Ok, I know nothing about running shoes/trainers - can someone help please?

[go]

I've decided to do the Race for Life with DD in order to force myself to get out and get fit. I've bought an industrial strength sports bra, and now need to buy other stuff. Think I probably need some kind of jogging bottoms, but not being a sporty person (nor a sportsWEAR person) I have no idea what's best. And also trainers - do you need special ones for running? What do you need to look for? Please help, as I really do need the exercise (and so does DD). Thanks v much all.

You don't need to spend a fortune on running shoes but you do need to get something with decent cushioning. Be brave - go to a proper running shop for advice - it's well worth it especially if it's something that you're going to stick at.

Jogging bottoms - depends on what you're comfy with. I wear some thing like this in winter and a shorter version in summer. You may prefer something baggier but avoid anything too flared as they can interfere with your running.

Good luck

go to independent sports shop and they will find you the pair right for you.

I love Asics, personally.

Good luck with the RFL

I wear Asics too.

thanks - I've seen some trainers that I like, but it does say they're suitable for indoor use. does that mean they won't be any good for running [thick emoticon]

Hmm do they mean that they have a none - marking sole I wonder so suitable for certain types of gym floor? Not sure.

Post a link?

Something like this is a good first shoe. You can probably find them cheaper, but a specialist shop will check how you walk and recommend a trainer to you.

cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=150215673773&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=005

these are some that I saw on ebay - do you think they'd be any good?

Hmm - I think the soles on them are probably not cushioned enough and won't protect you knees from the impact.

thanks saggar - been doing a bit of research on the net and seems that I could do with more support as my feet are a bit flat. think i will have to pay the extra and go for the type of shoe you suggested. i'll have to keep it up if i'm paying a lot for the shoes!!! thanks for your advice.

For gear try sportsshoes.com. They have a great range of clothes and running gear, stuff you won't find in shops and at all prices. They are also great for shoes but wait until you find a brand/model which you like and know fit you and then buy it there next time - the savings can be great, so is the variety and they are really reliable for service.

thanks for that. will go and have a look now.

Hi Go

Please, please, please don't buy running shoes without trying them on first. You would be very very lucky to get shoes that fit you. At best you'll waste your money, at worst you'll injure yourself. Even a small person hits the road with half-a-ton's force when they jog.

If you are in London, there are great shops where you can get good, friendly, non-patronising advice. Run and Become are good, as are Runners Need. Forget the High St. "sports shops", most of the people in them don't have a clue.

Good luck and enjoy yourself. Not everyone likes running, but it can be a great way to have some time to yourself.

not sure where you are, but there's a great running shop on the high street in teddington (can't remember name, someone else might)

absolutely agree, never buy a pair of running shoes without trying them on with proper advice.

can highly recommend these podcasts

He has made it easy for loads of mumsnetters get going on the couch potato - 5km thread

everyones at different weeks - you are very welcome to join us.

The shoes you need, need to be running shoes and at least say that somewhere in the discription. I know it's a minefield, there are sooo many different ones, but if you go to a proper running shop they, they will sort you out the correct pair for you.

think I'll take your advice and go to a proper place to try them on - then buy them online if they're cheaper! not at all sure that i'll get lots of use out of them, so don't want to spend tons on them. thanks for all the advice.