Hi guys,
So I registered to do my very first Marathon which will be Sydney. I've left it late to start training for it but I feel with 9 weeks I have enough time.
Anyway I have no idea as to what runners to get. Most of my running will be on a treadmill with once/twice on road.
Could someone give advise as to best runners and value running shoes much appreciated.
Thanks
Brenda
Yeah I know I don't mind spending on the runners but at same time get a good deal as there is many different types. Thanks for recommending the Pegasus zoom, I see there $129.99 on athletesfoot which seems good price I will defiantly check them out this weekend.
I will probably end up buying 2 pairs as I will need them anyway and can decide after a few runs which are better.
Brendan
Have you been doing much running before , or are you starting from scratch? 9 weeks is a big call if you are starting fresh.
The best shoe is the one that fits you and your running style the best. Everyone's feet are different
If you really have no idea, best to go to a specialist running shoe shop with a treadmill in it and get them to watch you running in a few different shoes and they will advise something. If you have no conscience then you get it cheaper online. Training for a marathon in the wrong shoe is just going to give you an injury
Are you following a training program?
Qualification: have run lots of marathons and ultras
I bought some Hoka One One on sale through OzBargain recently and I suck at running but they are very comfortable and I noticed a difference with them on.
As they are the official shoe of Iron Man I am presuming they are pretty good for long distance?
Hokas are pretty awesome, I have them in my rotation. They do make some good long distance shoes but they also have good trail and shorter distance ranges too!
best to go to a specialist running shoe shop
Read it on the Facebook the other day that someone went to a specialist running shop, did all the measurements, 3D scan & some runs on the treadmill, determined that the person is a midfoot strider that requires neutral running shoes… And then the sales guy came and recommended a Kayano, which is exact opposite of what he needs.
So take the advice, but be very careful with the sales who might be pushing the shoes with highest margin.
I've had a similar issues before. Visited a highly regarded specialist running store who misdiagnosed a pronation when I do much better in neutral running shoes. So does pay to be careful about the 'expert' advice you're receiving.
I teach some group fitness classes at the gym and often get asked for recommendations - but its such a personal thing, both in personal fit/comfort as well as how your biomechanics are, and what sort of shoe is better for you. Some foot strikes need more midsole support prevent role in, others need a wider toe area for spread - really so many variables that its hard to give specific model advice that would work for how your body moves.
Different shoes have different support and sole cushions - some are half-sole cushions, some full-sole cushions - and also shoe weight - lots of variables to consider.
As you're new to running, it might be useful to ensure your shoe is fitted and suited for purpose - so maybe more of an Athletes Foot or a running specialist store - as I've found (at least at my local store) that places like Rebel are absolutely shocking for any advice regarding footwear. While a specialist store may not have the best price (compared to online, Rebel, etc), their advice may be so valuable for helping with your success with running. It'd totally suck to spend (sometimes) $200+ on a pair of shoes but have them be uncomfortable after a few kms of your run.
A mis-fitting shoe could create other issues - ankle instabilities, lead to shin splints, etc - so finding the right fit (especially for a marathon) is, in my opinion, more valuable than saving a few dollars.
Personally, I do like Nike given they typically have a more slender fit (compared to something like Asics) but that's specific to my foot. Reebok have some decent running shoes too which I've switched to for teaching given the latest refresh of my trusted Nike (was using Nike Vomero, and had been for nearly a decade) has a different feeling mould that felt odd on each foot strike. Going to a store that has multiple brands could be good to look at different manufacturers to see what feels best for your foot, and most importantly, trying them on to ensure that good fit. Different models have slightly different fits - sometimes you may need that half size up or down to get a better fit.
Good luck with your training and marathon 👍
Thanks for advice, yes I think I will go to athletes foot at weekend and try on different types rather than purchasing online to save a few $$
I have ran a few 5km races and 10km. I ran 20km 5 years ago is the longest I ran. I would be naturally fit normally although I haven't done anything since Christmas but I believe I can get myself there in 9 weeks.
So far this week I'm running 5km per day next week I will change it up and do 5km / 7km every 2nd day then week after hopefully change it up and do at least one 10k that week after that try hit 20km. I don't have a training schedule made up yet. I have been googling some ideas.
