When I started Couch to 5K in the lockdown, I read about gait analysis, but of course it wasn’t possible to get one done as everywhere was closed. I took a chance that I had a neutral gait and bought some trail shoes online. They weren’t that expensive and I was really pleased with them. I completed C25K in them, on grass and wanted to hit the roads after graduating so bought some road runners, the same brand (Salomon). Again online. They’ve served me well!
I’ve been aware for a while that surely these road shoes must be worn out by now! There aren’t any holes or obvious signs of wear but the support won’t be as effective. I’ve been worried about getting a gait analysis done as you have to run on a treadmill. I had never done that before and I didn’t want to look stupid. I also didn’t know whether I’d even be able to do it! I had visions of myself flying off the treadmill!
So. It was time. I was staying in Staffs with my partner and found a shop nearby in Alderley Edge called Running Bear. You didn’t have to make an appointment for gait analysis so I strolled in with fake confidence to get the lay of the land. I had a few moments to drool over all the running shoes on display! The guy there was so knowledgable and helpful. I confessed my worries about the treadmill and he said he’d probably only need 10 seconds or so once I’d got up to speed. Fortunately, the speed wasn’t too fast for me (another of my worries!) He gave me some neutral shoes to wear. It was a weird experience but not hugely difficult. He operated the treadmill for me. I did feel a little off balance and constricted by the lack of width of the machine. Maybe I usually run all over the place! When he turned it off he made sure I knew to keep running until it slowed right down. He confirmed that I had a neutral gait and I had such fun trying on the shoes. He commented on the fit of the shoes so I knew I would be buying ones that fit me properly. He asked questions about the runs I was likely to be doing. All runners like to talk about their running! 😊 (That part took a while!)
I bought 2 pairs of shoes, having decided to get some new trail shoes as well. It was definitely worth going there!
So if you’ve started Couch to 5K and decided that’s it’s time to invest in a pair of running shoes, don’t hesitate to get a gait analysis done. You’ll get a load of good advice. Look for reviews on the running shop, too.
I took my new runners out for a spin this morning and was very happy!
Pic shows my new Brooks Ghost 15 road runners. 🥰 They felt great!
Written by
Jools2020
Graduate
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It's strange the things that make us anxious, my daughter got very anxious about an eye test, I just got all excited to be getting new glasses that make me see better. I am pretty rough, it's strange being just me when unwell, my voice is pretty rough but at least it's something, yesterday I spoke to the cat and nothing came out. I'm passing the time by reading eating and sleeping, but my daughter says she's better now and grandson and granddaughter almost there, so it'll only be a few more days for me hopefully 😊🤞😊 apparently it's swept through the hospital where my daughter works but passing now.
There’s no explaining why certain things make us anxious!
Good that you’re taking care of yourself, hopefully by taking it easy! There are some advantages to being on your own when unwell! But mostly, it’s not nice. No-one to make chicken soup or bring Lemsips!
The big advantage is I don't have to pretend I'm ok, and I can eat and sleep when I want 😁 I think I'm on the mend, Garmin tells me my heartrate and stress levels are coming back down 😊
It’s a small world! We drove there from Leek, about 35 minutes away. I go up there every now and then for a long weekend. I’ll be going back there for running clothes, it’s such a great shop with helpful staff!
I was nervous when I went for my gait analysis at Running Bear in Nantwich but they were so kind and professional. I have a neutral gait as well and the running shoes I bought are perfect. The staff there have also advised me on socks and other things so I often pop in there when in in town!
Oh you went to Running Bear as well! I saw there was one in Nantwich. It’s a great shop. And I’m glad you had a good experience as well with the gait analysis. I could spend a fortune in there. Oh wait, I DID spend a fortune in there 🤣
😂 Well, I needed a pair of trail shoes,too! And I knew they’d give me a discount if I asked. (They did!) But I didn’t look too closely at the rest of the shop. I didn’t dare. No doubt I would have seen a lot of stuff that I didn’t know I needed!
I’ve added my new shoes to Strava, so I can monitor the mileage I run in them. I hadn’t done that with my other shoes, but I estimate that I ran about 900 - 1000 km in my old shoes. That’s pushing it and I’m convinced that a minor knee twinge I’ve been having has been due to worn out support in the shoe. I know that we are the same age so we need to look out for these twinges! I’m increasing distance so need to be twinge-free 😊
Gait analysis was a game changer for me. I wondered why I had (sometimes excruciating) calf pain despite diligently stretching before and after each run.
TBH, I was at the end of my tether and about to throw in the towel at Week 6 when I came across a post about gait analysis on here. Well, it turns out I pronate A LOT when I run (who knew!), so I got the right shoes and I have never looked back 😀 Two years on, and still no calf pain.
I would recommend anyone with pain issues have their gait looked at it - it could be a game changer for you too!
Fantastic that it made such a difference for you! That shows why it’s such a good idea to have it done. My knee pain is just a twinge, time will tell if it was caused by my running shoes. Looking closely at my old shoes, the heel was worn down.
Well done for conquering your fear! The first gait analysis I had done was many years ago at Camden (I lived in London at the time), and they didn't have a treadmill - they had to watch me run up and down the pavement outside the shop!! Very embarrassing!I overpronate a lot but I have custom insoles now. You have reminded me however, that my current road shoes have done way over the recommended amount...I totted up the miles on Garmin Connect and I think I am due a new pair!
Thanks! I did feel rather pleased with myself. I’m definitely going to keep a running total now of how many kms I run on my new shoes! Just added them to Strava and it will do that for me.
We forget sometimes how technology has changed our lives! Of course there were runners before gait analysis on a treadmill became a ‘thing’! Amusing to think of you running outside the shop! Can’t have been an exact science 😊
I suppose gait can change depending on all sorts of factors. My coach was saying that hers changed after she had a baby. I’m sure age can be a factor, so I think I will continue to have mine checked every time I need new shoes. Next time I won’t be so worried about it!
Hi Jools, I read your post with interest as I am thinking about booking gait analysis. My running trainers are needing replaced. I don’t want to spend a fortune on shoes when I have graduated and just running about 5k a couple of times a week. Would you still recommend going if you didn’t want to pay over £100? Thanks.
Yes, I certainly would! The results are helpul whatever the cost of the shoes. But I would check that the shop does stock shoes in the price range you’re looking at. If you don’t buy shoes following the gait analysis, some shops will make a charge for the analysis.
Plus - sometimes you’ll try on some shoes that you just must have! As soon as I put on the Brooks Ghost, I knew they were mine! I think they were about £130 but I got a deal on them because I bought trail shoes, too.
Thanks Jools, I’ve a pair of Nike Miler that I bought in the sale plus ASICS. Both were around £70 with sale discount. I’ll book and go next week hopefully.
I’ve bought Hoka Harahi 7 running shoes. I had to go up a size! They also noticed a slight inwards turn of my right ankle. I’m not sure if this has been causing issues with my left hamstring and ITB?!
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