TO BARE OR NOT TO BARE, THAT IS THE QUESTION...

[newbie-nick]

I'm just starting out -hello to all. If I may, I would like to ask a little question, which may not have a definitive answer. I want to start tomorrow morning when it is due to be about 5 degrees and possibly soggy. Is it best to wear shorts or long legs? A simple question, I hope. Thanks very much for having me.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.

In answer to your question.........it depends how cold it is and how tough you are.......dress for 5 degrees warmer than the temperature.......you will warm up.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you so much for your reply and guidance. I shall read what you suggest and hopefully digest it well. Wish me luck out there tomorrow! I am quite a hardy soul, so I shall try with shorts as there is less to get wet. One more thing if I may? Is it best to start on the Week 1 Run 1, or can I start elsewhere - ie, week 2 as I have a degree of fitness from walking? Thank you again.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to newbie-nick]

Do not underestimate the impact stresses of running, even if you believe you have relatively good fitness. Many start thinking that jogging for 60 seconds at a time will be a doddle, only to realise that one form of fitness does not necessarily transfer to another.

I would advise that you start from W1R1 to build your resistance to impact and injury, as I myself did last week having had a break from running since October. I also recommend stretching after every run.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I shall bow to your knowledge and wisdom. W1R1 it is... and it means I won't be as far away from the car if it rains! I have some decent running shoes after I called into a running shop when my wife was watching her football team play the year before last. They have had little use, I am ashamed to say, but I shall rectify that soon. As I used to sprint I am familiar with stretching and I will make sure I do. Thanks again. What a wonderfully helpful and friendly forum this is!!😃

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I wear long leggings but a sleeveless tee shirt under a hoodie and after a while I usually warm up enough to take the hoodie off and tie it round my waist, don’t know if that’s something you might do?

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks. I would imagine that to begin with I shall be going quite slowly, so I shall wear a long-sleeved top that I can push up the sleeves on if I need to. I will probably go for shorts as I like to feel the weather on the old shaggy pins now I have given it some thought - and looked at the weather forecast again. Thank you so much for taking the trouble to reply. It really does mean a lot.

[Lookslikejames Graduate]

I wear shorts and a T-shirt, but I run hot anyway. It depends on you really. I personally like the cold so it’s not an issue. Good luck with your first run

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Lookslikejames]

Hi. Thanks for taking the time and trouble to reply. As I have said to WillowandSola I will probably go with a long-sleeved top and shorts. If I do get it wrong, I will survive and will learn an important lesson too! All I need to do now is get something to eat and then remember to set my alarm!

[Lookslikejames Graduate in reply to newbie-nick]

No worries at all. And good plan, you can always change it up on the next run

[Madge50 Graduate]

Slightly different from IannodaTruffe , I follow a guide that says dress for 10 degrees hotter than the actual temperature, however, I always take note of the wind/breeze , for example today, where I am, it was forecast for 7 degrees, minimal breeze - I was boiling, could have easily done my run in shorts and short sleeve t-shirt ( I was in leggings and a one layer long sleeve) , on another day it may be the same with a brisk breeze, which could be cold on my skin, so I’d be perfectly comfy in the long sleeve and leggings....

If not sure, always best to go in light layers that you can remove (tie round your waist etc.,) or replace as you go along....

And be aware you will cool down quickly after your run....especially in the winter....

Mx

[Rennur Graduate in reply to Madge50]

I wea shoes when it is about 10 degrees long trackie bottoms givea little protection if you fall over. Unlikely I know, just don't go too fast. Don't try to finish he programme before 9 weeks. It is not a race.

[Rennur Graduate in reply to Rennur]

Damn autofill. I meant shorts not shoes! I always wear running shoes. No barefoot for me! I'm not Zola Budd. Luckily Week 1 is not too long a session so you can test it out.

BBC weather has wind chill factor in its hourly forecasts "feels like" of course this is only a guide. It might be colder if you run on an exposed route and warmer if it is more sheltered.

It may feel warmer than the given temperature if it is sunny, (I know, "no $#!+ Sherlock") even in winter.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Rennur]

As I will be plodding I shall go with a long sleeve top and shorts [my legs just never seem to feel the cold]. I will take gloves so I can still drive home and a flask of Bovril. Overkill probably, but I will learn and get the balance right soon...

