Hi! I’ve not long ago started c25k (i’m about to do W2D3 later today!) but the only trainers I had when I started were the ones in the picture, and I didn’t want to fork out for trainers when I wasn’t sure I would 100% commit. but I think they may be too heavy, and I need to buy new trainers half a size up anyway as these are a tad too small once I’m about halfway into a run.
I’m willing to spend a bit more now, and I know everyone’s different but I was just wondering if there’s any trainers anyone thinks I should try out?
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caitruns
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Asics or Brooks are good as they tend to specialise in running trainers unlike say Nike or admirals. Go to a proper running shop and try a few on. They will give lots of advice.
I was in the same position as you when I started seven weeks ago. I had a bit of a look about and in the end I ended up going to a specialist running shop and they tested my running style on a treadmill.
In the end I ended up spending £100 on a pair of new trainers, but it's been well worth it as I have no shin splints or any joint pain!
Seems a bit pricey but it's been one of my motivations to keep running!!!
Thank you! Good to know I’m not the only one who’s experienced this! 😄 I will visit a running shop, everyone’s recommended it. I was sceptical before but it does seem well worth it. Thanks again!!
Thank you so much for linking me to this post! Really helpful I already got some proper socks and felt the difference immediately!! Hopefully the right shoes will have as great an impact!
The nearest running shop to me is miles away and without having a car, it'd be like a whole day trip so I haven't bothered doing the gait analysis yet. I just bought a pair of Brooks Ghost 10 today online so I'll see if they fit or not and just carry on regardless.
Yeah I get you, I’m in a similar situation. I also get really anxious about going to new places (like running shops) because I don’t know the protocol or anything like that. Might seem silly but I’m going to have to motivate myself more to go to the shop than to go for a run!
Never did gait analysis myself. Some people swear by it, but it's not scientific. However, a good quality, comfortable pair of trainers will do you wonders.
Hi Caitruns, we cannot recommend getting professional advice enough on this forum. I know that you said "I also get really anxious about going to new places (like running shops) because I don’t know the protocol or anything like that" but if you go to a shop specialising in running, you'll get looked after by a runner. And (as you have discovered) runners seem to be kind, generous and patient.
Most specialist running stores (not the warehouses run on retail parks that sell sport-related fashion-ware) will be happy to offer free gait analysis. Go wearing your running things, including your great socks and those karrimor trainers. They will get you on a treadmill (or maybe get you running around the car park) and most likely video you running. So make sure that you are happy to run for 5 minutes on a treadmill (or tell the assistant that you are not happy on a treadmill). Don't worry about your lack of experience or your running style, the assistant will know that you are new to running and will just be happy to welcome you to the shop (you'll end up being a good customer).
After the gait analysis, the shop assistant will bring a section of shoes that match your running style/gait (and the type of surface that you run on, your pronation (or lack of) and the distance that you run). You'll get the chance to run on the treadmill in the shoes to see how you get along.
It would be fair at this point to discuss your budget with the shop. They'll have discounted less popular colours, last years' models that they didn't sell, things in the sale, as well as the latest fancy model in the season's fashionable colours at full price. OF course, you shouldn't feel pressured into buying something, but at the same time, after the care and attention, try to avoid taking the make and model and rushing home to buy from an online store. We all want the running shops to stay in business.
Most running shops will offer a guarantee - if you've run in the shoes but cannot get on with them, they'll welcome you back to find an alternative pair.
Let us know how you get on, and don't forget to post a photo of your new shoes!
Fully agree with all of this. I went to a running shop. Did the gait analysis and got sorted. I then was able to buy my second pair of shoes discounted as I knew which ones to buy. Plus when I had an issue with the pair I bought they were changed no issues at all.
Did feel like a bit of a loon running in a shop, but they are used to it all the time.
Thank you so much, this has really made me feel so much better about going to a running shop, now that I know what exactly to expect. I will have to save up for a bit first, but I will definitely go as soon as I can afford it! Thanks again!!!
Went to a chain called sweatshop and they scanned and fitted me with a pair of brookes
It’s definitely worth going to a specialist shop as scrimping on costs is not worth the risk of injury and the comfort will add to your pleasure of running, most will also let you try your shoes out on a tread mill, my first experience was pre C25k and they had to stop the treadmill due to my lack of running ability, I’m now 8 months post graduate having started C25k in October last year
I’m loving it have run 3 times a week religiously since the beginning of the year and my Brookes are a vital part of my kit
Sometimes last seasons shoes are about 20% cheaper so worth going for if you are on a budget
Yes, I do think it's worth it. I'm always worried about injuries as well so I have decided I will definitely be going as soon as I can afford it - though I'm sure they'll have to stop the treadmill for me too if I manage to go before week 4 haha! Thank you for your help!!
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