Unsecure chicken perches

[ali-s]

Can anyone recommend me a pair of good but not too expensive running shoes.

 

I have rather rashly agreed to let DD Natalie coach me in the art of running She has just covered this sport in her standard Grade, Leading sports subject and needs a guinea pig.

 

Natalie is going to coach me "Rocky" style with her on a bike and me running, mostly walking/limping/crawling/begging for mercy alongside.

 

I would also be grateful for any tips to make this new adventure as painless and fun as possible

 

Thank you (I think )

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Do you have a Run and Become anywhere near? Or a small specialist sports shop (not the big faceless ones!)? You should really have running shoes fitted to suit your feet and the way you walk/run. Not sure what "too expensive" is but we tend to spend anything from £60 to £80.

 

If you're just doing it to help DD and don't plan to take it up seriously (you never know ), you could manage with a cheaper pair. Asics is a brand I like, which you could get in a large sports shop.

 

Get some nice thick sports socks . Music always helps me run but that won't work if your "trainer" has to yell at you .

[ali-s]

Is Run and Become a shop? Only have JJB in town but Inverness is not too far away. I was in Aberdeen today I should have had a look there

 

I bought a sports bra from Omlets favourite bra shop, four hooks at the back and sleeves rather than straps I saw a woman out running last week who obviously not wearing a sports bra and her boobs were out of sync, not a good look and it looked painful.

 

£60 for a pair is OK. I have been thinking about running for a while now and mentioned it to DD who kindly agreed to help me I need to do some sort of sporting activity and get fit. The rest of the family are very sporty but I tend to be the taxi service to and from their activities.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Yes, it is, but sorry I put that forgetting where you are . They're only in Edinburgh, Cardiff and London.

 

You could try Run 4 it - they have a shop in Inverness. We've never used them but OH has heard they're good. I'm never impressed by the large stores - no-one seems to have any knowledge about trainers. It does make a difference being fitted properly - they should watch you walk and pick shoes that'll suit you.

[Leicester_H]

Asics is a brand I like, which you could get in a large sports shop.

I agree - I like Asics.

I would go to a proper sports shop if possible - they know how to advise on functionality (rather than style, colour etc).

My local independant shop is very good - they often have last years models (so wrong colours for the fashion types!) which are cheaper.

Shoes are very important for most people - don't skimp on them - in the end it comes down to personal preference.

H

[Couperwife]

I wear Asics too

 

i think you need to go up either half or one size with running shoes - make sure you can scrump your toes up inside your shoes easily (yes - that is most definitely a technical term ) cos your feet swell when you run

 

sounds like you are going to have fun

 

cathy

x

[Chucky Mama]

I would recommend going to a running shop and having your gait analysed. They get you to run on a treadmill and it shows where there may be weaknesses in your running style and then allow for this in the type of shoe you wear to prevent injuries. They try you in different kinds of trainers. I had all of my children done as they all got sore knees doing a lot of sport. There have been no sore knees since they have be wearing the right kind of trainers. I wear Saucony Progrids which are suitable for my running style. I bought the first pair in the running shop and now buy replacements cheaply online.

[Blackrocksrock]

Can't help on the running shoes but good luck and all kudos to you for running at all! well done = I could not run to catch a bus nowadays!

[chickenNutter]

I would recommend going to a running shop and having your gait analysed. They get you to run on a treadmill and it shows where there may be weaknesses in your running style and then allow for this in the type of shoe you wear to prevent injuries. They try you in different kinds of trainers. I had all of my children done as they all got sore knees doing a lot of sport. There have been no sore knees since they have be wearing the right kind of trainers. I wear Saucony Progrids which are suitable for my running style. I bought the first pair in the running shop and now buy replacements cheaply online.

 

I agree with Chucky mama - I just did this, not having bought running shoes for about 20 years, and they analysed that I pronate inwards and therefore recommended medium support shoes with a more rigid instep. I ended up with New Balance shoes that were about £70. I was rather shocked by the price but not having bought them for 20 years i was a bit out of touch - some of them weere £100 - 120!

