Nooooo(new) shooooooes: So, as a promise to... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Nooooo(new) shooooooes

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate
54 Replies

So, as a promise to myself I said I would get some new shoes from a proper running shop with all the trimmings: gait analysis and a good old chat with the experts.

Turns out I over pronate quite a bit and require more support- who knew!

These are the most expensive footwear I have ever bought...

And I can tell the difference for sure!

These are super comfy, bouncy and I’ve even taken them on a short jog to the shops and back- so much better than my old cheap trainers for sure!

Anyway, for those that may be interested (and a reference to myself when I look back on these posts and something of a diary) here is a photo of my new favourite shoes:

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iBard profile image
iBard
Graduate
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54 Replies

So jealous...enjoy, they sound wonderful, maybe when I graduate...

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to

I promised them to myself if I got to week 4- apparently with the length of runs increasing this is a good time to invest in some good shoes..

in reply to iBard

thanks, I’ll get some very soon, there’s a little bit of life left in my shoes, they’re just old and a bit grubby 😬

Phdgranny profile image
PhdgrannyGraduate

Well, we both got new shoes, amazingly I seem to have a completely neutral gait l wanted the same colour as yours but they didn’t have them in my size and didn’t want to wait in case shop is shut before they arrived! So I had to have blue! Keep posting!

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Phdgranny

I was hoping for red/ black but I now love these more:)

I’m going to work on improving my ankle muscles to reduce the ‘pronation’

Phdgranny profile image
PhdgrannyGraduate in reply to iBard

I used to stand with balls of feet on a step and do dips, worked for a weak Achilles x

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Phdgranny

I am going to have a good research into what works- the guy in the shop said to practice balancing on one foot.

in reply to iBard

And with your eyes closed is better oddly.

Comfortnotspeed profile image
Comfortnotspeed

Fabulous!!! Jealous. Will the shops be open on Sat I wonder?

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed

Run there fast!

in reply to Comfortnotspeed

I get my new balance online now :-)

Lostintherun profile image
Lostintherun

They're lovely 😍 I definitely need to be looked at. I only got as far as run 2 week 2 and just had to take a week of work because I cant bear weight on my knee. Of course I only had a telephone consultation with a nurse practitioner because of the current climate.

Where do you go in the UK for a gait consultation?

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Lostintherun

The running shop I went to was called ‘advance performance’- I’m sure other brands are available 😂

The website said they did gait analysis and it was free- as long as I bought the trainers there- which I wanted to do anyway so, bargain!

Lostintherun profile image
Lostintherun in reply to iBard

Ooh! I've googled it and there's a store in my nearest city saying they will do a gait analysis! Just need to get this knee better. Patience not one of my qualities but I will not give up running even when friends have told me to stop. I will get the correct advice, shoes and do the warm-ups and downs. I will be doing that park run in the summer 😊🦵🏃‍♀️👍

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Lostintherun

Do you have any advice on strengthening your knees?

Lostintherun profile image
Lostintherun in reply to iBard

She just told me rest and gentle exercise. Not to do couch to 5k for 6 - 8 weeks and then maybe start with just walking. She said normally they would refer me to physiotherapy but of course they're on shut down too. Heat pads, ibuprofen, paracetamol. I have Googled physio tho and found some exercises to stretch my knee. Been left out to dry really but I work for the NHS so I know what pressure they're under. You got any suggestions?

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Lostintherun

I’m very NOT qualified to give physio advice!

All I know is I’m going to look for some decent and well sourced info on exercises to strengthen my ankles.

And not to advise anyone on things I don’t know!😂😂

Lostintherun profile image
Lostintherun in reply to iBard

Quite right too! Google is a wonderful thing. Especially the NHS sites, but I am biased 😇

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Lostintherun

I am pro-NHS for sure so no worries about that bias😂

Tracyrose profile image
Tracyrose in reply to iBard

I'm new to all this.

Can I ask what is gait ?

What is gait analysis?

Thank you.

in reply to Tracyrose

Your gait relates to how to run. For example, some people naturally hit the ground with their heel first on each step and roll through to push off with the ball of their foot and their toes, some land mid foot and a few land on their toes and kinda bounce off again!

Many problems further up the body stem from how we run. A huge percentage of runners will (without knowing) strike the ground and sort of roll inwards, (pronates) so their weight is mainly on the inside of their feet and arches, putting a strain on inner ankles and knees and perhaps hips and back. Some people’s run style involves a roll to the outer side of the foot which has its own effects.

A gait analysis works out how people’s run style works and retailers sell shoes that aim to correct gait problems.

We don’t usually know we have these oddities until we run a lot and start getting persistent pains.

PBR1 profile image
PBR1 in reply to Tracyrose

Hi Tracy, Gait analysis is the study of the running style of any individual or athlete, employing deep analysis of statistics and dynamics. It helps in determining the right kind of running shoes and other necessary sport accessories for you. If you can find someone like PB Running 3D Gait Lab in Cornwall then they use a 3D biomechanics room with state-of-the-art facilities including treadmills, cameras and motion capture software that helps to analyse your running gait. They have professionals who can help you in choosing the shoes and accessories that best suit your running style.

Oldgirlruns profile image
OldgirlrunsGraduate in reply to Lostintherun

Hi Lost - it depends where you live really. A good independent running shop should be able to help you.

Wenderwoo profile image
WenderwooGraduate

Very nice indeed!

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Wenderwoo

They feel even better than they look!😁😁😁

I have those shoes! I looooove New Balance and now have three pairs.

Hope you continue to enjoy them.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate

Lovely sirs and nice they are so much more comfy

SunnyDay2018 profile image
SunnyDay2018

I did same thing last year!!! I love my shoes and only wear for treadmill. Most expensive for me too but def worth it

Lesaspie profile image
LesaspieGraduate

These are lovely! Well done. The expense doesn't matter if you get what you want.