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Madge50]

Thanks, and good advice. I have marshalled on night runs on Dartmoor in January/Feb [I was a Scout leader and we tried to encourage our little darlings to more adventurous things] and some of the runners wore shorts and t shirts whilst we were bundled up against the horizontal snow in full wet weather Paramo gear! BONKERS!!!

The first 7 seconds is my route... youtu.be/BM2QQ-N5Ios(Not working as expected?)

[Peter44 Graduate in reply to newbie-nick]

Welcome, i started in early sept, and have been in shorts, nearly every run since, but i warm up pretty quick. I too had walked alot, before starting c25k, but you'll be surprised, even running for 60 seconds, isnt as easy as you think, to start with, good luck anyway! 👍

[mrrun Graduate]

Shorts and t-shirt all the way mate. No gloves, no hat. Clench the teeth. Remember those kids when you were a scout leader. Payback time! 😍

[Apprentice1932]

I would go with what you are comfortable with. I graduated in Sept and I never ,ever wear shorts . All the best !

[Hidden]

This is the BEST forum and guide for newbie runners. Take care listen to your body and don't try to run faster, your body needs time to get use to the impact of running. Both of us started running I took it slowly (actually slower than a snail) and have been running continually for more than a year.

Hubby decided ( because he was very fit from cycling etc) that he would press on and run faster and longer( hurt himself) and has only just completed the course.

Good luck with running and enjoy the happy hormones 😊

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Wise words and I hope your husband has learnt his lesson!!

[Hidden in reply to newbie-nick]

Yep, def poor man 🤣

[Fitzy110]

As someone else that is hot when running, I run in shorts all year, but do switch between long and short sleeved tops.

Although when I started C25K I did wear leggings to keep warm, but I found them restrictive around the knees.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Fitzy110]

Your second paragraph is interesting as that is what I have found with long-leg cycling. They say that you should never cycle with bare legs below about 12 degrees as it can damage your knees, especially if your cadence is too low. As I shall only be out for short times to begin with, I will pay attention to how the old joints are feeling.

[Fitzy110 in reply to newbie-nick]

Perhaps that explains the slight pain in my right knee at the moment!

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Fitzy110]

Are you a cyclist? Higher cadence is MUCH better for joints than struggling to turn the crank in a higher gear, although on some really steep hills there just isn't gear low enough on road bikes. MTBs are better for that.

[Fitzy110 in reply to newbie-nick]

I’m just an occasional cyclist now and not a very good one it seems, as I always preferred to put more effort in and use a higher gear.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Fitzy110]

Please, please, please use a higher cadence. The faster turning of the pedals will really help your legs, and particularly your knees. Also, do NOT wear short legs when cycling when it is below about 12 degrees. I was given a stern telling-off by my bike shop when I said I was riding with bare knees at near freezing temps. They didn't care if I bought long legs from them, jut as long as I bought some from somewhere. The difference is amazing.Shaving legs is a different matter, but if you do, and then you fall off plasters are so much easier to use... apparently. My legs are a bit shaggy, and I have only ever fallen off once, and that was when my feet wouldn't unclip when I arrived home after a ride and I fell off outside my gate. I punctured my knee, which really hurt!

[Fitzy110 in reply to newbie-nick]

Ouch! That sounds incredibly painful.

I will take your advice about cadence the next time I dust my bike off and venture out, although that will require warmer weather.

Funny though, as running in the cold doesn’t bother me, but then I have always been strange!

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Fitzy110]

It was painful and took an age to get better too. Running may give you the up and down bashing on the old knees, but the grinding in a high gear on your bike will play havoc. The bike shop chap stood to make no money out of me for a sale as I already had long legs - he was a keen cyclist and was just concerned about my pins. I was a Scout leader 'in charge' of his son and daughter so it was just a favour to a friend.Keep running when it's not icy and I shall be out trying to catch-up with you when my running place is defrosted.

Good news too - my wife's COVID test has come back as negative. I don't have to self isolate!!

[Fitzy110 in reply to newbie-nick]

That’s great news about your wife, such a relief for you both. Mine had her first Covid jab today (high risk), so we are pleased about that.

