My first experience of buying running clothes... - Couch to 5K

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My first experience of buying running clothes...

Sandyscroll profile image
36 Replies

...and I felt like a total fraud!

My arms were getting cold on my last few runs, so I decided it was time to buy something to cover up a bit for the cooler runs. But I didn't know what to look for and turned into a whispering mouse when asking for assistance. Apart from knowing I have to use layers, I hadn't got a clue what layer was what. I haven't bought anything for the really cold days, but then I don't know what it feels like to run wearing sleeves yet. I'd never heard of 'air wicking' until last week. There's a bit more to it than I thought.

I found that DW Sports gives a discount to park runners if you take your bar code with you.

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Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll
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36 Replies
swisstony4 profile image
swisstony4Graduate

I feel your pain sandy. I felt exactly the same recently

When it comes to layers you will figure it out as you go along.

I ran on yesterday in long sleeve top for the first time, with a tight compression short sleeve underneath.

Half way through I had to take the long sleeve off as was in danger of over heating. Felt like an idiot as everyone else in the park walking their dogs were wearing coats and scarves!!

Just glad I had something on under neath, as not quite ready to go running round the park bare chested 😂

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to swisstony4

Ooh, I'm glad to know I'm not the only one still figuring it out. I've been looking at others in their coats too and feeling like I've got it wrong. In fact, I'm normally the first one wearing a coat!!! I'll have to start checking the temperature outside before leaving home. 🌞❄⛅☔

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate in reply to swisstony4

Been here, done this, as a woman I am also glad when I have something on underneath. 😲

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Oooh, there's lovely 😃 We do like pics of run gear, especially anoraks 🤓 You might need one o' those in a bit 🙂

Several thin layers are better than one thick layer as you might need to remove a layer when you get hot and bothered bothered. One long zip is a good idea as it's easier to get off

Running stuff is not dear, thankfully. Thank goodness for Lidl I say 😃

If you get too hot you can take a layer off and wrap it round your waist

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to misswobble

I looked at some anoraks, but I'm going to wait and see what offers Lidl have coming up. I checked there first, but had no joy this week. I think I left my long sleeve searching to the last minute thinking it would be easy. Lesson learned!

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

That looks a great hoard!

I work on 10degrees and above short sleeves or vest.

1- 9 degrees , long sleeves. 0 to -3 degrees base layer with possible over layer if it gets colder than that.

Add in a jacket if it is really wet or really windy ( or foggy).

It works for me but everyone is different.

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to Millsie-J

That's a great guide. 👍 I'm going to try and memorise it for future reference! 💭

I was okay in my basics Asda t-shirt and leggings down to 10°C before the murky wet stuff arrived. It never occurred to me that I'd still be running in October. I thought I'd do a week in August and give up, so I was totally unprepared for cold arms weather! My cotton clothes weren't too bad in warmer weather, but leave cold sweat stuck to my skin on cooler days...things had to change!

NMDR profile image
NMDR in reply to Sandyscroll

I was the same, thought I'd be a fair weather runner and stop before Summer ended!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

You'll need some sort of jacket. I like a lightweight one as they are flexible and can be tied round the waist. I like mine as it has a hood and pockets I can still get into the pockets when it's tied round my waist. I keep specs and running snacks in the pockets 🙂

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate in reply to misswobble

Hoods are good, but you might find you prefer a baseball type hat with a brim Sandyscroll.

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to Maddee_6333

Yes, good thought. Hoods tend to end up over my eyes. Could be disastrous running around Breaches Pool!

Nobbywatts profile image
NobbywattsGraduate

It is tricky getting it right. I'm generally a cold person (love a thermal, me!) but when I go for a run I overheat very easily. I also love to be as unencumbered as possible. At this time of year I have to decide whether to go out in short sleeves and be cold for the first 10 mins, or layer up and then take off top layer and tie round waist after about 10 minutes!

But isn't it lovely running in short sleeves when all about you are wrapped up in coats and hats?! Makes me feel all healthy and outdoorsy!!

in reply to Nobbywatts

I’m like that. I keep seeing other runners in their cold weather gear and I’m there overheating in a loose short-sleeved running top and 3/4 running leggings.

