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I’m a jogger.  I’m now officially a jogger.  Still an obese jogger, but a jogger nonetheless.

Not only did I chalk up 4 miles last night (in 45 mins — getting quicker, just) but I’ve actually splashed out some of my hard-earned (actually that should probably just say earned) cash on:

            a)      entry into the kilomathon, and

            b)      some proper running trainers. 

Oh yes.  I’m a bloody jogger and I’ve got the proper trainers to prove it.  Don’t expect to see me wearing Lycra shorts (sorry for the mental image) or a fluorescent yellow tabard any time soon though.

At lunchtime today I went to Derby Runner in Spondon.  I explained my situation to the very helpful chap in the shop: “You may not have noticed but I’m a little on the heavy side and need some trainers that will stop my ankles, shins and knees hurting when I run.”  He made me take off my shoes and roll up my trousers (revealing black socks — a fashion faux pas with tan shoes and a chocolate brown suit?).  He told me to relax and stand still, before he asked me to take turns standing on one leg while he stared at my feet intently.  He then complimented me on my “strong arches for a big man” and said he knew what sort of trainers I needed.

Derby Runner

I then tried on five or six different pairs of trainers, and was shocked that Nike were the comfiest.  I had prepared myself for spending anything in the region of £90 on some snazzy Asics or New Balance trainers, but I left with a £40 pair of — admittedly last season’s — Nike Pegasus, which I seem to recall being cool at school.  Fifteen years ago.  But whatever, they’re comfy and have plenty of cushioning in the heel, despite my worry that I’ll look slightly ridiculous wearing them.

Nike Pegasus, may have been cool circa 1994

A quick internet search shows that Runner’s World gave this trainer a 67% overall score, while Running Times described them as “light but not particularly flexible.”

Maybe I’m easily pleased, but I’m pretty chuffed.  I went for the Pegasus 25 (last season’s) instead of the Pegasus 26 (new ones), primarily because they were about half the price, and I still have this niggling feeling in the back of my head that I’m going to sack off this running lark in a few week’s time when it starts getting colder and I get a bit bored.

It was nice to go into a shop, announce that you don’t have a clue what you’re looking for, and still feel like you’re leaving with a bargain.  The chap was very helpful, explained everything in the least condescending of layman’s terms, and didn’t try to sell me something I didn’t need.  Thank you kind man at Derby Runner.

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