Overweight, asthmatic, not run since school, advice please!

[ufon]

As the title says really! What do you guys wear when running? Are regular trainers ok til I can afford to buy some proper running shoes? I'm so clueless lol

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Snap, that was me nearly four years ago. I set off wearing baggy joggers, cotton T shirt and ordinary trainers. I didn't buy any running gear until week 5 when I decided I needed proper running shoes (ASICS was my choice then) I also bought wicking running tops from Sports Direct which didn't cost a fortune. I'm still asthmatic but have been nearly all my life, I have lost weight and I'm onto my third pair of running shoes and looking for my fourth pair. Take it nice and steady, its not a race to cross the finish line first (YET) Good luck.

[Beek Graduate]

Same first question as mine! I wanted to know if old fashioned plimsolls were good enough? - NO. Eventually started out using some old badminton trainers but very soon realised I needed properly fitting running shoes. Thanks to my wonderful son and daughter in law, they gave me a birthday gift voucher for 'Up and Running' store and I got some trail shoes. The specialist shops will do a gait analysis using video camera and you can see what they mean about your gait and will advise the best shoes to suit your running style.

At first I just threw on some old cotton T shirts but keep an eye out at Aldi and Lidl because they have cut price special buys of running and or cycling kit made from wicking fabrics which keep you more comfortable.

Not sure from your name if you are male or female. Ladies do need sports bra's - essential kit. Bravissimo have them at £5 less than the sportswear shops.

It is easy to get carried away at the start and spend a lot of money. Wait until you know that running is for you before shelling out all your dosh!

I would say shoes and bra first essentials, then build up a wardrobe of tops and layer them depending on the weather.

The main thing is WELL DONE making the decision to start this journey. You won't regret it as you will soon feel so many benefits to your well being.

GOOD LUCK!

[ufon in reply to Beek]

Thanks for the tip re Bravissimo!

[e174 Graduate]

I just wear tracksuit bottoms, t shirt and hooded top (I run at 6am as having confidence / body image issues). Trainers are ok to start, I am promising myself proper running shoes as a reward for finishing w2. Apparently specialist running shops measure how you run and recommend the right shoes for you.

Only special thing I have bought so far is some running socks to avoid blisters -have had enough of those from unsuitable high heels to last me a lifetime!

I am only on w1r3 but already i can tell you this is a brilliant programme and the folks on these boards will really help motivate you.

Best of luck, let us know how you get on

[ufon in reply to e174]

That's a good idea about making them a reward, and like you I have body confidence issues, but the timing of my runs will depend on my kids sadly! Hoping people will either be miraculously indoors for my evening runs or else fellow joggers!

[e174 Graduate in reply to ufon]

Cool, best of luck tomorrow. Let us know how you get on. Oh and should have said sports bra a total must!!!!

Em

Ps kids surprisingly supportive, my 8 year old daughter desperate to run with me but am loath to give up 'me time'!

[earl-grey-sian Graduate]

That sounds just like me 18 months ago, overweight, asthmatic, but middle aged and epileptic too. I graduated the programme early last year, but unfortunately due to illness and repeated calf strain I'm having to start again.

I bought some cheap Asics before starting as I didn't have any trainers, but got shin splints with them. On the advice of my local specialist running shop I bought some Mizunos. Bliss.

The one thing I can say is that running has helped the asthma hugely and I haven't needed to use Ventolin for ages, only the daily Symbicort preventer inhaler.

Good luck, and enjoy the experience, and the benefits

[lottidog1]

Hi Ufon, I did go out and buy some trainers (approx £40) but I would think to start with it wouldn't be a problem jogging in regular trainers (although I am no expert!) I just wear half leggings and a t shirt, nothing high tech at all. I think if I keep this up it is something I can ask for, for birthdays etc! Good luck with your running, this is such a fantastic course, hope you enjoy it as much as I do!!

[misswobble Graduate]

I've got cheapo Karrimors, both trail and road ones, and very comfy straight from the box

[Alaiyo Graduate]

Agreed with above about not going overboard on shopping at first. You can pick stuff up as you go, although I was definitely glad to have some version of my #1 and #2 gear for the first run. (At the beginning, I also wore t-shirts and sweats and whatever I had at home, and only bought decent shoes, not all the other stuff.)

Here is my personal list of gear (in order of importance) and some tips for getting it inexpensively.

#1: absolute essentials - which you probably already have: mp3 player, ok trainers, high-impact sports-bra (if applicable): cheap tip - really good sports bras are great, but if you can't afford one yet, or maybe don't have a high-pact one, try wearing two cheap lighter ones at once and see if that helps. The more buxom one is, the more important, but even smaller breasts need support when running.

Also critical: something bright and reflective if you ever run when it is not fully light. I started by re-purposing a traffic controller vest that I had lying around. You can buy reflective tape and sew/iron it onto your clothes for very little money. It's funky looking, but worth it to not get run over!

