Who Buys New Running Shoes When They Can’t Run? - Bridge to 10K

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Who Buys New Running Shoes When They Can’t Run?

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10
41 Replies

I’ve been thinking for a while about new runners as mine are starting to wear but that got put on hold when I hurt my back last month. It’s only in the last few days I’ve been able to put my own shoes and socks on so it wouldn’t have been practical, and it would be frivolous to buy new running shoes when I can’t run, wouldn’t it?

Last year after graduating C25K, and lockdown eased, I treated myself to a gait analysis at my local independent running shop which happens to be run by a former Olympic 10k trials athlete. As a total novice I was apprehensive (he’s a proper runner after all) but needn’t have been as he was very thorough and so helpful. I remember trying on what seemed like every possible shoe - women’s and men’s

In the end I had to decide, almost on the toss of a coin, between two pairs – a very striking pair of Brooks Ghost 13 in black and neon yellow and those I have now, New Balance Vaygo.

Feeling rather melancholic and self-pitying at not having run for almost 6 weeks now, I was browsing the shops website earlier this week and stumbled across these bad boys in the sale. The updated model too!

Well how is a girl supposed to resist?😊

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Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64
Graduate10
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41 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Good post from you Birdlady64, lovely new shoes, as you have been off running for a little while I think you should rerun in those new shoes a few weeks of C25K, say from week 3, take those runs slow and steady 🏃🏾 👍.

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr

Thanks Al I certainly would not go out and try to run any sort of distance. Last week I was thinking maybe 3k run-walk intervals but I need to be walking pain free for a decent time first.

If this goes on any longer I can see myself having to start c25k all over again.

Frustrating as it's not even a running injury

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate10

I do it all the time. 🤣😬 I’ve just received a new pair of road shoes today and I’ve also got a pair of track spikes coming this weektoo. 😅 I ordered them both while I was down in the dumps with my recent back and ankle injuries.

I say hit that buy it now button while the sale is still on 😊 Treat yourself. 😉

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to RunBrianRun

I saw your post - very very cool shoes!😎👍I have another confession to make - a parcel of running socks is on it's way from Denmark 😁

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10 in reply to Birdlady64

Ooh running socks from Denmark 🤔😁

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57

Yes from a company with an ecological conscious who source fabrics that can be recycled and turn plastics recovered from our oceans into fabrics

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10 in reply to Instructor57

Denmark, not Damart? 🤣

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10 in reply to nowster

Apparently not

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to nowster

Nah! My feet would get too hot 🔥 🥵 in Damart. And anyway I don't think they make running socks!😁

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunGraduate10 in reply to Birdlady64

Haha love it! 😀 Well done on treating yourself too. I feel a therapy group session starting 😂

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate10

Hopefully they will cheer you up! Surely weeks without running feels like a lifetime, but you will be back. Resigning yourself to an injury and making sure you are healed properly is the only way to deal with these patches.But new shoes are a way of telling yourself you will be back.

Lots of empathy here from a formerly injured runner!

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Roxdog

Sorry replied to myself and not you...

Aww thanks Roxdog. You've certainly had more than your fair share.It's so frustrating as it's not even a running injury 🙄

Oh yesthose shoes really made me smile when I opened the box. But then almost immediately a little sad as I can't try them out.You are right of course, I will be back, but I can see myself having to start c25k all over again

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10

Aww thanks Roxdog. You've certainly had more than your fair share.It's so frustrating as it's not even a running injury 🙄

Oh yesthose shoes really made me smile when I opened the box. But then almost immediately a little sad as I can't try them out.You are right of course, I will be back, but I can see myself having to start c25k all over again

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10

You definitely need a treat if you're on the IC.They look great

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to dijep

I can't wait to try them and it did cheer me up when they arrived

Frizzbomb67 profile image
Frizzbomb67Graduate10

Why not 🤷🏻‍♀️ it’ll give you something to look forward to 😊 and you can be wearing them in on walks in the meantime. I’ve just treated myself to some Ghost 14s for achieving 10 miles. I’ve been running in trail shoes but moved over to road some months ago. Well you’ve got to have the right shoes haven’t you 😂 They are soooo spongy. I haven’t run in them yet either as I’ve felt off colour this week and work has been crazy! Perhaps I’ll christen them this weekend. Hope you christen yours soon.

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Frizzbomb67

Good luck for the inaugural run in your new Ghost 14s and congrats on reaching 10 miles 😀👏

What’s a girl to do? Indeed! Go shopping from the IC. Now you’ve given yourself something to look forward to 😄

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to

Ha ha! I love shopping from the couch - whatever sort of couch it may be And I'm really looking forward to trying them out

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

What a great way to treat yourself and be ready for when you can run again

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun

Thanks!I haven't told Mr B about them yet - I may just covertly introduce them once I start running again

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply to Birdlady64

ooo naughty, just pop them in the back of the cupboard and when you are ready you can get them out and say “ i’ll wear these old trainers i found in the back of the cupboard” 😂 😝 😂

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun

And he'll never know any different 🤣

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10

Nice 😎😬👍And why not !

