Couch to 5k - any good?

[egor110]

Coffin Dodger - you can go to a poidatrist and get gait assesment rather than a shop.

They can advice you what to look out for , so in my case i overpronate so i look for neutral trainers but slightly stiffer responsive ones rather than super soft cushioned trainers then stick my orthotics in them.

Re the price of trainers the beauty of running is that's the only expense really compared to cycling , you can't buy your way to being a good runner you have to work away and earn it.

[smn159]

egor110 said:

Re the price of trainers the beauty of running is that's the only expense really compared to cycling , you can't buy your way to being a good runner you have to work away and earn it.

I cycle as well as run and I can speak from experience when I say that you can't buy your way to being good on a bike either - you need to earn that as well

[Foliage]

C0ffin D0dger said:

johnwilliams77 said:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-runni...
https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/the-pros-and-cons...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Run-Hidden-Ultra-Run...
Many believe running shoes are a complete marketing con. I personally think they're great though when I started running the gel nimbus seemed to do my legs less damage / take the strain but there is a lot of evidence otherwise too.

Interesting. I want some "proper" running shoes as I don't think the crappy old pair of Nikes I bought for indoor stuff years ago are really doing me any favours. However all this guff about going to a proper shop, getting your gait analysed, having a shoe recommended is something I struggle with. I'm only a plodder, I'm not planning to run a marathon anytime soon, if ever, I'm happy have attained the 5k goal and want to maintain that over the winter, if I'm still feeling keen next year I'd might think about entering the local 10k and building up to that but I think I need to see some further weight loss first before running that distance feels viable. So with regard to the running shops, the cynic in me thinks this is all just a tool to sell you a really expensive pair of shoes that they have a high profit margin on, and in this Internet age I struggle with paying over the odds for anything.

So I did the wet footprint test and this tells me I have normal possibly boarding on high arch which would suggest I would overpronate slightly but this is normally desirable for shock absorption. This also means I probably don't need any shoes with a support element to them. Looking on the http://www.runningshoesguru.com/ web site it would suggest that because of my weight I should probably go for something that is quite cushioned and this makes a lot of sense to me. I quite like the look of the Hoka One One Cliftons http://www.runningshoesguru.com/2013/11/best-runni... but was put off a bit for the price. I've now found them for £80 in a Black Friday deal which is still a lot for me but I do like the sound of the cushioned / plush run they should hopefully provide. I'm on the verge of ordering but keep having that niggle in my head about my running gait.

I'd happily pay an independent sports physio or someone else suitably qualified to do a gait analysis and recommend what style of footwear I should go for but I'm not sure if that sort of service is available for a nominal fee (£25-£30 would be good).

Should I go for it, order them, and get on with running or not? I can only see that they'd be an improvement on what I currently run in!

Edited by C0ffin D0dger on Thursday 24th November 11:58

High arch is underpronate, overpronation is flat feet as that's what I am (I also have bunions, great), had my gait done like 10 times. Personally I think gait analysis is bks, BUT I will go to a running shop and buy trainers, I just use the gait analysis as try before you buy these days

Edited by Foliage on Thursday 24th November 17:00

[RichB]

Foliage said:

C0ffin D0dger said:

johnwilliams77 said:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-runni...
https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/the-pros-and-cons...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Run-Hidden-Ultra-Run...
Many believe running shoes are a complete marketing con. I personally think they're great though when I started running the gel nimbus seemed to do my legs less damage / take the strain but there is a lot of evidence otherwise too.

Interesting. I want some "proper" running shoes as I don't think the crappy old pair of Nikes I bought for indoor stuff years ago are really doing me any favours. However all this guff about going to a proper shop, getting your gait analysed, having a shoe recommended is something I struggle with. I'm only a plodder, I'm not planning to run a marathon anytime soon, if ever, I'm happy have attained the 5k goal and want to maintain that over the winter, if I'm still feeling keen next year I'd might think about entering the local 10k...

