CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER SEVEN: SHOES & STUFF Get Well Shod: In this chapter we will be looking at the sorts of shoes and clothing required. Perhaps the most important of these is running shoes. It is essential to get the right shoes for you. The right pair of shoes will ensure injury and accidents will be minimised as much as is possible. If, unfortunately, you choose the wrong type,you'll suffer the consequences,as this author knows to his cost. Cost is the operative word too,because decent running shoes are not cheap,as a hunt around the net or stores will prove. Since this is a principal decision for you, I am going to list four helpful tips you need to know. 1) The first suggestion is that you hone in on smaller specialist stores. You will find that by and large they are more helpful and knowledgeable than the larger ones. Often,they have more time to interact with their customers,and that is good for you because you don't want to be rushed in your decision to buy. This applies specially if you are a newbie to the sport,and looking to make your first purchase. 2) Inevitably,you will be quizzed about your mileage per week,the sort of surfaces you usually run on,and if you are or are planning to compete in races. They might perhaps check out your running style if they have the equipment. All in all they will gather as much information as they can about you so as to ensure providing you with just the right pair of trainers to suit. 3) If you are already running, come in the shoes and socks you are regularly using and if,like myself, you use gel heel inserts, be sure to bring them along too,or risk getting a fit which will be too tight when you get home and try out your new ones! Your assistant will certainly be checking your current shoes for wearing patterns. You may be an overpronator for instance and wear your shoe heel down on the inner edge. That is commonplace,and normally you'll be provided with shoes that are specially designed to correct the problem. As a helpful aside; since feet tend to swell during the day, plan to shop as late in the afternoon as possible when they are more their regular size. 4) This brings me rather neatly to my final point: Don't assume you know your correct size. That might seem a strange thing to say. Who doesn't know their own shoe size? Well,that’s what I thought too! However,according to my sources at Runners World (a publication I strongly recommend) the foot can change in length and width, often because of pregnancy or factors such as fallen arches,and, because of that its recommended one buys a pair of shoes that are a half or even a full size larger than the norm. I wish I had known that when I started out running. Boy, it would have saved me a lot of pain! Another point about size; different brands differ widely on sizes. Watch this one. When it comes to running shoes, to paraphrase an old saying..SIZE MATTERS. Before we leave the subject of shoes, let me point out that,as mentioned earlier in this chapter,good shoes are not cheap. Expect to spend at least £60 --£130 (or whatever your own currency equivalent is) for a decent pair that will last well. T hats not even top end incidentally! One can pay much more. You can't afford -forgive the pun-to pick up a "fashion" pair from a dime-a- dozen store,and not risk physical injury and the misery that goes with it. Not to mention potential medical bills."Cheap"is always a false economy. One final point: Be sure to test run the shoes prior to purchasing. This might seem obvious,but surprisingly few do this. Don't be rushed. Walk about the store for a few minutes,if they have a treadmill,ask to use it briefly. If there is space to do so,gently jog around-get a feel for the support and comfort. Don’t forget to ask for the sort of guarantee given on the shoes. Most regular runners will get through a pair of trainers in less than six months believe it or not. Always write the date of purchase on the box the shoes come in. That way you can keep track of when you are next due to purchase again. So,now you are armed with some helpful advice regarding shoes-let us look at other items of clothing you might need . Clothing and Accessories: One thing I love about running to lose weight and keep fit is that it is a sport where you do not need to bother too much about fashion clothing or costly gear. Once you have those shoes we have just discussed, that's almost it. Of course this is from a man's standpoint. The ladies probably have a different point of view. Basically, it's best just to wear what is comfortable. Bear in mind that many newbie runners overdress at the beginning. You need to be careful about weather conditions. Once you're warmed up the extra body heat produced will make the temperature feel at least 15° warmer. Therefore if the temperature were around 53 to 55° you will be okay being fairly lightly dressed in shorts and T-shirt. In colder weather you could wear tights and sweatpants and a long-sleeve sweat shirt. I like to wear Gore-Tex myself. The choice is yours. Ladies This one is special to the ladies; make sure that you are wearing a good supportive sports bra. Well fitting and not too stretched out. Bear in mind that frequent washing will cause the fabric to lose the elasticity so it will need to be replaced. another thing you might like is a timepiece, which in the world of running is usually called a chronograph. They have some pretty colourful ones available probably pink! Personally, I like to use an MP3 headset on long runs. For safety reasons never on the road but just on the trails. It helps to break the boredom that can set in. I like "Swinging Sinatra "-- how about you? Do you like company when you're running? More information in the next chapter.