getting started with running

ShakeyStacey

Ooooh I'm glad I found this board. I'm just looking into starting running myself. I don't even have a pair of trainers, and I don't think my converse will be much good for running. I almost picked up a cheap pair for €7 yesterday in Penney's (Irish Primark) but they didn't have my size. Should I stretch for a better pair. 30 quid is not too bad if they will last. Where should I go? There are a few sports shops in my area but I am not sure what I am looking for. Would it be cheaper to buy online?

*mudangel*

ShakeyStacey wrote: »

I don't even have a pair of trainers, and I don't think my converse will be much good for running. I almost picked up a cheap pair for €7 yesterday in Penney's (Irish Primark) but they didn't have my size. Should I stretch for a better pair. 30 quid is not too bad if they will last. Where should I go? There are a few sports shops in my area but I am not sure what I am looking for. Would it be cheaper to buy online?

Haha! When I first started running years ago, I got up to doing 8 miles in a pair of Converse All Stars. Not a niggle in sight. However, I'm not recommending you do that! Do you have a specialist running shop nearby? (I'd avoid JD Sports or any of those generic sport shops like the plague - you need people who have an idea what they're talking about. Of course, they may have upped their game, so if anyone wants to correct me, that's fine.)

Standard practice is to go to a decent running shop. They will probably put you on a treadmill and see how you run. They'll then give you a range of shoes which they think will suit you. You'll get your gait analysed in each pair. Your decision on which to go for will be based on how they feel (try them outside as well as on the treadmill if you can - most shops let you), what they do to your gait and what budget you set.

It can be tempting to buy a cheap pair over the internet, but this is very risky as unless you're familiar with the make and model of shoe you don't really know how you'll get on with what you're buying.

Hope that helps!

Fire_Fox

ShakeyStacey wrote: »

Ooooh I'm glad I found this board. I'm just looking into starting running myself. I don't even have a pair of trainers, and I don't think my converse will be much good for running. I almost picked up a cheap pair for €7 yesterday in Penney's (Irish Primark) but they didn't have my size. Should I stretch for a better pair. 30 quid is not too bad if they will last. Where should I go? There are a few sports shops in my area but I am not sure what I am looking for. Would it be cheaper to buy online?

Go to a running/ proper sports store, not a fashion sports shop. You want a gait analysis, usually they will measure your feet and look at the shape/ arches, you will be put on a treadmill and video'd, this service will be free. Up and Running and Runners Need seem to have branches in Ireland.

Do not just buy any old pair of shoes, running shoes are quite different to regular trainers they are designed to facilitate and protect during forward motion and prevent lateral motion. You need something that will stabilise your foot, prevent you from under or overpronating (foot rolls in or out) depending which you do, you may mildly or severely under or overpronate only a gait analysis will tell you which.

I mostly have Mizuno because I have very narrow feet, moderately overpronate, high arches that collapse on standing for a while - all this and more is taken into consideration when they choose the brand and model within the brand.

You could have the gait analysis done then purchase the same shoes cheaper online, but you'd have to persuade them to write down the exact model, you get that or last years version of the same thing (say Mizuno Wave Rider 16 but you go away and buy Wave Rider 15).

Wi88le

I'd recommend getting yourself an MP3 player for running if you don't already have one as it takes some of the monotony out of running, or use a smartphone for music as there are also some apps that can track your runs if you are interested in that. (GPS watches and/or a heart rate monitor can be bought fairly cheaply if you want some real time info when running)

Running data may not be for everyone but I like having it as a guide to the progress I am making and when to ease off a little more.

I'd also recommend looking into running on fore foot or midsole rather than heel strike if that is how you run as it is not the best way to run.

barbarawright

The c25k phone app is brilliant if you like listening to the radio or music or talking books or whatever while you run as it tells you to change from running to walking, and works out how far you've gone but otherwise leaves you undisturbed. All advice for beginners suggests you shouldn't run more than three times a week for the first few months as your muscles need time to recover and build strength.

thor

I go against the general advice about getting trainers from specialist runneing shops. I run middle distances(6 or 8 miles three times a week) and have no problems at all with cheap trainers as long as they feel comfortable. The ones I have now cost 20 quid and has lasted for well over a year, that is almost 1000 miles and will probably keep me going for another two if not more.
I think that all this running gait analysis etc that you get from specialists just gives a placebo effect feeling where because you think it is helping, you think it must be helping.

whizzybee

thor wrote: »

I go against the general advice about getting trainers from specialist runneing shops. I run middle distances(6 or 8 miles three times a week) and have no problems at all with cheap trainers as long as they feel comfortable. The ones I have now cost 20 quid and has lasted for well over a year, that is almost 1000 miles and will probably keep me going for another two if not more.
I think that all this running gait analysis etc that you get from specialists just gives a placebo effect feeling where because you think it is helping, you think it must be helping.

I understand your skepticism, however I began in cheap running trainers and was giving myself severe shin splints. Since being properly measured for running trainers I haven't had any problems. But then again, I do have flat feet therefore I severely overpronate (or under, I always forget but they are always aghast at the running shop!). Therefore I wouldn't buy expensive shoes from the off but I support getting gait analysed, just to make sure you don't cause yourself any long term problems. However I am very envious of anyone who has 'normal' feet and can run comfortably without specialist shoes!

thor

I guess maybe I am just lucky and don't have any skeletal - muscle problems which can be exacerbated by bad running shoes. It sure does save money though.

Fire_Fox

I really don't see that £30+ is that expensive anyway, it's not even like you have to pay for the gait analysis on top.

It's not simply volume that is the problem, it's very often changes in routine that trigger injury - more, faster, more often, new. Tow of the biggest predictors of injury are previous injury and consecutive days training.

VestanPance

thor wrote: »

I guess maybe I am just lucky and don't have any skeletal - muscle problems which can be exacerbated by bad running shoes. It sure does save money though.

There's no such thing as "bad" shoes. There is such a thing as the wrong shoes though.

I'd imagine like me you have naturally have a neutral running gait and an economical running style, which means most shoes will be fine for you and that you have a low injury risk.

I know seasoned runners that require specialist insoles in their shoes or they are wrecked by injuries. I also know one lad that is only injury free when using vilbram fivefingers. Even when he tries to use minimalist cushioned shoes he starts getting all sorts of injuries.

Don't ever believe the marketing hype in terms of cushioned shoes versus minimalist shoes versus barefoot running. Find what works for you in terms of comfort and running injury free and stick with that.