Quote:
Originally Posted by ADqtPiMel
Shrug. With all my years of experience, I believe a beginner is way better off going to a fitter at least once to get an idea of what variety of shoe they need (neutral, stability, motion control...) In any situation there are bound to be people who have a bad experience -- that doesn't make it a bad idea.
ETA that any actual running store worth its salt will let you try your shoes on several runs and exchange them for a different pair if you don't like them.
|
YES YES A MILLION TIMES YES. I know way too many people who have been injured because they just bought shoes at whatever store.
I'm just going to give you NYC-specific beginning runner advice since everyone else has done a really good job on the technical aspects.
I've run a few half-marathons, but the primary length I run is a 10K. There are a ton of 5Ks in NYC, and once you look at some routes, you can see differences all over the place. Depending on the borough, the races can be hilly or flat, in parks or on closed-off streets. New York Road Runners (nyrr.org) has a list of races going on in the city through the end of the year. Their registration fees are a little higher than some of the running clubs, but they are super organized and Central Park is expensive to rent, yo.
Also, Black Girls Run! has an extremely active chapter in the city, and they're always have smaller groups doing C25K programs.
Since you'll be ostensibly looking at shoes in NYC, I'm going to recommend JackRabbit. I tried some of the other places and was disappointed. My former company's personal trainer recommended them to me, and the folks there are trained with the latest shoes. It took about an hour to go through the shoe fitting, since they start with a bunch of shoes and have you run on a treadmill with them. I have low arches (though not quite flat feet) and I probably tried on about 10 different shoes. They're professional and helpful, most of them are runners or triathletes, and the prices are competitive with other stores. Once you buy a pair there, they'll keep the information on record so you can just go and pick them up. Also, they give you 10% off on all future purchases.
Speaking of purchases--be careful! I know people who start a fitness program and buy ALL THE THINGS at once and then burn out and have spent a ton of money on closet decoration. I understand it because it's like getting new toys. If you decide you like it then you can spend away. Right now you don't need a heart rate monitor or super duper special lululemon pants. Other than the shoes, I would recommend good socks, which the folks at whatever running store you choose can help you with, a good sports bra, and moisture-wicking clothes. That's it. You might want to be fitted for the bra--I'll leave that advice to the bustier ladies. Moisture-wicking clothes can be had inexpensively--even GAP has fitness wear now and Modell's and Sports Authority are always having sales on ladies' fitness wear. Oh, and if you intend on having your phone or iPod on you, a belt or armstrap so you're not distracted by holding it or adjusting it.