Free "carrying" gear: if you don't have good (secure zippered) pockets, slide your one most important key into your shoelace, before the lace goes into its last hole and is tied in a bow. Tuck the long dangly bit of the key down under the other laces to keep it from bouncing. It will never fall out. MP3 player can be harder if you don't have any pockets at all, but small ones can sometimes be tucked into a bra or waistband. If possible, at least wear something with one deep pocket - it could possible fall out, but you will notice right away that you can't hear the podcast, so no danger of losing it along the trail and not knowing where.

#2: Very first expenditure, as soon as possible - decent running shoes. They don't have to be ultra-expensive, but this is probably the most important investment you can make. Watch for sales to save some cash, but be sure to buy these quickly - all the rest can be pretty safely skimped on, but shoes are vital.

Bonus (stuff you already have at home!): running socks are truly fabulous, and for me 100% eliminate blisters. Unfortunately, they're expensive. Instead, you can wear two pairs of light sports socks at once. You see, running socks have two layers. One sticks to your foot, the other sticks to your shoe, and the rubbing that happens is between the layers, rather than between your foot and the sock. Two pairs of lightweight sports socks will do pretty much the same thing. (You may eventually want running socks anyways - they really are great - but in the beginning, you don't have to make the extra investment if you want to keep costs low.)

#3: Carrier for your mp3 player (if you don't have good pockets). Relatively inexpensive gear - this might be a specialized armband, or even a small fanny pack. Backpack is usually not as good as they tend to be large (encouraging you to carry a bunch of stuff you don't need for a short run) and because they will bounce around on your back and change your balance. If you really want a backpack, be sure to use the waist strap and cinch those shoulder straps in so it sits snuggly on your back, close in to your center. Special running backpacks are possible, some with water pouches, but I would put that way down the priority list, and only consider it for a much longer run. I got my armband at a garage sale. And fanny packs are practically free at thrift stores.

#4: Good sports bra (if applicable). If you've been making do with cheapie or low-impact sports bras, I recommend upgrading this next. You might need to save up, because these can cost almost as much as the shoes! Again, the more buxom, the more important. Check outlets and online sales to save some money here.

#4: Specialized running bottom-layer running tops/pants and running socks. The technical fabrics wick away moisture, and usually have seams in places less likely to chafe. Specialized running pants (and some tops) also may have handy small zipper pockets for your keys/mp3 player. Running socks are fabulous for foot comfort, and compared to other running gear, relatively inexpensive - so you want to get a pair instead of wearing two sets of regular socks at a time.

Special running clothes can be really nice to have, and once you do have them, you probably won't want to go back to non-running gear. But all this stuff is really about comfort and (perhaps) looking good. It is certainly not required for a good running experience. I would prioritize whatever you would wear over your underwear (if you wear underwear). So if you have to choose between a running shirt and a specialized jacket, start with the shirt first. It will pull the moisture away from you still, and will be more comfortable than a regular shirt and a fancy jacket.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the difference between "sports" clothes and "sporty" clothes. The first is actually made for sports, using wicking fabrics, providing extra support in strategic places, designed to facilitate movement (like wide arm holes) with less chafing (like side seams that are not directly below the arm. Conversely "sporty" clothes are basically fashion: they may be have racing stripes, and fancy colors, possibly with nifty zippers and pockets, but they are usually made with normal materials and not with running in mind. Avoid paying extra for racing stripes in place of actually useful running clothes.

To save money, look closely at really good running gear and find out what makes it so special. (Read the tags and ask the staff.) Decide which features really matter to you, and try some on to understand how they should fit. Then look for clothes with those same good features and materials, and keep your eyes open for bargains. Sale racks of sports stores or online sales for new stuff. I personally have had AMAZING good fortune with thrift stores, because I learned the difference between good running stuff and junk, and don't mind gently-used clothing. Thrift stores tend to price things by basic type: tank tops, long pants, long-sleeved shirts. They ask for low prices normally, based on regular clothing. So you can get a special running tank for 1/3 the price of a new cotton tank at a low-end supermarket, which is about 1/20th of the actual cost of a specialized running tank if bought new. Whenever I saw really good stuff at the thrift store, I would snatch it up. I therefore don't have a lot of special matching sets, but they go together just fine and cost next to nothing.

#5: Specialized running outer-layer clothes, and specialized running underwear.

The fancy running windbreaker jacket is actually pretty fantastic - but also very expensive. Keep your eyes open for sales, and snatch one up then. Good ones may have reflective tape or fabric, vents under the arms, low dipping backs to cover bums and prevent back-splash in puddles, hoods that can be tightened into place for rain. It may be designed to fold up into a little pocket to make a pillow that then attaches by straps like a fanny-pack so you can carry it arms-free if you get too hot. They can definitely be wonderful. But are totally optional for new runners. As with the rest of my running clothes, I got mine at a thrift store. It took many months of browsing (during which I wore a regular ol' hoodie or light jacket) before I stumbled upon it and got a $250 jacket for $7. So be patient - they will be few and far between.

