Trainers

[Feelingsilly]

Hi, I have just completed w4r3... I feel like I need a couple more w4, I still find the second 5 min run quite tough, but I'm happy to stick here a little while before I move on up. I am so proud of how far I've come but breathing is my biggest gremlin...I just can't deep breathe on the runs, I try so hard to focus on breathing lower down in my lungs but it just hurts. I definitely find running in the evenings easier than after I drop the kids to school in the mornings though!

Anyway, I thought as I'm around the halfway point I'd treat myself to some new trainers...my lovely everyday memory foam Skechers have served me well but I'm thinking they are probably not the most supportive for running in....but where to start? I have read forum posts, and articles and stood looking gormlessly in Sports direct at the enormous arrays... Trail, lightweight, neutral...I have no idea, and don't want to be "persuaded" by a salesperson just after a good sale!

[Rhedwr Graduate]

Your best bet would be to go to a specialist running store which has equipment to analyse your gait. That way you can make an informed choice about what you need for safety and comfort.

I have Brooks Ghost, as they come in a wide fitting option, and I love them.

Happy shopping! 🏃🏻😊

[Hidden]

Hi, I know just what you mean there are so many it's confusing. When I first started I ran in the only trainers I had, a pair of sketchers shape ups very,very comfortable for walking in but for runy ina bit heavy so my other half took me to Intersport and I tried on loads. I didn't like at the price as he said just go for what feels right for you. I ended up buying a pair of Skechers go run ride 4, absolute bliss!!! they come with extra laces and a pair of insoles. I tried them with out the insoles the first time but found there was more support with the insoles in. So go with what feels right for you. I'm no expert on running gear but I hope this helps you, don't be daunted just admit you you haven't got a clue and tell them what you want them for. Good luck let me know how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Sorry think I was having a very senior moment when I replied to your should read ...comfortable for walking in but for running a bit heavy and theres more .. didn't LOOk at the price. I did LIkE the price because they werehalf price, bargain!! May be now it makes a wee bit more sense? Good luck in finding the right pair for you

[Feelingsilly in reply to Hidden]

Haha, Thankyou I got the gist! I'm not too worried about the price, but just don't want to spend a lot of money if I don't need to! Will keep you posted, thanks for the advice

[AdamB Graduate]

I would strongly recommend that you go to a proper running shop and have a gait analysis done. Talk to them about the type of running you want to do. You'll probably then find that vast selection has been narrowed down to 3 or 4 pairs. It's worth spending a little extra on getting a pair of shoes which are "right for you". Any extra you have to pay (as compared to the discount chains) is minimal in the general scheme of things. The last thing you want is a trip to the Injury Couch because you have the wrong shoes. Once you know your style, you can then pick up future pairs at the discount houses.

[Feelingsilly]

Thankyou for that, I have seen a few people talk about gait analysis, but wasn't sure if that was something you did when you get really serious about this running lark! I am happy to pay more if it's right though, I have had a lot of back/pelvis problems in the past so don't want to mess up all my chiropractors years of hard work!

I have a specialist running shop next door to the hospital where I work, and I see people all the time doing little jogs up and down the hill trying out new shoes...I'll be honest it seems a little daunting doing my wobbly little run with people watching...on a hill too!

[AdamB Graduate in reply to Feelingsilly]

For a gait analysis they will probably video you running on a treadmill. They then slow the video down to look at how you are placing your feet. From there, you will be described as an over-pronator, under-pronator or neutral runner. I've found that a good shop will tell me to avoid certain brands because their lasts or too broad for my foot shape, or that the toe box isn't big enough for my foot etc. This is not the sort of service you will get from Sports Direct (other discount chains do exist...) .

When it comes to price, you may find yourself paying £10-£15 more. That pales into insignificance if you compare it to the cost of a couple of physio or chiropractor visits because you got it wrong (never mind the cost of junking a pair of bad shoes). The shoes may not even be that much more expensive. My road shoes were purchased after a gait analysis. I found the same pair of shoes on "offer" at the brand factory outlet about 4 months later. Go figure: the factory outlet was more expensive...

If you are at week 4 going into week 5 - you are a runner. Don't let anyone convince you otherwise. It's your birthright to be allowed to amuse the populace by running up and down the hill outside work

[plop Graduate]

Have a crack at week 5, I thought it was a big step up but I have just finished it today. Now week 6 hmmm........