And so a decision has had to be made....

[Fentaz42]

My knees and ankles are killing me - down to old trainers and not having the cash to get a shiny new pair for a while. Have decided that its probably best to lay off the running until I can get the right footwear for the support I need. I know this is for the best physically, but it mentally its gonna be tough! Never mind, running is part of my life now - a couple of weeks off is a small price to pay I reckon x

[runningnotwalking Graduate]

That's a shame and hope you feel better soon. Maybe a few gentle swims would help in the interim ?

[Fentaz42 Graduate in reply to runningnotwalking]

I was thinking about doing other stuff - we'll see how I go x

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Oh that's such a shame but proper shoes are so expensive... I had the same trouble as you and then I got myself assessed and spent 100 quid on some brooks, then 45 quid for my lad as I'm worried about his limbs.... Alot of money.. If only you could do a blog whip round I'd throw some in!!!!

[Fentaz42 Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

A whip round! Fantastic! Haha!

It's so frustrating! You see, I'm worried that its all a dream - I mean, me, running for 28 mins! So near as well to the end! But the worry of my knees now joining in with pain in my ankles, I just can't ignore

[crox Graduate]

It's a shame, but if you keep active you should be ok.

[Fentaz42 Graduate in reply to crox]

Thanks Crox, it is indeed a shame

Ill just keep plodding on reading everyone's posts until the day comes when I've got the cash for my new trainers - wont be too long in the future ( fingers crossed!) x

[notbad Graduate]

Sorry to read, that's a tough decision to have to make - but I think you're right. Perhaps some strengthening exercises for those knees and ankles in the meantime? Squats, lunges can really help strengthen the lower legs.

[Fentaz42 Graduate in reply to notbad]

Yeah, that's a good idea! Ill do that, thanks

[GoogleMe Graduate]

How about asking on your local Freegle and seeing what comes up? I am sure plenty of people buy decent shoes that just don't work out for them. (A reminder that even if you do get enough saved up, it could be a complete waste if you don't buy them somewhere you can return them if they prove not to be right when you've actually been out in the mud in them)

[Fentaz42 Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

I've never heard of Freegle! I shall investigate immediately! thanks x

[Narmour Graduate]

I don't wish to make any assumptions about your financial situation, but places like Decathlon have really good deals on running shoes. I got a decent pair of Nikes on special offer for about £30. Again, apologies if this is too much, but I thought it was worthwhile to say, considering the other prices that have been mentioned on here.

[Fentaz42 Graduate in reply to Narmour]

No worries, thanks for letting me know! £30 is a lot better than £100 plus!!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Fentaz42]

Only if local to you and you can take them back when you've run in them if they don't work for you... otherwise £30 down the drain.

However, I am unimpressed with the durability of running shoes - I was prepared to drive a long way to Sweatshop pay full price drive back with muddy shoes to get the ones I love.... but although I am nowhere near wearing them out in terms of distance, they have holes in the mesh upper, just like my previous pair. If I could replace them cheaply online now I know what suits me that would be great... but it seems not.

All of that said, I started C25K in walking boots... and occasionally recently I have run in 'active sandals'

[squaremum Graduate]

It's a wise decision to take a break - you could injure yourself even more by continuing as you are, so good on you. Looking forward to seeing you back here when you've got yourself some shiny new shoes. Take care of yourself!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I agree with narmour I am a massive fan of decathlon. They do something called blue products which are their own brand. £12.99 for running shoes. I have used their running shoes before and they were really good. Here is a link. decathlon.co.uk/ekiden-50-i...

I hope that is some help.

[Fentaz42 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thanks a lot for that! Everyone's being very supportive and I'm getting loads of advice on the. various options open to me. Thank you everyone x

[Nerdio Graduate]

So I am not the only one suffering with bad ankles. I have just bought decent running shoes. Ended up paying more than I planned, but got them now, and they are great.

There was no immediate cure for my ankles though, they were still a bit tight and ache'y. I have now been to see a sports physio who said that that most problems like this come from tight muscles, so he gave me a nice long leg massage, and showed me some new stretches to do. The massage was great and by the end of it, my legs and ankles/feet felt great.

I followed this with a run, and knocked out 3.5 K before I even wondered how far I had gone.Just didn't feel like I had run it. As I walked through my cool down, I stopped and stretched as I went, and I have to say although not 100% after the run I was a lot, lot better.

So, the moral of this story is this. Get some new shoes when you can, they are great. But also work on that post run stretching, and strengthening of the knees and ankles. Then you will have cracked it.

Take it easy, and you'll soon be up and running again.

[Fentaz42 Graduate]

I appreciate that Nerdio thanks