Socks are so underestimated in their importance. I’ve been telling a couple of friends recently who are thinking about taking up running to go and buy some proper running socks. You don’t have to break the bank either but proper running socks really make a world of difference!
Get some used Adios Pro 3's, the are good for about 8 million miles and also make you think "hang on a sec this running malarkey ain't as hard as I thought" when you start floating in them. 2nd hand garmin. Any old rags. Job done. Then get hooked and watch every running youtuber under the sun.
Great video. I wish I’d have known about cadence sooner as a runner. I was running 1.22 half marathons and 3-hour marathons at around 150 spm and I’ve suffered with bad issues with my Achilles as a result after years of poor form. I’ve got it up to 180-190 now and it’s been a gamer changer.
Hi Ben, thanks for another interesting video. Thanks again for everything you have done to help me. I am 2 weeks out for my qualifying comrades marathon race. I have made amazing progress since watching you and being on your training plans, I am on the verge of completing a dream. No one would believe me if I told them I couldn’t walk to the end of my road 8-10 months ago, now I am running 80-100km a week at about 5:20 min/km it surprises me as well all the time. please feel free to share my progress I follow you on Strava. You have changed my life! Thank you so so much.
Just wanted to say I started running last Jan and I’m still going strong I have used your videos and has helped me massively. I have used your advice to buy my last 3 pairs of shoes and you have been correct on every pair. Thanks for the help
Don't let yourselves be fooled. To start running you just need a pair of running shoes. Everything else comes afterwards. Maybe sports socks so that you don't get blisters. You can go out in a regular t-shirt, regular shorts, without a watch, etc.
Regarding shoes: I'd suggest to just look at the Asics outlet (either store or online) and get the Novablasts there. Much cheaper and the current Novablast 5 really have the worst tongue i've ever encountered in any shoe and definitely not worth the extra money over.
The irony about injury is that in my over a decade of running, I virtually don't stop running because of running injury, but because other activities cause me severe injuries. I've only been injured from actual running twice, both at my early days of running. Once for using a pair outlet grade shoes that were too small for me, which gave me lower back pain and kept me out for about two weeks. The other was when I ran a 5k in a burrito tongue pair of shoes that I overtightened. I was out from running for about a month or two. However, I have plenty of other sports and activities related injury that stopped me from running for much longer periods of time. One of the worst was PF that I got from either tennis or hockey. Took me out from running for more than a year. The other long one was an ankle problem I had, not from running, but from walking long distances with dress boots or dress shoes. That one was really sad, because I thought I would have to abandon the sport forever. I'm slowly getting back to it. I'm just happy to be running again. Since coming back from these two more severe injuries, the number of shoes I can run in decreased significantly. I used to be able to run in whatever shoes you put in front of me. Now, certain beloved shoes don't work for me anymore. One model that I can really rely on is the Hoka Clifton, both 8 and 9. Yes I know, "not good shoes" for a lot of people and it does seem to be the consensus among people who review shoes. However, I love them because they allow me to run. The jury is still out on the SB2, just put two runs in, and I'm waiting on a pair of NB5. Really optimistic about the SB2, but given my history, really need to go slow with those.
Ben, 99% of your content is amazing and great tips, but there is just one thing that you seem to be repeating a lot which I wanted to encourage you to look into the science a bit more and possibly change your mind: Cadence. There are plenty of studies and analyses on cadence, performance, and running economy. And they all seem to point to cadence not being indicative of performance or running economy.
and no mention of the best running caps in clothing and gear? ...love my collection of Ben Parkes running caps! .. I reckon they are worth a good extra 10secs a km! 😁
💯 that’s a lot of great advice, all in one video. Fortunately I was given much of the same advice when I started running, which really contributed to my success and some I had to learn along the way. The only item I would add for a beginner is a good sweat band or hat to keep sweat out of your eyes, or maybe that’s just a Texas thing from running in the heat 😂
Done my meniscus in playing five a side... absolutely gutted ..no running last month and another month to go... lost without my running...never playing football again
Thus video timing is amazing for me. Just 1 day after I felt crushed from running outdoors for the 1st time in yeaaarsss and just 1 mile. I will try to keep training my strength and buildup my self confidence. Also I was confused, for new runners like me that tend to get exhausted easily you said to slow down the run...but then you said the ideal is to increase the cadence to 160 to 170. Does that mean the ideal is to run faster to have less ground contact but in my interpretation that will make us run faster too, no ?
