0
0
Keeping fit and staying in shape is as much of a struggle as getting out of bed from Monday to Friday, as I am sure it is for many. I just cannot muster up the enthusiasm but I’ve realised things won’t change if I don’t put the time and effort in.
Last week I joined a new gym, a brand spanking new one with state-of-the-art equipment. I’m determined to carve out a balanced routine and stick to it. Having learned from my past mistakes, I now know what to do and the pitfalls to avoid.
To get me into the swing of things, I have a new pair of kicks and they are PRETTY. This neon coloured pair of ladies running shoes, the GT 1000-3* by Asics, is from Millet Sports online. The site is well equipped with detailed images from all angles of all their footwear and there are guides on sizing as well as buying, which explain what you should look for in a running shoe. I feel the information is full of a lot of complicated jargon and I just don’t feel confident in making a sensible choice from deciphering the technical lingo used.
I say this because I already own a pair of running shoes for outdoors which were carefully selected according to the way I run with customised in-soles to cushion my feet. Speaking to a real person and getting a thorough assessment meant I was prescribed the correct running shoes. I highly doubt I would have got it right by choosing a pair online.
If you are thinking about running outside, get fitted properly by an impartial professional. Running on the ground is completely different to running on a treadmill. For a start, it’s more high impact outside so you need cushioning and support for your feet (and legs!) to prevent injury.
You will also have to wear at least two sizes bigger to your usual size because of the padding and also your feet will swell. Fashion trainers will not cut the mustard as they do not have shock-absorbing material and will therefore injure you so please be careful and seek expert advice. Also sizes differ across brands. I tried on a pair by a very well-known name which were too wide and loose for my feet.
OK, lecture over – back to these beauties! I have never tried Asics before, not even when I was being fitted for my running shoes so I crossed my fingers and hoped they wouldn’t be a disastrous fit. I went for two sizes bigger than my regular shoe size, which thankfully turned out to be a wise decision.
The GT-1000 3 Ladies Running Shoe has a wider upper and sole to allow the bones of the foot to spread, preventing discomfort around the toes. It also has a ‘Clutch Counter’ exoskelatal heel to provide improved support and a better fitting heel. I like how supportive they are around my feet, which might have something to do with the rear foot and fore foot GEL cushioning system. It also comes with the ‘ComforDry sockliner’ which creates a cooler, drier and healthier shoe environment – the last thing you want is your stinky, sweaty trainers, huh?
I’m pleased these trainers don’t look clumpy on me. I’m always conscious of stomping around like Big Foot with my big thighs, skinny legs and 5 foot 4 frame. The design is feminine enough without being overly saturated with girliness.
I am wearing these trainers for indoor use only and balancing my work-out with classes, cardio and weights so my feet won’t be under the same constant pressure from running on concrete and I am perfectly content with that. These running shoes are suitable for fitness and aren’t just made for running. That said, I haven’t tested these out on the pavement and have no intention to as I am not sure they are suitable for me to use outside so I would rather not risk it.
Browsing the Asics selection on Millet Sports website has given me serious running shoes envy though – I actually want some more but I will have to prove my dedication to the gym first before I think about investing in another colourful pair. And that’s another thing about Asics’ range – they do the neon thing really well. Going by my observations at my gym, it would seem that the majority also favour some exciting choice of colours.
Unfortunately my orange and pink neon Asics running shoes are no longer in stock but it is available in turquoise on the Millet Sports’ website at currently 45% off in the sale for £53.35 (instead of £97) with free delivery. If your allegiance is with another branded name of footwear, you’ll be sure to find it on www.milletsports.co.uk.
Hmm i havent found that size differrence between my normal trainers and outdoor trail running shoes.
I vary wildly in shoe size somewhere inbetween a 4 and a 5.
My merrell trail runners are a 5. My very comfy salamons a 4.5.
I am seriously considering a proper assessment for my next pair though. I have a weird gait and dropped arches ao really should get a professional opinion.
Do it, Britny! You should get assessed again whenever you choose to replace your shoes as you may have changed the way you run. It’s the best advice I had from a runner to get fitted correctly. I went to a place called Sweat Shop which is a chain.