First up, you need a good pair of shoes. Go to a proper sports shoe seller – I went to Shoe Science but I believe Athletes Foot, Smiths and The Foot Locker are also good. They will take video footage of you running and work out the right shoe for you. My favourites are Asics – I can walk into the store, buy a brand new pair and be out running in them the next day without so much as a blister. The second most important clothing item is a decent bra. I’ve test driven a couple of them and we’re going for support here, not style. Think nursing bra and you’re on the right track. The one containing me at the moment is a Bendon sports bra – three hooks and eyes at the back, you could peg it out and use it as a trampoline for the kids, but it does the job of holding everything in and that’s all that counts. Initially, I ran in my Irishman’s big T-shirts, to cover my stomach, my bum and my thighs, but cotton T-shirts tend to hold the sweat so as soon as you can, progress to the purpose made running shirts. They are prohibitively small in their sizing. How can a girl who’s a 10 in Trelise dresses be a 16 in a running shirt? Somebody’s got it wrong and I’m going with the sports companies. But remember, comfort above all and if a 16 is more comfortable, then a 16 it is. I have two pairs of Adidas shorts that are cut long and I always wear short lycra leggings underneath to mitigate against chafing. I also thought that a leggings/short combo would prevent camel toe, as I don’t wear undies while running, but I received a disturbing image of myself taking a break during the Taupo half and it would appear that I have been mistaken. It looks like my front bottom is eating my shorts and THAT’S not attractive. Any suggestions gratefully received re what to wear on the bottom half. Some runners look amazing. They wear colour co-ordinated outfits and their little lithe legs and firm wee bottoms look amazing in those long tight things. I’m not one of them so I can’t advise you on skins but skinny friends of mine swear by them so if you want to test drive them and report back, I’d love to hear from you. And that’s about it really. I don’t bother with a hat – some do – nor do I bother with gloves but if I lived in the deep South, perhaps I might. It would be great to hear from our Southern sisters.
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Hi Kerre…yep what to wear on the bottom is a bit of a drama! I do wear skins when I run and I looove them. My sister gave me a pair of capris for my birthday. They are great as they make your legs warm instantly and my muscles never ache as much when I’ve worn them. The dilemma I have is…do you wear undies with them??? I’ve gone to take the undies off a few times but it just feels way to wierd without them??? What does everyone else do?
Glad to say I completed my 1st half in Taupo – a bit slower than I wanted but what a buzz! Also walked away with an awesome Mizuno prize…so scored some great new shoes plus lots of extra stuff!! Roll on the Napier half in November!
Right then, Cath – let’s see your story in our Hall of Fame complete with photo! Michelle’s getting lonely in the HoF all by herself! Especially as it was your first half. Congratulations. I never wear undies. I know one runs the risk of camel toe but it’s just more opportunity for chafing. A couple of girls I know wear Gs but crikey, I don’t know how they can bear it!
Oh alright then….photos and blurb on there way as we speak
First of all – yes I’m very lonely on the Hall of Fame. I’m sure there are much more interesting stories out there than mine. I’ve read it enough, please someone put something else on there for us all to read.
Second – what to wear??? I just wear exactly what you see in my photo. Below the knee Warehouse pants with – and get this…. oversized undies. Oversized because the Warehouse pants I wear look even worse when you have that horrid Visable Panty Line. I have enough problem with my butt without making it look like I have two extra cheeks!!
As for up top – I swear by my Sport Support bra. Great for those with large breasts. NOTHING moves when i have that on. Check out http://www.sportsupport.co.nz
i read on another website of women wearing mens running shorts as they are a bit longer. Wouldn’t the cut be wrong???
Also if doing a bike/run event what shorts to people wear?