I'm going to do my first run this evening after work!
I'm a little nervous just *typing* that but I'm going to channel that energy into something much more constructive and go out there and do it!
I've been lurking in the forums for the last couple of days, gathering lots of advice and motivation and thought I'd say hello myself. My name's Louise and my friend and I have decided to take part in a Race For Life in July and I'm training for that via the C25k app.
Whilst I'm here, I was wondering if anyone has some tips about what to wear in terms of a light jacket - particularly in the rain. I'm a fan of the elements and love walking in the rain but think that a hoody would be too warm after a while and in really heavy rain would weigh me down a bit! I've looked at some light running jackets / cycling jackets in SportsDirect but not really sure what I should be looking for!
I'm sorted for trainers which is the most important thing if I'm honest. Getting wet is preferable to jarring my knees and shins after all!
Any help or words of encouragement greatly appreciated!
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lrparsnip
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Personally for me the worst part was going out the first time. A lightweight rainmac should be fine although I wear a tracksuit jacket with a hood as I found I sweated in a mac and believe me you will get warm out there so I just go for it and embrace the rain. Good luck with your first run tonight. I also have signed up for Race 4 Life in July and am hoping I actually can jog/run all the way round this time as I have always given up in the past. Be great to know how your training is going.
Thanks for your reply. I do tend to warm up pretty quickly even when walking so may just go for a base layer and tee shirt and see how I go for now. I'm conscious of getting bogged down by thoughts of equipment. I'm stopping myself thinking about headphone at the moment!
Pleased to have found another Race For Lifer here too. I'm going to complete it, even if I end up walking some of it, but I really hope I can jog at least most of the way. It's in our local park, which I know all too well contains a couple of steepish inclines so may have to do some C25k sessions there nearer the time!
Just take it slow and you will be fine, just remember your jog doesn't have to be quick go at your own pace. I wanted to run it last year but walked most of it so my aim is to go better than that so I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed. The app is a good and reminds me when my next run day is, so no getting out of it).
You’ll enjoy it. I’m on W3R3 tomorrow. I never thought I could do it either. I bought some Adidas running leggings as they have a little bit of fleece lining so keep me warm my tops cane from M&S (in the sake). And I bought a running all weather jacket from Sports Direct. All work well. Good luck. x
Thanks for your help and congratulations on your progress! I'm so excited about getting out there now! Still got hours of work left, not to mention kids to pick up and get to bed, so time's going even slower!
Hi, welcome to C25K and well done for starting this great adventure. I have a number of lightweight rain jackets and I would recommend finding one that is breathable. You will get hot so a zip front is a good choice and pockets are essential for keys, tissues etc. I do hope you and your friend enjoy the program, it’s so important to start slowly and don’t be afraid to go at your own pace. Good luck and raise lots of money for a great cause. 🏃🏻♀️😀
Thank you for your advice and support! I'm very much planning on embracing my inner snail
I have a light weight jacket which is breathable but have worn it maybe twice in the last year. I personally would prefer to get wet and then get warm and dry when I get home. I think that we can all get a bit obsessed with kit. Trainers are obviously important (oh and socks) but you can get by with little other expenditure.
Lots of advice here... I have a Ron Hill lightweight breathable which is great for showers; many folk do not bother as they feel they are as wet inside as out if they wear a jacket... mine does no seem to give me that problem
I only put it on if it is raining hard when I head out, otherwise, of I am out an dit rains..I just get wet
Lidl and Aldi often have great running gear at great prices and some good offers too
I'm something of an Aldi addict - the Superbuy section of their app will be the death of me! - so that's a great tip if I find myself wanting any gear once I've a few runs under my belt.
I have a light showerproof sports jacket that I just got from Sainsbury's but to be honest I always overheat and after about 5 mins have to strip off! I don't worry about the rain as skin dries and running in the rain is fun! I'm also doing a Race for Life in May and really hope to be able to jog it all or at least most of the way this time!
Good luck. I did W1R1 on Monday evening. I was also nervous and worrying about if I had everything I needed, if earphones would fall out, all the nonsense.
I just wore single layer with a cycling jacket over the top to give me a bit of a wind proof top layer. To give you an idea it was cold enough outside when I started that hands felt quite cold. I warmed up quite quickly and was sweating by the end.
I even took the dog for a walk around the block afterwards to cool down further...
Afterwards it is a great feeling to know you're on the path.
Just wanted to wish you both lots of luck for later on today.👍 Trainers are definately the most important thing - a lightweight rain jacket can be useful but to be honest, I usually end up too warm in a second layer unless it's the depths of winter or blowing a gale! In heavy rain, my must have piece of kit is actually a lightweight baseball cap because the peak stops the rain getting in your face! ..anyway, here's hoping it stays dry for your first run!🙂🏃🏽♀️
My hooded lightweight rain jacket was from Aldi and was as cheap as chips
The hood stays on despite it being big enough to go over my Aldi run cap and specs 😃. A cap is a good idea in the rain. Back to the jacket. The lightweight ones are great as they are thin enough to tie round your middle once you’ve warmed up, but then you can pop it back on for the return home. I don’t mind running in the rain but take sensible steps to keep the worst off. Being drenched is ok while you are running but once you stop, you quickly start to chill. Having a light jacket to put back,on for the walk home is then a good idea. Also, if you were unfortunate to have an accident, then you will be grateful you had that extra layer. That happened to me !
The Aldi one cost me £6.99 and the matching cap £3.99. There’s even a light in the brim, which is still going strong despite being yonks old I have two light weight Karrimor ones. One has no hood. The other has a hood buts it’s too big and blows off unless I lash it down with a headband 🙂
I hadn't thought about the cool down or accident elements so thank you very much for that. I bought a light jacket that i can tie around my waist if needs be
My step-father has the light-up Aldi cap too and loves it!
Once I was out (and off my road) I felt much less self conscious than I imagined I would and actually had fun. I took it really slowly but was still surprised at how good it felt and, though I wouldn't say it was easy, I felt (relatively!) comfortable. There's a nice warm ache at the front of my thighs today which is just serving as a reminder of my achievement.
My next run is going to be Sunday and I can't wait to start out without those same butterflies
Thank you all for your encouragement. It made all the difference.
Good to read your post. I confess I got togged up yesterday to do my first run and then felt too self-conscious and didn't go. But today I felt perfectly fine and got out there! I found a great place for running exactly 5 minutes fast walk from home which really helped, as I don't like running by traffic.
Good on you for signing up for Race for Life. I have done it twice, I managed to run for about half the race but not in one go! And my technique was pretty poor, looking back. Next time I aim to run the whole 5k, although it feels impossible right now.... 😄
I'm so glad you got out today. Great that you found a good running spot too. I was just meandering up and down streets and back alleys yesterday but think that as my confidence grows and my self-consciousness lessens, I'll start running in the local park. It's only about a 7 minute brisk walk and is one of my favourite haunts anyway so it seems silly not to use it!
I'm curious as to how much I'll have progressed come July. I'm going to sign up for RFL at the end of the month. By hook or by crook, I'll complete it!
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I don't worry about the rain as skin dries and running in the rain is fun! 
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