 

After 20 years, and at 45 I am finding the running hard work! I am persevering though, driven on by the thought I have to be seen in a bikini on the beach in Turkey in less than a month (help!).

[bronze]

Find the pair you like (are fitted to you) then shop around on price

[rachael_farnsworth]

Can't recommend gait analysis enough - so important to get your shoes right. I wear Saucony Omni 7s because I pronate and have very high arches (and if you do too, you might want to look into orthotic insoles). There are some great independent shops out there - I don't know if there's an Up and Running near you but I really rate them.

[ali-s]

Thanks for the advice.

 

I have found a running shop not too far away called Speyside Runners. I am not sure if they do the gait testing so will give them a call tomorrow and find out. also found Run For It, one in Inverness and also in Aberdeen. It will be a few weeks before I can get through to Inverness or Aberdeen though so I hope Speyside Runners will be able to help.

 

Not sure I like the idea of running on a treadmill though, I haven't run for years. Can I just walk on it?

 

Running is not cheap is it I didn't realise just how much the shoes can cost. Does the shop expect you to buy their shoes when you have been tested? Seems a bit cheeky to get tested and then go away to find a pair of shoes cheaper. Buying online seems the cheapest way to do it.

 

What do your wear when running? I am not really into lycra and even though I am only a size ten I would like to cover up my bum. I haven't worn shorts for years either, I don't think the good people of Moray are ready for my skinny and very white legs.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

I should confess that I haven't actually been running for ages (maybe I should follow your lead ) but I do a lot of exercise classes and wear the same for those as running. I tend to wear just above or below the knee lycra shorts (JJB or similar) and just old cotton t-shirts I've picked up from doing races. I find long trousers far too hot. I do have a bright red jacket for when it's cold/wet/dark which wasn't cheap but I use that on my bike too.

 

I use a slimline bumbag for my phone and walkman too (and a hanky!)

[ali-s]

I've contacted the nearest Running shop to me and they do test for the correct fitting shoes. I have to run on a treadmill but the man I spoke to assures me only he will see me. I had hoped to go this this afternoon but woke up this morning with Siatica I haven't suffered with this for years . At the moment I can hardly walk never mind run.

 

I have found a local jogging group for all abilities and ages through the Jog Scotland website which meets up once a week. It is for all ages and abilities. I have emailed one of the leaders for more info.

 

Still undecided on what bottoms to wear

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Sorry to hear about the Sciatica . Hope it get's better soon .

 

When you're up to running I'd just wear an old pair of joggers and see how they feel! You'll soon know if you need something shorter/baggier/tighter . I wear lycra mainly because it keeps my tummy in place - there's a lot of it to contain and it's not a good look or remotely comfortable running with it unconfined .

[ali-s]

I have my shoes Asics Gel Landreth 6. I have a neutral footbed, I think that was the lady told me.

 

I even had a little joggle outside the shop in my new running shoes

 

Might go back in a few weeks for some Lycra gear as they had some that wasn't overly clingy.

[Ain't Nobody Here]

Ooh, "neutral footbed", get you . (I've no idea what that means )

 

Glad you got a pair - I bet they're comfy .

 

Regarding shorts, I find a pair with a wide waistband most comfy. Doesn't dig in like a narrow one does!

[sezra]

Still undecided on what bottoms to wear

 

I don't go for anthing fancy when I run, the main thing is to be comfortable. I like 3/4 length lycra bottoms but a looser T shirt. Nike do one in a lovely soft material that is light weight and doesnt have thick seams. I bought two ayear ago when I first started running and they are still going strong. I think they came form Next or www.sportsshoes.com who are good for discounted clothing and trainers.

 

Good luck with the running! I started May last year and could barely run 100m without stopping, now I do 10k runs, although my knees are a bit dodgey!!

