Need Footwear Advice (C25K)

Hi,

My name is Jes. I'm 21 and am about 250 lbs. I've been running recently and have also just started C25K. Unfortunately I cannot afford proper footwear at this time. I have a pair of six dollar tennis shoes from walmart that aren't even close to ideal. I've gotten a lot of discomfort from them but feel so motivated to get out and run. I will be able to afford shoes by June 7th...Should I postpone my running until then or continue forward?

Comfort wise, I'm experiencing blistering and poor support. I fear that if I don't keep up now, by the time the 7th rolls around I won't have nearly as much motivation. Thoughts?

Replies

  • macchiatto
    macchiatto Posts: 2,890 Member
    Hm. Personally, I would hold off til you can get good shoes rather than take the risk that you could create issues that would make it more difficult to run in the long-term. I had tried C25K (on my own but same basic principles) and would end up with shin splints or knee and ankle problems. Then I went to a specialty running store and got fitted and then did C25K properly and had no problems. Having the right shoes made a huge difference for me.
  • I'm just so afraid that if I wait I won't feel the motivation I do now. I've always tried to get fit and have always given up. I feel so dedicated right now and so anxious that if I stop because of something as simple as shoes that I won't pick it back up.
  • Llamapants86
    Llamapants86 Posts: 1,221 Member
    I totally get the worry about waiting and having motivation run out. I would suggest that you hold off on the running until you can get shoes but find something else you would like to do. Fitnessblender.con has some good st home workouts that you can do without any equipment in the meantime.
  • sappy42
    sappy42 Posts: 65 Member
    I'm on Wk5 of C25K, but before I made the decision to start I started out walking. While you are waiting to afford a good pair of runners (it's only two weeks away), try walking as a way of conditioning your body. I walked for a few months before getting up the courage to start C25K. Walking will keep you active and motivated during your wait.
  • laqu997
    laqu997 Posts: 4 Member
    I'm on Wk5 of C25K, but before I made the decision to start I started out walking. While you are waiting to afford a good pair of runners (it's only two weeks away), try walking as a way of conditioning your body. I walked for a few months before getting up the courage to start C25K. Walking will keep you active and motivated during your wait.


    great idea!
  • I may be a glutton for punishment but I'm going to give day two a shot tomorrow and just take it easy and see how it goes. If it really seems like it's not going to be a possibility I'll tone it way down and try to find some non-hell-shoe activity. Thank you for all of your insights :)
  • Kupe
    Kupe Posts: 758 Member
    I am assuming that you live in the Northern Hemisphere where it is summer now, so my suggestion would be to find any turf laid football or soccer field and run bare foot on that. You won’t be able to do distance however you could do pyramids (http://running.about.com/od/trainingessentials/a/pyramidworkout.htm) which would help with fitness and your speed.

    Running bare foot works a whole lot more stabilising muscles and foot muscles which will make you stronger for when running on the road.

    This will at least keep you motivated and in 2 weeks you will be good to go.
    .
  • I am assuming that you live in the Northern Hemisphere where it is summer now, so my suggestion would be to find any turf laid football or soccer field and run bare foot on that. You won’t be able to do distance however you could do pyramids (http://running.about.com/od/trainingessentials/a/pyramidworkout.htm) which would help with fitness and your speed.

    Running bare foot works a whole lot more stabilising muscles and foot muscles which will make you stronger for when running on the road.

    This will at least keep you motivated and in 2 weeks you will be good to go.
    .

    That actually sounds like a kind of awesome idea. The university I go to has a gigantic field down near the river that would be awesome for running...Hmm! Now you've got me thinking :)
  • I am assuming that you live in the Northern Hemisphere where it is summer now, so my suggestion would be to find any turf laid football or soccer field and run bare foot on that. You won’t be able to do distance however you could do pyramids (http://running.about.com/od/trainingessentials/a/pyramidworkout.htm) which would help with fitness and your speed.

    Running bare foot works a whole lot more stabilising muscles and foot muscles which will make you stronger for when running on the road.

    This will at least keep you motivated and in 2 weeks you will be good to go.
    .

    That actually sounds like a kind of awesome idea. The university I go to has a gigantic field down near the river that would be awesome for running...Hmm! Now you've got me thinking :)

    So, while you're out there barefootin' it, be sure to keep an eagle eye for things that can slice and dice your feets.