Running

parkrun seems like your best bet.

Paddington Rec has a very good quality running track open to the public, by Kilburn Park tube.

Avery Park parkrun is pretty much flat.

^^ Potentially, yeah, but all the North London (and Leeds, and Bradford) parkrun courses I've tried have bloody hills. Even Finsbury Park, which you'd expect to be flat has a nasty little fucker you have to run up twice. Sickening that people still manage that in 16:something, my PB is around 20:50.

Paddington Rec sounds like a decent suggestion if I don't have any luck at Parliament Hill. Cheers.

I need some running shoes and know nothing about running.

People keep saying I should find out exactly what shoes fit correctly, much like a bike fit, especially given that I have chronic back problems. But realistically, what should I be looking to spend?

I don't want to buy something cheap and shit, but equally don't want to get ripped off.

46 pounds

Not 45 0r 47?

sweet.

Cheers

I might join you for that if I can get a spare room at my parents house!
I would offer a bed at my folks, but it looks as though the entire family is going to be running that weekend.

Do it though - It's a really good event.

I need some running shoes and know nothing about running.

People keep saying I should find out exactly what shoes fit correctly, much like a bike fit, especially given that I have chronic back problems. But realistically, what should I be looking to spend?

I don't want to buy something cheap and shit, but equally don't want to get ripped off.

Do the runnersworld online test.

Do a google shopping search of the best fit shoes.

higher end shoes are say £100 - 125. So get last seasons colour in the shoe of you chioce on clearance for say £50 - 70.

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor

Since I can't rely on the gps (and haven't found a proper flat parkrun course yet), is there a track where you can just turn up and knock out 12.5 laps?
How about walk out a measured 5k route - do it twice to be sure.

Do the runnersworld online test.

Do a google shopping search of the best fit shoes.

higher end shoes are say £100 - 125. So get last seasons colour in the shoe of you chioce on clearance for say £50 - 70.

http://www.runnersworld.com/shoeadvisor

Sweet, I'll give this a shot now.

Cheers.

Sportshoes.com are usually very cheap. I've bought loads of shoes from them, and have always had decent service.

^^ That's not a bad suggestion. Guess I could do it with the 705 as well, seems to be more accurate that the 405.

J, isn't there a Runner's Need in the Cycle Surgery right under your work? They should do a gait analysis on the treadmill with different shoes and see what works for you.

Most tracks you can just rock up and use for a fee, usually about £3. You should try to not go when a club or a school group is training cos they will get in your way.

J, isn't there a Runner's Need in the Cycle Surgery right under your work? They should do a gait analysis on the treadmill with different shoes and see what works for you.

RunnersNeed are great. I used to work next to one in Holborn. Dont do that thing of getting a full fitting, saying I'll think about it, then buying cheap online though. It sucks.

I have just (5 minutes ago) bought some shoes from Runners Need after multiple failed attempts (where they wouldn't let me buy the ones I wanted because I run wonky, or something). They felt comfy on the treadmill. Fingers crossed for the nine mile run home.

^^ That's not a bad suggestion. Guess I could do it with the 705 as well, seems to be more accurate that the 405.

J, isn't there a Runner's Need in the Cycle Surgery right under your work? They should do a gait analysis on the treadmill with different shoes and see what works for you.

Oops. Forgot about that

RunnersNeed are great. I used to work next to one in Holborn. Dont do that thing of getting a full fitting, saying I'll think about it, then buying cheap online though. It sucks.

I agree with you on that, same in bike shops innit.

I am running "run to the beat" half marathon.
I need ro raise money for Lively Minds as charity that helps children in Ghana and Uganda. It would be great if you can sponsor me. Thanks!

http://www.justgiving.com/maria-stefano

A good read on how not to pace an ultra:

http://enduranceprojekt.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1

I am running "run to the beat" half marathon.
I need ro raise money for Lively Minds as charity that helps children in Ghana and Uganda. It would be great if you can sponsor me. Thanks!

http://www.justgiving.com/maria-stefano

me and ladyliz are running it as well. whoop!

A good read on how not to pace an ultra:

http://enduranceprojekt.blogspot.co.uk/?m=1

And how to!

http://www.run247.com/articles/article-4102-the-ultrarunners-amazing-ability-to-forget-about-the-pain.html

I was in the Lake District a couple of months ago when she was scoping out the route and did a section with her (about 10 miles into the finish line) and its unbelievable to be able to run that distance, in that time, over that terrain!

Did the treadmill thing. that was fun. probably shouldn't have done it after a pub lunch. oh well, you live you learn.

Tried a bunch of shoes and didn't ask the price so I'd get a non-biased opinion. Ended up with the cheapest ones being most comfortable. score.

Nice one. With all the niggles, and slight injuries rugby has given me. I've fallen out with highly structured shoes. Seem to be getting on with light structure and cushoning much more.

Might buy these.

They is ugly though.

I've quickly learnt that all running shoes are ugly.

Hi! Does anyone know of any UK forums/websites with a focus on long-distance/endurance running?

How long? There's been plenty of ultra talk in here. If not then runners world has a sub forum for ultras I think.