High arch is underpronate. Personally I think gait analysis is bks, BUT I will go to a running shop and buy trainers, I just use the gait analysis as try before you buy.

I agree, a few points:- i) you're running 3 miles which, as you say, is not really that far so don't get sucked into spending a fortune ii) try them on and buy what you feel is comfortable not what some web site says you "should" be wearing because you under/over pronate and iii) I agree this gait machines or whatever are IMO bks. I fail to see how jogging over a mat in a shop can in any way replicate how your foot feels when you hot, sweaty and tired, well into a 10 mile run!

I used to run marathons, too many half marathons to remember and went through quite a few pairs of shoes. I started out with Reeboks because I liked the look, they didn't suit and I discarded them as I got better. I then got Nike Air Pegs (it was a long time ago) and they were excellent. Not the most expensive but they worked for me. By now I was running 26 miles and I visited the SweatShop who analysed my foot etc. and suggested Brooks Beasts because despite all my running I was about 11 stone and (apparently) I overpronated. They never suited and gave me blisters where I'd never had them. I never ran a marathon in them (but used them to wash cars) and rapidly went back to Nike AirPegs and was happy again. You will find out what you like but I would suggest to begin you do try them on. If they feel comfortable they probably are.

[egor110]

smn159 said:

egor110 said:

Re the price of trainers the beauty of running is that's the only expense really compared to cycling , you can't buy your way to being a good runner you have to work away and earn it.

I cycle as well as run and I can speak from experience when I say that you can't buy your way to being good on a bike either - you need to earn that as well

You can buy a lighter bike which is going to help you , obviously your not going to become wiggins but less weight to move is a advantage.

[Foliage]

£30 starter trainers http://www.mandmdirect.com/01/details/AS1074/Asics...

That's what id go for, I started with £30 asics, many years ago, I usually buy 2 pairs at the same time so I like to keep the price down, last time I bought trail runners and normal running shoes, instead of 2 pairs the same. The trail runners have grown on me and I'll get another pair.

Edited by Foliage on Thursday 24th November 17:11

[egor110]

RichB said:

Foliage said:

C0ffin D0dger said:

johnwilliams77 said:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-runni...
https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/the-pros-and-cons...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Run-Hidden-Ultra-Run...
Many believe running shoes are a complete marketing con. I personally think they're great though when I started running the gel nimbus seemed to do my legs less damage / take the strain but there is a lot of evidence otherwise too.

Interesting. I want some "proper" running shoes as I don't think the crappy old pair of Nikes I bought for indoor stuff years ago are really doing me any favours. However all this guff about going to a proper shop, getting your gait analysed, having a shoe recommended is something I struggle with. I'm only a plodder, I'm not planning to run a marathon anytime soon, if ever, I'm happy have attained the 5k goal and want to maintain that over the winter, if I'm still feeling keen next year I'd might think about entering the local 10k...

High arch is underpronate. Personally I think gait analysis is bks, BUT I will go to a running shop and buy trainers, I just use the gait analysis as try before you buy.

I agree, a few points:- i) you're running 3 miles which, as you say, is not really that far so don't get sucked into spending a fortune ii) try them on and buy what you feel is comfortable not what some web site says you "should" be wearing because you under/over pronate and iii) I agree this gait machines or whatever are IMO bks. I fail to see how jogging over a mat in a shop can in any way replicate how your foot feels when you hot, sweaty and tired, well into a 10 mile run!

I used to run marathons, too many half marathons to remember and went through quite a few pairs of shoes. I started out with Reeboks because I liked the look, they didn't suit and I discarded them as I got better. I then got Nike Air Pegs (it was a long time ago) and they were excellent. Not the most expensive but they worked for me. By now I was running 26 miles and I visited the SweatShop who analysed my foot etc. and suggested Brooks Beasts because despite all my running I was about 11 stone and (apparently) I overpronated. They never suited and gave me blisters where I'd never had them. I never ran a marathon in them (but used them to wash cars) and rapidly went back to Nike AirPegs and was happy again. You will find out what you like but I would suggest to begin you do try them on. If they feel comfortable they probably are.

