I've just started doing the GirlsRunToo beginner's programme, on the second week, now. And it's becoming obvious my trainers are no good for running, as last night for the first time, I had pain in my shins which I've since looked up online - I think I did the stretches OK, so suspect it must be the trainers I was wearing. Also I was running on a hard surface, but prefer that and want to continue with it.

Anyone know a good place to buy running shoes that are (a) reasonably priced and (b) give some advice? From the info on GirlsRunToo, I can see I have the most unusual foot shape - very high arch - and as I don't have a lot of money to spare, want to make sure I get the best shoes I can afford, so I can continue with the programme. I'm loving doing it and don't want to give up!

Cheers, PhatPhoenix x

I have a pair of Reebok Road Premier Plus. They were about 50 quid and they are the most comfortable pair of trainers I have ever worn! I think they are a men's shoe, but I'm sure they'll do them in a lady's style too!

I don't do much running, but I did buy them for running and did a bit and they were very good!

I have a pair of Reebok Road Premier Plus. They were about 50 quid and they are the most comfortable pair of trainers I have ever worn! I think they are a men's shoe, but I'm sure they'll do them in a lady's style too!

I don't do much running, but I did buy them for running and did a bit and they were very good!

Actually perhaps they were called Reebok Premier Road Plus (that sounds better!) A combination of those words anyway

Mine are "road riders" or something like that. I can't even remember what make they are, although they could be Reebok. They might not be though...

I just ended up getting them in JJB where I got little to no advice, but I've not found a decent running shoe shop yet. I'm still looking though so I can get some proper advice, I suspect I just got lucky this time.

Also, mine are mens because women's trainers are usually too small for me. It's annoying me a bit at the moment because I think the heels are wider on mens and my trainers are a bit loose there. BUT they don't actually rub, so I'm not doing too badly I suppose.

Ah YP1, I'm down the road from you, in North Yorks so if you find a good shop in Leeds in the future, let me know!

Thanks for your answers, everyone!

Hey Phoenix - where abouts in N Yorks are you? My parents live near Whitby and I used to live there too until I moved down to the smoke!

I used to live up there too, between Knaresborough and Ripon

Hi Patphoenix

I would strongly recommend you to go to a specialist running shop - they will assess your feet and advise you on the best shoe for your foot and your running style.

I bought countless pairs from the likes of JJB, allsports etc, and none of them were right. I got a running magazine from a good newsagent and just checked the ads in the back and found a running shop local to me. I too live in a rural area - but there was a great shop fairly close.

I was impressed with the service - she found 3 pairs of shoes that felt great on my foot, she watched me walk on the treadmill that they keep in the shop, and I came aout with a pair of ASICS trainers that are just soooo comfy! They were no more expensive than JJB either.

There is some really great advice about running and running gear on the Exercise forum here at 3FC too.

Good luck!

PS is the girlsruntoo programme online? I tried couch to 5k but it was a bit too advanced for me. I will have to work up to that one!

Aw thanks for that brilliant advice, everyone!

I got my beginners' programme from here:

GirlsRunToo

I'm onto week 2, although I'm sure I'll take it slower if I need to as things go on, as I'm not only er...Junoesque, but also 43, so doubt I'll get to 5K in 12 weeks - if ever!

I'm near York, so lots of country lanes. Whitby's one of my favourite places - we go there all the time on day trips! I wouldn't fancy running up them 199 steps, though!

Love, PhatPhoenix x

Hi Phat

I'm 43 too and also er...Junoesque ! I looked at the girlsruntoo site and it looks good. I need to get my walking speeds up before I can run.

If you keep this up, you will be running up the 199 steps in Whitby by this time next year!

Thanks, Artemis

I can't help noticing we started dieting at a very similar weight, almost the same week! Will have to cheer eachother on! Same age, too although I'm 2" taller than you.

When I say *running* I mean being pulled along by 50lb of dog, so that helps a bit. He also gives me an advantage on those 199 steps as he can pull me the whole way up. Sickeningly, in the 6 weeks or so I've been dieting, the dog has probably lost more weight than me as he's gone from being very chubby to slim and muscular. Makes you sick, eh?

Once you have been fitted and know the type of shoes you need, a good place to buy extra and replacement shoes, plus other running supplies, is www.roadrunnersports.com. There is a members only club, not sure of the costs as I joined years ago before there were club dues. One note of importance regarding running shoes: have 2 pairs (same shoe) and alternate which pair you use each time you run. It really helps the shoes last longer and is better for you.

Poohshunny - I couldn't find a proper running shop, but did find a big sports shop at a local Retail Outlet park.

Although there was no advice available, they had masses of running shoes on display so I just tried on pair after pair til I found the ones that felt right. I'm usually a size 5 or 5 and a half so I tried on 6s and 6 and a halfs, and bought them after I'd been walking around for a few hours, when my feet were nice and swollen! They had them clearly labelled, which were trainers, which cross trainers, which dance and which running shoes, so that helped.

They're Nikes, 'Urban something or other' so I reckoned they'd be fine for running on the hard roads and tracks round here. Sure enough, in the couple of times I've been out since buying them, no more shin splints and that's despite upping the times I'm running and the speed, just a little. The other good thing was I got them for 50 quid off the retail price. If I can find a proper running shop though, I'll take your advice and go look for a second pair (when I can afford it!) and get proper advice. But so far so good!

Phat Phoenix x