i think its very important to mention that ur foot structure when u bring up recommendations, i tried the Adidas SL2 and it was way to narrow for me, and its also very neutral and non supportive. as a bigger guy i need a little stability for my long runs (for example the brooks adrenalin) and feet are so different so these shoe recommendations are only great for people with normal/narrow feet and neutral runners... also sorry to say this cause i really like the channel but the squat form on that clip is horendous mate. 10:08
I got the Hoka Mach 5 for my first shoes 250km ago. They are great! I wonder if I shoud get sth for rotation with the same drop or something different.
As a beginner (77kg) still debating between Novablast 4 or 5 for first 3-5km runs? 😬 Nova 4 seems to have the better overall reputation, feels harder buy pushes me more? 5 feels more comfy. Tried also NB 1080 v13/v14, Hurricane 24, Ghost Max 1/2. My old rusty running shoe is a Nimbus 18, Trabuco 10 GTX and Puma Eutopia which felt apart 😀
It shouldn't matter too much. NB4 is a bit firmer yes, NB5 a bit softer and more bounce. Also NB5 has a slightly more forgiving upper and is supposed to be more breathable. For your weight the NB5 is not too soft if that is a concern. Go with fit and sympathy :) NB5 is so new that it hasn't just accumulated enough good reputation than the NB4 - that's the only reason. 1080v13 is considered too soft, v14 better but too expensive. Generally I would at the beginnig stay away from too soft shoes! Ghost Max 1 i also have, very good shoe for a super low price. Also a bit firmer, like the NB4, probably even a tiny bit more. If stiffer, you may look to the Puma Velocity Nitro 3. I have recently just fallen in love with Puma. Perfect fit for my feet (on the narrower side). Firmer Nitro foam is perfect for my weight (fat 92kg atm), but it is not hard or too stiff, it just doesn't have this sink in like the firmer shoes and the feet feel fresher after a run - so less energy sapping. The PumaGrip Outsole is unreal! It is the stickiest rubber there is on running shoes? Running in the winter on wet and frozen asphalt steep downhil and cuves? No problem! The upper is also good and the laces (a bit strecthy) also. No fuzz, no annoyances, nothing. And all that for a better price than the other companies. Puma shoes are relaly good! :)
The reality is that running requires material goods. Ben is clearly helping anyone new to the sport so there isn’t any wasted purchases on poor quality items - if anything, it is enabling less consumerism by only recommending trusted products. Obviously you could go minimally and only buy shoes. Depending on budget and interest, this video lays out worthwhile purchases beyond the minimum, which would apply to most longer term runners. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t watch it 👍
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
I’ll run 1 mile for every like this gets-marathon training starts now. 🏃♂️
All at once?
You're cook bro😂
All the best 😂
Which race are you signing up for?
Dumb ways to die
Socks are so underestimated in their importance. I’ve been telling a couple of friends recently who are thinking about taking up running to go and buy some proper running socks. You don’t have to break the bank either but proper running socks really make a world of difference!
Yup! socks are the one thing that can make or break a run for me, 2 yrs running and still trying to find the perfect sock.
Nike Spark lightweight socks awesome. Love the cadence tip I noticed in my Samsung Health app my stiffness needs improving ❤
Sidas socks in France are the best, I tried maybe 20 different brands before 😅
Love these vids Ben. When welcoming new runners to my running club I often point them in your direction. Thank you.
Get some used Adios Pro 3's, the are good for about 8 million miles and also make you think "hang on a sec this running malarkey ain't as hard as I thought" when you start floating in them. 2nd hand garmin. Any old rags. Job done. Then get hooked and watch every running youtuber under the sun.
Great video. I wish I’d have known about cadence sooner as a runner. I was running 1.22 half marathons and 3-hour marathons at around 150 spm and I’ve suffered with bad issues with my Achilles as a result after years of poor form. I’ve got it up to 180-190 now and it’s been a gamer changer.
