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HI everyone... I've been following a stricter diet and working out again mostly doing cardio stuff as I don't belong to a gym and have not bought hand weights yet but my question is this.
If I want to start running again which I do now and then for very short periods on the treadmill would it behoove me to buy a good pair of running shoes? The reason I'm asking is that they seem to have a o lot more cushion and shock absorption and I guess due to my heavier weight it's in the back of my mind that I may get a stress fracture if I go nuts with running right now. I've been working a lot on my breathing and that has helped a lot and now I want to really push forward but want to have the right gear...
Go to a dedicated running store like RoadRunner Sports or A Snails Pace to be properly fitted for a running shoe. These stores do much more than just check your size and recommend a pair of shoes. They check your gait, measure your arch, etc. and fit you with exactly what you need for whatever type of running you plan on doing.
I am partial to Nike, Brooks and Saucony brands though.
I used to run cross country in H.S. but for the last decade I've been running mostly on the treadmill and sometimes outdoors. I highly suggest investing in a good pair of running shoes; your joints and tendons will thank you for it! Even during H.S., I developed problems with my knees, ankles and hips from all of the pounding they would take from hitting the concrete, but as I got older I replaced my running shoes every few months when the soles would wear out and that seemed to help out a great deal!
I keep a separate pair of running shoes for the treadmill and for outdoors. Thankfully, my treadmill has a lot of cushion, but the soles of my shoes will still wear out and need to be replaced every few to several months (I used to run over 50 mi./week and now I'm down to about 10-15 mi.). When the soles wear out, I'll use those shoes to go to the gym or as regular tennis shoes and I'll buy myself a new pair of running shoes.
I've always used Asics Gels. You can check them out here: ASICS America - Women's Footwear. Don't worry about getting this year's models. You can often find good deals at Academy or Oshman's on last year's models.
Good luck with your new workout routine! Remember that you'll be more inclined to stick to running/walking if your joints etc. aren't hurting you each time you run, so having supportive shoes will pay you back in many ways.
I'm partial to New Balance, although I'm turned off by the fact they have models not made in the US. Opt for the higher end American made NB shoes if you go that route.
Find a good running store and have them fit you to a running shoe. You'll pay more than ordering online but if you like the shoe you can then buy replacements on-line. Replace your shoes every 300-400 miles or so. DON'T scimp and try to get extra miles out of your old shoes...running in worn out shoes is a sure way to injury!
Running is good and part of a healthy lifestyle but don't expect to run the pounds off. At 100-150 calories burned per mile run (ballpark estimate) you won't be able to run enough at this point to burn significant calories at this point. You will end up injured first....instead focus on your diet to take the pounds off which will make running easier. Once you get to a healthier weight you can focus on the exercise as a way to maintain weight.
Also, taking it easy with the running will let your body adapt to the stresses of running...this will take many months, maybe up to a year before you can start piling the running miles on.
If I want to start running again which I do now and then for very short periods on the treadmill would it behoove me to buy a good pair of running shoes?
Always! No matter what you're doing -- even "just" walking -- you need good shoes! Find a store that specializes in running shoes and have them fit you.
Absorb everything they tell you so that for subsequent purchases you can go on your own. I walk about 100 miles a month, and buy three pair of running shoes a year. Usually my shins will tell me when it's time to buy a new pair.
Thanks to everyone for the encouraging words and advice. I actually do have a shoe store near me that is managed by all runners, they watch you walk, check your gait, etc and then determine based on all of that what you will need. I'm visiting them this weekend!
Thanks to everyone for the encouraging words and advice. I actually do have a shoe store near me that is managed by all runners, they watch you walk, check your gait, etc and then determine based on all of that what you will need. I'm visiting them this weekend!
Another thought....be sure to haggle with the salesperson a bit. Mostly likely, they will try to sell you that most expensive shoe for your type of gait. Alot of times there is a cheaper shoe available that will work with your particular gait, even within a particular brand.
Example, whenever I go to the running store and look at their Asics running shoes, they always try to sell me the Asics Nimbus which goes for $110-120. I know the Asics Cumulus is very similar to the Nimbus and cost $70-80. I buy/wear both (whatever is on sale at the time) but its good to know what different models of shoes will work for you.
In other words, within a brand of shoe there is usually different models of shoes at different price points but will work for a runner with a given gait/style of running.
Example, whenever I go to the running store and look at their Asics running shoes, they always try to sell me the Asics Nimbus which goes for $110-120. I know the Asics Cumulus is very similar to the Nimbus and cost $70-80. I buy/wear both (whatever is on sale at the time) but its good to know what different models of shoes will work for you.
And there are subtle differences among running shoes of the same type that can end up making a huge difference in run quality and enjoyment. I'm an underpronator (run on the outsides of my feet) with overly flexible ankles. I need a running shoe with some nice cushion but otherwise zero support in terms of how they move my feet once they land on the ground. Cumuluses work well for me; but when I tried a pair of just a hint if stability Nimbuses because the store was out of Cumuluses, I started getting noticible knee pain after about 50 miles on the shoes.
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