Running fashion
What the Women's Running team hit the streets in
Rhalou Allerhand - Online Editor
Do you run with music?
Unless I’ve managed to drag one of my girlfriends out for a run with me I always run to music. I confess after extensive research I’ve found that the cheesier the music, the better my run, so I go for R&B and disco classics to keep me bopping round the park.
Do you tie your hair back?
I’ve got shoulder length hair that annoys the hell out of me, so I always go for the full scraped back facelift look, or I wear a cap if it’s raining.
What is your favourite running clothing?
Nike racing backs because I love the bright colours and the shape. For bottoms I recently got some Falke leggings which are quite distinctive and cool, and also have handy iPod pockets.
What are your favourite running shoes?
I always run in Brooks, they keep my shins happy.
Do you prefer to run in bright or dark colours?
I prefer darker bottoms as I’ve been blessed with an ample derriere, but I like wearing bright tops.
In your view, what’s the best sports bra for running?
Hands down it’s Shock Absorber’s Run Bra. Since getting fitted for one, all my other sports bras just don’t cut the mustard anymore and feel far too loose.
What items do you consider essential for autumn and winter running?
I actually wear pretty much the same clothes throughout most of the winter, as I’m fortunate enough to not feel the cold, and I usually run in the daytime. If I ever do venture out at night, Brooks do some great high visibility jackets that are essential for being seen in the dark.
Peta Bee – Contributing Editor
Do you run with music?
No, I find it really intrusive. It’s easy for me to block out pain and empty my mind of thought when I run - that's the appeal for me. Music interferes with that meditative state!
Do you tie your hair back?
Yes.
What is your favourite running clothing?
ASICS knee length leggings and any old top.
What are your favourite running shoes?
ASICS Gel Kayano.
Do you prefer to run in bright colours or darker ones?
Whatever I pull out of the kitbox.
In your view, what’s the best sports bra for running?
Shock absorber sports specific running bra.
What running items do you consider essential for autumn and winter running?
Just a pair of tights, long sleeved t-shirt and some gloves.
Claire Chamberlain – Sub Editor
Do you run with music?
I’m not a fan of running with music – I spend far too much time grappling with earphones that refuse to stay put! I much prefer getting lost in my own thoughts – it’s like on-the-go meditation.
Do you tie your hair back?
Always! I can’t stand my hair falling in my face as I run.
What is your favourite running clothing?
My Nike Dri-FIT capris – I have quite a few pairs! And I’ve just bought a new Athlete’s Vest from Sweaty Betty which I love – it’s bright turquoise!
What are your favourite running shoes?
I’ve always run in Saucony trainers. I’m keen to give barefoot running a try though, so have a pair of VivoBarefoot Evo shoes ready and waiting.
Do you prefer to run in bright colours or darker ones?
My running clothing rule is bright colours for tops, dark colours for the bottoms!
In your view, what’s the best sports bra for running?
Shock Absorber is a must.
What running items do you consider essential for autumn and winter running?
I think the most important thing to consider when running in cold weather is layers – you’ll feel cold before you start running, but you’ll soon warm up, so it’s important to have layers you can easily remove and tie around your waist.
Anne-Marie Lategan – Fitness Editor
Do you run with music?
Yes. I listen to Lady Gaga, Rihanna and the Black Eyed Peas.
Do you tie your hair back?
I have short hair so I don't have to worry about it.
What is your favourite running clothing?
I have a large variety but my favourite summer top is a Nike pink and white vest with black Brooks short bottoms. My favourite winter bottoms are long tight fitting Nike bottoms with a long sleeve top from Decathlon both with high visibility.
What are your favourite running shoes?
I use ASICS.
Do you prefer to run in bright colours or darker ones?
Dark bottoms but I like light tops.
In your view, what’s the best sports bra for running?
Being an A cup I can usually buy what I like. My preferred style is racer back sports bras.
What running items do you consider essential for autumn and winter running?
Long tight bottoms with high visibility top.
Christina Neal – Editor-in-Chief
Do you run with music?
If I’m running in the gym then music is essential. I listen to Madonna, upbeat house and occasionally a bit of rock. When I run outside, I run with friends, so I try not to be anti-social and I leave my Shuffle at home!
Do you tie your hair back?
No, but I wish I did! It flaps around in my face. But at least it distracts me from the pain of pushing myself to run faster!
What is your favourite running clothing?
I have fallen in love with Nike’s short sleeved t-shirts and shorts. They are so comfortable and make me feel good about myself when I’m running.
What are your favourite running shoes?
I have flat feet so I need a good arch support. Brooks GTS are very effective.
Do you prefer to run in bright colours or darker ones?
I prefer to mostly run in black – though I do have a red Adidas vest top for running in hot weather.
In your view, what’s the best sports bra for running?
Without doubt, the Run Bra from Shock Absorber. It’s the only bra I’ve encountered that takes the bounce away. As with trainers, I think it’s really important to get personal advice on choosing a sports bra. I shop from LessBounce, an online and mail order retailer which has experts on hand to provide individual advice. They let you try the bras on and send them back if they don’t fit.
What running items do you consider essential for autumn and winter running?
A good reflective jacket, a baseball cap to keep the rain out of your face if the weather turns and a base layer. I didn’t see the point of base layers until I ran in the cold snap last winter – now I wouldn’t leave home without one on a very cold day!
Amber Spencer – Advertising Sales Executive
Do you run with music?
Yes my iPod or iPhone.
Do you tie your hair back?
Yes always.
What is your favourite running clothing?
Nike tech running tights and Nike Dri-fit vest top.
What are your favourite running shoes?
ASICS.
Do you prefer to run in bright colours or darker ones?
Dark bottoms and usually a bright top.
In your view, what’s the best sports bra for running?
Shock Absorber.
What running items do you consider essential for autumn and winter running?
A lightweight breathable jacket and full length running tights.
Be comfortable when you run – our top tips
Don’t put your sports bra in the spin dryer. It will shrink and consequently chafe or rub when you next wear it.Have a proper sports bra fitting at a specialist retailer. Make sure it fits properly. There should be no cutting in, and equally, no gapes or bulges.Have a proper gait analysis at a specialist running store such as Runners Need or Sweatshop so that you know you are wearing the right shoes.Break trainers in before a race. Never wear a new pair on race day.Always ensure you have tried and tested your running clothing before a race too. You want to be sure the clothing doesn’t fall down, ride up or rub in the wrong places, especially if you have a long race ahead of you.In the winter, keep your head warm with a beanie. You’ll lose a lot of heat otherwise.Wear running gloves in the winter too, to stop your fingertips getting very cold.Wear layers in cold weather that you can remove if you want to as you get warmer.If you regularly run outside, consider what you need to take with you when you run. If it’s keys, phones and cash, think about where you will store them before you buy any new clothing. If the clothing doesn’t have sufficient pockets for storing these items, you will have to carry them.In warmer weather, avoid wearing too much black. In darker conditions, consider reflective or bright clothing.In warmer weather, avoid wearing too much black. In darker conditions, consider reflective or bright clothing.
