Starting Out any rookie advise please

I am just about to start C 2 5K not run for 30years any recommendations on running shoes please

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Welcome to the forum! We’re a friendly bunch who love to chat about all things running so you’re in the right place for some encouragement.

There’s a brilliant little guide to the programme here with lots of helpful hints and tips.  Well worth a read.  Most important is keeping it slow and steady at a pace where you can talk in full sentences without gasping.  Most of us go too fast!healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Regarding running shoes, it’s such an individual thing that nobody can tell you what will work for you without seeing you in person. You’re best visiting a local independent running shop who will be able to give you the best advice. It’s a good time to go now-there are lots of Black Friday deals around. There’s a post here you might like to read.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Once again, good luck! 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♀️

[nowster Graduate]

For the first week or two, you can wear some sensible shoes you feel comfortable in.

By sensible, I don't mean brogues. I wouldn't recommend high heels, wellies or Crocs. And in this weather, barefoot might be uncomfortable. 🤣

Expensive doesn't always mean good or appropriate. And the shoes a fun runner would use are not the same as those an elite sprinter would want.

[RunHattieRun]

I spent about £35 on my first pair (New Balance) because I didn’t know what I really needed or if I would stick at it. And I’m still wearing those shoes! Completed C25K steadily over 15 weeks, do a regular Parkrun, and I’m training for 10k now. I’d say don’t spend big on your first pair, you’ll learn what you really need as you go along.

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi Hidden , welcome! Having comfortable, supportive running shoes will help. However, it's going slowly, warming up and cooling down properly, hydrating sufficiently, taking rest days, sticking to the programme and believing in yourself that's the real secret to C25K. All that's covered in the programme guide linked by MissUnderstanding , so do give it a read, and please keep us posted on how things are going. Have fun!

[Hidden in reply to Cmoi]

thanks for the help

[Dendev75 Graduate]

Hi, for my first pair of running shoes (not knowing if I could do it I didn’t want to spend a lot), I went to Sports Direct running department and tried as many different brands until I found ‘New Balance’ for me suited my foot shape and I’ve since bought more expensive ‘NB’ ones since I completed ct5k. Good luck!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome to one of the best things ever... you have had some great replies... do make sure that you read the essential guide to running C25K, as advised. and that link on which shoes

Slow and steady as you move forward and enjoy!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

thank you

[Reggit Graduate]

I did my first run in walking boots (I kid you not!) as I decided on a whim one day whilst driving back from work - mid first covid lockdown so it was quiet.

After that I bought an unused pair of Nikes on eBay which saw me through the rest of the program.

As the distance built I was getting a few niggles here and there and went to a proper running shoe shop who sold me some shoes with the right support for my gait.

Running might not be for you, you’ll only find out as you progress through the plan. Certainly for the first 3-4 weeks of it you will be able to complete in any sensible trainer. After than you may want to consider visiting a running shop and investing in a good pair of shoes.

[Hidden in reply to Reggit]

thank you for your reply v helpful

[Ardenk Graduate]

I was skeptical of the go to a running shop for gate assessment thing, but I'm really pleased a did the recommended shoes were miles better than my normal trainers and he the ones sold were low end price. Was expecting to be pushed to the high end ones made from space age materials.