| Run equipment | | | | treadmills to watch you run and also allow you to |
| Run clothing is as simple as a polyester T-shirt and | | | | test the shoes for comfort. Never walk away from a |
| some shorts. Conversely, running shoes are the piece | | | | shop (or purchase online) with a pair of shoes you |
| of equipment that must suit your running style and | | | | have never worn but that are cheap or have been |
| type of running. They will not last forever, so you | | | | sold on the basis of some miraculous feature. Always |
| need to shop smart. | | | | try before you buy or your shoes may well injure |
| Shopping for your feet | | | | you and will stop you in your tracks as you train |
| To get the right shoes, you must take your time, try | | | | towards your goal of becoming a triathlete. |
| on various pairs and be prepared to walk out empty | | | | How many pairs? |
| handed if nothing feels right. Go to a specialist running | | | | Once you know that a shoe works for you, it may |
| or triathion shop, staffed by knowledgeable people. | | | | be wise to buy a second pair soon afterwards. As |
| The size of your feet increases in the afternoon, so | | | | models evolve and sometimes disappear, use the |
| shop then or take this into account. Wear your | | | | internet to search for the shoe that you know |
| normal running socks or purchase some socks at the | | | | works with your feet. Remember also that as new |
| same time. If you have old run shoes, take them | | | | versions appear, older ones drop in price dramatically. |
| with you as the wear of the underside and cushioning | | | | Top Tip |
| will provide vital clues about what you need. If you | | | | Running shoes are designed with specific cushioning |
| have had any serious injuries, accidents or | | | | and stability devices that work when running. |
| idiosyncrasies, now is the time to bring them up - the | | | | Standing around, gardening or cycling in them will |
| more the specialist knows about you, the more likely | | | | damage the cushioning and stability they give you, so |
| they are to suggest a shoe that will work with your | | | | use run shoes only for running. |
| particular running action. | | | | Top Tip |
| Which shoes are best? | | | | Best estimates are that running shoe cushioning |
| The shoe specialist will look at your feet to assess | | | | starts to significantly deteriorate after 400 to 500 |
| what type of shoe you need. Many shops now offer | | | | miles - sooner if the shoes are used outside of |
| a gait analysis service, which can categorize your | | | | running. Write the date of purchase on the heel and |
| running style by running over a mat. Some even use | | | | replace when its time is up. |