The ice is certainly annoying at the moment.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Fitzy110]

I hope her first jab is Ok with her. A friend in Cornwall had hers last week and was knocked for 6 by it. She described it as being hit by a bus - not that she ever has been hit by one; just a pick-up last year as she was cycling!!The ice here is bad as we get so much rain. One year we were officially the wettest place in England. Even wetter than the lake District courtesy of a local hill and the prevailing South Westerly winds.

[Fitzy110 in reply to newbie-nick]

We are in Cornwall as well. Aside from her arms and legs aching she’s fine thanks.

I guess feeling a bit unwell is better than the alternative.

Thankfully we have done reasonably well and have avoided too much rain.

[Teresafaith Graduate]

I think it may take you a few weeks to work out your own thermostat!- I get cold VERY quickly, yet when I started running I realised my body was overheating very quickly. I was wearing leggings and a compression top with a loose running jacket in 1° along with gloves. I have now had to ditch the top and just wear the loose jacket over leggings. I see people out running with layers and layers of clothes on like they're dressed for an arctic expedition, and others in just shorts and a vest top!- best of luck with your new adventure and keep us posted!!🤾‍♀️

[Oldwoman65 Graduate]

Morning and welcome. I must be a whuzz. I wear long leggings and 3 to 4 tops plus gloves on my consolidation runs. My top layer is a bright pink water/wind proof. I hate having cold hands, hence the gloves. Good luck, I'm sure you'll feel great after

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

I love that you wear bright pinkl! I may go for a more muted colour for wet weather clothing as I'm not 100% sure it would suit me... That said, I have seen many runners wearing black and orange, so maybe I could try a brighter colour.

[Newbie59 Graduate]

Hi, being a walker you will have a good level of fitness that will help. I was a fit walker when I started in April and the brisk walking part was fine. As Iannodatruffe has said, running is a very different stress on your body, so it is imperative to follow the plan, always take one rest day between run days, and if one day you don't manage the full run, just repeat that one next time before moving on.

In the early stages there is more walking than running so I would dress warmer. You can get chilled on the final five minute cool down walk.

This is a brilliant programme and I hope you enjoy it

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Newbie59]

Thank you for your reply, and the second paragraph is quite interesting. If I had thought about it then it would have dawned on me that with so much walking I may well cool down. I shall do as others say and try layers [as I do when walking] and shed as necessary. Strangely, it hadn't struck me to do the same with running, so thank you.It is drying up nicely now, so all being well I will be out later - it was hideous earlier!!

[Satsuma1 Graduate]

Congratulations on starting and welcome!

For me it depends on how long the run is. If it’s a long slow run I wear more layers and at the moment I run in full length tights. I would start off wearing more and as you progress through the program you will get an idea of what suits you. Definitely start at the beginning as it builds up nicely preparing your body well and reducing the chance of injury. Enjoy!

[Pogs-mum Graduate]

Normally run in leggings and a long sleeve top / short if the sun is out . The only place the cold seems to worry me is hands . So the only tip I have is wear gloves.

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to Pogs-mum]

Gloves will be worn as I have a dodgy wrist from a fall many, many years ago when I was on a night hike. It has soft tissue damage that will never heal now and it clicks all the time if it gets cold and can pop back open!! YUK!!!

[HappyNoodle Graduate]

I always wear leggings (even when hot) it’s my top that gets hot and I usually layer a vest/long sleeve so I can take off put on for warm down. Can get chilly on the way home.

Well done on getting out there I was where you are last May and I’m so glad I came on the journey. Yesterday I did wear a very light jacket in the snow I got a little warm until I stepped through some puddles and got icy feet. 😂

You’ll find what works for you. Happy running

[newbie-nick Graduate in reply to HappyNoodle]

Thanks for the message. I am so pleased that you got out yesterday... that must have been fun! Far to icy here, with big patches of the black stuff waiting to catch me out, so I have taken the [insisted upon by my wife] decision to wait until this beast thing has toddled off somewhere else.I hope that you can manage to get out, and I shall amuse myself with taking the dog for crisp winter day walks. It's currently -7 here!! Brrrrrr.

[HappyNoodle Graduate in reply to newbie-nick]

One of the few pros of living in London it’s rarely that cold.