@Spehss _:
When I run I wear pretty much anything, shorts, sweatpants, t-shirts, sleeveless shirts, sweaters, hoodies, jackets, baseball caps, large winter coats, jeans, ankle socks; point being that there aren't really standard running clothes unless you're in a competition. The most important things are to have comfortable footwear (or lack of if you're running somewhere indoors and devoid of foot cutting objects) and weather appropriate gear, although it's not the end of the world if you overdress, more weight = more fun, or underdress, body temperature increases with physical exertion.
As for technique, here are some things and miscellaneous tidbits that I can think off the top of my head:
-Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth. I been told vice versa works as well too.
-Use your arms. There are many different ways to swing them, but it is generally good to have the hands pass by hip level at some point (or much of the time for some runners) during the swing.
-Stretch. Stretch at the end of a run. Stretch before a run. Stretch for other physical activities. In general stretching is good, just make sure not to stretch too much or you'll be overstretched. If you don't feel like stretching before the run, then starting of slowly to warm up. I personally don't stretch before running and sometimes after, but I been getting better as of late. This lack of stretching surprisingly doesn't leave me sore often, but does explain why I can't touch my toes (I was able to do it in 8th grade, then somehow lost it freshman year of high school, but now after five years I'm very close to reaching them again).
-Drink water regularly. What one consumed hours ago is what fuels their body now. Try to rehydrate after a workout.
-Ideal run plan: start off slow, gradually build up your pace, maintain a good clip, end with a slow pace, and then stretch.
-Listen to your body. Pushing yourself is important, but be careful not to overdo it.
I would like to write more running stuff, it's rather late in the night for me. Regarding running and public perception, you just got to run outside and push aside your fears. I once in while might get skittish and stay home and run circles in my backyard or avoid running down a street with people, but most of the time when I run out, I get to see my neighborhood, find new places, and push myself all while being unassailed. Taking the first step can be very hard mentally, but you have to push forward and do it. Once I took the first step doing something that worried me, I found the worries decrease with enough persistence and dedication. You just have to remind again and again, pick yourself up when you fall, and go forth.