Sparkey5000 profile image
Sparkey5000Graduate

Love new balance shoes! Love those trainers! When I bought mine they were the most expensive shoes I’d ever bought too. Enjoy your treat and the benefits that come from proper trainers!

BOBOZ profile image
BOBOZGraduate

Great.

I use New Balance - and they have proved an excellent choice.

Do these have gel inserts already? If not, seriously consider getting them.

I went to an Athletes Foot here in Sydney and the service was great.

I too got some Noooooshus at week 4, because my 2 year old £15 shoes, were apparently not cushioning. I just got some Asics from Sports Direct - the big shop will happen at week 9. I am surprised how much I am enjoying the runs, even when they are happening....

Nice shoes 😉

kneeshavegone profile image
kneeshavegoneGraduate

Nice work.

I got some ASICS gel shoes after week 2 as I have a bit of plantar fasciitis and running on ten year old plus manky Adidas steeple trainers was not helping. The difference proper footwear made to me was absolutely astonishing so I fully understand your post.

Katerinasupacat profile image
Katerinasupacat

Ohhh! They look super cool! It's my plan to get some 'proper shoes too. It sounds as though it's worth the cash!! Good luck with your improved running 😊

Minimoke2 profile image
Minimoke2

I was all set to do exactly what you have done, go to a proper running shop, get the gait analysis done etc.

However I have now lost my job,a victim of Corona Virus, and am worrying about the cost of the decent shoes.

I got to WK 6; but then had to stop due to knee problems.

Ironically I now have plenty of time on my hands and need to exercise to stay on top, of all the awful stuff that is happening at the moment.

Can anyone recommend good shoes that don’t cost a fortune? Or are those words not compatible!!

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Minimoke2

I’m no expert but you might look online for some NHS approved muscle/joint exercises to build up before running again?

That way it’s free!

And doable in your own home..

And sets you up nicely for when you are ready to run again...

Best would’ve to get some physio to look at the knees and get some properly gentle but strengthening exercises..

But, I’m sure physio isn’t on the NHS critical list during corona-time!

Swimming?

Minimoke2 profile image
Minimoke2 in reply to iBard

Thanks Bard, saw the physio before CV hit!

She showed me some exercises and also recommended certain supplements to take.

Magnesium, apparently very important for women! I’m doing those NHS exercises and as of yesterday bought new shoes. Early birthday present from my sis!!

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate in reply to Minimoke2

Hi minimoke. So sorry to hear of your job loss. The employment laws in this country are very, very poor for the employee. Hope you find something soon. To answer your question, shoes do not have to cost a fortune. I'd suggest you find a proper running shop, go in and ask what they have in your size and last years model. Take your old shoes in with you, explain what your are doing nand if the shop people are any good ( and especially if you havent had any problems so far) they should be able to advise you and set you up with something decent. Our local shop were super helpful and surprise, surprise, I've gone back there. In these difficult times you may also find that running is a huge benefit to you. Keep on with it if you can.

Cheers

John

Minimoke2 profile image
Minimoke2 in reply to johnm12

Thanks John. I bit the bullet and went into a

local running shop owned by a runner.

I tried several different brands, and sizes, and he watched me run. Thanks to my sister, giving me an early birthday present, I now have a pair of Brooks shoes. I noticed the difference immediately. I will build up the running very cautiously!

I’m getting out while we are still allowed to!

Best,

Yvonne

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate in reply to Minimoke2

Thats excellent. Heres to many happy km in your new shoes. Think I might go for a "socially distant" run tomorrow morning!

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate

Oooh pretty pretty...ok very manly...and sporty. Feet will be looking good, iBard.

Happy running 🏃‍♂️👍

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Nilsam

They can be pretty AND manly😁😜

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate in reply to iBard

Oh good...then that they are and I am sure they will make you run faster. 🏃‍♂️

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Nilsam

I think they did today!

Nilsam profile image
NilsamGraduate in reply to iBard

👍

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate

Best investment for any runner IMHO. I bet they wont look that shiny for long though ! I know they are expensive BUT compared to any other sport I can think of running is super cheap. Time to start wearing them out!

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to johnm12

I’m going to try to keep them as shiny and pretty as possible!

But not through lack of running!😂

Or hopping about round puddles.. that way lies twisted ankles..

But finding a nice clean path to run on... hah! That would be nice

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate in reply to iBard

OK all noted. Congrats on your running so far. I did C25K 2 years ago and its been massively beneficial for me. Just started running again after 6 weeks off due to injury ( ski not running related). Amazed how much I missed it!

pippkins profile image
pippkinsGraduate

Ooh very smart!! :)

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to pippkins

Yes 😁

And snazzy!

And super comfy!

(Can you tell I’m very happy with them?😂)

pippkins profile image
pippkinsGraduate in reply to iBard

Hehe, oh yes! 😁😆

Wobblebits profile image
Wobblebits

Hi they are lovely I did the same thing at Christmas . Well done for doing C25K ! I dont know if anyone told you or if I am too late but its worth wearing them around the house before you run in them.

I didnt know and did a park run tbe day after purchase and ended up with a limp for a few weeks and some physio sessions. It was quite painful on my knees but it was the muscles that were spasming and pulling on them. Havent been running since new year because of it. So be careful and do extra stretches :)

Im going to start walking park run course and work back up to it.

iBard profile image
iBardGraduate in reply to Wobblebits

Thanks for the concern and info:)

The nice running shoe experts did fill me in on the need to break them in with some walking about first.

- although they are sooo comfy I don’t think they needed it!😂

Hope you get back to your former self ASAP:)

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