part, but I'm not bothered about fancy labels etc. I'm currently sitting in a pair of capri's which I got at a bargain price in the sale at Sainsbury, with a top from TK max (also in the clearance section. I do like the colours to co-ordinate if possible, but not overly fussed.

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduateβ€’ in reply toRazouski

Oh, come on. You DO like to co-ordinate the colours! ;)

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply tomrrun

🀣

You got me there, although I struggle a bit in winter as I only have one running jacket which is bright pink, so looks rather weird when I'm in other colours - especially when I'm in green. But it keeps me warm and I'm too tight to buy another, unless I can find a bargain. ;-)

I just treated myself to new running shoes today, and I wanted black so they would go with everything, but have got blue/green which will clash with most things so will just need to get them dirty pretty quickly. 🀣

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduateβ€’ in reply toRazouski

Dear lord. You definitely DO like to co-ordinate the colours, and by law of co-ordination who is there to say that you’re wrong? I would certainly support you along the way! :)

I really don't care. Any lovely running gear could not make me look any better the way I'm dragging myself along :)

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate

The fun in my run starts with the getting ready. So ive said quite important. It only needs to look good for me though. The rest of the population might think, what kind of get up is that? 🀣 Out there, dont care! ❀️

SillySeabird profile image
SillySeabird

Define β€˜looking good’. Am not worried about looking red and sweaty or looking daft because I’m not streamlined enough. Low key, functional - tidy. And run the same way.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

I like to look as good as I can when I’m red faced and dripping but I am no babe. Most important To me is comfort and technical wicking fabrics

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Graduate

It used to bother me, looking the part, nothing too flappy or wobbly...πŸ˜‚....but now comfort is more important, if that means some of my wobbly bits show, look like they need ironing etc., and I get right sweaty, I don’t care, I’m out there doing it......for me..

Mx

Vix_yp profile image
Vix_ypGraduate

I like to wear comfortable running attire, (where I don’t feel restricted) and with the added benefit of it being stylish and colour coordinated. I do feel that getting ready for my run is part of the excitement and makes me feel like a proper runner! πŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈπŸƒπŸ½β€β™€οΈ

Crawlhome profile image
CrawlhomeGraduate

I initially thought not important as I just scape my hair back and go, but I think there is some thought how I look as I have decent but inexpensive running clothes on! 😊😊

Nicthestick profile image
Nicthestick

I have my favourite bits of running clothing.... but they don’t necessarily match πŸ€ͺ! My bra is the most expensive part and no-one see’s that!! πŸ‘™

Sofabunny profile image
Sofabunnyβ€’ in reply toNicthestick

I need a caste iron one ..

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduate

If it's shallow to consider your togs then yes I am. And quite unashamedly! I rarely wear anything that isn't black, with a nice charcoal accent from my flipbelt. It helps me channel my inner Emma Peel (despite the red face) and is just a lycra version of what I wear during the day. Not concerned with brands tho, as long as it's comfy and lasts forever.

Sofabunny profile image
Sofabunnyβ€’ in reply toSarararara

I am shallow..at my age I should be over it but I love fashion..I love looking at what people are wearing and I get enjoyment from styling an outfit..it's harmless fun...I don't over do it though and I know when enough 's enough...I'm 60 in 3 years...time to wear sack cloth and ashes then...

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduateβ€’ in reply toSofabunny

Nothing wrong with looking good! I wouldn’t plan to be any different in 3 years either! Why should you!! Go you!! 😁😁❀️

Sarararara profile image
SararararaGraduateβ€’ in reply toSofabunny

Shallow is NOT bad (in this context). Making yourself look and feel good can never be bad.

I rather like the idea of an off-the-shoulder sack cloth number, cinched with a narrow belt in a funky colour. But not whilst running!

SHBWY profile image
SHBWYGraduateβ€’ in reply toSarararara

That’s not shallow!

MotherPip profile image
MotherPipGraduate

I never look good so no point in worrying about it

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333Graduate

As long as my bum is covered I'm happy! πŸ€ͺπŸ€ͺ

Berksrover profile image
BerksroverGraduate

Definitely in the camp of like to look half decent when I leave the house but look like a mad sweaty beetroot thing by the time I finish. My biggest problem is I have selected my own running gear, can usually rely on Mrs Berksrover and the Berkettes (3 grown up daughters) to buy me half decent clothes that have a semblance of coordination πŸ˜‚

Gare profile image
Gare

I just worry people will hear me gasping for breath!!!!

