Couch to 5k - running shoes
Discussion
After a year of doing very little in the way of exercise following a car accident, (which followed 20 years of doing very little 
) I've decided now is the time I need to do something about my fitness (or lack of).
I enjoy cycling but working 60ish hours a week away from home make this impractical to do regularly, and I will always find something else to do rather than drag the bike out of the shed.
So running it is, and Couch to 5k seems like a sensible place to start. I say this after running a mile this morning which was do-able, but left me more knackered than it should have and with an aching calf, probably due to running on the road in poor trainers and no warm up (it was a slightly spontaneous decision!).
So, if I'm going to do this, I need to get some decent running shoes. And I need to buy them this weekend, or I'll end up putting it off yet again. I am pretty flat footed but other than that just want something for up to £100 and, being a last minute decision on a bank holiday weekend, I probably need to head to a chain sports shop of some description.
If I take this seriously and make the 5k I can then look into the science, proper fit etc etc but for now I just want a pair of trainers, shorts and t-shirt that will get me out of the sofa 3 times a week.
Any suggestions on brands and styles of running shoes would be much appreciated, where to buy on a bank holiday sunday (are JD, Sports Direct or Decathlon any good for this sort of thing?) and general tips welcomed.
Thanks in advance
) I've decided now is the time I need to do something about my fitness (or lack of).I enjoy cycling but working 60ish hours a week away from home make this impractical to do regularly, and I will always find something else to do rather than drag the bike out of the shed.
So running it is, and Couch to 5k seems like a sensible place to start. I say this after running a mile this morning which was do-able, but left me more knackered than it should have and with an aching calf, probably due to running on the road in poor trainers and no warm up (it was a slightly spontaneous decision!).
So, if I'm going to do this, I need to get some decent running shoes. And I need to buy them this weekend, or I'll end up putting it off yet again. I am pretty flat footed but other than that just want something for up to £100 and, being a last minute decision on a bank holiday weekend, I probably need to head to a chain sports shop of some description.
If I take this seriously and make the 5k I can then look into the science, proper fit etc etc but for now I just want a pair of trainers, shorts and t-shirt that will get me out of the sofa 3 times a week.
Any suggestions on brands and styles of running shoes would be much appreciated, where to buy on a bank holiday sunday (are JD, Sports Direct or Decathlon any good for this sort of thing?) and general tips welcomed.
Thanks in advance
Good on you! In January - after 2 years of doing ZERO in the way of exercise - I entered the Bath Half Marathon which was on 1st March(!) Zero to 13.1 miles in 7 weeks.
Tough but incredibly rewarding. Can't recommend enough going to a proper running shop and having a gait analysis (usually free if you buy shoes from the same place) and this will tell you whether you under or over pronate when you run, and determine what sort of shoe you need. Don't go to Sports Direct or similar, the advice will be awful and there's a good chance you'll end up with something that isn't appropriate for your running style which could do you an injury.
I got some Asics Gel Cumulus 16 and they were great for me. Still as comfortable and supportive as when I first started back in Jan.
Tough but incredibly rewarding. Can't recommend enough going to a proper running shop and having a gait analysis (usually free if you buy shoes from the same place) and this will tell you whether you under or over pronate when you run, and determine what sort of shoe you need. Don't go to Sports Direct or similar, the advice will be awful and there's a good chance you'll end up with something that isn't appropriate for your running style which could do you an injury.
I got some Asics Gel Cumulus 16 and they were great for me. Still as comfortable and supportive as when I first started back in Jan.
As above, the best way is to find a place which can assess your running style and advise what shoes will suit you.
However, unless you are in Scotland, pretty much everywhere is closed tomorrow and many of these decent indy running shops may also be closed bank holidays.
Therefore, if you can't get such an assessment, buying a decent pair of running shoes off the shelf is unlikely to cause you a major problem. I say this from experience - I used to run 70 miles or so a week, ran in 20 or so races including half marathons, all with a variety of running shoes purchased off the shelf, and never suffered any notable aches, pains or injuries.
However, unless you are in Scotland, pretty much everywhere is closed tomorrow and many of these decent indy running shops may also be closed bank holidays.
Therefore, if you can't get such an assessment, buying a decent pair of running shoes off the shelf is unlikely to cause you a major problem. I say this from experience - I used to run 70 miles or so a week, ran in 20 or so races including half marathons, all with a variety of running shoes purchased off the shelf, and never suffered any notable aches, pains or injuries.
well done choosing couch to 5k - its got me running after never being about to stick to it for 40 years. personally i reckon most new trainers would do as the more you get into it after a while the more you'll want this one or that one depending on your technique - eg running on front foot.
couch to 5 k is fabulous
for what its worth i got some asics kayanos. will look at brooks next time i think after trying my chums
couch to 5 k is fabulous
for what its worth i got some asics kayanos. will look at brooks next time i think after trying my chums
petemurphy said:
well done choosing couch to 5k - its got me running after never being about to stick to it for 40 years. personally i reckon most new trainers would do as the more you get into it after a while the more you'll want this one or that one depending on your technique - eg running on front foot.
couch to 5 k is fabulous
for what its worth i got some asics kayanos. will look at brooks next time i think after trying my chums
just seen ure in london the asics shop off regent street has some cool gadgetry to see how u run etccouch to 5 k is fabulous
for what its worth i got some asics kayanos. will look at brooks next time i think after trying my chums
Thanks for the advice, and for pointing out that I'll be lucky to find a shop open tomorrow! I think I'll go off the shelf to begin with on Monday while the enthusiasm is high and take it from there. Asics seems to be pretty easy to get hold of at every price point so I'll pop out on Monday.
