I think the terms are "All the gear and no idea" and "More money than sense."

A few weeks ago a friend of mine asked if I wouldn't mind answering a few questions that another friend of hers had as she was thinking about taking up running. Now I am no expert so was a little reluctant at first but thought all I need to do is to point her towards the C25K app and this site. I agreed to take her questions but stopped short of adding her to Facebook directly, so fielded questions through my friend.

Well the first few questions were about what to wear. I therefore recited the experience one of our group had when she wore cheap leggings from the market (I think they were around £5 a pair) so suggested to avoid cheap leggings. Running in them was not an issue, it was the stretching afterwards that caused an embarrassing moment for her.

With regards to shoes, I started in my everyday trainers. I have since invested in a proper pair of running shoes which were worth every penny as they are much more comfortable as the distances increase. I did not think they were essential when starting out. Proper running socks seem more comfortable too but again not essential when starting.

With regards to the top half, I started with whatever I had in the wardrobe but bought running stuff as I went along as tighter fitting clothes are easier to run in that stuff that flaps around.

To my surprise, no questions about actual running so I guessed she either had that covered, or had given up on the idea. I recently messaged my friend for an update.

Well, I was not to know that this friend of a friend is a bit of a 'designer name' addict. My friend has been cursing me as she has been inundated with photos of her friend modelling her latest on-line purchase asking for he opinion on how it looks (but no mention of the comfort).

Apparently so far she has spent a small fortune on clothes but not yet set foot outside the door. My advice of not to buy cheap leggings was taken literally and her first pair cost £65. I felt bad until my friend said that this is not unusual for her as she has 'several' handbags costing hundreds of pounds each that have not even been taken out of their wrapping.

It will be interesting to know, if she does start running, will all this gear make it easier?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well, we all have different priorities in life.

If she is really interested in actually doing something, send her a link to the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... which is designed to answer most questions.

[Madge50 Graduate]

Love it! That made me laugh....😂...reminds me of a guy I actually saw today whilst I was out on a walk, he was in shorts......when the kids were little, he was the one who always turned up to collect the kids dressed in the latest football shirt and shorts - never kicked a ball..........and some 20 years on.....still the same..........pretty chilly for shorts today, but at least he had a coat on....😂People certainly do have different priorities......

Mx

[Hidden in reply to Madge50]

I spoke with my friend again at the weekend and after hearing what she said, I don't hold out much hope for this lady taking up running. Apparently she has a set of golf clubs, tennis and squash rackets, none of which have ever come in contact with a ball! She has had a gym membership for years and never actually been inside the building. She does do yoga! That is probably because she signed up for a personal yoga teacher that visits her house.

[Helm108 Graduate]

She could be waiting for the weather to improve I suppose? Maybe she'll surprise you 😊

[Frenc Graduate]

This made me chuckle! Please let us know if she actually starts running and if the expensive clobber helps 😀. I’ve decided not to treat myself until I finish all the runs, hopefully next week. I want it to become a real habit before I start spending my hard earned cash! 🤞😆

[Hidden in reply to Frenc]

That was my approach too. Wear what I had to start with and then as I went on bought what I needed. All my running gear spends longer in the washing machine than on me so I am not going to spend a fortune on it. No matter what I wear, it is not going offset the hot, red sweaty look of my face.

[Frenc Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I hear you! I start out freezing and end up looking like a 🍅! Happy running 😀

[Speedy60 Graduate]

She should meet the chap I saw at the park the other day. He was running bare foot through the mud with his dog, cotton t shirt and PE shorts. 😱

[Magellan Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

I'd always be fretting about broken glass.

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Magellan]

🐕💩 was my first thought.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

😮😮😮 at the friend of a friend.