Hi Ben, thanks for another interesting video. Thanks again for everything you have done to help me. I am 2 weeks out for my qualifying comrades marathon race. I have made amazing progress since watching you and being on your training plans, I am on the verge of completing a dream. No one would believe me if I told them I couldn’t walk to the end of my road 8-10 months ago, now I am running 80-100km a week at about 5:20 min/km it surprises me as well all the time. please feel free to share my progress I follow you on Strava. You have changed my life! Thank you so so much.
Just wanted to say I started running last Jan and I’m still going strong I have used your videos and has helped me massively. I have used your advice to buy my last 3 pairs of shoes and you have been correct on every pair. Thanks for the help
Glad you’ve fallen in love with running! Shoes really do matter
Don't let yourselves be fooled. To start running you just need a pair of running shoes. Everything else comes afterwards. Maybe sports socks so that you don't get blisters.
You can go out in a regular t-shirt, regular shorts, without a watch, etc.
Regarding shoes: I'd suggest to just look at the Asics outlet (either store or online) and get the Novablasts there. Much cheaper and the current Novablast 5 really have the worst tongue i've ever encountered in any shoe and definitely not worth the extra money over.
Great idea for a video as advice for beginner friends ✌️
The irony about injury is that in my over a decade of running, I virtually don't stop running because of running injury, but because other activities cause me severe injuries. I've only been injured from actual running twice, both at my early days of running. Once for using a pair outlet grade shoes that were too small for me, which gave me lower back pain and kept me out for about two weeks. The other was when I ran a 5k in a burrito tongue pair of shoes that I overtightened. I was out from running for about a month or two. However, I have plenty of other sports and activities related injury that stopped me from running for much longer periods of time. One of the worst was PF that I got from either tennis or hockey. Took me out from running for more than a year. The other long one was an ankle problem I had, not from running, but from walking long distances with dress boots or dress shoes. That one was really sad, because I thought I would have to abandon the sport forever. I'm slowly getting back to it. I'm just happy to be running again.
Since coming back from these two more severe injuries, the number of shoes I can run in decreased significantly. I used to be able to run in whatever shoes you put in front of me. Now, certain beloved shoes don't work for me anymore. One model that I can really rely on is the Hoka Clifton, both 8 and 9. Yes I know, "not good shoes" for a lot of people and it does seem to be the consensus among people who review shoes. However, I love them because they allow me to run. The jury is still out on the SB2, just put two runs in, and I'm waiting on a pair of NB5. Really optimistic about the SB2, but given my history, really need to go slow with those.
Great video! For running apps, I'd add Nike Run Club and Runna!
Ben, 99% of your content is amazing and great tips, but there is just one thing that you seem to be repeating a lot which I wanted to encourage you to look into the science a bit more and possibly change your mind: Cadence.
There are plenty of studies and analyses on cadence, performance, and running economy. And they all seem to point to cadence not being indicative of performance or running economy.
and no mention of the best running caps in clothing and gear? ...love my collection of Ben Parkes running caps! .. I reckon they are worth a good extra 10secs a km! 😁
Love the vids Ben 🎉
great video
great video! if I had to choose a beginner shoes , magnify nitro 2 😊
Using your marsthon plan for manchester currently week 3 loving it so far 😜sub 4 incoming
💯 that’s a lot of great advice, all in one video. Fortunately I was given much of the same advice when I started running, which really contributed to my success and some I had to learn along the way. The only item I would add for a beginner is a good sweat band or hat to keep sweat out of your eyes, or maybe that’s just a Texas thing from running in the heat 😂
Done my meniscus in playing five a side... absolutely gutted ..no running last month and another month to go... lost without my running...never playing football again
Thus video timing is amazing for me. Just 1 day after I felt crushed from running outdoors for the 1st time in yeaaarsss and just 1 mile. I will try to keep training my strength and buildup my self confidence.
Also I was confused, for new runners like me that tend to get exhausted easily you said to slow down the run...but then you said the ideal is to increase the cadence to 160 to 170. Does that mean the ideal is to run faster to have less ground contact but in my interpretation that will make us run faster too, no ?
