New to running, help me with footwear and advice please.

pfpf wrote: »

so, on to my questions.

having only worn my old addidas trainers I'm now looking for something just for my running. ideally £30ish but I am very aware how much running shoes can be. I'd like to start with a cheaper pair if possible until I know i'll be sticking at it. I don't intend running more than 5k.

i was looking at these but no knowledge what so ever. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Sollomensi-Running-Sneakers-Trainers-Athletic/dp/B01IXSTO0C/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?s=shoes&ie=UTF8&qid=1536527494&sr=1-2-spons&keywords=running%2Bshoes&th=1

i found during each run i didn't have to stop for rests and my breathing was really good and smooth, someone told me that if i was breathing that easy i wasn't running quick enough. the problem is that although i was breathing well and felt good my legs were just so heavy, like lead weights. is there any advice regarding this issue?

thanks for reading and hopefully i can get some useful comments.

pfpf.

I would strongly advise not to buy a pair of running shoes without trying them on first. You could end up injuring yourself, and IMO it's just not worth it. That £30 could end up putting you off running, whereas a pair of properly fitted shoes that may be more expensive might encourage you to run more.
There are different types of shoe depending on how your feet and legs move, so if you can, find a shop that will perform a gait analysis. Some mainstream sports shops will offer that service and are more likely to have reduced price trainers. They will probably be less thorough than a specialist shop, but at least you will have an idea of what type of shoe you need.
As a bare minimum, use the wet foot test to get an idea what type of shoe you might need and look for some shoes of the same type, but whatever type of shoe it indicates, always make sure you try before you buy. For example, I overpronate quite a bit so wear a support/stability shoe, but I can't wear Saucony because they're the wrong shape for my feet.

It's not surprising that your legs are giving out before your lungs if you're cycling a lot already - you probably have good cardio fitness and running uses your muscles very differently to cycling. Contrary to what you've been told, there is nothing wrong with that. Besides, who's to say what's quick enough for you? It doesn't matter how fast you got to the finish, it only matters that you achieved your (realistic) goal and enjoyed the experience. From what you've said you ticked both those boxes, in which case you were running quick enough and should feel very proud of what you've done. :beer:

To stop your legs feeling heavy, the only thing that will really help is running more. It depends how much time you have on your hands and what you want to achieve with your running. Just from doing parkrun every week, or most weeks, you will get stronger and your legs will ache less, but that change will be slower than if you also go running during the week.
If you're going for additional runs, I would suggest making them slower and longer so that you're not stressing your body too much. Save your speed for parkrun and focus on banking some gentle miles just to get your legs used to it, maybe aim for 5k in 35-40 minutes.

I saw an article / review yesterday for the Declathon branded Kalenji trainers were decent for a pair of entry running trainers. I doubt we'll be seeing Mo Farah in them but they should do while you decide if you want to keep running longer term.

From experience of not doing so and ended up with a very painful ankle (running support needed for 2yrs and still prone to being sore if I don't check my gait), I would highly recommend trying any trainer on in store before purchasing.

I agree try Decathlon. We started out with theirs before upping our distance and getting "proper stuff".

If and when you do go more expensive get a proper gait analysis and try on loads of pair until you gt the right fit. Then you can often get them much cheaper online (https://www.sportsshoes.com/ are very good).

As for leg stiffness/heaviness, dynamic stretch before running, static stretch after, also try foam rollers, although be prepared to swear lots as it f*****g hurts :rotfl:

Some people also recommend lying on your back with your legs up a wall after a run but I have never tried it.

PS. 31 mins is a really good time for just starting out. :T

Glad wrote: »

my running coach says that when starting out just choose a pair that fits, are comfy and suit the terrain

Top advice this and it doesn't just hold to starting out! Gait analysis in a shop are largely pointless as you can't tell anything about how the entire body is working by just looking at the foot.

I went to Go Outdoors, and got the most comfortable pair in my size, then found another pair of much much fancier running shoes barely worn in a charity shop.
Both I tried on, both I required to be comfortable stood, walking & running.

You are already running a load further & lost more weight than I so Blinking Well Done & try 'em on First!