Running is the new going out – here’s the best running kit for under £35
RUNNING is the new ‘going out’, with tens of thousands of Brits opting to pound the pavements over pouring pints when it comes to their leisure time.
Run clubs are popping up all over the UK, with over 30% of people aged 35 to 44 saying they run at least monthly - most much more.
As a result, running apps like Strava and Runna are increasingly popular, with Kudos on runs - the equivalent of likes on other social media platforms - being worth more than a gold medal to those training for marathons or other long-distance events.
I’ve always been into fitness and have tried everything from flying yoga to Rowbots - a combination of rowing and lifting which left me sweating (and crying) more than I would ever care to admit on the internet.
But running always felt like something that I couldn’t do.
Despite setting out on several runs at the start of every year, I would rarely get through five minutes without my lungs burning and legs giving in.
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So when sportswear brand offered me a place in the with 10 weeks notice, I didn’t think I’d stand a chance.
But with a goal in sight, I decided to give it a go and started out using a basic online training plan, which helped me up my distance in incremental stages that felt manageable over two months.
Every week the distance increased by around 2km, which worked out at about 12 minutes extra per run.
Next I needed the kit. While I did my first few runs in my standard gym kit, I quickly realised I needed to invest in some proper running clothes for an event this big (plus, it was an excellent excuse to go shopping!).
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I opted for a mix of supermarket and sportswear brands to start my running wardrobe.
Asics core leggings were the most comfortable of the cheaper running options that I tried - and I kitted myself out with a bargain running vest from Mountain Warehouse that enabled me to carry water and my phone.
The Gymlocker range at George at Asda has some amazing running gear in at the moment, and the running jacket is something I'd definitely purchase if I was starting out again now.
My favourite bit of kit was the Oner Active running tee - the colour, the fit and the comfort all get five stars.
In the summer months, a loose-fitting pair of shorts, like the Nike fast tempo Dri-Fit running shorts, are ideal for warmer runs.
For the first two weeks of runs, I felt like giving up before I’d even hit two kilometres - less than 10 per cent of the distance of the 21.1 km race I would be embarking on.
Yet I kept with it - and I was amazed by how quickly I was able to build up distance and pace.
Once I could comfortably run 5k - which surprisingly only took three weeks - I decided to join a local running club for moral support.
Every Tuesday evening, I’d run with a group and found that being with other runners helped me to up my distance and push myself so much harder without even noticing.
PT Fabian Strawbridge who heads up the in East London says: “Running in groups offers loads of benefits, the main one being that it improves your consistency, because promising others you’re joining the run commits you and keeps you accountable.
“It means you’re less likely to find excuses and back out.
“Studies also show it keeps you motivated, because running with others often results in you going a little faster and a little further, too.
“Many in our Underdog run club couldn’t run 1km when they started, but through showing up weekly, they gradually built up distance.
"By mixing walking with light jogging and chatting together, they built up endurance and completed their first half marathon last year.”
A month on from starting my training, I was able to run 10k, but I quickly realised I needed decent footwear, as I was starting to feel the impact in my feet and ankles.
I opted for the Asics Novablast 4, which are super-light and have ample cushioning for impact - making it feel like you’re running on clouds.
While the Asics were at a slightly higher price point of £135, I also really rated the New Balance 520 V8 running shoes - which were a steal at just £34.97.
On the day of the race I was nervous, but my training paid off and I managed to complete the half marathon in a time that was 45 minutes less than I predicted, showing just how quickly my fitness improved.
Now, I run 20km a week and have roped all my friends into taking up the sport, too.
With it being winter, I've invested in some really thick and warm running gloves which have been a game-changer in getting me out of the house.
As well as increasing my overall fitness, I feel pounding the pavements has made my physique much leaner, which I can never complain about.
And I’ve already signed up for my next marathon - I’ve well and truly caught the running bug.
Star buys:
If you want to splash out on some key pieces, I recommend…
The Asics Novablast 4 are the best of all the running trainers I have tried and I will undoubtedly buy them again when I've run through the soles in my first pair.
They are ultra lightweight, with the shoe's foam base providing lots of extra bounce for road running.
The Salomon running vest is the other piece of kit I really love.
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It has the perfect pocket designs that allow you to access gels easily and it the fit is really secure.
Plus, there's enough space in the back to carry an extra layer and snacks - win win!
The moves to up your running game
GETTING yourself out for a jog already deserves a pat on the back.
It takes stamina, mental endurance and motivation (and that’s without touching on the physical fitness elements).
Running is a whole-body workout and if you’re new to it, you may be wondering when it gets easier.
It takes the body a few weeks, more likely months, of consistent runs to get the body used to such an exercise, at which point it becomes easier to do.
But there are some things you can do to help yourself.
One of the most important aspects of improving running performance is strength training.
In fact, you won’t want to be missing out on this form of exercises whether you are a newbie or a well-seasoned runner.
, a women's personal trainer and founder of , says: “The stronger your muscles are, the more resilient they become during long or intense runs.
“By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you'll build the strength and endurance necessary to support your running goals.”
Sarah said you should aim to do this workout two to three times a week alongside running sessions.
"Each exercise targets key muscle groups involved in running, which helps improve strength, stability, and endurance," she adds.
- Squats
- Walking lunges
- Single leg deadlifts
- Glute bridge
- Press-ups
- Calf raises