do-s-and-don-ts-of-buying-running-kit

Buying and maintaining your running kit

When it comes to choosing and buying kit, the modern runner is spoilt for choice. Gone are the days of making do with old t-shirts and wearing two bras to avoid discomfort when running. Nowadays there is a fantastic range of products to suit every pocket and requirement – so much so, in fact, that making the correct choices can sometimes be a little daunting.

This guide contains our top ‘dos and don’ts’ to follow when choosing your kit and looking after it once you’ve bought it, and includes tips and advice on:

Running kit essentials
What to look for in a running kit
Running kit wear and care tips

When buying running kit, do…

Choose modern wicking fabrics. Your run should be an enjoyable experience and the very latest fabrics are designed specifically with that aim in mind. Instead of making you damp and uncomfortable by leaving moisture on your skin, modern materials will rapidly wick moisture away from your body so that it can evaporate quickly. The end result is that you’ll feel much more comfortable throughout your run. Also, modern wicking fabrics won’t absorb water when it’s raining like cotton does, so you will remain drier and will avoid dragging a heavy, soaked t-shirt around your usual route. When shopping, look for garments manufactured from a blend of some of the following materials: polyester, nylon, polyamide, Lycra or Tactel. If you wear these types of materials, you’ll be far more comfortable throughout your session.

Follow the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions. After investing in good-quality technical running kit, it’s important that you care for it correctly. Some fabrics are specially treated with water-repellent coatings and require careful washing to retain their properties, while others can be damaged by the excessive heat generated in a tumble dryer – so always read the label when washing and drying. If you look after your kit well, it will continue to provide you with a high-performance service.

Use layers. Rather than wear a single garment – which gives minimum flexibility for coping with variations in temperature – opt for two or more garments instead, as this will allow you to cope with changes in your body temperature. In cold conditions, air will become trapped between the layers, providing an insulating barrier against the outside temperature – so when it’s cold, wear a wicking garment next to your skin, an insulating layer next, and then a ventilated and water-repellent outer layer. Layering your garments on warm days or when the weather is changeable is also beneficial, as it will allow you to easily adapt to the heat or weather changes.

Invest in a sports bra. A good sports bra can reduce unwanted and uncomfortable movement of the bust by as much as 60 percent, compared with approximately 35 percent from a standard bra. Excessive movement of the bust will cause the supporting ligaments to stretch irreversibly – so taking adequate precautions is extremely important. You should expect to pay more for a good sports bra than a standard model, but it is a worthwhile long-term investment which will ensure that your runs will always be comfortable.

Wear running tights. For cold weather running, warm leg-wear is essential. Keeping your leg muscles warm will ensure that they function more efficiently, and will also reduce your chances of suffering a muscle pull or tear – which will occur most often when the muscles are cold. In warmer weather, keeping your legs covered is useful during your warm-up, so that your legs are thoroughly prepared for a faster-paced session or race. You should also put your running tights back on directly after your training, because you can chill rapidly when you are sweaty and have stopped moving.

When buying running kit, don’t…

Assume that non-running garments will suffice. Beach shorts and rugby shirts are not designed for the demands of running anything other than short distances, and will flap around unnecessarily, leave you with chafed skin and be generally uncomfortable. Instead, choose running-specific items of kit such as cut-away or Lycra shorts that will prevent chafing, and lightweight tops that will feel good mile after mile.

Choose cotton. There is still plenty of kit available that uses cotton, with budget race t-shirts being the most common. However, the problem with cotton is that although it is comfortable when you are dry, it rapidly absorbs sweat or rain, becoming heavier and heavier the further you run – so by the time you finish, it will be stuck to your body and you will be quite uncomfortable. Also, a loose cotton t-shirt can chafe under the arms and rub the nipples. Save your cotton garments for when you’re warming up, or to put on as soon as you finish your run so that you don’t get cold, rather than suffer the discomfort of a damp, clammy garment next to your skin for several miles.

Be invisible. ‘Be safe, be seen’ is an old adage and an extremely important one for runners. During winter, twilight or low-light-condition sessions, wear a fluorescent bib with reflective strips so that motorists can easily spot you. Car drivers have numerous distractions and so you should do everything possible to ensure you are highly visible when running on or crossing a road. Training bibs are inexpensive, lightweight, easily fastened over your outer layer and are an essential safety garment for every runner.

Skimp on socks. The most common problem area for runners is the feet. The slightest trace of a seam in your sock is likely to give your feet plenty of grief as the miles rack up, because your feet will expand and will continually move around in your training shoes and over uneven surfaces when you’re running. So, the potential for chafing and blisters will be high if you wear socks with seams – and chafing or blisters will not only ruin your run, but will also prevent or spoil your running for several days while they heal. To reduce the risk of blisters and general discomfort, it is worthwhile investing in a few pairs of good quality seam-free running socks, so that you’re able to focus on your training instead of potential foot problems.

Forget a hat and gloves. In cold conditions, up to 30% of your body heat can be lost through your head – but wearing a simple woollen hat will slash that figure. Similarly, because running causes large volumes of blood to be diverted from the extremities (fingers and hands) to the working muscles (legs), the hands can get very cold. A lightweight pair of running gloves won’t break the bank but will make a huge difference to your comfort levels in winter. Also, if you feel that you’re overheating, the hat and gloves can easily be stashed in a pocket or on your waistband without compromising your running style.

All kitted out
Buying a few specialist items of running kit doesn’t mean that you have to re-mortgage your house just to enjoy your favourite fitness activity. However, good quality running-specific garments will not only last, but will also enhance your running enjoyment – and they only need a little care and attention to carry on providing a quality service, mile after mile. Your basic kitbag for discomfort-free training should include: