First parkrun! Although I'd appreciate some ad... - Couch to 5K

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First parkrun! Although I'd appreciate some advice please...

Jess93 profile image
23 Replies

Welp, looks like I've just done my first ever parkrun! I realise that doesn't really sound like much, but it's quite a few firsts for me, including the first time I've ever run outside/in public, first time I've taken part in any kind of organised sport event and the first time I've ever managed 5K!!! Despite the ice in places, I still came 117th out of 187 with a time of 33:10, which I'm really pleased with (I apologise for the over-use of punctuation- I think I'm still on a bit of a high after seeing my results email!).

It made me realise, though, how little I own in the way of what you might call 'running ciothes'- in particular, if I'm going to carry on, I'd like to buy some kind of compact, lightwright jacket with zipped pockets for buc ticket, barcode, etc. If any of you have something like this, I'd really appreciate knowing what you think of the one you have and whether you have any recommendations.

Thank you!

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Jess93 profile image
Jess93
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23 Replies
Jingle_berry profile image
Jingle_berry

Jess93 - I have no advice to give about equipment/ clothing! Just wanted to say a huge well done 😊

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply toJingle_berry

Thank you!

runswithdogs profile image
runswithdogsGraduate

Well done on all fronts!!!! Will you be a regular?

Can't make any suggestions on the coat as mine are Canadian. But zippered pockets, and some reflective bits are a must. Nice if it's a little longer in the back to cover your butt if you sit down too.

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply torunswithdogs

Thank you! Not sure if I'll be a regular yet, as my nearest one is a 45 minute bus ride plus over a mile and a half walking to get to, but I'll try!

Thanks for the tip about getting something a bit longer- I'll keep my eyes peeled!

AnneDroid profile image
AnneDroidGraduate

Well done you! That's a great lot of firsts. Fabulous.

Re gear, I mostly buy online from M and M Direct or Sports Direct, partly because I don't love shopping and mainly because I do love a bargain. I got a lightweight running zipped jacket a yearvagobwhich is by Puma. It has pockets which is great, and is orange so has good visibility. It was less than half price. I seem to have lost one of my two pairs of running tights (quite an achievement!) so will be bargain-hunting later today. :)

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply toAnneDroid

Thank you! I'll have a look at Sports Direct, although as I'm what might politely be termed "gangly" I might have to go and try them all on to find something that's actually long enough in the arms (the same goes for legs when/if I actually buy running leggings).

in reply toJess93

Long Tall Sally (online) is brilliant. I am 5ft 11 and their tops are wonderfully long with lovely long sleeves - I love them. And well done on your first park run - brilliant time 🌟

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Well done! I run hot so i would recommend layers.

Many swear by Aldi cycle jackets, lots of pockets etc, tie around waist when you get too warm , good price, i would buy one as they do look just the job, but alas i have never yet found one in my size (my fault as I rarely shop and they get snapped up quickly).

I wear a short sleeve running shirt mainly.... i get v hot. I move to a long sleeve base layer if it drops around 2degrees, further layers if colder or rainy. I have a bright pink running jacket from sports direct for rain which has zipper pockets, and a running belt for keys, phone etc.

And a mountain of other running stuff....a girls got to have choices.😀😀🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply toMillsie-J

I'll keep an eye on Aldi, but unfortunately I just tend to have too much arm for their stuff!

I've noticed Sports Direct do a couple with zip-off sleeves, which looks handy if I manage to keep on running until the warmer weather!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toJess93

Just be careful where the zips are, you dont want any chance of rubbing/chafing. If they are in the runners section they may be ok.

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply toMillsie-J

Never even thought of that- thank you!

Davoda profile image
DavodaGraduate

Well done!!!! (I like my punctuation too 😉)

That's a great first parkrun😀👏🏃‍♀️ (I also like my emojis!)

Re gear. I picked up a Ronhill wind proof jacket for less than half price & I love it. My base layer is a Marino long sleeved top, which I love the comfort, but not colour of - it was cheap!!

But for storing stuff I don't like using my pockets - I bought a flipbelt & I ❤️❤️❤️❤️ it. It holds my phone, house key, bar code, bank card. No bounce, totally secure, I don't even feel it. It's absolutely brilliant.

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply toDavoda

At risk of sounding like a complete idiot, what is a flipbelt? Are we just talking like a normal belt with pockets here, or something else?

Davoda profile image
DavodaGraduate in reply toJess93

kitradar.com/products/flipb...

No I'm not on commission:)

Also I assume you're a female? If so, look at the men's jackets, they will have longer sleeves. My Ronhill is a man's jacket.

Davoda profile image
DavodaGraduate in reply toDavoda

Flip belts are available from other retailers😉

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply toDavoda

That's brilliant Davoda, thank you so much!

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

I also use a flipbelt, mostly in summer when I don't need a jacket. They are very good. Otherwise a light jacket from Lidl - I get hot very quickly and that's all I need even at minus 5C. Happy hunting - and well done on all those firsts!

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply toJaySeeSkinny

Thank you! I'll keep an eye on Lidl to see what I can find :)

jo4t15 profile image
jo4t15Graduate

A jacket with pockets is useful but only for a few weeks/ months. I have a rain jacket; otherwise just hoodies or tops but I find the pockets annoying as whatever I carry seems to drag one side down. Therefore I prefer a running belt for my stuff( phone, money, car keys, barcode, gloves when warm enough, kitchen sink etc). I have a very basic karrimoor one from sports direct and wear it all year, even with shorts and t shirt when a jacket won't be so much use. It came with a water bottle which I don't use as it annoys me and I do max 10 k so rarely need water but I wear it quite tight and lower than my waist and it stays where I need it. It's not flattering- if it's under my top it looks like I've got a pouch or am several months pregnant but it works for me.

Well done on the parkrun. An excellent start!

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply tojo4t15

Thanks jo4t15! I had a quick look at flipbelts, but I must admit I'm leaning more towards something with zippable pockets (kind of like a money belt, maybe?)- I'll have a poke around online.

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply toJess93

That sounds like the one I use.......sports direct 👍🏼

Flossie22 profile image
Flossie22Graduate

Just wanted to say congratulations! Great effort, fabulous time! Well done! 👏🏻👏🏻😀😀🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏻

Jess93 profile image
Jess93 in reply toFlossie22

Thank you!

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