Running is a relatively inexpensive sport. Once you’ve got your trainers (and providing you don’t want to enter any races) you’re pretty much set. Shorts, tops and socks can be picked up pretty cheaply and will do the job OK.

But there may come a day when you find yourself spending more time in your running clothes than in your regular, civilian clothes – either through the sheer amount of time you spend running or the amount of procrastination you do at the beginning and end of your runs.

Training for three marathons this year pushed me over this boundary – I can’t even remember the last time I wore heels. And so I’ve been allowing myself the luxury of more expensive, nicer looking kit. After four years and five marathons, I think it’s safe to say this running thing isn’t a fad for me.

If you’re going to splash the cash on any item this winter, a running jacket would be my advice for a sound financial investment. This is the one area where you can see a real return on your investment. It’s a difficult balance making the perfect running jacket – you have to keep the rain out but let heat and sweat escape. And a few more pounds usually means a more successful balance.

The Nike Element Shield Max Jacket at £130 was a massive upgrade from the jacket I’ve run around in for the past couple of winters. But the jacket works hard to justify its pricetag. For a start it’s properly waterproof (something a lot of running jackets fail at) and you can even see the water bead on its surface.


It feels so high-tech that I felt like an astronaut just walking around in it, but unlike Felix Baumgartner’s jumpsuit – this jacket is pretty flattering. There’s also more pockets than you’ll know what to do with, thumb holes to keep your hands at toasty as possible and a detachable hood. If only I’d remembered to pack it for Venice Marathon.

It’s likely that I’ll be spending more time than ever in my running clothes this winter.