Anything I should know before getting real running shoes?

No suggestions on what to know, they will ask you everything relevent. Do you have a pair of sneakers you have been running in? If so, you may want to wear/bring them. Sometimes they will check out the wear pattern to get an idea of how your foot strikes.

Ask them if you can return after trying them. I know the store I go to allows you one month on a treadmill, not outside. It is a great way to make sure the shoes are really right.

Definitely invest in a good bra. It is beyond worth it. My favorite is Moving Comfort Fiona.
I also like a good running jacket. I go for a light one that makes you visible and will keep the water and wind off. I use the same shell all year round, I just layer in the colder temps. There isn't anything else that I consider a "must have". There are tons of other things that are "nice to haves".

After many here kept saying how important it is to go to a real running store I managed to find one a little over an hour from my house that does measurements and gait analysis and lets you run a bit in the shoes etc.

Is there anything I should know before I go? I just started the c25k and will do my second run in a few min (in my old bad shoes, but I promise I'm going Friday when I have the day off so only one more run Thursday in bad shoes)

Any suggestions on other gear to look into getting when I'm there? I was thinking I might want a better bra at least... any other suggestions?

Oh and DH agreed to come with me today so I might get him to come too.

It is important regarding trainers/running shoes, to ensure that the backs of the shoes do NOT come up too high. Good reason for this, if the back of the shoe is too high, it will rub on the achilles and you could end up with an inflamed tendon or some other injury. Most running shoes are quite low at the backs now but just something to watch out for.

The store will help you make the best decision re shoes - but yes - good bra - and running socks - the right socks makes a huge difference - especially if you start running longer distances....

Over time you might also want to look at running specific tops and shorts - again when your body starts overheating it helps to have the right gear.... if you have not figured it out yet - fitness gets expensive - all these new lovely toys!!

Bumping this to read when I get home from work.

If you want a decent bra, Nike do a great one called "dedication" . It's a halter cross back bra and just offers so much comfortable support with little chaffing. It's also a pull over head so no catches to rub either... but super comfy and incredibly supportive - perfect for really high impact sports like running, netball/plyometrics hockey etc etc

The trainers/running shoes- they should help you with everything! They are the experts after all... but you want to be able to look at the videos of your gait corrected and uncorrected so you can physically see your legs are aligned and ankles aren't rolling "in" or "out" also look at how your toes point...straight ahead, outwards inwards etc and ask what they can do to help that. If you're running on relatively hard surfaces, you'll want a good rigid sole but with lots of cushioning/shock absorbency. I think one of the best brands is ASICS... their gel ranges with duomax(if you are an overpronator) with solyte are fab... Look at the tread, and ultimately try them all out on the treadmill and walk around and ,make sure they feel "right" for you too.

If you do want to get serious with running and run lots and far, it may be worth investing in some compression wear. It's quite expensive so maybe just get the calf sleeves/socks to start (Brands include SKINS, 2XU etc) It really does work in my opinion... it works like flight socks a bit, helping aid venous return which means your muscles stay oxygenated better and the waste products are moved faster and shouldn't pool so much in your legs. This improves performance/fatigue, helps prevent muscle soreness/damage and much more. In addition, it helps stabilise the muscles when they're dynamic and counter some excess vibration from the impact.

Hope that helps.

I forgot socks. I just take mine for granted. I don`t even wear non- running or cycling socks anymore, except for my work socks, which are mens crew socks, lol.

After many here kept saying how important it is to go to a real running store I managed to find one a little over an hour from my house that does measurements and gait analysis and lets you run a bit in the shoes etc.

Is there anything I should know before I go? I just started the c25k and will do my second run in a few min (in my old bad shoes, but I promise I'm going Friday when I have the day off so only one more run Thursday in bad shoes)

Any suggestions on other gear to look into getting when I'm there? I was thinking I might want a better bra at least... any other suggestions?

Oh and DH agreed to come with me today so I might get him to come too.

You will need to know:

1) Your budget (A good pair can be had for something between $100-$125)
2) Get a shoe that feels one size too large. Your feet swell during exercise, especially running.
3) They will let you go for a test jog in or just outside the store. Pay particular attention to how the shoes feel with regards to balance and pressure points. You want to get one with which the pressure on your feet feels evenly distributed and you don't feel like your foot is turning one way or another.

What else you need:
1) Some have suggested running socks. I don't like them, myself, but many runners swear by it.
2) If you can afford it, a HR watch. If you can afford it and plan to run outside a lot, a GPS watch with HR monitor. I use a Garmin model and I love it.
3) If you're well-endowed, a training bra is a good idea.
4) Do NOT get "GU" or any other similar sugar supplement unless you are planning to run at least a half-marathon. You don't need it until you are going to burn over about 1500 to 2000 calories on a run.

I am a big girl but been jogging for a while now. Asic are a great fit for wider feet. Only time I ever had a problem at a specialist store was when they told me I needed a certain size and I said they were too big. they said no, I listened and used the for about 3 weeks for jogging and gave up on them. So un comfortable slipping all the time. if you think it is comfortable listen to you and best of luck with your running!!

Bring your old shoes when you go.