Plan is to go out Mondays (usually working away, so only in a crappy hotel in the evening), Wednesdays (either work at home or at the same crappy hotel) and Saturdays (early morning before I find something else I "need" to do instead).
Plan is to go out Mondays (usually working away, so only in a crappy hotel in the evening), Wednesdays (either work at home or at the same crappy hotel) and Saturdays (early morning before I find something else I "need" to do instead).
Asics get my vote. Try Sports Direct for cheap and cheerful running t-shirts. Karrimor have been fine for me so far, and come in hi-vis colours. I picked up a few between £5-8 the other week.
Keep an eye on Aldi/Lidl as they sometimes have running clothing in their weekly promo sales.
Keep an eye on Aldi/Lidl as they sometimes have running clothing in their weekly promo sales.
If you're buying from off the shelf, try as many as possible, Asics, Mizuno, New Balance, Brooks..to name a few.
Buy something with a bit of cushioning, don't go for a racing shoe..
There are lots of articles on fitting running shoes, just read one and follow the advice. Something inappropriate will leave you susceptible to injury, especially as you're just starting out.
Or try one of these stores: Other stores are also available
Buy something with a bit of cushioning, don't go for a racing shoe..
There are lots of articles on fitting running shoes, just read one and follow the advice. Something inappropriate will leave you susceptible to injury, especially as you're just starting out.
Or try one of these stores: Other stores are also available
On my first pair of Asics having previously used Nike, reebok, Brooks, adidas etc and very impressed with them. I bought them from Start Fitness and the bloke who served me is a marathon runner. I'd done my research based on wear pattern of previous shoes and browsing the Asics website and when I told him what I was looking for he immediately recommended the shoe I'd found from my own research, which gave me confidence in what he was saying. Paid £70ish for mine and they're to get me through a marathon so no need to spend any more than that IMO.
Kaj91 said:
Get a proper gait analysis done and buy your runners accordingly.
This.Gait analysis, then try them all on by running with them on the tread mill then buy the most comfy. 100 quid should get you trainers, shorts and a t-shirt. Get decent socks too.
Don't over complicate running.
How are people getting on with this?
I bought some NM running shoes and started running a couple of weeks ago. I've never been a runner but I've seen a few people doing the Cto5K drop weight and get fitter. Just downloaded the app on the iPhone and did my day 1 yesterday. I quite enjoyed it (but then it was a nice sunny day) so looking forward to my next one tomorrow.
I bought some NM running shoes and started running a couple of weeks ago. I've never been a runner but I've seen a few people doing the Cto5K drop weight and get fitter. Just downloaded the app on the iPhone and did my day 1 yesterday. I quite enjoyed it (but then it was a nice sunny day) so looking forward to my next one tomorrow.
toon10 said:
How are people getting on with this?
I bought some NM running shoes and started running a couple of weeks ago. I've never been a runner but I've seen a few people doing the Cto5K drop weight and get fitter. Just downloaded the app on the iPhone and did my day 1 yesterday. I quite enjoyed it (but then it was a nice sunny day) so looking forward to my next one tomorrow.
Good on you.I bought some NM running shoes and started running a couple of weeks ago. I've never been a runner but I've seen a few people doing the Cto5K drop weight and get fitter. Just downloaded the app on the iPhone and did my day 1 yesterday. I quite enjoyed it (but then it was a nice sunny day) so looking forward to my next one tomorrow.
My OH has just started it. I am a bit further on as doing a 10k in July and have just signed up for my first half marathon in September. I am a 20 stone prop forward (was 22st and aiming for 17 by the time I do it)
Can't recommend gait analysis enough. I am a severe overpronator and suffered with terrible ankle problems and calf soreness for years. Saw a podiatrist and have insoles for everyday use and buy stability shoes (just got some Brooks Beasts for my 40th) - went from 3 x 600mg Ibuprofen a day just to get by from the pain doing no exercise, to where I am now!
toon10 said:
How are people getting on with this?
I bought some NM running shoes and started running a couple of weeks ago. I've never been a runner but I've seen a few people doing the Cto5K drop weight and get fitter. Just downloaded the app on the iPhone and did my day 1 yesterday. I quite enjoyed it (but then it was a nice sunny day) so looking forward to my next one tomorrow.
I did it 2 years ago ish, I still run 3 times a week, I really enjoy it. Found C25k relatively easy but at the end of the program my times were terrible (38mins for 5km) It kind of depressed me, but in the long run it doesn't matter, im now at 26mins. I bought some NM running shoes and started running a couple of weeks ago. I've never been a runner but I've seen a few people doing the Cto5K drop weight and get fitter. Just downloaded the app on the iPhone and did my day 1 yesterday. I quite enjoyed it (but then it was a nice sunny day) so looking forward to my next one tomorrow.
My advice, stick with it. I prefer running in the rain to running in the sunshine, the rain cools you down, you sweat less, the moist air is better for you too. Embrace the rain
I did post another thread but in short I had the gait analysis done and bought a pair of asics and some cheap shorts/tshirts/socks. The difference over my first run in old trainers is night and day (minimal stretching after a run is all I need not to ache like hell the next day).
I decided against C25K in the end as I wasn't sure I would be disciplined enough to always go out 3 times a week (and it would annoy me if I "fell behind"). I've got a 4k route that I've run a couple of times a week and my first aim is to run the full 4k without walking. I can currently do the first 2.25 or so non-stop (much improved on my first run) and complete 4k in around 26 mins.
I decided against C25K in the end as I wasn't sure I would be disciplined enough to always go out 3 times a week (and it would annoy me if I "fell behind"). I've got a 4k route that I've run a couple of times a week and my first aim is to run the full 4k without walking. I can currently do the first 2.25 or so non-stop (much improved on my first run) and complete 4k in around 26 mins.
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