After some hunting around the net for information on how to get started, it became really clear that a good pair of properly fitted running shoes is essential. I'm in the Midlands, UK and my closest running shop (that I can find online anyway) is near Solihull, a good 20-30 miles away (I wasn't planning to run there!) called Birmingham Runner, and as I had by chance a meeting set up in Solihull on this Wednesday I managed to get across to them late afternoon.
The experience went kind of like this:
Shop bell: Ding
Me: Hi, I've decided to start running and I need a pair of shoes.
Owner: Yer man over here will help you get some fitted.
Yer Man: What can I help you with?
Me: I need some running shoes, but I know I've got really flat feet
YM: OK, lets hop onto the treadmill and video you running
{note to self. start remembering peoples names}
So, I went straight onto the machine with a pair of borrowed neutral trainers and got my jogging gait videoed. Analysis was pretty easy - pretty strong pronation (a word I've only known about for 3 days) needing support, but not a motion control shoe.
YM brings out a selection of shoes which I try on. I'm encouraged to leave the shop and run up and down in them to get the feel of the shoe. Wow. I keep waving at the ladies in the hairdressers 3 doors down every time I go past in a new pair of shoes.
After 4 pairs, I'm settled on Pearl Izumi SynchroGuide shoes. Nice narrow fit, plenty of impact cushioning and well supportive.
Altogether a really good purchase experience - thanks Birmingham Runner !
[Posted for 26th April]
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