My husband has said that when I’m half way through C25K (next week) I’m allowed to buy my first ‘proper’ bit of kit. I’ve got trainers from a running shop, sports bra, and I’ve got long sleeved and long legged running kit atm. Apart from those, what’s your ‘must have’ ‘can’t run without’ essentials?
I’m thinking ahead to winter wise; either a head torch or jacket. Or wireless headphones?!
For me this time of year it would have to be a windproof jacket. One with zips in so it can be taken off easily and tied around my waist, it helps to keep the chill off at the start of a run and will protect you through a little drizzle and still let you breathe underneath it. I have had one from year one (6 years ago) and it’s still going strong.
It is a bit like this one
decathlon.co.uk/run-wind-ja...
Thanks for the link, that's a bargain 👍
Thank you! That’s a really good price too!
For me , definitely Bluetooth earphones . No more dangling wires 😂
I'm going to have to get them. Mine are always dangling then I end up wrapping them round my neck!!
Jacket & wireless without fail 😊
For winter, gloves.
I had a real problem first winter here where the cold is like an ax murderer in a convent.
Went through several different types - they either felt WAY to hot and sweaty into the run or didn't keep my hands from freezing at all.
Finally, an old pair of leather driving gloves turned out to be perfect. Protected my fingers but with enough ventilation to feel comfortable 
I’m really interested to read this as my hands really suffer in the cold and I was wondering what best to try. I will start with my old leather gloves!
My fingertips used to be hit worst, so bad I even quit a few runs. Took me a while to figure it was more a case of protection from wind chill than a need for insulation that was the problem
Thank you for replying. I do have gloves... I should have added that to my list above! I’d forgotten I had them!
I love my Bluetooth earphones (Mpow ones) and running tights with a zip pocket top of thigh - Decathlon ones. I’m also thinking a wind proof jacket will be a good investment 👍🏻 but I’m thinking gloves are just a necessity - not a treat reward 😉
Thank you! I do have gloves... I should have added them to ‘already have’ list but had forgotten I had them 🤣
😂 phew, that would have been a waste of a reward! 😂
I've decided I can't run without an App that shows how far I'm running. It seems to motivate me more. Now I feel I definitely need a Garmin watch! Oh dear, there'll soon be a list 😄
Oh I know! A watch is definitely on my list too! I’m thinking I may need to ask Father Christmas for one 🙈 x
I think I'll put one in my santa list too x
ALDI, LIDL and Sports Direct are great for winter running gear. Wind and water proof light running jacket and a long sleeve extra layer, woolly hat and gloves for the coldest days. I feed my regular ear phones up from a running belt under my top to my ears. The cables then don’t flop around whilst running.
Damien
Head torch for the dark days but yes good wireless headphones too,
Jackets you can pick up under 30 quid, karrrimor are great, I've got one where the sleeves zip off for warmer days, I'm sure it was 29 pounds.
I've stopped buying kit from Lidl, looks like a bargain but doesn't last me more than a season.
I buy silk gloves on ebay, super cheap, super light and nothing warms like silk.
Ooh that’s interesting, I’d never have thought of silk gloves!
I've been using silk layers for years, started when I commuted on my motorbike, nothing matches it for wicking and warming 👍🏻
These are the sort
rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?...
Thank you for that 😊 so do you wear them as a layer with others on top, or by themselves?
I use them solo but my hands get hot usually so I can whip them off and pop them in my pocket as they squash easily.
Even in harsh winter I haven't needed more. You could put a thicker glove over or say a wool mitt or glove if you're prone to cold hands.
Brilliant, thank you!
A head torch is a very good call 👍🏼
I use one of these, doesn't break the bank and is lightweight and easily charged
I’ve bought a couple of long sleeve running tops for over t shirts in LIDL and they are great. I’m going into my 3rd winter with them now. One has build in mittens on the cuff to protect your hands from the very cold days, if your hand get too warm you just turn it back inside out onto the cuff. I also got good running socks in LIDL.
Oooh, this could get expensive! If you are going for a Garmin or any other device with HRM function I highly recommend one with a chest strap, they are far more accurate than the wrist based ones when running, etc.
You can add the chest strap to some of the Garmins, I have the Forerunner 735xt, that came with a chest strap and it's brilliant, it's very accurate. You can add the chest strap to a list of the Garmins, as per:
buy.garmin.com/en-GB/GB/p/5...
It's cheaper on Amazon though.
neck buff,can be worn lots of different ways.(or twisted around the wrist if not needed)
Good call! I’ll borrow one of the hubbies 👍🏼
If you have long hair a ponytail beanie is great, warm ears, hair secure, what's not to love 😊
Fab! Thank you ☺️
Shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop (not a sports shop) .........everything else is peripheral.
This might help healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Hello, new to running - advice on kit
Starting week 8 but must have bad posture
The Right Kit
Winter Kit
