Apparently, I am an Over Pronator !!!!

I think that's how you spell it.

I am taking this slimming down shizzle seriously and after talking to Lola, ( a hardcore sportswoman turned domestic goddess/ bush diver - but not in a Leslie way), who has had it done before, I had gait analysis!!!

Yep, I waddled down to the Running Outlet and requested, "Good day to you sir! may I request on the partaking in ones analysis of the gait"? Or words to that effect and he said "YES"!

So, all unhealthy and puffy, after running from the car park to get to the shop in time, I had to explain to the semi pro runner/salesman 'why I was there'.

I felt foolish and frumpy as I blurted out. "Well.....I have just started running on the treadmill, not on the road, oh no, and...huh...huh.....I get terrible shin splints.....huh huh.....but I only run for about 20 minutes.......huh huh......so....huh huh....I reckon it could be time to change me trainers, (sneakers).......huh huh"

Salesman/athlete - Okaaaaaaaaaaaay - How long have you had them?

Me - "About twenty years huh huh huh"

Salesman/athlete - OKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY !?!?!!! £££££££££££ $$$$ "

I believe if people can actually have money signs in their eyes, like in the cartoons, that I saw it today.  It's not a slur on him as he was really knowledgeable and really helpful and friendly BUT I suppose it's human nature and if you're gonna make a definite sale, you're entitled to show a bit of wanton capitalism now & again. 

My budget was £50 but I'd already told friends that I'd tell him, after the analysis, that my budget was £40 and then, maybe, I would stretch to £50 (£60).

So, I had to hop on the treadmill, in my work tights and work shorts but sporting their trainers.

What they do is they up the treadmill to about 10k and film you for 30 seconds.  They then ask you to watch it with them in slow motion.  It sounds pervy but it isn't. It's just a back view of your legs, honing in on your ankles.

Anyway, we watched me running and it was really surprising to see that naturally, my left foot in particular, rolls inwards.  It starts on the outer edge and rolls in. 

They then mark on the screen where your foot/ankle/ calf should fall and it's a straight line, so they can see from that line, whether you're over pronating, or neutral, or .... the other one I can't remember.  So my foot's completely rolling.

It was also confirmed to me that I have the start of shin splints.  This I suspected and after explaining my current running shoes to the man, he explained why I had them.

Anyhoo, blah de blah de blah and after trying on about 6 pairs of running shoes, varying from £74.99 - £129.99, I convinced the man that I really did only have fifty quid and so, after throwing in the out of date 'running' magazine (priced at £4.50), I promptly bought a pair of Adidas stability shoes for £74.99.

I like my new shoes.

I was quite excited with my new purchase and he really didn't seem like he was trying to get cash out of me at all costs.  I recommend getting the gait analysis done to anyone who uses a treadmill or runs outside.  It is true that we only have one pair of knees/ankles etc.

When I came home and showed S, I was met with negative comments re 'salesmen, £££'s etc' and I thought to myself, hmmmm, maybe, had S spent a few extra £££ on football shoes, his feet wouldn't be, "fcuked up" as he says and he'd still be able to play!

;)