The one piece of kit a running coach recommends every woman invests in

When people take up running, they may look at their fellow runners and feel like they, too, need expensive running shoes or smartwatches to glance at every 10 seconds. The truth is, you can enjoy running quite easily without either of those things, especially in the early days.

There is one item, though, that PT and running coach Sabrina Pace-Humphreys recommends women invest in right from the beginning—and that’s a well-fitting sports bra.

“It’s so important to have a supportive sports bra, we need to take care of our breasts when we’re exercising,” says Pace-Humphreys.

“No matter whether you’re flat-chested, full-chested or whether you’ve had a single mastectomy or double mastectomy, it’s really key that you find a style that’s right for you,” adds the coach and author, who has just released her new book Start Where You Are: The Beginner's 5km Running Guide for Women.

When you’re not wearing a sports bra that fits, not only is it uncomfortable and could cause chafing, but it can also stretch the skin, which over time may lead to breast pain.

So, how exactly do you find a well-fitting sports bra with so many different brands and sizes out there? “MAAREE is a great place to start,” advises Pace-Humphreys. “They have an online guide so you can measure yourself properly and [they offer] virtual fittings too.”

Intrigued? Me too. So, I asked the founder of MAAREE, Mari Thomas-Welland, how the virtual fitting system works.

“It gives you the same peace of mind you get from an in-person fittings, but you can do it from the comfort of your own home,” says Thomas-Welland.

“At no point do you ever need to remove your bra and, if you prefer not to, you don’t even need to remove your shirt,” she adds.

As long as you have a measuring tape to hand, MAAREE fitters will then guide you through the measuring process to make sure you’re doing it right.

No matter where you have your fitting, it’s always worth thinking about your non-negotiables beforehand too.

“Everyone is different, so there isn’t one sports bra that’s going to be perfect for everyone,” says Thomas-Welland. “Consider what styles you like—do you want a racerback? Do you like adjustable straps? Or, would having a bra with a clasp make things much easier for you?”

Once you find your perfect fit, it can be life-changing. “A properly fitted sports bra can not only get rid of any discomfort or distractions. but give you the comfort and confidence you need for your workouts,” Thomas-Welland adds.

As Thomas-Welland points out, we wouldn’t run 5K in the wrong size running shoe, so we should embrace the same attitude when it comes to our sports bras too!