New to exercise - Need to improve health - Support and advice please - running shoes especially

[TJFattoFitNurse]

Hi, I am new to this and will appreciate any support.

I am about to hit 55 yrs and my wonderful GP (She really is...) has just had stern words with me about losing weight, reducing blood sugar and cholesterol. I have promised to lose weight and in addition I have committed to starting Sofa to 5k. As I also plan to use this as a tool to fund-raise for my sons expedition to Borneo in 18 months time I hoping that this will give me the impetus to change my life for the better.

So where to start? I have managed to get my son to join me in the getting fit - as long as I do not interfere with his GCSE studying! He has impressed me with his study ethic.

So - How do I choose the best lower budget running shoes to start my journey?

Thanks

[micey2 Graduate]

Hi and welcome to the start of your new lifestyle, my only advice is to make sure that you invest in the very best running shoes you can afford along with a gait analysis. I’m uncomfortably close to 59 and not by any means a racing snake. I tried running in ordinary trainers but just made my hip sore so went to a fitness shop that had good reviews was honest about my budget and although I paid 80.00 for my shoes the difference was amazing. I’ve just graduated so anyone can believe me. You’ll get loads of support and good advice here good luck

[TJFattoFitNurse in reply to micey2]

Thanks, I'll keep that advice in mind

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and includes a link to advice about shoes along with many other topics.

Enjoy your journey.

[TJFattoFitNurse in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks

[John_W Graduate Ambassador]

Comfort is everything and size is important too. You want AT LEAST a half size up on your normal shoe size. You don't have to pay huge sums either ... don't be persuaded to shell out over £80 or so... it's just not necessary. Go to somewhere like DW Sports and try on LOTS of pairs and get a feel for what you like. SportsDirect do their range of Karrimors and suit a lot of budgets - worth considering.

Good luck - it's a great journey!

John

[Tonkabella]

Hi and welcome 😊. I agree with John W. I use Karrimors they Suit Me. I have tried expensive Nike and Adidas but they just don’t feel right and now sit lounging in the bottom of a cupboard. I tried on loads of pairs till that “something” clicked. So for me my £30 Karrimors from Sports Direct are the ones. The only other advice,which you will find it said on here is “go slow” ... embrace your inner Snail. Enjoy your journey 🏃🏼‍♀️😊

[TJFattoFitNurse in reply to Tonkabella]

Great , thanks for tips. You are right about the snail

[Time_to_run Graduate]

I’m no shoe expert, I wear New Balance Zante V3 but they work for me & not necessarily for others so I’ll leave the shoe advice to others.

My biggest piece of advice though is to rest on the rest days, even when you feel you can run again you must rest, your body will be fitter & stronger as a result.

The other bit of advice which I learnt from this forum is that fir a 5k run I don’t need to faff about carrying a water bottle with me, if you stay hydrated through the day then you’ll be fine for 5k.

Good luck with your new life and welcome to the forum.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I got a pair of Asics trainers a few weeks back paid £55 best trainers I have run in but that's what suits me you would have to find and try on what suits you good luck