Would there be a big drop out ratio of does the majority who start intending to finish actually finish it?
How often do you have to train now? I take it not as much since you have to be use to it now?
9 weeks is not much. You will probably finish the marathon depending on your pain threshold (hey, some people walk the whole thing) - what shape/pain you will be in will be a different matter!
The hardest part is getting to the start line uninjured. It may sound easy to start running every day but something will start hurting at some stage as you are forcing your body to stuff it is not used to. A lot of people start training for a marathon and have to stop due to injury
Rest is just as important as running, and getting in a few long runs will be more important than running every day.
This website will tell you everything you need to know and has a good beginner program
https://www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/marathon-trainin…
Thank you I will take a look at the website after work appreciate it, and yes that is one of my biggest fears injuring myself badly and overworking my body too fast. I have never had many injurys and I played a lot of sport when i was younger and did small running so I should be grand.
Thanks all for advise
5km/7km runs probably aren't enough. 9 weeks isn't a lot of time left. What i'd focus on is the long run. If you can hit one long run a week building upto 30/32km it would be much better than small doses at this stage. I'd suggest
week 1 - 15k
2 - 20k
3 - 23k
4 - 25k
5 - 27k
6 - 30k
7 - 20k
8 - 15k
9 - race week
on race day go out slow. Like almost too slow. 42km is a long way, it's a race of 2 parts. A 37km warm up followed by a 5km race. Both of equal difficulty. The last 5-10km are going to be hell if you go out too hard.
In terms of shoes as other have alluded to, it's all about fit but i personally like the new balance zantes (great when NB have 40% off storewide) and hoka one one cliftons (good deals at running warehouse online)
Fill this out with your 5 or so km on other days and you will be able to finish.
Source- 8 time marathon finisher (2:58pb), 1x 6 hour distance race champion, 30+ half marathons.
Agree with you completely re the long runs. However the distances you suggest would need a good baseline. I don't think someone with no baseline would be able to knock out those distances without injury unless they were a freak. Recovery time would be too long as well
I would build up to 20km 2 weeks before, and then taper.
They will suffer on the day, but at least make it to the start line
Thanks, Yes I think that is solid advice. I will try doing at least a 15km run outside this weekend and build on it.
But how am I going to run 15-20km in the middle of Sydney without having to stop and wait for traffic lights at crossings?
Have a look at the course. I have found running from the rocks, through barangaroo over pyrmont bridge and down around the casino to not have too many traffic lights.
Not 15km but you could run it a couple of times.
I am thinking that you should just run a half marathon in 9 weeks and run a full marathon another time.
As for shoes, it might be worth going to a sports podiatrist and have them video your running technique to find a suitable shoe. I am an in-between neutral and moderate pronator so I find Brooks Ravenna or Mizuno Wave Inspire suitable. Other shoes without support have given me shin and knee pain.
Thank you, I have already registered because this has been on my mind when I moved over from Ireland 16 months ago and said I'd do my first here when I made the move. I was in better shape last year to train for it within 9 weeks but I am determined to do it this year now as may be my last here.
Make sure you get something to prevent, ahem … chaffing.
Lather yourself up in BodyGlide and he will be sweet
You need to look at the basic foot mechanics to determine if you need a more neutral or a more structured shoe. I need a little more structure and can't recommend the Brooks Adrenaline highly enough.
Whatever you end up going with (and whatever is suitable for you) try to give them a good amount of wear before race day. I always find that I need to get 100 - 200 kms into a pair of shoes before they're broken in.
I run over 40km most weeks but haven't yet done an official half marathon race. I've run about 3x 21km and 1x 30km in the last 5 years just in my spare time. I don't feel like I'd be ready for a marathon race if it was next week despite my weekly km. Thing is I enjoy 5-10km but don't feel the love when it's over 15km. It gets harder exponentially as you increase distance.
Best advice for 9 weeks until race day is to increase your weekly km slowly and increase the number of times you run per week. Just alternate intensity, shoes and running surface as much as possible. I focused on increasing pace last week on 5 consecutive days. It was a dumb idea because I'm still a bit sore. Don't do what I did :) I'm taking it much easier this week.