RhianCos profile image
RhianCos

If looking good was important, I wouldn't be able to run. 🀣

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduateβ€’ in reply toRhianCos

I think you've hit the nail on the head there :)

Shakywakey profile image
ShakywakeyGraduate

It doesn’t matter at all to me what I look like. ( and what others think I look like)As long as I feel comfortable, that’s the main thing. 😁

Jundal profile image
JundalGraduate

Out there, don't care! Although, I have to wear shorts or a certain pair of black (with double white striped down each side) joggers. Anything qualifies as shorts as long as it doesn't look like trousers worn to signified my cats just died. And a nice baggy t-shirt. I also wear my BRIGHT yellow phone holder on my arm, with unmatched red headphones. (Redphones!) I like to think I express my self through my trainers, and I am currently demonstrating my inner emo-goth darkness with black uppers and laces, with the utter flamboyance of FLOURESCENT yellow bits on the soles and flashes here and there.

I'm complicated. Obviously. I may even be a tortured soul, but... Nah. I just like funky trainers and comfy running stuff.

Steved110 profile image
Steved110Graduate

I look terrible when I run, but I don’t care

Montymum profile image
MontymumGraduate

What's wrong with me? Why don't I get red faced and sweaty? I'm starting w8 tomorrow and thoroughly enjoying running. Should I be making more effort, going faster???

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduateβ€’ in reply toMontymum

As long as you’re moving, you’re good.

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate

I like to look the part, wearing appropriate running gear to avoid the dreaded chafing but could care less if it is a name brand. My shorts are just because I found a brand that fits well with minimal chafing. I’m a red faced sweaty (sometimes dirty if it was a trail run) beast by the end though!

Sofabunny profile image
Sofabunny

I like fashion..not excessively so but buying some new running gear has motivated me..it's similar for me to buying work wear that makes me feel smart and gives me a bit of a confidence boost..or putting on a bit of lippy ...for me anything that makes me feel a bit more confident helps me with whatever I want to achieve...but I don't do impractical fashion or shoes..so same for running..good sports bra essential.. gear that more or less matches..but good fit more important...matching pair of socks...🀣

Langley-Loper profile image
Langley-LoperGraduate

Comfort and economy come before stylish good looks. Hence why I wear hand me downs from my cousins children, eBay purchases (there's lots of cut price new stuff to be had if you are patient) and 17 year old shorts.

Only thing that must be perfect (if dirty) is a pair of shoes.

quirkybee profile image
quirkybeeGraduate

Ooh lovely topic Millsie-J Well, as some may know me, will know that I'm not one for wearing or owning different running tops........ 🀣🀣🀣😜😜😜😜 Oh I'm a sinner fibbing like that, lol.

I haven't voted yet, but I guess deep down it doesn't matter what we wear really, but, I suppose for me I think it's sort of quite important to look good, not because of others seeing you as that's inevitable, but because for our minds and how we feel about ourselves, whether we're feeling confident or negative, feeling good in what we're wearing gives us positivity and that good feeling factor. As long as my tops aren't hugging my "shapely" hips 😁😁🀣🀣🀣😏😏 but just hanging nicely, then I'm happy.

Happy running lovely people xx

Dotson profile image
DotsonGraduate

Can't run without my lucky 20+ yr old NY baseball cap, now beautifully faded from navy to a light grey. I don't know what I'll do when it finally disintegrates πŸ€”

Peter101 profile image
Peter101

I enjoy seeing those that care what they are wearing, as they cover themselves in sweat and mud.

agedsnailspace profile image
agedsnailspaceGraduate

Haha Haha - I'm concentrating on not falling over and looking a prat or going too live in the face to care!

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate

I run trail, generally quite early in the morning, so it’s not like many people see me - and those that do are generally dog walkers in their scruffy dog walking clothes

When I run with the dogs, the dogs are better turned out than I am. πŸ˜€

I do make an effort for races though.

petrometro profile image
petrometroGraduate

I am not a label collector!

petrometro profile image
petrometroGraduate

I am NOT a chav! Glenn Hoddle used to wear a shell suit when he played for spurs and was out on his bike training.... Poor sods who spend so much time colour co-ordinating!!

