Running shop recommendation
Discussion
I don't know of anywhere in thatcham but I do know of a great shop in teddington called the sweatshop but it is far away from you.
The thing I like about the shop is that they have a pressure pad spanning the length of the store which they ask you to run along and they will highlight any weak areas in your knees/ankles/feet and advise the best running shoe for you.
I used to get bad shin splints and sore knees from running until I started using them and I haven't had any problems since.
I just checked out their website before posting this and they have quite a few stores dotted about such as in Reading and Woking but I don't know if they all have the pressure pads. What I do know is that they will only employ staff who have fairly extensive knowledge about running.
Check out www.sweatshop.co.uk and use their store locator.
The thing I like about the shop is that they have a pressure pad spanning the length of the store which they ask you to run along and they will highlight any weak areas in your knees/ankles/feet and advise the best running shoe for you.
I used to get bad shin splints and sore knees from running until I started using them and I haven't had any problems since.
I just checked out their website before posting this and they have quite a few stores dotted about such as in Reading and Woking but I don't know if they all have the pressure pads. What I do know is that they will only employ staff who have fairly extensive knowledge about running.
Check out www.sweatshop.co.uk and use their store locator.
That's brilliant... thanks for that.
Basically we got given a running treadmill and I got it working and was going to sell it on but we thought we'd give running a go as it's easy and versatile. I normally kayak but it takes a bit more effort to get out of the door especially at this time of year... kayaking in the dark isn't a brilliant plan
. So we're going to give this a go (it's the first type of exercise we've both agreed we'd like to be able to do together). I got a training plan from the serpentine (london) running club which pretty much involves just walking to build strength for the first few weeks so I figure if we stick with it through the first month then it'll be worth spending the money on decent shoes and then move to running outside when I can actually run
Cheers.
Basically we got given a running treadmill and I got it working and was going to sell it on but we thought we'd give running a go as it's easy and versatile. I normally kayak but it takes a bit more effort to get out of the door especially at this time of year... kayaking in the dark isn't a brilliant plan
. So we're going to give this a go (it's the first type of exercise we've both agreed we'd like to be able to do together). I got a training plan from the serpentine (london) running club which pretty much involves just walking to build strength for the first few weeks so I figure if we stick with it through the first month then it'll be worth spending the money on decent shoes and then move to running outside when I can actually run Cheers.
Edited by dern on Tuesday 22 January 11:11
Kayaking in the dark is a pretty brave thing to do!!
Well if you get bored of running on the treadmill don't cave in as running in the open is so much more entertaining. I struggle to do 3 miles without becoming completely bored whereas on a run out around osterly park there is plenty to keep my mind occupied and the miles fly by.
If ever you need help for a training plan then check out a book called 'Marathoning for Mortals' but don't let the title scare you its not all about marathon running but instead teaches beginners how to run at a consistant pace by first teaching them to pace walk, then walk/run and then onto non stop running.
Well if you get bored of running on the treadmill don't cave in as running in the open is so much more entertaining. I struggle to do 3 miles without becoming completely bored whereas on a run out around osterly park there is plenty to keep my mind occupied and the miles fly by.
If ever you need help for a training plan then check out a book called 'Marathoning for Mortals' but don't let the title scare you its not all about marathon running but instead teaches beginners how to run at a consistant pace by first teaching them to pace walk, then walk/run and then onto non stop running.
Robatr0n said:
Kayaking in the dark is a pretty brave thing to do!!
It's pretty good fun if you're with other people but when you're on your own it's a bit weird, not very safe and there's not much to occupy your brain apart from "what was that?!" 
.Robatr0n said:
Well if you get bored of running on the treadmill don't cave in as running in the open is so much more entertaining. I struggle to do 3 miles without becoming completely bored whereas on a run out around osterly park there is plenty to keep my mind occupied and the miles fly by.
If ever you need help for a training plan then check out a book called 'Marathoning for Mortals' but don't let the title scare you its not all about marathon running but instead teaches beginners how to run at a consistant pace by first teaching them to pace walk, then walk/run and then onto non stop running.
Cool, thanks.If ever you need help for a training plan then check out a book called 'Marathoning for Mortals' but don't let the title scare you its not all about marathon running but instead teaches beginners how to run at a consistant pace by first teaching them to pace walk, then walk/run and then onto non stop running.
I suspect I didn't put in quite enough training. 
It would appear that way!
I managed to hurt my knee last weekend but felt more pain in my right foot for a few days afterwards. It made riding a Segway nearly impossible as I had to put all my weight over my left foot so I was a little unstable.
Luckily for Cat she fell ill and didn't run the race especially as it was so humid in the second half of the race.
I am a keen runner, based in Windsor, but run all over Berkshire.
Sweatshop are pretty good and are based in Reading as well. They will do a gait analysis and get you the right shoes. By all means buy a pair from them, but afterwards, look online at start-fitness or wiggle etc.
I would also recommend joining a club, Reading Roadrunners are large and have a wide range of people to run with. I am a member of Datchet Dashers, but doing this will give you other people to run with, some targets and structure which even if you don't want to race, it will help you improve.
T-J-K
Iuse Apex Sports on the Farnham Road in Slough as Mike is excellent at knowing your requirements..... If you join a local club, you'll nearly always get a 10% discount at running shops
Sweatshop are pretty good and are based in Reading as well. They will do a gait analysis and get you the right shoes. By all means buy a pair from them, but afterwards, look online at start-fitness or wiggle etc.
I would also recommend joining a club, Reading Roadrunners are large and have a wide range of people to run with. I am a member of Datchet Dashers, but doing this will give you other people to run with, some targets and structure which even if you don't want to race, it will help you improve.
T-J-K
Iuse Apex Sports on the Farnham Road in Slough as Mike is excellent at knowing your requirements..... If you join a local club, you'll nearly always get a 10% discount at running shops
Edited by The jiffle king on Tuesday 22 January 11:52
I bought my running shoes from Sweatshop in Reading (opposite the railway station, and 50m on right towards the old bus depot). They did the gait analysis and recommended shoes based on it. They've got a treadmill in the shop so you can try running in the shoes before you buy them to make sure they're really comfortable and don't have any pressure points that might cause blisters.
Unfortunately the most comfortable pair I tried were also the most expensive
Also, running socks are a good idea to keep your feet dry.
However, since when did the most basic form of exercise need special equipment? Zola Budd seemed to do alright without it...
Unfortunately the most comfortable pair I tried were also the most expensive
Also, running socks are a good idea to keep your feet dry.
However, since when did the most basic form of exercise need special equipment? Zola Budd seemed to do alright without it...
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