My feet like Nike Free Runs, but I have never run over 10km. My brother runs marathons, does tris and has religiously bought Asics Kayanos.
I've gone from 144kg and now 96kg. But I'm quite broad in the shoulders and have put some muscle on. Getting to 10km is where my pain threshold is at the moment, but I'm working on running faster. I run fast 4km on treadmill, 5km in the real world reasonably quick, then my very rare 10km on treadmill under 60mins..
A marathon isn't on my list of things to do, my next goal is to get to 5km in under 25mins, currently at 28min.
that's sick man! im trying to beat my personal best of 32min for 5km. It's definitely hard. But will eventually get there.
Unless you've got a really solid base fitness, 9 weeks of training AND most of your training being on a treadmill means you're going to have a miserable first marathon experience.
I've done 5 full marathons and a bunch of halfs, all of them have been in Kayanos but it's a really personal preference. I usually run the shorter speedwork sessions in Nike Frees and long runs in the Kayanos. I did my last marathon in 3hrs 53mins so I'm by no means an expert but I'd seriously consider a longer ramp up to your first run. Maybe you can downgrade your entry to the half and tackle a full later on?
Asics just opened a new store in DFO Homebush, they're having a 25% off promotion on top of the further discounted prices on clothes and shoes. I did purchase kayanos gel for $150, was $180 and it was already discounted. Check it out! i got these gels because of its wider foot soles and it felt comfy asf. I too am running for city2surf.
Wow thanks for all the advice there is definatly a lot im going to take on board. I didn't get to reply to everyone but i appreciate everyone giving time to advise me.
I will update at the end of every week what distance I ran daily and times. It might help keep me motivated to run that extra KM or 2 😁
Are you on Strava or Smashrun?
I didn't know what that meant I just googled it. I'm actually on runkeeper. I might look into them which you recommend?
I decided to go for a 10km this evening to see how I fair out. I didnt try to rush it as first time out in a long time But I did it in 56mins. It was a nice steady pace which I will build on.
That's not bad at all. I run a 10k in 50-60mins most of the time and when I'm racing I can get as quick as around 47mins. I've not done a flat race yet but reckon I can get around 45mins with a bit more training. I enjoy running offroad more than fast road running, to be honest.
Strava is best for socializing. I keep up with about 30 other runners mostly friends from FB all over the world. Very good for encouraging others. Smashrun is awesome for running analytics and motivation (if you have any issues in that area they have the best gamification with badges and graphs galore) and I actually pay for a yearly Pro subscription it's that good. It was one of the early open data running analytics allowing you to import runs from lots of other sources. I managed to import all the runs I've ever tracked from as far back as 8-9 years ago when I was starting out with Nike Running (pod tracker iPod not GPS :))
I actually get the best of both worlds by running with a Garmin watch and then push my runs to both Strava and Smashrun. Smashrun and Stava are both very good free. No need to go premium unless you find the features useful.
You can do it mate.
Everyones feet are different. I HAVE to have new balance wide fitting (the asics wide fitting ones wont do at all, they cause me misery). I have done the rounds of running shoes and new balance wide fitting works for me (and pretty much nothing else). I normally get them from the new balance store at DFO for around $100, but last lot were $250 because we went to Athletes Foot (definitely not the ozbargainers first choice LOL).
I hope you can find the right shoes for you.
Athletes foot also measures me half a size smaller than what I am comfortable in. I have learnt to ask for the bigger size. But just be wary with advice from the sports shoe specialist, they are not always right. I really think it's trial and error. Hopefully you get it right.
Also socks are a huge deal for me too.. aldi used to sell running socks which were great, but they have changed the fabric they are made out of, and they no longer are as good for me. You need socks that wick away moisure. Coolmax is one type of this kind of fabric, but there are other types too.
Goodluck. Treasure your medal when you get it!!
Hey Brendan,
I'm doing the same as you. First marathon (and likely only) will be this Sydney Marathon. I've only started training recently too. Mainly just going to try push through.