Jogging over a mat lol , have you actually had gait analysis?

You run on a treadmill now they film you from behind slow the video down to see what actually happens when you run.

Once this is established you run again in different trainers seeing which make you as neutral as possible as well as being comfortable.

Trainers don't have to be expensive , i've just got my winter road shoes for £30 and the same model but with a mesh upper for £19 ready for the spring/summer.

[RichB]

egor110 said:

Jogging over a mat lol , have you actually had gait analysis?

No, I made it all up and dreamed I ran all those sweaty miles. As I did say it was 20 years ago and yes, Sweatshop use to have a mat on the floor wired up to some kit. I also did the treadmill bit, and got suckered into paying £160 for insoles or orthotics as I know you should call them. They would up in the bottom of my kit bag after a few months too!

[Colonial]

I did a gait analysis.

Guy at the shop then recommended the cheapest pair of shoes they had in stock as being one of the two most appropriate for me. I went for the more expensive pair because they were more comfortable.

I'm a very neutral runner, with slightly harsh forefoot strikes so I'm easy to fit. It was still a worthwhile exercise.

I use Ons of varying types (Clouds for sprint, surfers for half) now, and I find them great, but that's because they suit me.

[RC1807]

PB 5km on Friday : 27:45
10km time now down to 59:00
I'll need some new running shoes before Christmas, last bought in April!

[dxg]

Well, after my parkrun success a couple of weeks ago, I could barely walk down the stairs the next day, having done "something" to my ankle. I've only run twice since as it's taking ages to sort itself out. Yet last night I ran further and almost as fast as I've ever done. I swapped to a different part of trainers with a little more cushioning, but the pain's (much reduced, though) is back today.

I'm reluctant to get a gait analysis done if I'm carrying an injury - what do you guys think?

I plan to get a physio appointment sorted out this week so I can at least know if I need to be worried or not.

Trouble is, now that I'm over the 5k hurdle and thinking that I'm not going to make that day's goal every time I set out, every time I do and this running lark turns out to be rather rewarding! (If a little painful).

[Enda78]

dxg said:

Well, after my parkrun success a couple of weeks ago, I could barely walk down the stairs the next day, having done "something" to my ankle. I've only run twice since as it's taking ages to sort itself out. Yet last night I ran further and almost as fast as I've ever done. I swapped to a different part of trainers with a little more cushioning, but the pain's (much reduced, though) is back today.

I'm reluctant to get a gait analysis done if I'm carrying an injury - what do you guys think?

I plan to get a physio appointment sorted out this week so I can at least know if I need to be worried or not.

Trouble is, now that I'm over the 5k hurdle and thinking that I'm not going to make that day's goal every time I set out, every time I do and this running lark turns out to be rather rewarding! (If a little painful).

Where does your foot strike when you run? I had a similar issue, was never a problem during C25K but I got a lot of ankle pain when I got closer to the 5k per run mark. After a bit of self-diagnosis I discovered the combination of low cushion runners and a heel strike is what caused it (or at least switching to mid foot strike and more cushioning coencided with the issue stopping)

[Colonial]

Had a shocker of a half marathon on the weekend.

All my training was good leading up to it, paced someone else to a qualifying time the weekend before for a 15k so that was a nice taper (6.20m/km pace so not to hard at all, slower than my half race pace).

Nice taper week. Healthy carbs and no drinking, all the good stuff.

Set out at 8am for the run. It was already 25C and high humidity. Not a good start. Bit congested at the start so made do with a 6.00 pace then picked it up after 2k to my goal 5.40 pace.

