I'm just getting into running, and I'm trying to decide whether to start with one versatile pair or get two shoes for different types of runs.

I've been reading a lot of reviews on r/RunningShoeGeeks and have my eye on the Dynafish Xiaonian and Xtep 160X 8.0 Pro. My main goal right now is to build a consistent running routine, with most of my ones being easy runs. But I'd also like to try some faster workouts once I get more comfortable with running. I'd use the Xiaonian as my daily trainer for easy runs and long runs, and the carbon plated 160X for speed workouts and possibly races down the road.

I'm just drawn to both shoes. I attach a screenshot of them on vjsneaker and the total comes to about $420. That's more than what I planned to spend as a beginner. I'm also wondering if the 160X 8.0 Pro is overkill for a beginner, or if a carbon plated shoe actually makes sense for occasional speed sessions and races later on. Would I be better off just getting the Xiaonian first and adding a faster shoe once I have more miles under my belt?

So did some of you guys have two pairs for running? When did you feel it was worth adding a second pair? Curious to hear some thoughts and opinions. TIA!

I'm a 13-year-old 8th grader, and I'm thinking about joining Eagles Wings Track Club for its offseason track training from November to February. I believe the training is once a week.

My current PRs are:

• 400m: 59.85
• 800m: 2:23.12
• Mile: 5:58 on a treadmill

I've been running school track while also doing soccer and swimming. I'd be doing this offseason training for around 3 months before starting track again.

My main goals are to improve my 400m and 800m times, especially getting under 2:20 in the 800m, and eventually getting under 2:00 in high school.

Assuming I attend the weekly practices consistently and continue running outside of practice when my schedule allows, what kind of improvement could I realistically expect after 3 months?

Would once-a-week coached track training make a noticeable difference, or would most of my improvement depend on what I do during the rest of the week? I also run in the morning when I have time.

I'd appreciate advice from runners or coaches, especially anyone familiar with youth track training. Thanks!

I've been running almost 3 times a week for about 2 months now or so. I'm pretty fit I'd say. been lifting for a few years now and football has always been a constant in my life. like i mentioned i picked up running as well recently.

i bought a garmin to help track and plan my training for a half and full marathon. lately ive been feeling like my long distance runs are getting longer too quickly. on my last run which was on sunday i ran the distance, but after the run, i got a pain very similar to shin splints but right on the arch on my feet and kinda going up to the ankle bone on the inside of my foot.

here's what a week of training looks like for me:
day 1: upper (strength session)
day 2: lower (strength session)
day 3: run (whatever garmin has planned for me, usually race pace repeats)
day 4: upper (strength session)
day 5: run (usually hill repeats or sprints)
day 6: lower (very minimal strength work + isometrics)
day 7: long run / long run walk run

ps. i take rest days when i really feel like i need to. usually i end up with 2-4 rest days a month.

run progressions:
1st/aug - first ever 5k (7:14/km - 36m:46s)
kept doing 5-6 km runs for a while, this is before getting the garmin.
31st/aug - 5k improved (6:34/km - 32m:54s)
in september i started incorporating long runs in my training. mostly 6-8 km runs.
17th/sept - first every 10k long run (8:02/km - 1h:20m)
27th sept - long run increases to 12.50 km (7:49/km - 1h:38m)
at this point i started getting the pain i mentioned above after long runs and it lingers for a couple of days after the run.
3rd/oct - run walk run 10k.
11th/oct - long run increases to 15.3 km (7:41/km - 1h:57m)

sept week 1: total run distance = 16km.
sept week 2: total = 7km (travelled)
sept week 3: total =17 km
sept week 4: total = 28 km
oct week 1: total = 20km
oct week 2: total = 26km

garmin has me doing a long run every other week and between them it has me doing run walk run runs.

i never had this pain in my feet before the 12.5 km long run. mind you, my running route has a considerable amount of uphills and downhills, not sure if that plays a part.

am i increasing the total running distance of each week too much, and am i doing the same for long runs or no? is it normal to feel the foot pain if increasing the distance too quick?

i took a rest week from running this week, not sure what i should do going into next week.