I ended up buying the Nike Pegasus but I have to say that was mainly due to them being $129 and the Asics being around $180.
I only chose them due to reviews online. I probably would've grabbed the Asics if they were the same price, or even just a bit closer.
Good luck in September!
Heh Karl thank you and best of luck with it also :)
Are you use to running long distances? What type of runs you currently doing starting off?
I also purchased the pegasus I got them for $115 on prime day deal they arrive today so can't wait to check them out.
I think I will also purchase the Nike air zoom 270.
Just to recap, I took a lot of advice on board.
Monday 5k treadmill 24mins
Tuesday 5k treadmill 24mins
Wednesday 10k run on roads 53mins
Thursday off
Friday 20k treadmill in 93mins
Sunday 10k treadmill 50mins
Then this week I did
Monday off
Tuesday 5k treadmill
Wednesday off
Thursday 7.5k treadmill
I hope to do 10-15k later and then at least a 20k at weekend.
I know I need to train move I'm just in middle of moving house and I work long hours so it's hard to get good runs in. I will hit it lot harder 5 weeks before race.
I'm glad some you guys posted it encouraged me to do longer runs rather than all 5km starting off.
Best luck to all training for it.
I'm just impressed that you can spend that much time on a treadmill. I can run 30k on the road but on the rare occasion I have to run on a treadmill (eg on a business trip in a very cold or polluted place) I start going crazy after 20 minutes.
I also find if I have to run a lot of treadmill different muscles start to hurt
Do you not have the option to do more on the road?
Hey Brendan,
I didn't see your reply!
No not at all. I've done 5 or 6km once a week for a long while in between weight training but that's it.
I'll be honest, running bores me. I'm going to do a bit of training and just try to power through the marathon.
I'm at 2 runs a week at the moment. 10-15km on one day and only 5 on the other.
I will do a 30 before the race and a few 20s hopefully.
I honestly don't know how you spend that long on a treadmill. I did a sneaky 5 the other day and was actually feeling tired at 2km which never happens outside.
Best of luck to you also. What time are you aiming for?
Hi Brendan i think i am training for the same event. So following alot of the advice here. Your 20km time looks faster than your 10km speed. How where you feeling at the end of that?
You're going to want to get as much non-treadmill running in as possible. Treadmill running is a very different action to road running.
Also are you intending to run the mara in the same shoes as your training shoes? I usually race in a different racing shoe, being a different shoe to the one i train in. Have a look at the Nike Vaporfly 4% or vaporfly next% - killer shoes imo.
It really depends on your body type and running style. I was running 15km+ long runs on brooks cheap $100 shoes from the factory shop now closed.
And now use new balance 860 v8 $100 on sale when last bought.
But the key for me was getting the shoe a bit wider and lose, though everyone is different. Just make sure you break in your shoes before you run.
Given you haven't run a lot and built a base I would go for a more padded shoe, rather than a minimalist design.
Little OT: If you lack motivation, watch Breaking2 (if you haven't seen it yet). I started running after seeing that.
well lad, I didn't update as I fell off the wagon training wise.. My brother came over and with trying get him settled and working long hours.. I ran a few 5km and 7km and nothing 2 weeks before the marathon.
I decided to run it anyway as I had so many people told when I signed up. I was surprised I ran at a steady pace all the way and didn't walk until the 40km Mark. I only walked for about a minute my legs were really getting tired. They were dropping like flies near the end with injuries and pulling something.
I finished the marathon in 3hrs 45mins I could not believe it. It was a great day I'm glad I have completed one. My legs are in bits now though it's gonna take few days to recover. I ran the race in Addidas Ultraboost very happy with then.
Bloody awesome…congrats…
Just read this and bloody hell we have a unicorn runner. Well done on the effort
I use the Nike Pegasus Zoom 35 and I am very happy with it.
I run up to 20km a week with it and my feet are rarely ever sore.
I think if you're definitely committed to the marathon/exercising you shouldn't worry about the price and just aim for getting the best one for you.
For example when I wanted to start jogging, I bought a Fitbit, shoes, (which I got for 160) and some training gear and it really motivated me to train (not to mention they helped with progress etc. too).
Gl friend