Running kit

[liverbird77]

Anyone recommend trainers for wide feet and a decent sports bra for f cup ..i have never ran outside in the cold..i hate being cold ..what do you wear to keep warmish x i need to buy all my kit before i embark on the c25k

[RunningBoo Graduate]

I swear by Shock Absorber bras 'only th ball should bounce' as they say in the advert, the large cup version is Shock Absorber Women's D+ Max Support Sports Bra. I have wide feet too and I'm happy with my trainers New Balance Womens W480SP4 Low-Top Trainers. Based on the Amazon reviews, I went for size 7 when I'm normally size 6.5 and they are really comfy. I've also got a couple of Ultrasport running shirts but I would say the bra and the shoes are the main thing, you can wear pretty much anything over that so don't let getting the right clothes put you off making a start!

[Runon Graduate]

I'm not really an expert on wide trainers and my expertise on bras is a little limited, however when it comes to cold weather then running is the best thing for it. It is amazing that when you look out of the window at this time of year you think, heavy coats, scarves, hats, gloves etc. whereas in fact you ae about to go out in attire more suited to a summer's evening stroll along a mediteranean beach. So if you wear a long-sleeve lightweight t-shirt and a lightweight running jacket, tights, a beanie and light-weight gloves you will find that after a few minutes of running you are feeling toastie and thinking about removing the hat and gloves and wondering why everyone else seems to need heavy coats, scarves etc - are they mad?! Take a trip down to Sports Direct who have a lot of running gear at reduced prices at present - now how do I know that ? :))

[Hidden]

I am same as Runon, very limited experience of bra's . I remember seeing that we should dress as though it is 10 degrees more than it actually is , i have been toastie in running tights ( really my fav purchase so far lol ) long sleeve running top and gloves , have worn a beanie twice and a l/w jacket once

Sports direct is great and great prices although i did find another webside also which has some a good range sportsshoes.com wide running shoes are more difficult always best to try on when buying i guess happy shopping

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Your feet are not the same as anyone elses. Your running gait is not the same as anyone elses and you are different to anyone else. Bearing that in mind, suggestions about running shoes are a broad guideline only and the important thing is that they fit you well and are comfortable. If you visit a proper running shop (and I am afraid that I don't include Sports Direct in that, even though I have bought shoes there) they can give you advice and gait analysis which will ensure that your shoes match your running style.

The best way to keep warm is layers.

Good luck.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

If you are serious about running, it's best to get fitted with shoes at a proper running shop where they will analyse your feet and running style and recommend the best shoe _ it's very important that it fits you well as your feet will take some punishment.

New Balance do a wide fit and some Brooks are wide also.

If you have really wide feet you might find that men's shoes do the trick as they generally made wider.

As others have said, you will get warm running, but if you feel the cold, a base layer of T shirt and long johns under running gear work perfectly, and because they fit snugly there is the added benefit of supporting your muscles. Aldi do them really cheaply from time to time, with their ski, running or cycling promotions.

I find thin gloves essential. Somehow if my hands are warm, the rest of me feels ok.

Good luck. Apart from shoes and bra don't worry too much about the right gear - just get on out there!

Good luck.

[Rob_and_his_westie Graduate]

IannodaTruffe hits the nail on the head. A gait analysis at somewhere like Runnersneed is highly recommended. I wear Brooks, but only after the analysis showed what I needed. I don't know about other manufacturers, but my Brooks are not only aimed at correcting my gait, but they are also a special wide fit too. But these are my feet and my challenges (eugh!) and yours may be different. Don't be worried about the analysis - the shop I used was very understanding and friendly and I was a complete novice at the time.

Oh and keeping warm - yes, layers is the answer. I had an undershirt, a t-shirt and a running jacket on this morning. Toasty.

[AllieG Graduate]

RunningBoo, are you sure you aren't me? Ha ha. Yep, my 32fs are encased in a Shock Absorber D+ as I speak and I have the same foot-thing going on with my Nikes, a half-size bigger seemed to be the way to go. Shoes are so important, any of the decent high-street retailers (sweat shop etc) will check your feet and your gait, and get you in the right pair. Or you could be a bit cheeky and get fitted up then look at Amazon. I think as long as you have the bra, the shoes and a pair of running bottoms as long as you shove something stretchy and comfy on the top it doesn't have to be anything technical at this stage. I'm in an old Gap hoodie today.

[Tomas Graduate]

If you go to a retailer that spends the time analysing your gait and letting you try on numerous different shoes to find the pair that fits you best (and you definitely should do that), then you owe it to them to also spend your money there, rather than take the service and then go home and give your money to an internet-outfit that keeps prices low by not offering any service. I know my nick name should be moralising old git.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

I'm not sure about this gait analysis business before you've even learned to run at all, could be very misleading. I did get my gait analysed and shoes fitted which were great in the shop and they were awful - I almost literally could not run in them, my knees knocked together! Fortunately I bought them from Sweatshop so I could exchange them covered in mud. The proof is in the actual running.

I started C25K wearing lightweight walking boots and wearing normal clothes and with my usual overstuffed backpack on my back. Even now I don't have any special clothing other than my underpinnings (I do wear a sports bra and firm control knickers) - cotton long sleeved t shirt and cotton leggings and it works for me. I used to feel the cold a lot. I can happily run in just this attire at minus 10, provided I have gloves and buffs aplenty. I did treat myself to proper shoes after a while and only by chance ended up with minimalist which I've stuck to (apart from the above disaster) I've got new shoes for Christmas which come with dire warnings - because the assumption is that we are all used to running in very padded and controlling things...

[liverbird77]

Thanks everyone x