What do you eat or drink before a run? And how long before ?

I took up running after attempting my first MURPH workout on Memorial Day. The mile runs kicked my ass. The first was 10:32. The second was 13:48, and I almost didn't finish. Yesterday, I finally broke sub 25 on the 5k! Unfortunately, my watch glitched out and messed up my heart rate on the last 2 miles. Also, my maintenance is 237 calories higher (3071) than when I started the cut in June, when I was 12lbs heavier than my current weight.

Beginner runner here,

I started running primarily on treadmill, building stamina and endurance, and learning how to run appropriately (and also figuring out shoes that work for my over pronation). I have a goal of running a 5k this Fall (hopefully), so I began running on a nearby trail, and pavement.

I am struggling with running on pavement. It almost feels harder on my hips and shins, and I stop a lot to walk between runs. A 4 mile run took me an hour and a half because I kept stopping. Tonight I ran on the treadmill and did 3.2 miles without stopping.

I guess I’m asking for advice on how to do better on pavement/trail, because I really want to accomplish my goal of a 5K. All feedback appreciated. 🤍

I was fried during the run.wished could pull 1 more km
Any things to do to improve (just started)

Hey everyone! I signed up for the Rocky run and they only had the 10 mile option available so that’s the one I chose. We’re a little over four weeks out before the run and the most distance I ran-walked ever was 5 miles. I’ve done several 5ks and actually recently beat my 5k time recently with a 36 min time. I am not trying to race or have a good time but is it possible to complete 10 miles in under 2 1/2 hours with barely any training?

When I did 5 miles, I finished in an hour, granted the last mile and a half I had to walk because I had a severe stomach cramp (which i think was due to me chugging a Gatorade mid run).

Am I cooked? Or will these next 4 weeks to consistently train be enough to finish under 2 1/2 hours?

Hello!!! Please be kind, I know I’m slow. I’ve included a picture of my progress times, although I’ve been running (extremely) off and on for the past year. September marks me getting rid of run walk intervals.

Background on me: I, F25, have always been in sports/dancing until I was 20, which is when I became a hermit who ate everything in sight and slept for 16 hours a day. Now I’m 200 lbs, 5’3”. Last year I decided to join a rec softball league and completely tore my ACL on my right knee. On the one year mark I started running again. Everything has been fine until today. My left knee started clicking when I’m going upstairs, doing single leg squats, single leg jumps, or just straightening it out while it’s in the air. There’s no pain or instability but I’m really freaked out.

I don’t want to stop running because my dream is to at least finish a 5k once in my life. I also had heart problems as a child that were alleviated in part by running, so I’m doing this for future heart health as well. Has anyone else had this clicking before? How do I push past my fear of injury? Is running just not for me?

We’re heading into cooler temperatures, and I’m starting to think about what to wear for chilly morning runs.

I started running regularly this summer, so haven’t had to think beyond shorts and tees/tanks yet, but with temperatures soon dropping into the mid-30s to low 40s, I don’t think that’s going to cut it.

What’s your go-to running outfit for colder weather? Pants/leggings and long-sleeve tees? Vests? Lightweight jackets?

I started running two months ago and previous to that I didn’t do any exercise, as a 41 year old dad either two young kids its been hard to find time to go to the gym.

I started running because I can wake up early before the kids get up and go out for runs when they’re down.

This is only the second sub 30 min 5k i’ve done and now I am doing some basic weights at home to build more strength.

It’s been a tough journey for me mentally with a lot of challenges at home but it makes me feel so much better after I’ve gone for a run.

I’ll probably never get much faster but I’ll turn up and do what I can everyday to get that little bit better. Even the thought of being able to run 5k without stopping months ago was crazy.

Also happy to get some other shoe recommendations as well, something supportive like these 860s as I’m after a second pair.