Congratulations on quitting smoking and starting up running. Keep it up and don’t worry about what you feel is the slow start, because that will keep you going for the long term, as well as avoid injuries and teach you how to come back from injuries.
My clothing choices for running include basic good-support sports bra and quarter crew socks, Balega or Smartwool. The lower ones tend to slip down into my shoes unless they have that rounded back ankle part. The good brands last forever.
Warm-hot weather- traditional shorts with liner, such as Nike Tempo shorts, light wicking tank or short sleeve running shirt. Cotton ones aren’t good for me as they are bulky and hot.
Medium-cool weather- crop length tights, wicking short or long sleeve running shirt or 2 shirts, hi-vis nylon vest, or fleece or puffy if colder. Layer your shirts or vests as desired depending on weather, remembering that you will warm up fast. Zippers are good. Maybe a brimmed cap.
Chilly-windy-cold weather- long tights, long sleeve shirt layered with long sleeve heavier shirt, gloves, stocking cap.
Colder-too cold to be out weather- winter weight long tights, windbreaker hooded jacket. Layer on as you need according to wind chill factor, sun or clouds, length of run: warm up or wind pants, wool crew socks, light gloves under wind-proof gloves, earwarmer headband with your stocking cap, neck gaiter, puffy or soft shell jacket, hand warmer packets inside your gloves. I’ve found wearing bike shorts under long tights is good for windy days.
I hope this is helpful. I’ve purchased running clothing from anywhere at many prices, Target, TJMaxx, local running stores, Sierra, Dick’s. Some pieces are 18 years old. Summer pieces tend to wear out faster or get pit stains. Don’t worry much about matching colors because at some point you’ll need enough layers that nothing matches that day anyway. Have fun. Wash in regular cool laundry and air dry to save the elastics.
I started running at age 49, probably peaked at about 8 mile long runs ten years after that, and now at age almost 68, consistently run 4-5 miles three days a week. A little more walking than I used to do, and slower, but an hour plus outside in fresh air and daylight, working hard to sweat and get tired, is my salvation from often-looming despair. Added benefits, made new friends, enjoy wildlife including eagle sightings, lost 15 lbs. the first two years and have kept it off ever since. I’ve had about three colds in that whole time. Plantar fasciitis twice, intermittent IT band problems, and a hamstring injury which required PT but now I’m feeling better than ever.
Good luck and have fun and sorry for the long post.
ETA I reread your post and you say you don’t want shorts or leggings,so not sure what else is out there? Sorry for diverting to my own preferences, but maybe someone will be interested. ?
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