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Ha, I think I may be in the minority here Millsie, I only own three running tops, two are short sleeve and one lovely navy Brookes racer back no sleeve one, which is very long and stretchy and definitely covers the derriere! I have two pairs of black running leggings, one full length the other just over the knee. Two pairs of super Hilly running socks a lovely Buff, a Ronhill Fluro running jacket, oh and a pair of fluro running gloves.

I use an old NoFear baseball cap that belonged to my daughter if its raining, and a stretchy running belt for my phone,

I only have one pair of running shoes too....

So, I have answered Not important..... if its clean (ish :) ) and a run day I wear it!

Great poll and replies! :) x

runner56 profile image
runner56Graduate

No matter what I wear, I will not look good running.

I accepted that quite some time ago 🀑

M155mel profile image
M155mel

If you get the run done what else is important??

Robert_IS_a_Runner profile image
Robert_IS_a_RunnerGraduate

There is honestly nothing that I could wear that would make me look good! But instead of feeling self conscious about looking like a sweaty beetroot, I feel proud to hold my head up as a (very slow) runner!

Runip profile image
RunipGraduate

I suspect I look ridiculous, but my Amazon wish list has been taken over by running clothes. So I like the gear, but don't think I look good.

SHBWY profile image
SHBWYGraduate

It’s more important to have the right kit ie - a good pair of running trainers.

Sybilw profile image
SybilwGraduate

Important to have a running top because it means although I’m a sweaty mess my top doesn’t reflect that. I kid myself passers by are suitably impressed!!

It’s not about looking good, it’s about being comfortable and able to move easily without chaffing or sweating excessively. The most important thing is having a good pair of comfortable running shoes.

Poly-Princess profile image
Poly-PrincessGraduate

I used to wear cotton trousers until I realised they tend to flap round the ankles when wet!

McHaggis profile image
McHaggisGraduate

Well, as i don't look good before i start running AND its only gonna get worse, i'm so glad i only run on a treadmill, in the garage, and the only people i have to inflict my bright red semi liquid appearance on is my cat and my girlfriend. Both of whom have now stopped shrieking when the groaning monster moves slowly through the house towards the shower.... ;-)

Elfe5 profile image
Elfe5Graduate

Hope it’s not important, otherwise I’m doomed!

icklegui profile image
ickleguiGraduate

I do like my running gear, like Fabulous450 says, at least some of the fun is in getting ready! My favourite is my 'winter collection' early morning driver-scaring neon highlighter outfit (though it is nothing compared to certain members of this parish and their festive get-up (where is rolysmate ...)

However I will run in whatever is handy and I do not care how dishevelled I get so from that point of view - looking 'good'? Immaterial if I look like I have run!

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduateβ€’ in reply toicklegui

oh but it's important to be seen and at times I take some missing hehe

FunFriday-s profile image
FunFriday-s

It depends how I feel & if I am with company.

When you look like a Ribena Berry who has been sitting in a sauna for about an hour looks don't really come into it. I would say as far as clothing is concerned practicality is more important.

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

Hmmm... *feel* good is important and that means not being too hot or too cold or constrained and feeling as though I look good (which I chiefly do by not looking in the mirror)

But I'll run in cut off denims and Keen sandals if the mood takes me and as many here know, I've been known to run in a long knitted skirt and walking boots...

skysue16 profile image
skysue16Graduate

I voted 'other ' because comfort is the most important factor for me. 😊

Speedy99 profile image
Speedy99Graduate

Always try to run in the dark!!!!!

lollytwist profile image
lollytwistGraduate

It makes no difference what I wear, within 10 minutes I have a big red tomato face, and that distracts from my clothing πŸ…πŸ…

Waynemac910 profile image
Waynemac910

Depends on where and when you are running. If I run at ten in the evening, it doesn't matter what I wear. If you are at the gym or a park run you don't want to feel like the poor relative.

ju-ju- profile image
ju-ju-Graduate

If Im not wearing lipstick it just feels wrong- !

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.