What to Wear - Beginners - Runner's World

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

16/09/2002 at 16:17

Ok now the nights are drawing in and the weather is cooler what should I be looking at wearing.
I've heard of the layering system but is this a normal running top and what?

Nessie

16/09/2002 at 16:27

I'm one of those people who overheat, and have been spotted out running in snow in shorts and with only a rainproof jacket over a sports bra, but basically you would start with a breathable base layer (i.e. wicking t-shirt) then add whatever is necessary to keep you as warm as you need. A fleece mid-layer plus a showerproof jacket should be enough for all but arctic conditions, with thermal leggings for the bottom half. Waterproof trousers are available, but the noise would put me off!

Hat and gloves are necessary for most people in winter (they last about a mile for me), and remember to wear something bright and reflective if you are going to be out after dusk.

bigbird

16/09/2002 at 16:28

My only problem is when I need to take stuff off, I end up shedding stuff as I lumber along.

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

16/09/2002 at 16:30

can yuo get reflective waterproof tops suitable for us runner type people?

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

16/09/2002 at 16:36

so what do you do? tie it round the waist?

Old Bear

16/09/2002 at 16:36

I think you'd be hard pushed to find something non-reflective for runners winter clothing. View From do some good cheapish, very bright waterproofs.
Whilst on the subject, has anyone been into M&S to check out the View From stuff? I don't seem to be able to find any serious running gear at all. Does anyone know if they are still going to make and sell it?

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

16/09/2002 at 16:39

I thought that M&S had just started a new range of running /sports wear from some know provider

cougie

pirate

16/09/2002 at 16:43

I think M&S kick off any day now with the View from range.

Bourne Sports leaflets always have loads of things in.

Old Bear

16/09/2002 at 16:45

Yup, it's View From but I can only see their golfing gear in the M&S in Cardiff. In the past M&S have an exclusive on all their products so I'm not too sure if you'll be able to buy VF from running shops in the future. Mind you, it could mean that there'll be a few bargains as everybody unloads their existing stock.

Mij

16/09/2002 at 17:47

I go for tracksters and a breathable waterproof over my normal running vest. A hat and thin gloves if very cold but the gloves never stay on for long.

The Evil Pixie pirate

pirate

16/09/2002 at 20:28

Cheers folks ... looks like an excuse to go shopping!!

Wicked Witch

17/09/2002 at 09:17

Had a look at M & S new View From gear not really impressed seems to be mostly fashion stuff, which is a shame because there sports wear was usually good, washed well and lasted ages. Get most of my running gear thru RW when sales are on, a discount would be good.

Dangly Spice

17/09/2002 at 12:27

I asked my local running shop if they know what's happening about View From. The shop are unable to order in any VF gear as it is all going to M&S now. As Wicked Witch says, looks like VF are now another fashion sports company.

Ref winter clothing - i go for a thermal long sleeved top under a windproof sprayway jacket and lovely fleecy lined leggings, with thermal gloves and woolly hat - silk balaclava under hat for the really cold days.

Velociraptor

17/09/2002 at 13:32

A t-shirt, fleece, leggings and gloves plus my normal running socks and shoes are enough for me. I don't like running outdoors in the rain so a waterproof layer is unnecessary. Most of my gear (shoes excepted) is high street rather than sports specialist, and some of my favourite t-shirts wouldn't need to pay road tax if they were cars.

Michelle

17/09/2002 at 18:55

I bought some View From running gear in M&S at Portsmouth - at the Gun Wharf Designer Village - when I was up there for the weekend the other week. It's not for me, I bought it as a prez for my brother - long sleeve top, shorts and socks. Haven't seen any in my local M&S's at all though (Essex), but in the latest M&S brochure it says that VF gear will be available shortly nationwide.
Michelle x

Dustin

17/09/2002 at 20:35

Fewer thinner layers are best.
I run in a wicking (dri-fit) t-shirt with a long sleeved top if its dry, otherwise I substitute a luminous ron hill jacket for the long sleeves if its raining.
A hat helps preserve body heat on cold mornings/evenings.
The UK never gets that cold so don't pile on the layers as you'll soon warm up.(indeed sometimes its better to go out feeling a bit chilly - you soon warm up).
Gloves a quite handy as substitute tissues as noses tend to run more in the winter.
(Us boys still wipe our noses on our cuffs).

neilruns .

17/09/2002 at 20:39

When it gets a bit nippy I like to sport my long sleeved Helly Hansen Lifa top and, over that, either my Asics gillet or View From rain jacket, depending on if its raining. Also a baseball cap and wooly gloves. On the legs, Ron Hill tracksters, natch.

Hopefully this winter I shall be running a bit fast than last, so we shall see. Also, one of the benefits of the Asics gillet was that it covered up the bulging beer belly, which was always cruelly exposed by that rather too tight Helly Hansen top. Thankfully, the beer belly is no longer with us, so maybe the gillet can stay at home.

Neil

Gee Bee

17/09/2002 at 20:46

Have to agree with most other people - the M&S View From range is appalling - feels like they have betrayed their roots. I felt very betrayed at this as I has bought more VF gear than any other make. Then I realise it was because the VF gear wore out a lot quicker then the rest - so perhaps it ain't as great a loss as I thought - the fashion brigade are welcome to it.

06/10/2002 at 21:22

My wife and I arrived here in December last year, and initially stayed with my brother in Glasgow. One morning I thought, Hey, why not go for a run? So out go bro and I, he in long-sleeved top and leggings, me in togs and singlet. Aside from the agility required to avoid sliding my way along the iced-up road, after about 20 minutes I lost most of the feeling in my hands, and icicles were forming on my legs and arms. (And face)

I have decided that this winter, though I'm now in the midlands and not scotland, I will nonetheless be dressing slightly more appropriately for the conditions once the snow and ice hit.

Sarcy

06/10/2002 at 23:16

Today was the first time ina few months that I put on leggings to go for my run, it was damp and misty early this morning, winter is coming I suppose.
I try to keep the layers to a minimum, if you need 3 layers, base, middle and outer then it is probably too cold to be out in the first place. Normal winter wear is leggings, thermal long sleeved top, hat, gloves and gilet if raining.

We'd love you to add a comment! Please login or take half a minute to register as a free member