Affordable equipment

[Jiggly_jogger]

Hi all. I’m on W1R2 and really enjoying it. I have splurged on the most epic of sports bras, but in terms of equipment I’m running in T-shirt and leggings and they’re starting to get in the way, move around, and be too cold. Can anyone recommend an effective but affordable range of, or place to get, running clothing and shoes? Thanks all.

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

I get mine from decathlon, very reasonably priced. Running shoes though, you need to get the best you can and preferably get a gait analysis done. You can usually use your normal trainers for the first 3-4 weeks.

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to Shelley2310]

That’s great advice, thank you. I feared shoes and sports bra may be the biggest expense, but when it comes to your feet I guess it’s best to take extra care over them. Like you say, the first few weeks my old battered trainers will do and I can save up for a good pair of runners. I will definitely give ‘Decathlon’ a look. Thank you. X

[Hidden]

I would not scrimp on trainers. Get fitted out properly at a reputable running shop.

As for leggings and tees I go to Primark

I love their high waist running leggins. They fit really well, have a little zipper pocket and a drawstring support for your waist. They dont fall down or sag and they keep your kidneys warm. Their tees and track tops are excellent too.

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Oh I haven’t looked in there, must have a little trip out soon!! Although I’m a bit addicted to running gear!! Oops 🙊

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to Hidden]

Excellent. Thank you. We have a Primark in my city and a Nike store literally around the corner from my flat. Please excuse my naïveté, but is keeping kidneys warm an important factor? I’ve always said I’d never run unless I was being chased by something, so I’m very much a novice. X

[Hidden in reply to Jiggly_jogger]

Ha! I was chased by geese once a long time ago!

Im an old bird and I get cold. I don't think kidneys are a particular concern for most.

But good waist control does prevent builders bum when you bend down to do up your laces!

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to Hidden]

That is a very good point. I’m not the most graceful of runners so the last thing I need is builder’s bum to complete the look. 😂 x

[Buddy34 Graduate]

My daughter recently bought items from primark sportswear range they are really well priced and the quality seems really good hope this helps

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you. It’s always good to hear that something affordable is good quality. Now that the ‘sale chaos’ has subsided a little, I’ll pop in and see what I can grab. Thank you. X

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Aldi and Lidl have great clothing stuff... off and on... just pop in and take a look...

Shoes... they need to be good and there are great deals to be had in the sales... don't skimp on them.. They are your best asset next to you!

Do check out this post for Newbies and the section on running shoes

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Loads of bargains online right now too... !!

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to Oldfloss]

That’s so helpful. Thank you. I have a bit of arthritis in my big toe on my left foot, so I’m always a bit cautious about that so getting supportive shoes I hope will really help. I’ll definitely check out Aldi and Lidl. I bet they have some stuff in for the new year resolutions. X

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jiggly_jogger]

Brilliant.. it can be hit and miss.. but they have the flash offers..usually Thursday... I got a great warm hooded running top and some super warm leggings there...

[MrsPsycho Graduate]

I tend to find hoodies in general are my friend during the colder months, plus they have a pocket you can tuck tissues into.

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to MrsPsycho]

Oh good idea. I may get some gloves too, as my hands were freezing today! Hopefully the snow won’t stop me running this winter. X

[MrsPsycho Graduate in reply to Jiggly_jogger]

I have gone for a run- ok slow and cautious plodded- in the snow before now (I was doing a virtual race in March and REALLY wanted that 'Run like a Time Lord' medal) you might also want to invest in a nice warm beanie hat ^_^

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Decathlon would be my choice for running gear most weeks... Aldi and Lidl middle isles sometimes have some real bargains too.

Shoes, well that’s a little different... get gait analysis and then bargain hunt when you know what shoes you need... as we are off season you may find some real bargains in your local running store... shoes are the part of the kit where you should go for the best you can afford... the rest of the kit is just about not going for the big expensive brands.

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Excellent. Spending on shoes seems to be unanimous. I’m nervous about gait analysis. I’ve always hated treadmills. Will they make it go fast or do they just need to see foot fall? X

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Jiggly_jogger]

It’s about footfall... at your pace! They don’t make you run 30 minutes to see how you run tired either... they usually need about 30 seconds of footage so a minute tops and you’re done! They’ll ask about mileage, injury history, and a few other things go into the equation, some of which they will estimate without asking... budget should also be part of the discussion. There’s a lot of bargains online at the moment, once you know the best shoe for you, so if you can’t stretch quite to the price tag have a subtle google for that exact shoe and they may be open to a little negotiating!

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Great advice. Thank you. I’ll probably pop across to the Nike store on payday and get my gait analysed and see what they say. I feel in my cheapies at the moment when my foot lands it lands very heavily so I think in the next few weeks I will need to think about upgrading, certainly by week 4 of the app, when the running becomes longer. X

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Jiggly_jogger]

I managed to bag some £105 Nikes for just over £50 recently... as long as colours don’t matter they have lots of colour combos and some are a lot cheaper out there than others!

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Sounds good. £50 sounds very reasonable. I’m not fussed by colour at all so hopefully that will help. Thank you so much. X

[Choirmum]

Just finished W1R2...still can't bring myself to do it in daylight!

Was looking for running trousers today, but everything just seems so horribly tight...still in my M&S tracksuit trousers...

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to Choirmum]

I felt the same about the clothing. I’ve lost 3 stone on Slimming World but I’m still quite ‘curvy’ with two stone to go. I’ve been running at dusk, but in baggy clothing. I’ll happily do tight trousers, but I’ll be favouring a long baggy top I think with something tighter underneath. X

[Choirmum in reply to Jiggly_jogger]

3 stone is absolutely fantastic! What an achievement. Huge congratulations

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to Choirmum]

Thank you. Still a way to go but hopefully the running will help. X

[bizteach Graduate]

Bravissimo for sports bra, that’s the best I’ve found. Not cheap but well worth the money. I shop around for clothing, even Asda look into Adidas sales. Trainers are important so get the best you can. Good training

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to bizteach]

Thank you. I’m a big fan of ASDA clothing, so I’ll definitely give them a look. Thank you. X

[E27M14 Graduate]

I know it sounds a bit counter-intuitive but tight leggings can make you look a bit smaller than baggie trackies. Also, maybe a little graphic but the sports bra holds on to the most obvious wobbly bits, but there are other wobbly bits too..... good strong high waisted leggings hold onto other bits that might wobble uncomfortably as we jig up and down!!!

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to E27M14]

Sounds like a very good plan. I wear those support vests over my sports bra at the moment for the jiggle. Hopefully that will tighten up, but I think you’re right, a good compression legging will probably be just as supportive. Thank you. 😊 x

[Choirmum in reply to E27M14]

Hmmm hadn't thought about it like that...the tightness of the leggings holding everything in place! Will definitely investigate; thank you.

[BrambleLee]

I got a fab Primark matching top and leggings today for £11! The top has thumbholes in which I quite like!

The only thing I won’t scrimp on is a decent sports bra - Shock Absorber every time!

[Jiggly_jogger in reply to BrambleLee]

I agree! If I don’t feel supported, my stride is all off and I can’t get a good rhythm going. I’ll definitely have to have a look in Primark. Thank you. X