Hello lovely runners,
I’m just about to start week 5. So far I’ve been doing the programme at home on the treadmill as I don’t feel comfortable enough yet to run outdoors.
Just curious to see if there’s anyone else like me. I also don’t have proper running shoes (currently wearing Nike’s). Would I need to invest in proper running shoes for outdoors?
Thanks, x
Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Running outdoors is different to the treadmill and stimulating in a way that dreadmills can never reproduce.
For the runs from here onwards I would recommend that you wear proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop, regardless of being indoors or outdoors. Fashion trainers are not running shoes and do not give appropriate support.
Enjoy your journey.......... it's nice out!
Thank you. I’ll look into new running shoes xx
Hi again, there’s something I’m really interested about. Running shoes. What’s wrong with the Nike, if any? When I first decided to go for a run, I paid a visit to a well known sport store, told them what I’m after, they gave me a pair of Nike running shoes, and my feet are fine. Am I on the wrong side, once again? Thanks
I wouldn’t buy Nike on ethical grounds, but in terms of technical quality I think maybe the OP just means the ones she has aren’t running shoes. Nike do make proper running shoes but like many of the major brands they also make trainers for the fashion market which are not meant for running so you need to know what you’re buying.
Where I went, they took some photos of my feet, made some measurements, and this is how I got into Nike. If the store had or hadn’t a bonus for recommending Nike, I don’t know. Please tell me more about ethical ground of not buying Nike. Thank you
Thank you, Arthur. So in terms of good running shoes, is there a particular brand and price range I should look at?
The trainers I have were the first pair I have bought in years and were just for general use, that said I didn’t really wear them till I started the C25k 😬
In the guide to the plan there is a link to a post about buying shoes.
Thank you, I’ll check that out. 😬
In a word, no. Don’t buy on brand and within the limits of what you can afford don’t buy on price either. You need the right shoes for YOUR feet and YOUR running style. Get a gait analysis done in a proper running shop where they film you in a treadmill so they know if you need extra support to correct over- or under-pronation. If you get knee or calf pain when you run, tell them so they give you something with extra cushioning. It costs more that way but you can get your next pair online once you know what you need.
What are you wearing for the treadmill?
It doesn't need to be a huge investment. Once you know what shoes you need (they are likely to be bigger than your street shoes) you can always check out online deals, or just ask the run shop for their best budget options.
Black nike running trainers, from memory they cost me £50 a couple of years ago. Needless to say they’ve not been worn much till now and unsure if they would be suitable for outdoor running - my friend has finished the C25k and advised to get better shoes for outdoor, she invested in a pair at £140. Xx
It depends. They most important thing to understand is that what suits your friend won’t necessarily suit you. If they fit comfortably and are designed for running, and it doesn’t hurt you to run in them, they’re fine. If you go for a gait analysis at a running shop they video you on a treadmill, they don’t take you into the street.
Yes, that I do understand.
I’ll get myself to the relevant store for a proper fitting.
Thank you very much. Most helpful x
It doesn't matter where you run, better to be moving than sitting on the couch! I think most people here would advocate running out doors- it is just much, much nicer. This morning was a beautiful sunny morning here; cold and full of birdsong. Many feel uncomfortable at first but over time, your confidence will grow and you will soon learn to love it, I'm sure 
As for shoes- it's the one thing in which you really should invest. Look after your feet and they will serve you well.
Thank you, yeah I have felt that too, maybe I just need to take a leap of faith. Fortune favours the bold!
I dance and invest in proper dance shoes for that reason, I need to look after my feet when dancing too, so I guess same principle for running eh!
Xx
I only started on Tuesday last week and I was terrified of running in front of anybody. I went with a friend on the first one (it was raining and dark so that was fine) and then my 2nd run I went to the park, alone yesterday morning and I was surprised at how little I cared. You just get in the zone and focus on what’s in front of you. I am by no means an expert as I’ve only done 2 but must say I’m looking forward to going to the park tomorrow morning with my 6 year old and doing my 3rd one 😅
Treadmill or outdoors? 
Treadmill v running outside.
Treadmill to outdoor running
Treadmill v outdoors and calf pain
Any advice on transitioning from treadmill to outdoor running?