Underwear, on the other hand, I don't care to buy used. So if you find you are really uncomfortable running, and none of your regular underwear is working for you, I suggest buying perhaps one pair of specialty underwear (at its high retail price), and seeing if it makes a big difference. If so, then maybe more is worthwhile. For myself, I am quite comfortable with a good normal pair made of cotton - I never needed any special of the special stuff.

I understand that sometimes men (who don't wear bras) get irritated nipples, chafing from the shirt. Nipple guards may be a good idea in this case - sold at running stores. A cheap backup fix is to use band-aids.

#6: Other. You may find value in a backup pair of runners down the line, or specialized trail shoes (versus track shoes). Or maybe you want a Garmin. Maybe a fancy water-pouch backpack. Or some other doo-dads. That's cool. Just remember most of it is unnecessary for a good run. Especially since we are talking about 5K, not 50K runs! My personal recommendation would be to pick up extras as rewards or to celebrate milestones, rather than buy it all at once.... There is a reason I was able to find so much at thrift stores - avoid making the big investments until you are actually sure you need it all and will get good use out of it.

[ufon in reply to Alaiyo]

Some excellent advice here, thanks! I've got the sports bra on order, as being a larger lady I think I need to make this a priority, but other than that I shall see how things go. First run will be tomorrow, wish me luck!

[gingernut49 Graduate in reply to Alaiyo]

I bought all my running gear (not running shoes) on eBay and saved a fortune!

[ufon in reply to gingernut49]

ebay is my go to place for just about everything, so I'll definitely be checking it out for bargains!

[kickibro Graduate]

Years ago, before all the fitness hype and marketing, people just ran! I saw a guy out jogging the other day and whilst his running partner was fully equipped with the latest gear, he had on shorts, no top and no shoes. We can get too carried away with purchasing stuff. Make do and mend my Nan always said and you can for now. As your distance increases then some running shoes qould be a worthwhile investment. Until then enjoy running xxx

[ufon in reply to kickibro]

Running with no shoes? Mad! lol. I was hoping make do and mend would get me through to start with, thanks!

[Sausagepot]

Four weeks ago this was me and I would laugh if you told me I could now run 5 minutes without dying or being sick....but I can! I stuck with general trainers and jogging bottoms until this week and as treat I now have entry level running shoes, legging and a top. Please keep going you can do it and at the end of each session you will feel like you could take on the world......and you can!

[turnturtle Graduate]

I find the act of putting on my running gear is actually very important for getting me in running mentality. Does anyone else find this? Even if I wake up thinking 'Oh I just haven't the energy today', once I put on my sports bra, something shifts in my head and i feel like an athlete! For me, the bra and the shoes are essential. I can run in t-shirt and jeans if necessary but not without my two essential props!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to turnturtle]

I put on my firm control knickers and sports bra (both M&S) on run days. I literally do not have enough energy to get changed to run, just enough to pull off a top layer (ta da! Stealth runner!) and to put my shoes on.

I don't like 'running' clothes anyway - am mystified by all this wicking business, it just seems to mean feeling cold and then sweaty.

The key thing is feeling comfortable. My walking boots that I started in were better than the first trail shoes I had fitted at Sweatshop which made my knees knock together! (But because I'd bought them somewhere with a policy of accepting returns after you'd used them, even covered in mud, I could change them)

[ufon in reply to GoogleMe]

I didn't realise you could return shoes once worn outside - is this something most shops do or only the specialist ones?

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to ufon]

Only certain specialist running shops I think. Sweatshop are a chain that do (and I am well disposed to them as their founder gave me and my Dad a lift when I needed it when I was a child) but I believe some independents do. I don't suppose you can keep doing it indefinitely but the ones I got next were brilliant.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

I pretty much agree with Alaiyo's priorities. The most important gear I have are my shoes. No question. Of the rest, the windbreaker jacket makes winter runs much more comfortable. I picked up a light weight branded one form a well known online retailer at £60 off retail price just because it was end of range! The socks are a good investment too - look after your feet, they are the contact point after all. The rest is down to personal choice.

My luxury item is my Garmin watch. It acts as my companion, my spur and since I wear it all the time, my conscience!

[sallyannie Graduate]

I bough some proper running shoes from sports direct £24 last seasons so reduced

[Hidden]

I started off in my old 'normal' trainers for the first couple of weeks - then I bought proper running shoes after having gait analysis. I have since bought some running clothing from Aldi and also got a lovely lycra matching outfit from Tesco - used my Clubcard vouchers! The clothing is good value for me because I can also use it for cycling and Pilates so it never really gets wasted. Oh, I do wear it for running as well! All power to you for deciding to start the programme. Good luck with that and best wishes.

[ufon in reply to Hidden]

Wish I had an Aldi or a Lidl near me - seems they are really clued up to people needing cheap running gear. First steps first though, I need to shift a bit of weight before I invest in the clothes!

[Hidden in reply to ufon]

Tesco sometimes has stuff which is not too dear. Sometimes other large supermarkets have a bit of stuff in as well. Often, somebody on the forum will give the 'heads up' when something is going to be available. Cheers.