? for all you runners

JennieR

JennieR

Cathlete
I'd like to give running a try. My questions is, since I don't know if I'm going to enjoy it, what kind of shoes should I get? I really don't want to put out the money for a new pair of shoes, if I'm not going to stick with it. Can I just use older shoes (not to old), until I know if I'm going to stick with it? Also, if I do enjoy running, what kind of shoes does everyone recommend?

*♥´¨)
¸ .• ♥ ´¸.•*♥´¨) ¸.♥•*¨)
(¸.•♥´ (¸ ;.♥•Jennie•♥

~What's round on the end and high in the middle? Tell me if you know.~

Smoke free since: 2/05/08
 
Jennie, I think when I started running some....10-12 yrs ago , I just wore whatever was in my closet. I certainly didn't go buy a new pair of sneaks. Right now, all I swear by is asics..even for aerobics. I can't wear Nikes b/c they are a more narrow shoe and my toes go numb. I think all you will get are suggestions but if you stick to running, you will figure out what you like best.
Good luck!
Lori:)
 
I agree with Lori. If you are just starting out where what you would where to work out with Cathe for a few weeks. If you enjoy the sport then invest in a new pair. I have been running for years and like Nikes...but I have narrow feet. Do you have a running specialty store in your area? You may even be able to find a runner/salesperson at a sneaker store in the local mall. Be sure to ask them for suggestions (if they are runners) and try on lots of pairs and run in place and around the store in them before you buy them. You don't need to spend $120 or even $100 for a good pair. Once you find a pair you like you can get them from roadrunnersports.com and keep ordering the same ones that you like. Hope this helps.
 
If you like it (running), I highly recommend going to a high quality running shoe store and get measured and fit by the staff. It really is an individual thing, individual foot shape, fit, etc.

Jen
 
Yep, it's an individual thing for each person. I love Asics GT-2120's but I need more room in the toe box and I overpronate. Once I found the shoes that I need, I buy them online cheaper. (I actually got my last pair on Ebay!)

Get someone to check your stride. It's really important, you can get tendonitis, black toe nails, and all yucky things from not wearing the right shoe. (believe me, I learned the hard way!)

Happy running!
 
I just started running last October. I had running shoes but to start out with you can wear whatever. I love Saucony. I'm on my third pair and they fit great. I can take them right out of the box and go running.

I love running.

Good Luck!
 
Hi Jennie.

When I started running I had the same exact question as you. I went out and bought a pair of cheap ($25.00) running sneakers to start. I used them for the first several months until I knew I was hooked and was going to continue. At that point I went to a running store, got evaluated and purchased a pair of quality running shoes. I have Mizunos and LOVE them!

To show you how important good shoes are...in the short time I was running with the cheapie sneaks I developed a pain in my knee. It was caused by the pronation in my feet and my sneakers were not properly supporting it. After running with the RIGHT sneakers for a short time, the pain disappeared!:)
 
Great advice here! I fall right along with them. I wore whatever was in the closet and once there was no turning back I got good shoes that fit great. I had someone check my stride....everything. There is nothing like going for a run with the right shoes.

Good luck!
Marcia.
 
I agree with most of the other runners. I think trying a specialty running shoes store where they can watch you run ( Like Fleet Feet) is absolutely the best! I started running about 30 years ago before all the different style and just kinda winged it like everyone else. My Physical Therapist told me I should run in stability shoes after he watched me run. I mostly get them online after I know the name of the model I want as that way I get the best price. I like Reebok, New Balance, and Saucony , as they have wide styles and I have a wide foot. Don't ever run in old shoes as that does increase you chance for injury IMO...:)
 
Chiming in with all of the others who are recommending getting fitted. It may seem like overkill, but IMHO, the wrong pair of shoes could actually turn you OFF to running. For years I tried to run and was bothered by shin splints, sore calves, etc. I would always give up, thinking, "This must just not be for me!"