You might not be running in them tomorrow , but hopefully soon 🤞

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57

Thanks IanYes I really hope it will be soon. At least I can swim now which should help with the cardio fitness

I did think about an exercise bike, but really I can't think of anything much worse - apart from a dreadmill of course

acountrycabbage profile image
acountrycabbage60minGraduate

These are sublime Birdlady! 🤩

Sounds like you lucked out there with your gait analysis👌🏼 (I’m yet to have one but I guess I should, with all my niggles!)

I bought some Ghosts myself, off Amazon of all places, on an absolute whim - and for a bargain too. Had no experience of what to look for. I just knew I needed something to start C25K last July with something other than my 15 year old uni-sports trainers!

They’ve proved themselves to be the most comfortable trainers I’ve ever owned and they still seem to be going strong.

Yours look excited for their first outing ☺️

Pleased to hear your back is improving. Hope you’re back out there soonest 💙

My babies are waving hello 💙😁
Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to acountrycabbage

Oh they look cool! I wouldn't have bought online without trying but for almost purchasing Ghost 13s last year.

These are actually mens shoes but I find they give that but of extra room in the toe box my wide feet need

And yes they are chomping at the bit to get out there 😁

acountrycabbage profile image
acountrycabbage60minGraduate in reply to Birdlady64

Totally bonkers buying such an important pair of shoes online, I know! But that was lockdown for you, and Amazon are fantastic with returns. Thankfully they fit like a dream. Mine are mens too. Big ol’ clown feet over here! It’s a wonder I can run at all!

Raisemeup profile image
Raisemeup60minGraduate

Well good for you Birdlady. The shoes are going to encourage you to go out again, when you are ready and there's no doubt Brooks make great shoes that really protect and propel you safely; ( they aren't paying me! I've run in them from day one without injury🤞).Your shoes are nice looking too, it's a shame our shoes can't stay that way, I've decided to get a new pair for Summer which stay relatively clean and my current ones for the mucky Winter runs!

Glad to hear you can tie your shoes again and hope it won't be long before you're able to get them on and out the door you'll go.

Best wishes ☺️

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Raisemeup

Thanks. Summer and winter shoes sound like a good idea. I do hate it when a new pair get muddy, but the novelty never lasts that long with me I'm too lazy to clean them after every run.

I'm getting a bit despondent with the back but I guess I just have to give it time

Benben21 profile image
Benben21

I did this around Week 5 of C25K. I decided that, at nearly 70, my poor body needed all the help it could get. Most of all I was really worried about picking up injuries and in particular worried that my knees were literally taking a pounding.

So I went to a specialist runners shop. I felt completely out of my comfort zone, but the sales assistant was courteous and helpful, and I emerged £150 lighter with a pair of Mizunos which have served me well all the way to graduation and beyond.

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Benben21

I reckon the advice you get from a specialist retail like that is invaluable.Glad you are happy with your Mizunos

Sparkey5000 profile image
Sparkey500060minGraduate

Medicinal shopping is totally allowed…..part of the recommended prep for your return….I mean how else would you motivate your body to recovery? 🤣

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Sparkey5000

Oh I hadn't thought of it quite like that! 😁Brilliant!

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirl

Those are very lovely, BL, and I'd say the universe wanted you to have them, since you'd already had the gait analysis. Would have been rude not to!Sorry it's taking you so long to recover, it's hard to stay positive all the time. I found that it's the false starts that really knock you back. A little retail therapy is just what you need. Those little beauties will be waiting for you when you are ready! 🥰

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl

Thanks - I think so too. I seem to have a bit of a blue theme going on - both my road shoes and trail shoes are blue.I must admit to struggling a bit to stay positive - being able to run again seems a way away still, but they are the incentive to keep going with the stretches and strengthening exercises in the meantime

Indielass00 profile image
Indielass00

Don’t blame you for buying those new runners Birdlady64 I’m loving the blue on them!

I too need new runners and despite not running at present, I will be heading to my fantastic independent running shop to choose my new pair!

I long to run again and share your frustrations at not being able to at the moment.

We need to feel one step closer to being back out there and when you are ready to start again those glorious new runners will be there for you! 👍🏻 x

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Indielass00

Oh I am going stir crazy not being able to run.The osteopath suggested I might try a short gentle run this weekend but a tentative attempt at my usual warmup leg swings and I can feel it in my back so I think not 😥

Marvincat profile image
Marvincat

Very nice shoes! I had gait analysis done before doing the London Moonwalk 4 years ago. I've been walking/running in Brooks Ravenna and they have been great but I'm getting gait analysis done and new trainers next month for my birthday 😊.I started Couch 25K in Jan and after 4 weeks, went over on my ankle. Had to strap it and wait for it to heal which it did, but I restarted the programme in mid March and graduated in May. Be patient, it's not worth running again too soon.

Good luck and enjoy your new shoes!

Birdlady64 profile image
Birdlady64Graduate10 in reply to Marvincat

Thanks. I'm still waiting to get those new shoes out unfortunately and haven't been on the forum that much.

Enjoy your new trainers when you get them, and Happy birthday

Marvincat profile image
Marvincat in reply to Birdlady64

Hopefully I'm going to Milton Keynes to get them tomorrow 😃 I'll let you know what I buy!

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