I really want to start this programme asap, but realise I'll need to get some suitable clothing (including running shoes) which is a bit of a challenge during lockdown when I can't go shopping or try anything on.
I'm looking for some recommendations from users please as to brands and garment type. Historically, I was told to get Brooks Adrenaline shoes based on my gait so am going to order those and hope the sizing is correct. Runderwear seems to be good in terms of running/sports bras for larger chests (F/G cup)?
How important is non chafing running tops and leggings for this? Or can I go for a cheaper option like M&S for example, bearing in mind money is tighter than usual? I'm around three stone overweight at the moment so I don't have a gap between my inner thighs - therefore assume this will rub.
All hints and tips greatly appreciated - thanks so much
(not sure if it matters but I'll be running on the open road in country lanes)
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BuntyG
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I find the M&S stuff is actually pretty good! No need to get special non-chafing stuff, I was in a similar position at the start of the C25K for me and the leggings were perfect - to the extent I've kept buying them as the weight has come off!
Just make sure you get ones with the drawstring and thigh phone pocket.
Brilliant - thank you so much. Would you be able to share a link by chance? I was looking on their website just now and there are so many to choose from and I can't find the ones with drawstring and media pocket. On googling it takes me to a pair that are discontinued:
Yep here's what I have. Also good luck with the programme! I started with the last lockdown and I'm almost 2 stone down from running regularly and eating more healthily, and it's been a complete mental/physcial revalation for me haha.
All you really need is one pair of bottoms, a good top and some good socks (I think they're definitely worth the investment, nothing feels as bad as blisters when running!) to get you started and out there on the road.
Depending on what time of day you're running though please do get some high-vis stuff if needed!
Bottoms (I usually wear the cropped ones, but have a paid of long in case it gets really chilly so if you're only looking to buy one pair then I'd say go for cropped):
Tops (I have a few short sleeve, then a half zipped for when it's very cold and the lighter long sleeve is a bit of an in-between option. Depending on if you run hot or cold then I'd start with either the light-long sleeve or short sleeve and add another if you need it):
Oh, I really appreciate you taking the time to do that, thank you very much. I'm going to place an order today!
I realised I needed to do something as I've gained weight since the lockdown. I've just decided to cut out alcohol from this weekend gone, as I've been drinking rather too much, also :/ Great to hear about your own success - that's fantastic. Gives me hope!
I'm doing this on my own so I hope I can stay motivated, despite the weather...
Embrace the weather now and then when sping rolls around you'll feel even better to be able to head out and enjoy those runs (and hopefully no lockdown!).
Definitely use this community to stay motivated, I lurked for a long time before joining but it's a fantastic place full of people with lots of experience to share!
I think that you should be able to order good quality running clothing from a variety of companies. For the shoes, that's good that you have an indication of the style you need. You might be able to get last year's model for a cheaper price on line. For Brooks, I have to order half a size bigger than my normal size, so that's worth thinking about.
I swear by the shock absorber bra. My normal size fits well. A bit difficult to get used to putting on, but it's super comfortable.
Good luck, you don't need a lot of gear at the moment, but perhaps order running socks, a short and long sleeved top and some kind of top layer too. You can probably improvise other clothing from what you already have - ie hats and gloves.
I'm just looking at Shock Absorber bras now - I had one years and years ago but not for running, for aerobics classes! I just wondered is it the Ultimate Run Bra you recommend?
You can spend an awful lot of money on running gear - don't believe people who tell me it's a cheap hobby. On the other hand, you don't need to, just spend the money where it's needed.
Shoes are the most important thing. It's a difficult decision when you start out because the sky's the limit on cost. All I can say is that I bought cheap shoes and they were a complete waste of money. Sportsshoes.com have a great sale section with quality shoes in last year's models. Their returns policy is great and buy a size larger than you normally would.
For me the next most important purchase is a sports bra. Personally, I didn't find M and S up to the job. The popular Shockabsorber I couldn't get on without help with the bikini clasp. I now have two Freya bras, which I love. Not cheap, but you can get good online deals.
Apart from that, M and S do a good range of sports clothing, which balance cost and quality. I have their flexifit knickers, a couple of pairs of leggings and tops.
Warning though: as you become a running geek, you'll soon find yourself eyeing up lots of technical running gear. I'm now looking for a larger chest of drawers. 😳
That's all really helpful, thank you so much I'm familiar with Freya's standard bra range which are usually excellent, so I shall check out their sports bras also.
Hi BuntyG, welcome! You’ve made a great decision to start, and you’ll find everyone on here is incredibly supportive.
I would echo the comments about M&S, I have a couple of items from them, but don’t forget about supermarkets also - I have a few things from both Asda and Sainsbury’s that are just as good if you’re on a budget (aren’t we all at the moment...) so that may be an option?
Regarding shoes, I think there’s a pinned post on shoe buying (sadly I’m not clever enough to link it) but I do remember when I read it, and also when I went to get some shoes, that you will need at least 1/2 if not a full size larger than usual. Having said that, I used a “normal” pair of trainers until week 4/5 so you may be ok to start if you have some already?
Good luck and remember we’re here to support you all the way x
That’s all so helpful, thank you. I’m currently stuck in lockdown in Ireland so the supermarkets you mention are not an option at the moment, sadly. But once back in the UK I will certainly check those out. I had planned to be back later this year but lockdowns here and there may interfere with those plans! So I was thinking M&S and I can order that from here without issues.
