I've started running some 5k runs with local running groups. And to my surprise I am quite enjoying it!
I do have proper running shoes, got from the running shop with gait analysis. So, I'm sorted for that.
But I don't have any other kit. Initially I thought it was not an issue, but am starting to wonder. I'm going out in clothes that are not really right for this, and ending up soaked in sweat.
I am not serious enough to want / need all the accessories, but am wondering if a few key bits of kit would improve things? Maybe a hi-viz running top that can wick the sweat?
I'm genuinely completely ignorant on this stuff, and don't want mountains of extra stuff. So, if any experienced runners can advise on the essentials, that would be really helpful?
I don't particularly want to go on a running forum, as I'd probably be told to spend £3k on the latest 'Tom Murphy aged jersey' or whatever. I'm just not that hard core!
Thanks...
Comments
The running groups are completely free and on my doorstep, so compared to paying big bucks for a David Lloyd membership every month, I guess the cost of some decent kit is a drop in the ocean!
Depending on the weather, I wear some selection from the following (all Decathlon except where noted):
- Long-sleeved running jersey, half-zip
- Technical T-shirt (as you said, wicks sweat better than a standard cotton tee)
- Vest
- Long tights (actually these are Ron Hill rather than Decathlon, but I'm sure they stock similar)
- Shorts
- Thin gloves
- Thin beanie hat if it's cold, or peaked cap if it's sunny
- Very rarely, a windproof / shower-proof top (Ron Hill again)
Always accompanied by:- Running belt for phone, plus a couple of snacks if I'm going long. Gloves / hat usually get stuffed in after a few miles.
- Aftershokz Aeropex headphones (I know you said you didn't want to descend the gear rabbit-hole ... but these are absolutely brilliant)
- Garmin watch (ditto)
And if it's dark:- Reflective harness with front and back LEDs
- Head torch
As you said, it's a relatively cheap sport, even if you do eventually decide to get a couple of not-strictly-essential gadgets.Happy running, and pop in to The Fretboard Running Thread 2025 if you feel like it
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I get itchy when my hands & head get hot, so hate gloves or hat. I live in London though, rarely have an issue with it being too cold. Similar for tights, I never use em. I like it fresh.
I do like compression shorts & sometimes socks when I'm doing half marathon sort of distances. But I rarely run for more than 10k these days.
We have an 'Up and Running' store near us, I'd prefer to support a bricks 'n' mortar store in general, though I guess it will be a bit more expensive than online places?
JM build | Pedalboard plans
If you wear a base layer then you need shorts over the top. You don't for thicker running tights.
Unfortunately there is a guy near me who wears a light grey base layer as running tights and until it gets cold I can tell what religion he is.
I used to buy Sugoi running tights - I always got the cold weather ones as the fronts of them were wind / rain proof as well but it doesn't look like they are sold in the UK anymore and they won't ship from Canada. They were perfect for me - the backs of the legs allowed more air movement so they were both wind proof and never excessively sweaty.
I have a Proviz reflective waistcoat type thing for running in duck / dark. The reflective quality is amazing.
Underwear choice is important as chaffing can be horrible. But it's very personal so try a few different things. Runderwear are popular but I didn't get on with them at all, mainly because I have massive thighs as a former prop forward and they were very tight round the leg holes. After trying out a variety of shorts and briefs I found an old fashioned jock strap was most comfy for me. No chaffing at all. The bum can get a bit cold in the winter though!
If you are doing a lot of cold weather running then you can get running underwear with extra insulation and wind proofing over the crown jewels. Going for the first after run pee with an ice cold todger can be deeply unpleasant when the hot flow comes through it!
Fancy a laugh: the unofficial King of Tone waiting list calculator:
https://kottracker.com/
You lose a lot of heat from your head and hands. You’re likely to see me running in a t-shirt and shorts with a gloves and a hat most of the time in winter. I have a couple of long sleeved wicking t-shirts if we get really low temps and a lightweight coat if it’s raining.
Just a query on this - any time I try any of the 'Under-Armour' or similar type technical gear, the stink of the stuff (well, me moreso than the gear really) afterwards is horrendous. Any training I do in cotton or natural fabrics never seems to cause a problem, but the smell of the man-made kit after even a short workout is seriously off-putting.
Is all 'technical' kit the same in this regard, or are there versions I could try which aren't as bad ?
A decent set of running gloves are great, as is a snood (so versatile).
In terms of materials, go for something mainly polyester. They can be smelly, but I don't find them too bad as long as you get them washed quickly after you've finished. It's when you stand around in them after you've run, or leave them in a laundry basket for days, that the smell gets impregnated in them.
Oh, and if you're thinking of running longer distances, seriously think about a tighter top, and tight shorts. I've got some absolute horror stories of thigh chafing from loose shorts, and nipple rub from loose tops. It's just not worth the risk. Trust me.
Finally, in terms of lights, take a look at Million Mile Lights. I've got a few sets and they are just incredible.
Other than that sweat wicking t-shirts are great and some light weight gloves for when it's cold.
I imagine it's probably more useful to think about kit for the longer distances, but if i was putting all those tights and jackets and hats on it would take me longer to get dressed and undressed than it would take to do the 5k itself. Plus surely people get far too warm in long sleeves and coats and hats etc? And thus even sweatier?
Fancy a laugh: the unofficial King of Tone waiting list calculator:
https://kottracker.com/