Starting c25k...clueless on shoes....help!

[saywhatnow]

So I'm one of those people that would always say I only run if I'm being chased, HOWEVER, I've decided I really want to challenge myself and I'm thinking of starting the C25K program in a few weeks after I finish my 30 DS.

Now I need to buy some actual running shoes. I have what I would call wider than normal feet but usually can get away with buying regular width shoes.

Any suggestions for what running shoes to buy? Also, any tips for starting the C25K would be great too! Thanks!

[sassystace]

Go to your local running store (not a Sporting Goods chain store). They will fit you properly for running shoes that fit your feet and your gait.



I started running with C25K, lost of us on here have--its a great program. Good luck!

[shorty20]

My advice for C25K is to go slow!  Slower than you think you need to, even if you feel like you're just shuffling along.  When I first started it I tried to go way too fast, and ended up really struggling and getting frustrated.  Once I slowed way down, I was able to complete the runs and actually start enjoying them.  Speed will come with time.

As for shoes, I agree w/ pp, go get fitted and see what shoes are right for you.  Everyone's feet are different.  What works for me may not work for you. 

Good luck!

[pamela]

I started C25k last July one night out of frustration with my Wii Active acting up. That first walk/run in my old tennis shoes left my shins aching for 2 days. At the recommendation of the ladies here, googled "running shoes" and my city and found a couple of local stores. I found 3 options, all endorsed by local running groups. I went to the one that did fittings by videotaping your feet while you're running/walking/jogging on a treadmill. It took us a few different shoes to find the closest one to correct my overpronation. They also have an awesome return policy that if after running on them for a bit, if they aren't working, I can bring them back for an exchange. That really made me feel better about spending the money there over taking a chance with what I could find at Academy.

As for the program, ditto shorty, go slow. I think that was the biggest thing for me with my past attempts to run. Another is to consider your form from the start. Pay attention to holding your body upright and look ahead of you, not at your feet. It will help you not only feel more confident about what you're doing, but it also opens up your lungs so you can breathe better than if you were hunched over.

[Deleted]

You're not going to 'get away with' normal width shoes if you're close to a wide width when it comes to running shoes, your feet will swell slightly and they're taking that abuse. Give them the room they need!

Go to your LRS and get fitted, you might find some last-year models on sale right now.

[katinthehat]

start walking now. If you can walk three miles before starting C25K, you'll have a much easier time of it. If you can't walk that far, just getting your body used to moving three days a week is better than just literally starting from the couch.

[soveryexcited]

Ditto everyone else.

Get thee to a running store (a good one!) and have them analyze your feet/gait to make sure you have the right shoes.

Go slower than you think you should. Plod along more really.

I'm a huge believer in C25K. I started it in August of last year and for the first couple weeks, I could only do 12 or 13 minute miles (that was with the walking intervals included) and like you- I was a girl who only ran if I was being chased or if there was a cookie or cake waiting at the end. Now, about seven months later, I run three times a week. I'm running my first 10k this weekend, and I've signed up for a half marathon April 7th. I run 8:30 minute miles now. It is amazing to see what your body can do.