[DPline]

Originally Posted by chrisandaaron

First one with their running shoes on tomorrow WINS!

Eeek! What have I gotten myself into?! LOL!

Since you are an experienced runner, I have a question if you don't mind. What should I be looking for in running shoes? I have rheumatoid arthritis, so maximum cushioning is a must. There are just so many shoes out there in such a huge price range that I have just no idea where to begin!
I have been running (the little bit I do) in my walking shoes, but I am not sure if that is a good idea or not? Would I be better off with cross-trainers? Or running shoes?

Thanks for the link to the podcasts! That sounds great!

[thanksgivingmom]

My neighbor, and quasi dating partner, works at a sporting goods store and he manages the shoe department and is VERY knowledgable. He always tells me I need to come in for new running shoes because they make all the difference in the world!

I would highly recommend asking a "shoe professional" (haha) because they really do know thier stuff! Neighbor even has to go to classes sometimes after work to learn about new shoe technology - I think it's pretty silly but he seems to know what he's talking about!

(Not that you don't Chrisandaaron! I hope you don't take that the wrong way! )

[CourtneynCarl]

Okay, I am TOTALLY OUT OF SHAPE - but I just did the day one schedule. I was huffing and puffing, but I did it!

Maybe this is just the kick in the hiney I need to get started - I am super good at thinking of excuses! Thanks for bringing this my attention!

[browneyes0707]

I commend those of you who do it. And since I'm a fickle on and off gym rat, I'm usually up for a challenge.

I hate running. Hate treadmills, hate 90 second sprints. My knees suck.

Any other excuses I could come up with??

Me and TG will cheerlead on the sides tho

[chrisandaaron]

Originally Posted by thanksgivingmom

(Not that you don't Chrisandaaron! I hope you don't take that the wrong way! )

LOL, I don't! I agree go to a couple of sporting goods stores and ask questions. You will figure out real quick who knows what they are talking about and who just sells shoes. If you have a running store in your area check that out too. Just tell them you are a casual runner and you want something reasonable priced. One thing I have learned is that most expensive does NOT mean better. You can buy good running shoes for $50-$90 no problem. I just bought my first pair from a true running shop because I was having some problems. They cost me $100, but the did fix the problem.

Happy Running!

[SuzBerg]

I had a New Year's Resolution (and I only made ONE) to Run a 5K this year. My hubby said "Oh a 5K is pretty easy you should do a 10K". Well let's see, we are almost FOUR months into this year and I have yet to make 1 mile of running, althoug I do pretty good walking briskly a mile and a half. Of course I've only done this less than 2x a week over the last 4 months. 3 of my friends are running 5K in "Race for a Cure" this weekend and there is NO WAY I can do it.



SO...I am in and will start the Couch to 5K program first thing in the am. I am hoping I can run a race by June. I am so glad I saw this thread. THANKS!!!!!!!

[court5505]

I might try it too! I tried it in the past but always gave up. I'm way more motivated now. I've downloaded the podcasts and they are good.

As for the shoes, I would recommend going to a running store and having them fit you for the proper shoe. Then tell them you'll think about it and go to a sporting goods store and buy it cheaper! I used to sell shoes in a sporting goods store and I'll admit that I was not that knowledgable. I know which shoes are good for most people, but I really didn't know how to fit them to people that may have special needs. When I went to the running store, I was amazed at all of the things they had me do in order to find the right shoe for me. Make sure you shave your legs because they make you pull your pants up above your knee! I ended up with the Asics 2130 and I LOVE them. I'm on my 3rd pair. They go on sale a lot at the large sporting goods stores when the new colors come out!

[DPline]

Thanks guys! I did do the running store thing many years ago - 10 years plus - and was very unhappy with the experience. But I guess that one bad experience is not really a fair judgement. I will have to do a little shopping next week when the kids are back in school. I will get started with my first walk/jog tomorrow though!

edited to add: Ok, for my second clueless question of the day . . . Why, when I subscribe to the podcasts do I only get week 9? Week 2 I could handle. Week 9, not so much! What am I doing wrong???

[chrisandaaron]

Just wanted to add that Race for the Cure (or any cause that is important to you) is a great race to run. I always think about all the struggles women with breast cancer go through and say to my self "if they can handle all that, I certainly can do this." It really helps make the race go fast.

HINT: If you do Race for the Cure, start up front with the competetive runners (even if you are NOT). Otherwise you end up walking 2 miles before the crowd thins enough to jog.

[loveajax]

WHOOT!!! I didn't get a chance to checkin until my insomnia kicked in, and now I see I have tons of buddies (and of course the hot cheerleading crew!).

Chris, I am on WW too (CORE program) though I have been off the wagon since Christmas...time to get back on the saddle!

Oceans, OMG, I thought you were going to say your out of shape friend literally "died" (as in you lost her). Which is so funny, because when I leave the gym I go to at work, I always ask the guys who own it to call the ambulance (I am usually the color of either a tomato or an eggplant! embarassing!).

I will do day 3 of week two today....keep me posted, ladies of progress! We should all look for a mid summer (?) 5K race that we are working toward? I am sure I will end up repeating a lot of the weeks since I can't imagine myself running for 1/2 hour (let alone 1/2 mile!) straight at this point!

[Oceans]

I hate running. Hate treadmills, hate 90 second sprints. My knees suck.

I stand firm with Brown on this. I'll join the cheerleading crowd -

[chrisandaaron]

Originally Posted by loveajax

WHOOT!!! I didn't get a chance to checkin until my insomnia kicked in, and now I see I have tons of buddies (and of course the hot cheerleading crew!).

Chris, I am on WW too (CORE program) though I have been off the wagon since Christmas...time to get back on the saddle!

Oceans, OMG, I thought you were going to say your out of shape friend literally "died" (as in you lost her). Which is so funny, because when I leave the gym I go to at work, I always ask the guys who own it to call the ambulance (I am usually the color of either a tomato or an eggplant! embarassing!).

I will do day 3 of week two today....keep me posted, ladies of progress! We should all look for a mid summer (?) 5K race that we are working toward? I am sure I will end up repeating a lot of the weeks since I can't imagine myself running for 1/2 hour (let alone 1/2 mile!) straight at this point!

Love WW, but I too have been slacking since Christmas. What is it about that time of year? I've been on FLEX, but thinking about trying CORE, since I seem to be too lazy to count pts. lately. Even so, I haven't gained. Lost a tiny bit or maintained, which is great considering what a slacker I've been. I'm hoping a new running routine will help me get back on track!

[aallen25]

Ok, I want to join as well! I'm sad to say my 25 year old hiney isn't doing as well as others since becoming a SAHM! I used to run 5 days a week when I was in college (I enjoyed it) but lost the motivation to keep it up when I got married. My bestfriend's wedding is May 31st and every night for the past month I've told myself when DH gets home I'm giving him the baby and at least going for a walk...hasn't happened yet! This sounds like the perfect way to get myself in shape before I have to wear my dress!

[devildogwife]

Originally Posted by browneyes0707

My knees suck.

I'm another one with really bad knees due to years of figure skating. However, a few years ago, I got in shape (and lost 30 pounds!!!) using an elliptical machine and weight lifting. Good luck to all you future runners. I would be in way too much pain!