Need some advice from any runners

[shirleyb]

I haven't really run at all since high school, and even then I did it for fitness, not competitively. DH and I would like to run in a 5K race this spring. We've set that as a goal to help us get in shape.

So, what should I look for when purchasing some running shoes? I don't want to end up with foot/leg injuries, so I'm willing to spend enough to get good shoes. Also, is there a good website that might give me some training ideas?

TIA!

 

[Ava83]

I like this running website-

http://www.coolrunning.com/

This one is pretty good also...

http://www.runnersworld.com/

This is my new shoe-Its only my third day with them and I think I am in love-Gel Kayano XII by Asics

 

[megan4777]

I started thinking about running again (I ran in college for fitness)and I just started looking at runnersworld.com to help me out. I need to get into better shape and we live in the country, about 20+min away from the closest gym.

They have this for running a 5K http://runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-244-259-6406-0,00.html


Good luck and I hope this helps

 

[cherylp3]

Do you have a local running store?

I like brooks addiction 6 running ( I have walking problems)

Also don't forget socks, I get Balega from Justsocks.com

Cheryl

 

[KirstenB]

Go to your nearest real running store. Not at the mall...go to a freestanding running store where the owner and employees all run. They'll watch you run and analyze your pronation, stability, etc. They will put you in the right shoe for your gait. It won't cost you any extra, and you'll benefit from their expertise.

BTW, the Nike Pegasus is a classic running shoe that works for most runners without any stability or pronation issues.

 

[Aidensmom]

Go to your nearest real running store. Not at the mall...go to a freestanding running store where the owner and employees all run. They'll watch you run and analyze your pronation, stability, etc. They will put you in the right shoe for your gait. It won't cost you any extra, and you'll benefit from their expertise.

This is the advice I would give.

Road Runner Sports is where I usually order my shoes from (I always get the same ones), and they have good descriptions of what shoes are best for what runners. This is on their website and can be somewhat helpful.

http://www.roadrunnersports.com/rrs/product/shoe-dog.jsp

 

[salmoneous]

Go to your nearest real running store. Not at the mall...go to a freestanding running store where the owner and employees all run. They'll watch you run and analyze your pronation, stability, etc. They will put you in the right shoe for your gait. It won't cost you any extra, and you'll benefit from their expertise.

I was going to say exactly the same thing.

I was also going to point out that choice of running shoes probably doesn't play a big role in the getting/not-getting of injuries at this point. Much more important is to take things slow at first. You motivation and muscles are going to be saying GO, GO, GO. But your joints and tendons need time to build up strength.

Follow a beginning training plan like those at the sites you have been pointed to. Note that you will likely feel you can progress faster than the plan tells you. Resist the temptation! If you've got the time and motivation, cross train. But putting too many miles on joints and tendons that aren't "toughened up" is the quickest way to injury.

Good luck - and have fun!

 

[MScott1851]

Another vote for going to a store and letting them watch you walk/run. Take a pair of shoes you wear all the time, too. They can look at wear patterns on them.

I like Fleet Feet. I am a supinator (meaning I walk on the OUTsides of my feet) and the New Balance store here had been putting me in the wrong shoes for two years. I went in, ran on their treadmill while they videotaped me, and voila! I got a pair of shoes that I love, and much less plantar faciitis flareups!

 

[sk8ingmom]

Go to your nearest real running store. Not at the mall...go to a freestanding running store where the owner and employees all run. They'll watch you run and analyze your pronation, stability, etc. They will put you in the right shoe for your gait. It won't cost you any extra, and you'll benefit from their expertise.

ITA. The store I went to was very cool. They had a treadmill with a camera pointed at my feet so they could analyze my running style and help my select the right shoes. I also got to jog on the treadmill for as long as I wanted to make sure the shoes felt right. I'm only 34, but I swear I have the hips of a 80 year old (birth defect + 15 years competitive figure skating= not good), so good shoes are important!

If I can find a store like this in Anchorage-by-God-Alaska, I bet anyone can find one!

Good luck and happy running!

 

[PlaneJoy1]

I like Fleet Feet. I am a supinator (meaning I walk on the OUTsides of my feet) and the New Balance store here had been putting me in the wrong shoes for two years. I went in, ran on their treadmill while they videotaped me, and voila! I got a pair of shoes that I love, and much less plantar faciitis flareups!

Me Too! Me Too! I walk on the outside of my feet. What shoes did you end up getting???? I haven't found a *really* good pair yet.

 

[Buckalew11]

We use Road Runner Sports are have always been happy with them. They led me to the greatest pair of running shoes I have ever owned! I wasn;t even considering them while looking at the catalog and I talked to the girl about how I run/walk and about my feet and she said to try a certain pair of Brooks. I really didn't even want to try them but I did--I ordered 3 pairs of different shoes and ended up keeping her choice for me. They have great customer service.

 

[CEDmom]

See if you can find a local running store where you can try several different brands and styles on and even do a little running in the store. You may have to find the right pair through trial and error. I know for me I love Ryka; Saucony is pretty good but I need a gel insole with them. I hate Nike, Brooks and New Balance. They don't fit my foot right and I've gotten shin splints with all of them.

 

[my3kids]

Get fitted at a running store. They can evaluate how your foot moves to recommend the best shoe for your particular foot and running style.

 

[escape]

See if you can find a local running store where you can try several different brands and styles on and even do a little running in the store. You may have to find the right pair through trial and error. I know for me I love Ryka; Saucony is pretty good but I need a gel insole with them. I hate Nike, Brooks and New Balance. They don't fit my foot right and I've gotten shin splints with all of them.

The Brooks Ariels actually helped me with my shin splint problem. OP, everyone is different - that's why you need to go to a running store. And, as CEDmom point out, it may be a trial and error thing as well.

I also want to invite you and everyone else to our very own DIS WISH running club:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1304929

A lot of us are in training for the upcoming marathon weekend at WDW and our chatter is focused on that for the time being but most of the time we just swap stories and talk about upcoming events we're running in. You'll find lots of good advice from a lot of folks here. In addition, there are several sticky threads on the Events/Competition board with some great running advice as well.

 

[MScott1851]

Me Too! Me Too! I walk on the outside of my feet. What shoes did you end up getting???? I haven't found a *really* good pair yet.

I'm in the Asics Gel-Nimbus VIII. So far, so good. I just wish they weren't so expensive. I still wear a pair of New Balance 1050 from last year to work, though.