My Forum

I have just started running, thinking I would hate it, but I have caught the bug quite badly!

At the moment I am enjoying running on my own (love the effect it has of clearing my mind!) but once I get a bit more experienced I may look to join a club.

Two questions: what exactly does being a member of a running club entail? Since most seem to meet up on evenings, what do you do there?

And what clubs in Solihull or Redditch (and nearby) would you recommend? I like the look of Centurions but Chelmsley Wood is slightly too far for me.

No idea if anyone has any views about either of these shoes, but I've ordered both the Nike 2012 Running Flex and the Nike Air Alaris. The Flex seem slightly more comfy (may be to do with that I coud get them in a 7 and a half and the Airs only in an 8) but the Air Alaris are supposed to be for those with low arches, which I do have. (I have orthotics but can't walk in them let alone run!)  I can't decide between them - any help?

I bought some K-Swiss Tubes the other day but the heel collars come up too high on me and are giving me blisters galore

I got them because they were only £30 and I had heard they were good for people with low insteps (I do have orthotics but I can barely walk in them let alone run) - they are great aside from the blister problem!

I don't want to spend a great deal because I am one of those people who start a new hobby with great enthusiasm only to get fed up of it within a few weeks and I don't want to spend £80+ on shoes that won't get the use (plus I'm currently only employed part time so don't have the money anyway!).

So any suggestions for decent priced shoes for people with low arches with low heel collars? I've had a cursory look and have found the Nike Flex ones look ok - are they any good? Bear in mind I'm not looking to do any marathons!

I am the kind of person who kind of likes to work out alone as I find it great for clearing my head.

That said, I have just discovered the Zombies, Run! 5k Training app which I think could really help me to enjoy it!

I have never been a runner; I hate getting out of breath ad sweaty, and I am also knock kneed, pigeon toed AND have a low arch (which I have orthotics for but I can barely walk in them, let alone run!). So I was always a swimmer. However, after dying my hair blonde and then having an unfortunate mishap with either the chlorine or the sauna which caused it to go bright orange, I thought I'd give running a go.

And I still hate it! However, I never managed to complete the 'mile challenge' at school and so at 25, that is something I would like to achieve.

I downloaded the c25k app today and did day one... man oh man, running is a very different type of fitness compared to swimming! I was knackered! But I shall soldier on; I'd love to be one of those show offs who posts their Nike+ runs on Facebook

So are there any runners out there who started out hating it but came to love it, or at least hate it a little bit less?