The best shoes for running, app for c25k, cross training

xxPEANUTxx
xxPEANUTxx Posts: 15
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I am going to start the couch to 5k program on monday! I am pretty excited
Going to get shoes today hopefully =D

anywho so I have three questions..

One is about shoes. Since I am a new to running/jogging, I was wondering what the best shoes would be beginners? Or what you would recommend that you guys find to be the best product? I don't want to go to expensive because I don't want to spend so much on something that i may not continue (I don't want to think this way, but I have a pattern where I get really motivated to do a new workout (insanity, turbo fire and pilates) and I just stop after like two months so I don't want shoes that are ridiculously expensive.

Second question. What is the best android app to track my progress while I am on this program? There are a lot of free and paid apps and I just wanna know what ones you guys have enjoyed and have been the best?

Third question. I read that when people start running/jogging, that they should cross train to build your core strength or something. So if I continued to do pilates (i really enjoyed pilates) in between my running days, and have rest days on the weekend, will that be good? I do hope to lose weight. about 20 pounds (I am currently 137 pounds at 5'2". female)

Thank you =)

Replies

  • Valdeezie
    Valdeezie Posts: 42 Member
    Hey there!

    For your shoes I recommend going to a nearby local store. They will run some free tests for you to let you know which type of shoes you need (stability vs neutral). This will make a world of difference. You will need to buy one full size larger than you typically wear so your feet have room. You will also get to try out heavier or lighter shoes to find the exact fit you need. These aren't shoes that are more expensive than others so no worries on that part. : )

    As for the app I recommend MapMyRun or RunKeeper. Both are free. This will tell you the distance you have run, average pace, show you a map, save your progress, etc. Don't pay attention to the calories burned within the app because these aren't accurate. Everyone is different. I burn double the calories (I wear a heart rate monitor) than the app tells me but i also weigh 170 lbs.

    Crosstraining is always a good idea because a strong core will help with your form and proper form is imperative. I do Insanity about once a week and pilates about once a week.

    The schedule you mentioned sounds like a good one to me. Make sure to ice you calves after each run and strech before AND after. You will regret it if you don't!

    Feel free to add me! I started running four months ago and dropped tons of weight and now belong to two run groups!
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    Shoes- People will tell you that you should get fitted.. and thats prob. a good idea. Know that good running shoes are expensive... I just forked out almost 95 dollars for a pair of Asics.. but it's the best thing I could have done for my running.

    App- I use Simple C25K and then Endomondo to track my distance and pace.

    Cross Training and rest days- I really suggest you look into strength training(either bodyweight or with a barbell/dumbells) on days that you don't run. I was never a runner, but I have a lot of endurance in my legs because I did strength training for a year and a half before I started to run.

    The C25K program it's self is 3 days a week.. and then if you strength train 3 times a week and take one rest day a week, you should be good!
  • yallcallmedeb
    yallcallmedeb Posts: 294
    I liked RunDouble for Android for C25K training. It tells you your distance, pace, when to walk and when to run. You can play your own music while the app is running. You can get it for a free 2 week trial and then it costs under $2 to buy. They also have other apps once you finish C25K.

    As for shoes, if you can find someplace to be tested and fitted that is best. Try on a bunch of different shoes. Run around the aisles in them. Make note of which feel good and which cause you pain/don't feel so good. If you share your observations with the store clerk, they should be able to direct you to what would work best with you. Go with your instinct though. If they tell you that shoe X is perfect for you and let you don't love it, don't buy it!

    Doing pilates on your off days sounds like a great choice!

    Check out the C25K group in the MFP groups and add some others who are in a similar point in C25K or with similar backgrounds/goals/etc. That will make a real difference in you finishing the program. I started C25K on May 16th and I am now working on a Half Marathon training program. I'm only running 4 miles at the moment but I like the Half Marathon training schedule so I'm going to do a modified version of it. For example, my Sunday (week1) run is 6 miles. I'll run 4-5 miles of it and then walk the rest or walk half a mile and then start running again. Just do it!!!!
  • xxPEANUTxx
    xxPEANUTxx Posts: 15
    OOOOO thank you everyone for your help!
    I bout 110 dollar shoes but got it for a deal for 80 bucks
    I think they work well so far. They are addidas (I got the kind where there isn't much heel to them. The guy at the store said that this will be good if you want to work more leg muscles)

    I am also using run double and I like it so far. I will buy the other apps later

    and yeah I thikn imma do pilates. I really enjoy it. I might try to do some weights at school if i can.

    THANKS FOR ALL YOUR ANSWERS! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT! =)
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