 

I hope you find everything you need, it really is worth shopping around if you have the time.

[Chucky Mama]

I wear something like these Here - didn't buy them on that website though. They are not overly tight, are very comfortable and I don't feel 'over exposed' in them. I can't advise stretching before running highly enough especially ITB band stretches which can help prevent one injury that causes sore knees

[Pipichick]

My husband has just started running and he was returning after every run with v tight and sore calf muscles, so popped to John Lewis sports dept ( have tried all the local sports shops and they seem full of school leavers who have no idea what they are waffling about ). Anyway, the lady there was v knowledgeable and although had hubbie jogging around the store in NIke Airs and Asics gels, she personally recommended the Asics. Since buying these the only thing hubbie has to moan about is the heat, all the muscle ache has disappeared now he is supporting his feet properly

[ali-s]

Well, my shoes are still in the box.

 

My back pain is getting worse No more pain in my legs which I get with Siatica but still in my lower back and hips. Going to the Doctor on Friday morning. I have curvature of the spine which has made my hips and pelvis slightly wonky so I need to get sorted before doing anything silly like running

 

I will run, sometime, but not this week I will not let a bendy backbone stop me from doing this

[chickenNutter]

Still undecided on what bottoms to wear

 

I don't go for anthing fancy when I run, the main thing is to be comfortable. I like 3/4 length lycra bottoms but a looser T shirt. Nike do one in a lovely soft material that is light weight and doesnt have thick seams. I bought two ayear ago when I first started running and they are still going strong. I think they came form Next or http://www.sportsshoes.com who are good for discounted clothing and trainers.

 

Good luck with the running! I started May last year and could barely run 100m without stopping, now I do 10k runs, although my knees are a bit dodgey!!

 

I hope you find everything you need, it really is worth shopping around if you have the time.

[The Dogmother]

Good for you Ali

 

I have run for years - competitively at short distances when I was at school, and latterly on an infrequent basis. I can't stress how important it is for you to get properly fitted for your trainers, make sure that there is enough room at the toe (go up a half size if necessary) and whack your heel into the back of them before you lace them up.. otherwise you will end up with Joggers' Toenail, where they fracture and drop off.

 

If you are road running, then ensure that they have adequate cushioning on the soles; the gel or air trainers are good for this. I am 'allergic' to those white or pink trainers that they sell for women, so buy boys trainers in black.

 

Good luck with the running and I hope that your back heals soon.

[ali-s]

My shoes are out of the box and on my feet.... in the house ,

 

Appointment with the doctor tomorrow morning. My left leg at the moment is useless, I cannot lift it off the ground and I am practically dragging it behind me Dosing myself with Paracetamol relieves the pain a little for an hour or two.

 

Might go for a short walk in them this afternoon. Archie Dog needs a walk and I need to get mobile. Not sure how far we will get but will be happy if we get to the Castle (2 minute walk away) and back.

 

The first pair of running shoes I tried on were white and pink but I needed to go up half a size so I have a silver and aqua pair, they are very comfy, like walking on pillows

 

I was planning to go to the jog Scotland group tonight , never mind there is always next week.

[ali-s]

I can run sort of

 

Joined the local Jog Scotland group 2 weeks ago. Started off by walking for 2 minutes and then running for 2 minutes. By the end of the session I was able, just, to run for 4 minutes. The leader said I had done really well, the others in my group all started at the beginning of July but I kept up with them. I even went back last week as well

 

I was so pleased with myself as I have been off work for weeks with back pain. Five weeks ago I could hardly walk let alone run.

 

I went shopping yesterday and bought myself a good selection of running gear, including 3/4 length lycra running bottoms and a pink running T Shirt and a hi viz pink running jacket.

 

Running in a group doesn't bother me at all but I haven't had the courage to go out by myself yet, might give it a go early tomorrow morning when it is quiet on the road.