Keep running, running

And running, running. 

Black Eyed Peas. Can you tell I’m running out of titles. No pun intended. 

So recently, as you know, I’ve been getting into this running malarkey. I decided it was time to get some properly fitted running shoes, especially after I got some knee pain on Saturday. I thought I’d go to Sweatshop as I’d seen the shop before and knew that they did their assessments to find you the right shoe. I should probably, firstly, admit that I got lost. The bloody shop is tucked in a right little corner near the Chill Factore in Trafford. I had to actually ring for directions from the car park. No joke. I felt like a right loony when I eventually made it to the shop. 

So they did some gait assessments and stuck me on a treadmill. Apparently I don’t pronate too much which is good. Yet, I still got suckered into buying the custom fitted, £45, insoles! I’m terrible for a gimmick. I’m sure they see me coming. Anyway, I tried a few different shoes on, that he recommended, no doubt the most expensive ones in the shop, and came away with some (men’s) Asics, insoles, socks and a pair of trousers! I’m ridiculous. 

But, my god, they fit like a glove

Or a shoe. I felt like Cinderella when I wore them for the first time, snug in all the right places. 

Maybe don’t be like me and ask more questions, particularly about price, but it is worth going having a go! 

🧳 UNPACKED

The Investment: Finally got properly fitted running shoes after knee pain. Went to Sweatshop for gait assessment (note: this shop doesn’t exist anymore, but other running shops offer similar services). Don’t pronate too much (good). Got suckered into £45 custom insoles, Asics shoes (men’s), socks, trousers. Terrible for a gimmick.

The Result: Fit like a glove. Or a shoe. Felt like Cinderella.

The Lesson: Worth getting fitted, but maybe ask about prices first. Don’t be me.

Worth Knowing: Properly fitted shoes genuinely make a difference to knee pain and comfort. Many running shops offer free gait analysis. Yes, the insoles are probably a gimmick. Yes, they’re also brilliant.