Whether you’ve been inspired by the upcoming Marathon or just fancy a break from the sterile confines of the gym, outdoor running can be a fantastic way to recharge and blast away those stubborn extra pounds still loitering after Christmas.
However with icy cold winds and frost still blighting our hopes of a warm spring, taking your training outside is not for the faint hearted! For those whose gym kits still consist of an over-sized t-shirt and Umbro shorts left over from year 9 PE it’s needless to say this may not cut the mustard in these bleak times.
For beginners who are short of cash the most important piece of kit you can invest in is a decent pair of running shoes. If you are just starting out I would advise going for mid-range shoe such as the Asics Gel Contend running shoes from JD Sports, a good all-rounder for both inside and outside training (you can get great running advice for beginners here).
However if you are serious about running on a regular basis and are looking for ultimate training comfort I would definitely recommend specialist performance gear that will keep you warm and dry even when you’re working up a sweat in the blistering cold!
A full outdoor runner’s kit should include:
Under Armour Cold Gear Top – £40
Nike Storm-FIT Elite Running Gloves- £22
Nike Lightweight Running Hand-Held Water Bottle – £10
Nike Run Vapour Jacket- £40
Nike Run Cushioned Low Socks – £7
Canterbury Baselayer Cold Leggings- £40
Asics Gel-Contend- £55
Total – £214
That may sound like a lot of money but it’s less than a gym subscription and will ensure you can run the streets and get your workout all year round.