i bought my first pair of proper running trainers!

[juicychops]

they make an unbelievable difference its amazing

they were £80 which wasn't so amazing but hopefully a good investment.. and a good motivation!!

I got Adidias ones in January for about £85 and they are amazingly good so seem to be just about worth it. Hooray!

I spent a bit more but I am slowly getting fitter and running further - so my pounds per mile is steadily looking more reasonable. And my knees don't hurt anymore. Shoes are the most important bit of kit, imo. WHen I park run, I look totally skanky in Matalan joggers but I do have flash trainers underneath!

Run half a mile more than once and my knee starts hurting, so last summer I decided to get organised.

I invested in a pair of asics for over pronators (?) in the morning, and went to see a physiotherapist in the afternoon (both firsts). Sadly the physio said running would always be a really really bad idea, so the trainers remain totally untouched 10 months on.

I guess it was just the excuse I was looking for to carry on being a couch potato, but at the same time I'm a bit sad.

Perhaps I should give them a go if they really do stop your knees from hurting.

Its not just the shoes in themselves but they do make a real difference.

Other than that, I never push myself once I feel a twinge. And a good Sports Physio should be able to give you exercises to help. My sister is a Sports Physio and her advice has been invaluable.

Slow, steady and not over-doing it is the key. But it is do-able.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I will def have to try again.

They do make a huge difference. I wear Mizuno trainers and get them a lot cheaper by buying them on line sometimes on ebay - they are last years colours but are exactley the same model and sometimes are half the price of the new season colours.

Make sure you get proper socks too - 1000 mile ones are good and really stop the blisters once you get up to long distances.