What running kit should I buy?

[Cianalas]

I've only started running and apart from my new running shoes, have no other exercise gear. I finished WK3R2 today and feeling more confident that this is a habit I'm going to keep up, I'm going shopping tomorrow. Taking into account wild Highland weather, can anyone recommend what basics to look out for please?

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Don't know about tomorrow but apparently Lidl are doing a running clothes sale starting 4th August if you can wait that long (and if you have a Lidl). I have a third hand pair of their running trousers and they're fab.

[Cianalas in reply to pollyp1]

We do have a Lidl. Thank you, date noted!

[RainbowC Graduate]

I have full-length yoga-style trousers (i.e. stretchy black ones, which are loose-fitting), or running shorts - knee-length tight & clingy but make me feel like a 'real runner' They have the advantage of drying quicker, and being less uncomfortable in the damp, but the trousers are warmer for the cooler seasons...

[Cianalas in reply to RainbowC]

Quick drying would certainly be an advantage. I'm wearing old leggings just now which take an age to dry.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to RainbowC]

So far I've been running in baggy linen trousers (!) or the third hand ones above if proper wet /cool. I've wondered if knee / capri length tight and clingy make a difference and after reading your response I shall queue up at Lidl on the 4th - thanks for the heads up misswobble !

[Suebguineapig Graduate]

Only started this thing after Easter, so no experience with winter gear, I.e. Jackets, hats etc. suspect may need to be zipped for ventilation. But, stretchy, dry fast type tees and jogging bottoms ( there is a technical name for the type of fabric, but can't remember it). Lidl has been mentioned, but Matalan also good and cheap. I also like my Karrimor waterproof running belt. It fits phone, keys iPod etc easily and has a water bottle holder as well and if I position it correctly, hides what is left of my tum!

[Cianalas in reply to Suebguineapig]

Brilliant, thanks. We have a Lidl and a Matalan but wouldn't have thought to go there for sports gear. The running belt is a good idea. I've been wearing leggings and a tunic with pockets which are not very secure.

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Suebguineapig]

Ahh, running belt, that's what I need. Karrimor, I will check it out thanks!

[Suebguineapig Graduate]

Oh, and am assuming you already have proper sports bra. If not is a huge must!

[Cianalas in reply to Suebguineapig]

Sadly this is one piece of kit I could barely justify!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Tee hee.. you need to talk to skysue16 .. she is up there in the North...

I wear running leggings and have cropped ones for heat and shorts... eeek...only for France! Tops vary...but cool now, and not strappy...Got a very lightweight Reebok wind proof running jacket... My stuff is very bright.. so people see me coming.. could be useful in Scottish Mist? I am sure there will be loads of ideas for you..

I go online and find bargains... do not think I have paid full price for anything!

So many bargains out there..but be warned.. it can be addictive!

[Cianalas in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you, think I will need a windproof jacket and bright colours would be a good idea as my route takes me a little way along a busy minor road.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Cianalas]

Being seen is so important...my windproof jacket has a high viz zip!!! Did not realise when I bought it, but useful!

And, also, so many sales at the moment.. I could spend far too much.

[Cianalas in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh high viz!... that's another good feature to look out for. Thank you Oldfloss Yes, there are some good sales on. I got my running shoes at £24.99 knocked down from £80!

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Cianalas]

I bought some windproof leggings/tights from sports direct. They have a thicker layer on the thighs (like wearing tight lycra shorts over the top of a thin pair of leggings) and they are good in the changeable weather up here! Although too warm at this time of year.

[Hidden]

I'm in Perthshire so similar climate to you. I have bought most of my stuff from Amazon as you can get great prices on ronhill and time to run clothing etc. I'd recommend getting cropped running leggings (Capris) rather than shorts as its not warm enough most of the time for them. I have both short and long sleeved running tops in bright colours which make me feel like a runner and also be more visible in the rain,mist and dark if needed. I have a lightweight wind proof running Jacket which is essential in cooler and windier weather too / it really makes a difference - and also has great pockets for the phone. I started running in March so do have a hat, gloves , long trousers and base layer too but not needed those for ages. The most important thing is probably a decent sports bra that holds you in and I bought mine in Mand S as I wanted to try it on ! Happy shopping!

