Runners - shoe & gear question

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

Unless you're walking, or skipping, you're running.

Go with your gut. As it was put to me by the sales rep I trust... "the right shoe will fit your foot like a slipper". I got a completely different shoe than I was expecting and I have no regrets.

As for cold weather gear, I guess it depends on how cold you expect it to get, and how well you deal with the cold. My norse blood gives me +50 cold resistance so I could probably run in a t-shirt and capris in the dead of our New England winter. The tech shirt sounds just fine especially for fall. If it gets too cold for that to suffice, then you might want to try for full leggings and perhaps a vest that you can layer over your tech shirt. You'll also definitely want either a beanie or a headband to keep your ears warm, and probably gloves, if you don't have pockets to warm your hands.

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!

1) great first step!
The local running store here measured both of my feet while sitting and then while standing (length and width), they had me walk away from them and toward them, as well as jog. They pulled several pairs of shoes, had me try them on and I was able to jog around the parking lot to see how they felt, and then they showed me different inserts. Our store has a great return policy within 30 days, so make sure you check that out, too!

2) You'll have to play this by ear.
I tend to get really hot about a half mile into a run...like REALLY hot, so even if it's really cold here, i end up in capris/tank top or one layer of UA's cold weather long sleeved shirts, but I start with a light jacket that I can tie around my waist (oh, even in a tank top, I'll sometimes end up wearing gloves/ear warmers)

2) You'll have to play this by ear.
I tend to get really hot about a half mile into a run...like REALLY hot, so even if it's really cold here, i end up in capris/tank top or one layer of UA's cold weather long sleeved shirts, but I start with a light jacket that I can tie around my waist (oh, even in a tank top, I'll sometimes end up wearing gloves/ear warmers)

Yeah same here, I start a run in 40 degrees thinking it's cold out and then a half mile later I'm wishing I just wore a tank top Good idea to bring a light jacket that can be removed

A good running store will have a treadmill in the store and will talk to you about how much you pronate. If not, find a different store that specializes in running.

Try on multiple pair to really get a sense of the differences. A good store will film you on a treadmill to get an accurate view of your gait.

It gets into the 30-40's on average here and I do full leggings and long-sleeved tech tee and a vest. If it is *really* cold for some reason, I'll do a full pullover but that's rare. I hate cold ears, though, so I wear a fleece ear band.

Thanks for all the advice everyone!

I went to the local running store yesterday and they filmed me walking and running on the treadmill and found me a pair of Asics that fit my gait really well and are nice and "bouncy" - not sure why, but I like that cushioned feeling.

I also picked up a nice long sleeved tech shirt with a zip up collar and the little holes in the sleeve for your thumbs - brilliant! I think I will pick up a vest when it gets cooler - it is only in the low 50s here in the mornings. I would like to keep going outside as long as I can!

Can't wait to try out the shoes tomorrow for my first "long" run of 25 minutes! Less than 4 weeks until my "first" 5k!

Fun!! I love the tech shirts with thumbholes though sometimes they kind of irritate the webbing begween my thumb and index finger. Enjoy your new gear

Hello new runner! Welcome to a totally fabulous form of exercise! : )

To answer your questions I would go to a store that does 'gait analysis' you can phone them beforehand to find out if they do this. Runners Needs outlets do this but you should also find outlets close to you that will also. Expect to spend around £100 for a decent pair of running shoes (trust me, going cheap on running gear does make a detrimental difference).

Clothes...when I started running I went in something not dissimilar to pair of pyjamas, but gradually as my enthusiasm (and ability) of running grew so has my dedicated wardrobe. In deepest darkest winter, my one saving grace is my gloves. I'd also wear long running tights and a long sleeved top but basically getting out the house and being freezing is a sure fire motivator to get you moving asap to warm up!

Best of luck with it and well done on all your progress so far! :flowerforyou:

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!

Your shoes are the most important. Properly fitted and a model that works best for your type of foot and gait and running. Don't worry about the brand too much. Take price out of the equation. The absolute best shoe for you could be the $75 pair and not the $200 pair. That's great you are going to a Running specialty store. They typically know what they are doing and will save you a lot of preventable pain.

There's a lot of fancy gear for colder weather. You want to dress for the middle of your run. You should be too cold the first third and too hot the final third. Make sure it is made to wick moisture away. Merino wool is the best and nothing else even comes close to it- but its pricey. I usually start a long sleeve at 45 and below (depending upon wind conditions, if calm I may not), ear band at 40 and lower. Hat at 25 and lower. Gloves at 35 and lower. Long pants at 35 and lower. Vest at 30-40. Goretex (or equivalent) Jacket at 30-40 if rain. Additional layer(ex; a short sleeve under my long sleeve) at 30 and lower. Don't forget good socks. Merino wool here too is amazing- will keep your feet totally dry even in soaking rains (or, at least they will feel dry). The fortunate thing here is that they are comparably priced with other running socks- I guess due to more competition. Since it will likely be dark, consider relective gear (if its not already on the clothes).

I too am a new runner (i really am liking the sound of that more and more!) . I'm on week 5 of Couch 2 5K and i'm ready to invest in a good pair soon and have been told by several runner friends to hit the running specialty stores to get fitted. Glad to hear you had a good experience with that, i'm sort of leaning towards asics myself because i started with brand new nikes and hated them so i dug an old pair of asics out of the closet and having being enjoying their springy-ness ever since :bigsmile: And i'm signed up to do my first 5K on thanksgiving morning with my sister!! Only 6 weeks until it's here---eeeek!

Lots of great info here! I echo shoes, shoes, and shoes I would avoid the whole barefoot running thing though as it really only seems to work for a few people and of the runners I know who have tried it...well they all wear shoes again LOL The very best thing to do is head to a real running store where they can fit you for a shoe. Seriously that was the best running investment I ever made! I have switched shoes a few times but I did so because my body was changing and with that the way I ran was changing. I usually go in every year or so just to be sure I'm still in the best shoe for me. The running store I use is fantastic and they always bring out many different brands of shoes so don't be afraid to test them all. With my store, I can buy them and bring them back if they don't work. Last year I bought a pair of trail running shoes but after the first run I knew they were not going to work so I took them back in. Even though it was obvious I had used them there was no problem exchanging them for another pair....the sign of a great running store :happy:

On clothing, layers as has been said here many times already! I always have clothing I can take off if I get too warm which does happen often. Here in Michigan we are starting to see low 30 degree mornings so I know those first few miles are going to be cold but the last few are going to be warm. Layers allow me to stay warm and then cool down as needed. It really is trial and error as far as clothing but go with something that wicks the moisture away from you if you can. If you can't afford a ton of new clothes, we all know how expensive good running gear can be, then go with what you have. When I first started I used a lot of the cotton shirts I got from races and from time to time I still wear cotton shirts. You sometimes have to go with what you have so just try some things out and see what works for you. Also shop online if you can because I have found some great deals through websites like Amazon. I recently purchased three pair of my running shoe for $150 because they were closing out last years shoes, it seriously saved me well over $120.