Cruised along at that, shotblok at 10km for a bit of energy, then just bonked at km 16. It got incredibly hot and still, no breeze, humidity increased and I just couldn't get through a mental wall.

Really disappointed at my time. I was well on track for a sub 2hr time. My 15k race pace was good for it (from the previous month), so was my 20k barefoot sand race 2 months before. I just couldn't get it to work and ended up with a 2hr12m time which I'm really. fking. Unhappy. About.

I think I'm going to give road halfs a miss for 2017. 10-15km is a nice distance. Half marathons on trails are fun. But road races are just meh.

[Flibble]

johnwilliams77 said:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-runni...
https://breakingmuscle.com/learn/the-pros-and-cons...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Born-Run-Hidden-Ultra-Run...
Many believe running shoes are a complete marketing con. I personally think they're great though when I started running the gel nimbus seemed to do my legs less damage / take the strain but there is a lot of evidence otherwise too.

Interesting stuff. I like my footgloves, but they're not for everyone (and not cheap either). They are amazing off-road though.

[Stu-nph26]

Decided to start running today managed 5k in 33.40. Slow but I didn't stop which was great, I forgot how rewarding running can be.

[dxg]

Enda78 said:

dxg said:

Well, after my parkrun success a couple of weeks ago, I could barely walk down the stairs the next day, having done "something" to my ankle. I've only run twice since as it's taking ages to sort itself out. Yet last night I ran further and almost as fast as I've ever done. I swapped to a different part of trainers with a little more cushioning, but the pain's (much reduced, though) is back today.

I'm reluctant to get a gait analysis done if I'm carrying an injury - what do you guys think?

I plan to get a physio appointment sorted out this week so I can at least know if I need to be worried or not.

Trouble is, now that I'm over the 5k hurdle and thinking that I'm not going to make that day's goal every time I set out, every time I do and this running lark turns out to be rather rewarding! (If a little painful).

Where does your foot strike when you run? I had a similar issue, was never a problem during C25K but I got a lot of ankle pain when I got closer to the 5k per run mark. After a bit of self-diagnosis I discovered the combination of low cushion runners and a heel strike is what caused it (or at least switching to mid foot strike and more cushioning coencided with the issue stopping)

Yup, I think it's heal strike - I know that's where my shoes wear down first anyway. Never managed the physio last week but will try this. Oddly, ran last night with a new pair of shoes (the ones someone recommended on here!) and they seemed to help, although not much grip in the cold on tarmac. Ran some of the fastest splits ever and did about 5.5k in 27 minutes, so quite pleased. Carrying the remains of an injury and not running anywhere as much as I should, I seem to be doing better! Quite the paradox. Maybe it's the fact that it's been about 3 degrees out when I've had time recently and if I slow down, I'll freeze!

Oh, and I'd describe the ankle as twinging a bit today rather than actual pain. So it's getting better, but it's taking so long. It's the conflict between wanting to run and wanting to heal...

[Colonial]

Stu-nph26 said:

Decided to start running today managed 5k in 33.40. Slow but I didn't stop which was great, I forgot how rewarding running can be.

Awesome stuff. That's a solid time.

Get thee to parkrun. It will create even more enjoyment from running.

[williamp]

Top effort, well done.

I am finding it hard on this weather/night time, so I have decided my goal over winter is to not gain weight. Then in the spring time I will do more running and lose more weight.

[troc]

Went for a run yesterday morning and the combination of cold weather and a much-too-interesting audiobook meant I ran irritatingly slowly. Probably the first time I've run my usual 5k without getting at least one Strava trophy!

Which brings me to.... what do you listen to when running - other than one of the various c25k training apps?

I usually listen to Kermode and Mayo's film review or an sudiobook when out for non-time critical runs (or races where I'm getting paced by the runners around me) and then I have a selection of running music for when I want to push myself including the original Nike+ running tune my The Crystal Method which I still reckon is the best running music track ever written

[Colonial]

My breathing.