[wallruns Graduate]

I'm in the north of Scotland, so know the wild highland weather well. My best buy was my running jacket. It is high vis, windproof, waterproof and has a hood. I find the hood very useful as it stops my ears getting cold during the warm up and cool down walks. I also have a thermal base layer for when it is very cold. Hope this helps.

[Hidden in reply to wallruns]

Ooh I wish mine had a hood. Next time ....

[Cianalas in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for the advice HillaryC and wallruns...

I really do feel the cold when I'm doing the warm up bit, so will look out for light water/windproof with a hood and high viz features, and some long-sleeved running tops. Will check out Amazon too.

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to wallruns]

Hoody - like that idea, as you say it can feel a bit chilly during the warm up walk! What make is your jacket?

[wallruns Graduate in reply to skysue16]

It's a karrimor. Not sure if they do it anymore as it was in a sports direct clearance sale.

[dddd4 Graduate]

I love my karrimor running tights because they have a zip up pocket at the back big enough for my smart phone😊. I will look for a warmer long sleeved top for winter but have a couple of fast dry ones for now. I know I will need to be warmer in the winter but can't imagine anything heavier on my legs. I will wait and see! I plan on visiting Lidl on the 4th August to take a look.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to dddd4]

That's also good to know - the zip up pocket at the back of my Lidl leggings just takes 2 keys and my ipod. Also when I looked yesterday Karrimor were having a sale.

[Cianalas in reply to pollyp1]

Thanks pollyp1 and dddd4

My bargain running shoes are Karrimor, so hopefully some good deals to be found

[LonelyWalker Graduate]

Another vote for Matalan here, their stuff is cheap, keeps you dry and washes great. Lots in the sale when I went in there the other week, definitely worth a look.

[Cianalas in reply to LonelyWalker]

Thanks LonelyWalker good to know - will have a look. Am getting quite excited for a shopping spree I can actually justify!

[misswobble Graduate]

Aldi and lidl running gear is fine. I have a hooded running jacket from Aldi which is great

Running tights or capris are a must, dri-fit technical fabric is best as they dry quick and they wick sweat away from your body so you don't get cold. The thick cotton will hold onto sweat and rain and get heavy and leave you cold, so not a good idea. Technical vest and tee also a good idea. This is all inexpensive stuff if you shop in Aldi, Lidl, Tesco. Tk max often has branded gear at good prices ☺ Sportsdirect branches pile em high and sell em cheap but they do stock Nike and Adidas etc

[Cianalas in reply to misswobble]

Thanks misswobble (love the name!)

Yes, I hadn't appreciated that my ordinary cotton tops and would be so unsuitable and they do take a long time to dry. I was in Tesco today and noticed for the first time they have running gear - funny how I never spotted this before this programme. I was surprised at how cheap they are - however I went to the store attached to one of the big gyms and saw Nike leggings at £50! Think I'll start out with the likes of Matalan, Lidl, Tesco and Amazon for now.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Running socks! Padded in all the right places, they really make a difference.

[Cianalas in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thank you, saw some in TK Maxx recently. Will pick up some next time I'm in.

[Hobnobbing]

Decathlon is good and cheap! Basic tech t-shirts and tights (I have chunky thighs and felt v self-conscious at first but now hate things flapping around my ankles and getting soaked in puddles!). I invest in sports bras and running shoes. It is worthwhile having your gait analysed. Some sports stores will have last year's range which makes things a bit cheaper.

[Cianalas in reply to Hobnobbing]

Brilliant thanks for the good advice, especially about gait analysis.