Running Bottoms
In most conditions, many runners opt to wear light, quick-drying, possibly wind-resistant
shorts, which leave your legs free to move without restriction. That said, a sizeable proportion feel more comfortable running in a pair of close-fitting
shorts, which still enable you move freely but do not chafe the groin area and are more comfortable in wet and/or windy conditions. In cold, wet conditions a pair of
running tights or tracksters is your best option. It is better to choose a pair that fits closely around the lower leg, so that if the pants become wet they do not flap about impeding your progress and weighing you down. Indeed, to avoid this problem in wet conditions, many off-road runners now choose to wear tight-fitting running pants that are cut off just below the knee. Such pants sometimes afford extra support and protection to the knee joint that can be helpful if you have some weakness there.
When running on the road you will rarely meet such severe weather conditions that you need to run in windproof or waterproof trousers. However, for trail running and fell running you need to have a pair of overtrousers in your bum bag to wear in the event of extreme weather conditions and as a safety measure for occasions when fatigue or injury forces you to slow down or stop running altogether. At such times wind or waterproof overtrousers can be a life-saver.
As with running tops you may also need to have with you a thicker, fleecy pair of tracksters to keep you warm after your run.
Underwear
Most modern running
shorts have an integral cotton inner, which combines light weight with comfort. If you wear your own underwear beneath
shorts, tights or tracksters try to ensure that it has flat seams and is as comfortable as possible so that it does not chafe. Female runners should take great care over their choice of bra, which should be a sports’ version that offers firm support, with comfortable straps that do not dig in or chafe. It is wise to visit a specialist sports’ shop that provides a comprehensive fitting service to obtain advice about the purchase of such a vital piece of running equipment.