Fast forward a few years later and I signed up for Team in Training, and they told us to have our feet fitted for the right shoes for us. What a difference!! For the first time, I was able to run with no discomfort whatsoever, and I actually ENJOYED it. If I hadn't been made to do this, I would have gone on forever hating running and thinking it was the most uncomfortable thing in the world.

It is worth the investment in time, effort, and money to get the right pair of shoes. If you don't, you risk injury or at the very least, discomfort and thinking that you don't like running. Yes, you could get lucky and stumble upon the "right" shoes on your own, but it's free to get fitted, so why not at least find out what shoes they recommend?

Jennifer
 
Thank you everyone for your replies.

I'm not sure if we have a specialty store around here. Is Dicks Sporting Goods a good place to look?

*♥´¨)
¸ .• ♥ ´¸.•*♥´¨) ¸.♥•*¨)
(¸.•♥´ (¸ ;.♥•Jennie•♥

~What's round on the end and high in the middle? Tell me if you know.~

Smoke free since: 2/05/08
 
Hi JennieR,

You might want to do a google search for a running store in your area. A Dick's Sports would be more of a general sporting good store, and they probably won't have someone staffed who has in depth knowledge about running shoes to really evaluate you properly...

Good luck! And get ready to get addicted ;).

Jennifer
 
>Hi JennieR,
>
>You might want to do a google search for a running store in
>your area. A Dick's Sports would be more of a general sporting
>good store, and they probably won't have someone staffed who
>has in depth knowledge about running shoes to really evaluate
>you properly...
>
>Good luck! And get ready to get addicted ;).
>
>Jennifer

Thanks Jennifer

*♥´¨)
¸ .• ♥ ´¸.•*♥´¨) ¸.♥•*¨)
(¸.•♥´ (¸ ;.♥•Jennie•♥

~What's round on the end and high in the middle? Tell me if you know.~

Smoke free since: 2/05/08
 
You might also like to pick up a book on Women's Running and read the first few chapters on Getting Started, What to Expect, How to Avoid Injury, Suggested Training Schedules, etc. That way you will know that 2 weeks down the road when your lungs are about to explode and your legs feel like lead weights, this is totally normal!!!! Seriously though, it can help psychologically to know that what you are feeling is totally normal and also to observe strict rules about increasing your distance for the first 6 weeks: slowly, gradually does it.

I have just finished perusing "Runner's World Complete Book of Women's Running," by Dagny Scott. While the pictures on the cover are a little dated, the info inside is spot on and she's very encouraging.

See if your library has it or something like it.

Clare
 
>That way you will know that 2 weeks down the road when
>your lungs are about to explode and your legs feel like lead
>weights, this is totally normal!!!!
>

LOL, OMG Clare you described EXACTLY how I felt when I first started running!

I just wanted to add that another good women's running book is "The Complete Book of Running for Women" by Claire Kowalchik. :)
 
Thanks Clare and Wendy for the info on the books.

*♥´¨)
¸ .• ♥ ´¸.•*♥´¨) ¸.♥•*¨)
(¸.•♥´ (¸ ;.♥•Jennie•♥


Smoke free since: 2/05/08
 
Jennie,

Are you in Columbus? Thought maybe since Brutus is your avatar :) If so, let me know. I have a friend running a half marathon down there in April. She has family down there and knows of specialty stores. I can find out which one is the best if you'd like.

Heidi
 
I'd definitley go to a specialty running store to find the right shoe for you.

I have flat feet and I love Asics Gel Evolutions.
 
I think it all depends on your foot type. I really like Nike Pegasus and New Balance, but it would be wise to go to a running store like Fleet Feet where they could give you advice on the best type of shoe for a beginner. Also, I found that if I tie my laces too tight, I tend to get shin splints (not fun).

I hope you enjoy running- it's a great stess reliever!
 
Dani, I have flat feet too. I find it hard to find good shoes.

Heidi, I live in the Akron area. I'm a big Buckeye fan.

*♥´¨)
¸ .• ♥ ´¸.•*♥´¨) ¸.♥•*¨)
(¸.•♥´ (¸ ;.♥•Jennie•♥


Smoke free since: 2/05/08
 
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