Lightened wallet should improve pace.

[Nerdio]

I have just bitten the bullet and dumped my £25 trainers for some proper running shoes. The trainers were starting to feel a bit saggy underfoot. They look fine, barely worn, but the support they give is definitely dwindling.

I went to Sweatshop, had some Gait Analysis, learnt what over pronation was (and therefore why my right ankle ached after runs), then bought some Brooks Ravenna 4's. I had set myself a mental budget for shoes, but that soon got blown out of the water once I felt the comfort of the Brooks with custom insoles. So with a lightened wallet I stepped out of the shop clutching a pair of blue trainers with orange laces (got to have the orange laces!), and grinning from ear to ear.

I was all set for a ParkRun to try them out on Saturday, but have to confess the 'fair weather' runner came over me, and I decided not to run in the pouring rain. Tomorrow is forecast better so can't wait to try them. If the difference I felt in 3 minutes on a treadmill is anything to go by, then it is going to be a huge difference.

Bring on the run, I am ready for it.

[Hidden]

Congratulations on the new trainers, love my brooks...enjoy

[suzybenj Graduate]

Bought my Brooks yesterday - pleased as punch - and definitely worth the investment. Had a look for the B210k link but can't find it and can't remember the person who posted it?? - maybe it was in questions??

[Lizzyca Graduate in reply to suzybenj]

dl.dropbox.com/u/55081822/B...

There you go Suzy, good luck with it, I could only manage 3 x 10minutes sessions for my first run, maybe because I haven't run for a little while. I decided to do a few 5k before I start on this again.

[Honorsmum]

I remember changing from my old Nikes (which I bought at an outlet store and didn't realise we're trail shoes and therefore very heavy and too supportive) to a pair of New Balance, after I'd had my gait analysed at Run and Become - it was a revelation!

Hope tomorrow's run feels like walking on air - your joints will love you for it!

[Feefbev Graduate]

I'm off next weekend to Advanced Performance to get my new trainers. I'm really excited!!!! Enjoy your lovely new trainers!

[BJR67BJR]

Never heard of Brooke's because I know nothing of trainers. I have been wearing Adidas running trainers that cost me £35 last year. I graduated a year ago and I have been going the gym a lot this year and running 5k maybe once per week on the treadmill but run at least 1k every time I go as a warm down Question is should I replace my Adidas after 18 months (guess answer is yes) but what should I change to and how much should it expect to pay. Finally, where in the north west should I go to by running shoes?

[DizzyMum Graduate in reply to BJR67BJR]

Depends on where in the North West you are. I'd Google your local specialist running shop first. Some of the larger high street retailers are now doing gait analysis in-store , but I've not tried it. I like looking around the specialist shops in the Lakes when I'm up there, but that's because I prefer running off-road.

If you've been running in your trainers for 18 months, yes change them. Price wise, look at what's on sale and as long as you're not too fashion conscious you can find bargains. My latest runners are some lurid pink New Balances, to which I've added some gel insoles. Less than £60 in a sale. Have to say they're the best ones I've ever had , and the laces don't come undone either. My previous ones were Asics , bought after gait analysis, but always caught on my ankle after the first week. Should have taken them back, but that's easy to say in hindsight.

Hope my rambling helped!

[BJR67BJR in reply to DizzyMum]

Not sure pink is such a good look for the middle aged man! Thanks for the advice.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

I did the same and learnt about over pronation. I love my brooks they are fab. You need to get yourself a nice orange sweatband now to match the laces

[runningnotwalking Graduate]

Picked up a pair of Asics from Amazon around week 3 of the C25K program.

My old pair of trainers felt every bump and stone in the road so had to go.

I wasn't aware of gait analysis etc back then but the new shoes have been great so I guess I got lucky

[scotsheather Graduate]

I bought a pair of Brooks at week 4 after a gait analysis and noticed a huge difference straight away- no more aching ankles.