Is it worth getting fitted for running shoes before you start C25K?

[Chris9R]

As the title really, I'm about to embark on the journey, is it better to have "propper fitted" running shoes or will ant trainer do?

Thanks

Chris

[Slinkyminky Graduate]

It depends what you mean by any trainer? If it's a really old falling apart pair then I would say need new ones but if they're a pair that are pretty good anyway I would say the first few weeks of the program you should be fine in them.

when you know you're going to stick with it and like running then get yourself some lovely new runners 😀 Perfect treat when you reach a milestone in the program 👌

[Chris9R Graduate in reply to Slinkyminky]

Sounds like a plan. Thanks

[Grumpygoddess Graduate]

The first few weeks you aren't actually running that far, so I think any trainer is probably fine. I got myself a pair of proper running trainers as a reward for finishing week 4. (I wasn't convinced I would get that far when I started so I didn't want to waste the money upfront.) Now I have them I realise they are worth it though.

[Kingfisherk26 Graduate]

Hi Chris,

I've just finished c25k.. its great do it!

I also was concerned about trainers. I'm 51 now and I was very over weight 18 stone plus (now a much happier 16... but still a way to go). I was concerned about running and the impact of my age and weight on knees etc. I spent a lot of time researching if I should get proper fitted trainers etc. I'm a teacher and I spoke to some of the PE staff. I couldn't get a definitive answer off the PE teachers or the net. Some said get fitted, others just buy something comfortable. I decided to do it properly and get fitted.

As Grumpygoddess says the first few "runs" have very little running so you can wait and use what you've got. I did. Then off I went to a proper sports shop... little independent thing not the mass chain stores staffed by bored teenagers. The chap there looked at my feet, the way I walked, we discussed tried on a few pairs and about £100 (ouch!!!) later out I walked with a shiny red pair of Asics.

Looked great ... couldn't run in them! Tried for 2 weeks... wore them just enough not to be able to return them! Too tight, too much instep support. Just uncomfortable. Carried on running in a pair of £5 Adidas 3 stripe trainers picked up at a charity shop... much better... but not proper running trainers. My wife on one of her many shopping trips to TK Max phoned me and said they'd some discounted trainers there and she was bringing me a pair... I think this was to stop me moaning.

RESULT: I have finished C25k mostly at the gym, done 2 Parkruns and several outside runs side now its warmer in a pair of discounted (£40 ish) memory foam Sketchers. I think the memory foam is a bit of a gimmick but they are certainly doing the job.

So... I would not tell anyone what to do and there was nothing wrong with the Asics pair but they were not for me. I let myself be persuaded... The next pair I buy i will purchase if they feel right... probably from a chain store staffed by bored teenagers!

Incidentally, I dont know how old you are but ... I'm running in size 9s... I've always had small feet for a bloke... size 8. My internet research says many people find their feet get bigger in their mid 40s. I've spoken to friends (they already think I am weird so approaching them to discuss feet doesn't seem strange to them!!!) and they say they've also found this. Waist lines and feet... expand in middle age ... Who knew!

PS I also purchased a decent pair of running socks (from bored teenagers shop)... they were a good investment... I'm old and out of date and remember when everything was supposed to be cotton. The modern man-made wicking stuff is much better... though I still run in old cotton t shirts.

Appologies for this waffle ... Regard john

[Chris9R Graduate]

That's just what I needed to read John thanks.

I'm coming up to 44, I'm 6 ft 1 and 18 stone & I want to get fit and loose weight. I do have a bit of motivation I'm getting married for the second time next year. So I have just over 14 months to do it.

Apart from that I want to run a 10k race. I'm not really sure why I want to but i do.

[Kingfisherk26 Graduate in reply to Chris9R]

Hi again Chris,

I was 18 stone plus and I well under 6 foot and when I started I was 50... so you've already several advantages over me... ha, ha!

Some of the key things I've learnt from the plan and this site are:

(Just re read this and it sounds like a lecture sorry ... occupational hazard of been a teacher!!!)

1. START NOW... don't put it off. Down load the podcasts. Put on the trainers you've got and get out there... the sooner you start.... Laura will keep you going.

2. You need determination. You've got to keep at it. Its easy to get fed up and stop or not start. One post I read (I cant remember who) said that as soon as you start you are already doing better than every one who is still sitting at home. There is no magic kit you can buy or plan to follow. there seems to be a whole industry based on selling equipment that will change your life without any effort... the effort is the key thing... in my experience.

3. A lot of people will not be running for 5k in 30 mins at the end of C25K. Its a fantastic program but really its aim is to get you running for 30 mins without stopping. I can now do this. Before the program I was out of breath going up the stairs and sweating like a pig in a sauna. I am VERY slow and in 30 mins I am about 4k... who cares... see point 2!!!

4. I am now also thinking about 10k. The other thing to have a look at, when you have been running for a bit is Parkrun. There is a website for it and plenty of posts about it here. I've done a couple and ... maybe enjoy isn't the right word as I try to push myself... but the sense of achievement I have had after completing 3 laps of my local park at 9 am on a Sat with about 300 other people is amazing. you have to register and print off a barcode but its FREE and seems very well organised.

5. Things I have bought that help (contradicts some of what I've said about kit in point 2....) I have joined a gym and use the running machines there... sometimes late at night is the only time I have. I recently bought off eBay a used GPS watch. Some one at Parkrun suggested it. Mine is a Garmin Forerunner 10. It is an out of date model and I don't think its made anymore but it measures speed distance etc and its great fun uploading it onto their site (Garmin Connect) and it gives you a little map of where you have run. The later more expensive models have heart monitors ... I am not recommending a make as I am a real novice... but its adding interest and motivation for me. Also treated myself to a natty graduation running shirt... That was something stupid I was aiming at!!!

Good luck with you running and wedding. Regards john

[Chris9R Graduate]

Well we're out all day today at the inlaws for Easter lunch and stuff. But I plan on starting in the morning, we have a collie dog who's up for it and to be honest there's no stopping her. she's great a companion and I already walk her a lot.

I'll post about it tomorrow I'm sure

Chris