Thank you for the link on shoe buying, I shall definitely check this out. I have called Brooks already this morning but they are out of stock of the Adrenaline as the new model (21) is about to launch on 16th November.
One thing I forgot to ask - what do people use to time their intermittent walk/runs - a digital watch?
I won’t be starting the programme until I have a good bra and shoes but I’m just thinking ahead about what else I might need...
Thanks to you and everyone for the encouraging messages x
M&S it is then... to be fair it’s decent quality and value.
With regards to the timing, If you have a smartphone then download the couch to 5k app and it’s a doddle to use, select a “coach” and they tell you when to walk and when to run. You can also use it along side music or podcasts, it just cuts in over the top to tell you what to do.
To that end I also bought a phone holder from Amazon, from memory it was just over £10 and it has a Velcro strap to go round your arm. I’m still using the corded ear phones that came with the phone, but my hubby is going to buy me some of those Bluetooth air pods for Christmas!!😀
Oh perfect, thanks so much! I’ve downloaded the app already but not started a session yet so didn’t realise the app told you when to walk and when to run. I’d been thinking about music carrying and earphone solutions as well as I only have corded at the moment. Hmmmm. Lots to consider!
If he's not already got the headphones, can I recommend a good set of bone-conduction headphones rather than air pods? You'll read reports on here of people having individual pods falling out during a run, resulting in a frantic search in the mud or shrubs.
The advantage of bone conduction headphones is that they don't block your ears and your awareness of your surroundings is not affected. That's also a disadvantage if you're running alongside a busy road.
My previous Bluetooth headphones were a set of wire-between earbuds with silicone "wings" which anchor themselves using the folds in your outer ears. These are the ones I have (now discontinued): amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B06...
Many of that type of earphones have a way you can clip the wire to your kit, so it doesn't flap about and they don't fall far if they do pop out.
Very little can be heard by others unless you turn them way up (too high to be comfortable). Certain frequencies can give a tingling sensation on the skin, but newer models are better at reducing that.
The sound quality is nowhere near that of a decent set of in-ear headphones, but that's not what they're made for. Most models are showerproof. I've showered in mine once (not recommended, but they worked fine). I'd have no qualms about rinsing them off under a cold tap or in warm water in a sink.
I wouldn't recommend wearing them 24/7, either. The gentle pressure they apply on the side of your head can cause jaw ache if you wear them all the time week-in-week-out.
I’m slowly but surely getting all my gear together and at the same time rapidly emptying my bank account!
Next on my list is headphones. Could you kindly recommend any budget earphones good for running? I was also hoping to get some sort of mini MP3 player with Bluetooth and wondered if you had any recommendations in that regard?
It’s a long and boring story but all of my music is currently on an iPod 160gb classic so I won’t be able to utilise that for running unless using traditional wired headphones which I am guessing would be annoying to run with?
Budget Bluetooth headphones? You're probably looking at something in the £20-30 region with a wire between the two earpieces. Earbuds with no wire have a habit of jumping out of people's ears and getting lost in the undergrowth. They also don't last as long between charges.
You don't need a watch to begin with. I still don't have one, but that's a personal preference.
You can download the cto5k app on a smartphone and listen to music at the same time if you want to. A set of headphones is a must of you want to listen to the app.
For tracking distance you can download an all such as Strava. I wouldn't bother tracking distance or pace until much later on. It can be a mixed blessing and can sometimes lead to speeding up because you want to beat the pace of the last run. That's really not a great idea in the early weeks. Slow and steady is the name of the game.
In the early weeks just wear something comfy that doesn't restrict your movement.
Ladies find that the movement of running causes uncomfortable resonances in their upper body. A suitable supportive garment is usually necessary. Men can have chafing problems in that area, too.
For the early weeks some comfy old trainers will be fine, as long as you don't experience joint or muscle pain after a run.
Later on, there's the wallet-emptying joy of proper running shoes (with gait analysis), technical fabrics, sports watches, etc., and physio work for the unfortunate.
Hi Bunty G , I too was very overweight when I started this programme . I find the shock absorber sports bra’s very expensive but a must for a bigger bust . Invest in good running shoes and I’ve been wearing Morrison’s leggings - only £8 but very light and comfortable. Good luck with your running I’m about a stone lighter on week nine .
I have my phone in my old jogging bottoms and a headphones with an ordinary but long enough wire to reach my ears. If they fall out you can put them back in again. Just don't pull them out of the socket as the app might ho back to the beginning. Have fun.
m&S blackout leggings for me (they're my yoga/gym leggings but great for running too), reebok tshirt or new balance vest- picked up in sales, TK maxx is good for when we can venture into shops. My running jacket is a pink lightweight m&s one I grabbed in last lockdown as we were 'filtered' through the clothing to get to the food store. Good socks are essential, I love my more mile socks, fit great but i find the recent ones have worn quickly on the toes (not sure how much they last for)
Essentially, if you're comfy and it fits well so you're not worrying about things falling down, then thats all that matters.
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Overweight, asthmatic, not run since school, advice please!
What is your Running Gear? 
Treadmill during lockdown...
Running in swimming shorts - I guess at some point I need to buy some proper gear.
Running gear for larger folk
