Runners - shoe & gear question

You are a runner. Go ahead and call yourself that. Never seen a minimum mile or time requirement. If you're doing it, then you're doing it.

1) Already making the right move. Just make sure they look at your gait. In an ideal world they will film in on a treadmill and can explain it to you - but that isn't always possible. Ask them why they are recommending a particular shoe for you. Ask them if you overpronate, are neutral or supinate. Just their ability to answer (even if you don't know what they are saying) will tell you a lot.

2) Layers of wicking fabrics. Once temps get into lower 40s I often go to long sleeve shirts. I add a vest in the 30s and light gloves. Hat below freezing or close or windy days works for me. You'll experiment and get used to it. But layers of thin materials.

I'm a new runner. Bumping for info

You are a runner when you run. Welcome to the fold (I like to call myself a common jogger, but there's a long story behind that!).

You are doing the right thing by getting shoes fitted, but as one of the posters said you might want to consider minimalist / barefoot -- which is how I have run injury free for the last year. It's not for everyone, but I've had three knee surgeries, and I have found I have no pain if I wear minimalist vs. padded shoes -- my husband would say the opposite. Observe and love your body through the beginning stages.

You want to layer wicking materials, but if you like a sanity check you can use http://www.runnersworld.com/cda/whattowear/0,7152,s6-240-325-330-0,00.html

Hope this helps!

If you are lucky enough to get a sales person that can help fit you that is the best bet. Barring that...here is my method for trying on running shoes:

Pick out five or more pair of shoes to try on.
Try one shoe from Pair 1 on one foot and one shoe from Pair 2 on the other
Discard the least comfortable one
Try on one shoe from Pair 3 on foot you just removed the discarded shoe (sorry that is an awkward sentence....)
Discard the least comfortable
Try on one shoe from Pair 4 on foot you just removed latest discarded shoe
And so on until you are left with the most comfortable shoe. Then try on it's mate and see how they both feel.

It helps to know what type of foot you have and find brands that accommodate your particular foot shape/personality. I have high insteps and I know that Saucony and Asics work best for me. I had a great sales person point me in the right direction (and actually had me do the above method of trying on shoes).

Another thing I always do buy a good pair of innersoles and replace the ones that come with the shoes.

I used to run all the time (a few years ago) and just started up again this week (Couch to 5K).

I just started running too, week 8 of my couch to 5K, already had a couple of rain runs so far here in Chicago. Can't wait for the 20 degree stuff so see how I handle it! All I have been doing is put on a ball cap, sweat pants and a sweat shirt. Works for me!

Try running barefoot before you buy into the running shoes game - you may save yourself a few $$$.

If you're going to run barefoot try to avoid broken beer bottles :laugh:

Seriously though, I haven't gone to barefoot running or using minimalist shoes but despite all the "advances" in running shoe technology the rates of injuries amongst runners has remained relatively unchanged over the last 30 years or so. Whether you opt for minimalist or conventional footwear learn to run using good form - mid foot strike, don't extend your forward foot too much ahead of your body.

When properly dressed you can run very comfortably all year 'round (someone who had lived in Alaska chimed in on another thread). Think layers!

Agree with this. Barefoot works for many, but not for everyone. It's important to do what works for YOU and keeps YOU free from injury. When they tell you what your gait is at the store they'll probably offer you a few different choices to try on. That's when it's important to start jogging around the store with them. Also I resisted it for a long time, but running socks are not a bad idea. I got some online that were a pair of 3 for $10. Not super cheap, but I think it helps. AND I added insoles (superfeet) because I have a lot of heel issues (wear the superfeet in a lot of my normal shoes too).

Can't add much on the cold weather, I jog in shorts and t-shirt year round. But then it only gets into the 50's here at the lowest when I am out jogging. I have a pair of longer pants and a light jacket for the occasions that it rains and is also cold. The runner's world article linked above is really helpful.

If you're going to run barefoot try to avoid broken beer bottles :laugh:

You can usually see things like broken bottles, sharp stones etc long before you step on them - unlike some dog poop! Eeeew!

Seriously, you do develop foot radar after a short while running barefoot. Totally agree - learn good footfall form whichever way you decide to go.

Agree with all the other posters about getting fitted.

As for cold-weather running, if you're chilly at the beginning you should generally just try to deal with it and see how you feel after about 5 mins. I don't transition to colder weather gear until it's COLD out. I'll probably stay in my capri tights and a tshirt/tank top until its in the 30's out, then I'll add a long sleeved sweat-wicking jacket, and probably gloves and a ear-cover headband. I might even get the gloves and headband before the jacket (but I do look forward to having pockets!). Then, when it's REALLY cold I switch to cold-weather tights and add a weather proof vest over the light jacket. Don't let cold-weather tights trick you- they look like regular old compression tights, but they have a layer of fleecy material on the inside and they are REALLY warm. You don't want to wear them too early in the year or you'll feel like you're suffocating. The ones I wear are nike, but I think all the major brands have cold-weather specific tights. The final step is adding a faux turtleneck thing (I don't know what they're called- muff maybe?) when the cold is bitter enough that it hurts my lungs to breathe. Breathing through the fabric traps the moisture from your breath and saturates the air so it doesn't hurt. And vaseline on my nose. That's like January-February in my neck of the woods though. Until it's below freezing my suggestion is to start in something where you're chilly at the beginning- you'll warm up in a few minutes of running.

bump for later

I am a new (returning?) runner - ok I can't even call if "running" yet, but I am doing it (Week 6 of C25K program). I am even signed up for a 5k in November. So 2 questions:

1) I am going to a local shop to get fitted - any advice on what I should know, look for, look out for, etc.?

2) Gear for cooler weather. It is starting to get chilly out. I typically wear a short sleeved wicking/tech shirt and capri pants - very comfy, but what can I add for warmth that won't make me too hot, etc.? Do I just need a long sleeved T or a pullover?

Much thanks!

For 1, I would probably try 2 or 3 pair of running shoes before you settle on a pair. Some stores let you return them some don't. It look me a very long time to finally find a pair that didn't give me shin splints then I stuck with them once I could them. I really like New Balance and will probably never get a different brand, some people like Nike, others Adidas its just all personal preference but I swear by my New Balance MO10's and 310's.

2. Again personal preference, are you a cold runner or warm? I usually dress like its 20 degrees warmer outside, so for instance when its 35-40 out ill wear my regular shorts, a Nike Pro Combat t-shirt and a long sleeve 1/4 zip so I can un zip it if it gets too warm. Depending on wind I might also wear gloves or a head band.