What are the differences between running tight... - Couch to 5K

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What are the differences between running tights/leggings and tracksuit bottoms?

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate
9 Replies

Is it just fashion, or are running tights actually better? Just wondering. Tights look as though they would be chilly, because they are close-fitting, but I keep seeing comments about them being warm.

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greenlegs profile image
greenlegs
Graduate
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9 Replies
gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate

We have some running tights with a light fleece like lining. They are nice and cozy for winter running! I'm not an expert, but the tights fit snug compared to the looser fit of track bottoms, keeping wind/cold out. I am a pro-tights gal! Once you try them, you will love them!! Gayle

parkbirdy profile image
parkbirdyGraduate

they're more comfortable to run in - less material getting in the way. And I've only had really cold legs once - when it was minus 2! I never thought I'd wear them but now can't imagine putting on tracky bottoms

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate

Thank you both - very helpful. All those sales are looking very enticing! And I usually hate shopping. Though I think I still need a bit more of a shift in my vision of myself to dare to go out in tights. Bet I'll get there soon though!

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate

Greenlegs, just go for it! :-) I never dreamed I could wear such a thing, along with bright tops, colorful trainers etc. You will find "we runners" are a fine lotof mix and match running wear! My first organized 5K, I realized anything goes!!! It makes us look like proper runners!!! As a sidenote, I most often wear a set of shorts over my tights. :-) Gayle

Cazvs profile image
CazvsGraduate

I went out in running tights for the first time today and found it much easier going, especially in the wind! I didn't feel silly either. I didn't wear shorts over the top but then I go running early in the mornings and only see dog walkers and other runners so there's no one to look silly in front of ;)

I got mine from sports direct, they are on for £3.79 at the moment so if you do decide you don't like them then you haven't wasted much money.

Burstcouch profile image
BurstcouchGraduate

I got a lovely pair of running tights for christmas and they are just great to wear in the cold weather, They were from the gap.

I could not wear jogging bottoms as I don't like the material flapping around.as I run.

didntrunthat profile image
didntrunthatGraduate

Once I converted to tights I only go back to jogging bottoms when my tights are in the wash. I have a couple of different pairs, one mainly for summer that is fast drying and very light capris and another long pair that I bought online in the sales last year and was amazed when I went outside at how good they were at keeping the cold in out, then checked the label and they are designed to do this. I didn't think they would work for the summer, but they do too - they seem to control my body temp for me like magic! They are a pair of Nike ones I got off sports direct for £7.

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate

Even better! The ones I looked at online were a lot more expensive, so it's good to know there are cheaper ones around for starting out.

AnnaVictorya profile image
AnnaVictorya

The tracksuit bottoms are much looser and as you sweat might cause chafing, yikes!!! I switched to running tights, half way through c25k but mine got a skirt attached (called nike skapri) so it look flattering on my pear-shaped figure...lol Got mine new with tags for a bargain price on ebay, and I dont think I will ever run in tracksuit bottoms again!

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