What to wear when running

When I first started running (you can also read my post about when I started running) it was because I was fed up of taking out gym memberships and then feeling guilty for not going.  I have a tendency to beat myself up constantly either about money or not doing exercise so the combination of doing so about both at the same time is too much for me! I had never gone running before until one day back in July when I decided to give it a try.  The great thing about running, I decided then, was that it was free, and I already had all of the things I needed to do it.  I ran every couple of days until September when I was away for most of the month, and since I got back I've run every couple of days since then.  I am still VERY much a beginner but I absolutely love it and I feel passionately that people could never imagine themselves getting out of bed in the morning and jogging out the door should give it a try, just a few times, to see if it's something that suits you.

When I first tried running I wore my bog standard trainers that I'd bought to go to the gym in a few years before.  It probably would have been better to buy some proper running trainers that were suited to my feet first but I had some proper orthotic insoles (incidentally, these ones if you are interested) that I'd bought a couple of months before that I knew supported my high arches so I slipped them in and off I went.  However, I would encourage you to find out which kind of trainers you need and get a decent pair (the good news is there are loads of good running trainers out there for under £40 - less than most monthly gym memberships!)

Choosing the right trainers

The best guide I have found for choosing the right running shoes is on Sportshoes.com - 'How to choose the right running shoe'.  Just follow the video and it'll show you, based on your footprint, whether you need a neutral shoe, a supportive shoe, or a control shoe.  You can then look at the trainers specifically in those sections so you know you're getting the right shoe for you.

Here are a few that look like great value to me (I'm no expert so I can't vouch for the shoes themselves but most of them are reduced from about £50 so you should be getting a good quality shoe for your money.) You'll need to click through to the description to see if they're the right shoe for you.

1. Saucony Lady Grid Tuned - £24.99
2. Reebok Lady Carthage - £24.99
3. Saucony Lady Grid Ignition 2 - £24.99
4. Mizuno Lady Crusader - £29.99
5 - Saucony Lady Grid Jazz - £19.99
6. Saucony ProGrid Stabil- £34.99

Other good value running gear

As I mentioned before, when I first started running I just wore bog standard gym gear; I already had a sports bra (a necessity!) a nice breathable t-shirt and some leggings.  Last week I treated myself to some new bits as I didn't have anything to keep me warm in the cold mornings or anything bright to make sure I'm safe when it's darker.  I buy all my running/fitness gear from Sports Direct as you can get some absolute bargains on there.  Here are some of my top picks (you'll spot some of them in my pre-run photo just below...)

1. Karrimor Running Shirt - £6.99 // 2. Lonsdale Sports Bra £6
3. Karrimor Running Shirt - £6.99  // 4. Karrimor Running Socks - £3.99
5. Nike Sports Bra - £18 // 6. Nike Long Sports Bra - £10
 7. Karrimor Gilet - £3.69 // 8. Karrimor Running Pants - £6.49

You can see now, that with a bit of bargain hunting, you could get your whole set of running kit, trainers included, for less than £50 (so I don't want to hear any more of those 'it's too expensive to buy running gear' excuses, ya hear? ;)

Special mention: Zaggora HotPants

not showing too much of my make-up less face thank god!
me in my hotpants 2.0*

You probably know by now that we're all huge fans of the Zaggora HotPants here on WAMK.  The way HotPants work is that they enhance your natural body temperature to warm you up in the areas you want to target most (thighs, bum, and legs).  You can wear them for almost any activity but I've been wearing them running not only because they are great for burning extra calories and inch loss but also they keep me warm and toasty when it's freezing!  We recently held a giveaway for two pairs of these amazing HotPants so keep your eye on WAMK over the next few days if you entered as we'll be announcing the winners.

Once you've got a decent pair of trainers and something to wear you're ready to go out and pound the concrete.  I recommend you shove in your pockets/bumbag (I know, very 80's but very handy!) an iPod/iPhone filled with awesome workout music and I'd also recommend you try out either the Couch to 5K app or the Nike Running app.  The first is great for building up your stamina and ability over time, and I use the second to measure my times and runs to motivate me to get better.

All that remains is for me to say good luck, and enjoy it! If you do decide to start running do let us know how you're getting on!