Nobbywatts profile image
NobbywattsGraduate in reply to

I know! I run with my husband and he's already in long leggings, t-shirt and zip up top which he keeps on for the whole time! Admittedly he's pouring with sweat at the end, but he says, "it's good to sweat", but I can sweat perfectly well in less clothes, thank you very much!

in reply to Nobbywatts

Yep! Same. Ah well. 😀

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to Nobbywatts

:-D

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to Nobbywatts

Yes, I love it! It just feels really odd because I've always been the one wrapped up in every warm item of clothing available. :-)

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate

I’m another one who is generally cold and in need of a coat but gets really hot really quickly when I run. I’ve just bought some cheap arm warmers in Decathlon after chatting to some fellow runners at an event. Not had the opportunity to try them out yet though.

Also, gloves. My hands stay cold longer than the rest of me so I generally start out in gloves during the winter and take them off and stuff them in a pocket/in my bra.

Nobbywatts profile image
NobbywattsGraduate in reply to Maddee_6333

I do that too. In the really cold weather my fingers can go numb with the cold but I have some thin blue gloves I call my "running gloves". They stay on for about 10 mins then get stuffed inside my top to give me some odd shaped boobs for the rest of my run!

Nobbywatts profile image
NobbywattsGraduate in reply to Nobbywatts

I've not heard of arm warmers - may have to look into those.

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate in reply to Nobbywatts

I have a stash of really cheap knitted gloves that I can still operate my phone through, then I don’t care if I drop them.

Gabby08 profile image
Gabby08Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333

It’s my ears that get cold! I bought a thermal headband yesterday as my ears were frozen by the time I got home on Sunday night. Going to take it for a spin later. Think I might need to invest in some full length leggings for winter though as I’m still running in 3/4 leggings and a t shirt, now with added headband!

Maddee_6333 profile image
Maddee_6333Graduate in reply to Gabby08

Yes. Definitely full length running tights in the winter for me

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I have a cap for really heavy rain, and the good thing is that the jacket hood fits over it

I always take a jacket ! When I fell and hurt myself last January I got very cold very quickly, and was glad I had my run jacket with me. They are super, light so not burdensome

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to misswobble

What jacket do you have misswobble ? I saw some incredibly lightweight ones at Sports Direct, and not too expensive either. The rest of them were a bit heavier, with more pockets and zips, a bit more functional I guess. But I really like to run as free as possible, so I didn't buy one partly because I couldn't make my mind up.

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate

OK so .. what is ‘air wicking’? 🤔☺️ Your clothes look nice, well done and I hope you enjoyed the experience, even if you did whisper. Better than shouting! I bought a jacket but quickly found I was too hot in it (not cold enough yet) I think I need something long sleeved too. X

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to Sadeskin

It was one of those experiences where I felt good that I needed the gear, but really out of place. Very odd! A jacket is the one thing I didn't get! I'm working on that 🙂. Air wicking is a term for moisture being removed from the skin through the fibres of the fabric to evaporate in the air - to keep you dry. I've just come back from a run, and although my leggings were dry, I realised I still have sweaty underwear. Ewww, yuk!😝 I've fixed one problem and found another! 🙄

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate in reply to Sandyscroll

There’s always something hey!! Ahh thank you for explaining. I got my jacket in Sports Direct, it’s a Karrimor and converts into a tank top (sleeves remove). Maybe I’ll like it more once it gets colder. X

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate in reply to Sadeskin

If the sleeves zip onto the body, beware any chaffing/ rubbing. Zips are a runners nightmare!

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to Millsie-J

Thanks for the advice. 👍🏻

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to Sadeskin

I saw those and nearly bought one. They looked great.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Most gear for running will be technical and keep sweat away from your skin

I have a Karrimor lightweight run jacket with two pockets, full front zip. £18.99 but mine was a gift. I wear my £6.99 Aldi one most often as it's got a hood, again very lightweight

This kind of thing

sportsdirect.com/karrimor-r...

The lightweight Ones are cheap and just keep the worst of the rain off. If you want waterproof they are dearer, and mostly used on trail races and fell runs

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to misswobble

I'll keep my eyes peeled in Lidl and Aldi, and if nothing appears I'll nip back to the sports shop as I know they have the Karrimor ones there. 🙂👍🏻

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

You can expect to get sweaty on runs but if you have running gear on you'll be fine as you don't get cold and clammy in it

I pop my run jacket on for the walk home

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I just posted a link 🙂

Sandyscroll profile image
Sandyscroll in reply to misswobble

Got it 👍🏻 That looks simple enough. Thank you. 🙂

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