Honey wake up, a new Ben Parkes video just dropped
Where’s that track/basketball court? 7:01-7:05
i think its very important to mention that ur foot structure when u bring up recommendations, i tried the Adidas SL2 and it was way to narrow for me, and its also very neutral and non supportive. as a bigger guy i need a little stability for my long runs (for example the brooks adrenalin) and feet are so different so these shoe recommendations are only great for people with normal/narrow feet and neutral runners... also sorry to say this cause i really like the channel but the squat form on that clip is horendous mate. 10:08
I got the Hoka Mach 5 for my first shoes 250km ago. They are great! I wonder if I shoud get sth for rotation with the same drop or something different.
Ahh, Good ol' Asics NovaBlast. I refuse to buy another Asics shoe until they make a Metaspeed in US size 14.
As a beginner (77kg) still debating between Novablast 4 or 5 for first 3-5km runs? 😬 Nova 4 seems to have the better overall reputation, feels harder buy pushes me more? 5 feels more comfy. Tried also NB 1080 v13/v14, Hurricane 24, Ghost Max 1/2. My old rusty running shoe is a Nimbus 18, Trabuco 10 GTX and Puma Eutopia which felt apart 😀
It shouldn't matter too much. NB4 is a bit firmer yes, NB5 a bit softer and more bounce. Also NB5 has a slightly more forgiving upper and is supposed to be more breathable.
For your weight the NB5 is not too soft if that is a concern. Go with fit and sympathy :)
NB5 is so new that it hasn't just accumulated enough good reputation than the NB4 - that's the only reason.
1080v13 is considered too soft, v14 better but too expensive. Generally I would at the beginnig stay away from too soft shoes!
Ghost Max 1 i also have, very good shoe for a super low price. Also a bit firmer, like the NB4, probably even a tiny bit more.
If stiffer, you may look to the Puma Velocity Nitro 3. I have recently just fallen in love with Puma.
Perfect fit for my feet (on the narrower side). Firmer Nitro foam is perfect for my weight (fat 92kg atm), but it is not hard or too stiff, it just doesn't have this sink in like the firmer shoes and the feet feel fresher after a run - so less energy sapping.
The PumaGrip Outsole is unreal! It is the stickiest rubber there is on running shoes? Running in the winter on wet and frozen asphalt steep downhil and cuves? No problem!
The upper is also good and the laces (a bit strecthy) also. No fuzz, no annoyances, nothing. And all that for a better price than the other companies. Puma shoes are relaly good! :)
Will you be giving the Adios Pro 4 a chance? Curious on your thoughts.
Bro get me one of your smart watches!!
Prefer the Mizuno Neo Zen for my Daily Trainer
And Ben Parkes hat and T-shirt😅
Should have mentioned massage gun for those recovery days
First investment should be EPO
I got injured a lot in 2024 and now I look like hulk hogan because of all the strength training 😂
About two weeks late uploading this vid lad.
Surprised Evo SL wasn’t mentioned as great value for incredible shoes. Maybe it wasn’t mentioned due to availability?
Maybe because it has been quite a time since its launched and there is no news when it will be available in india
I saw in a review that the Evo sl ist not an easy shoe. Without a plate it might be a little to demanding to your stability abilities for beginners...
The Evo SL hasn't been properly released yet and the SL2 is better value.
Its launch is in March 2025. The funny drops of a few pieces after a lottery before was just to get people excited.
Ben have you ever used an Amazfit T-Rex?
The most overlooked important thing you'd need is discipline. Can't buy that unfortunately.
you could pay me to pester you to go on your run.
Amazfit is a good budget watch option
all u will ever need is the novablast 4s
Consume consume, buy buy buy! I hate what modern running has become.
He's recommending clothes and shoes. Do you run without clothes and shoes?
@shadyacres87 look at his videos, every other one is about buying stuff. It's so tacky.
The reality is that running requires material goods. Ben is clearly helping anyone new to the sport so there isn’t any wasted purchases on poor quality items - if anything, it is enabling less consumerism by only recommending trusted products. Obviously you could go minimally and only buy shoes. Depending on budget and interest, this video lays out worthwhile purchases beyond the minimum, which would apply to most longer term runners. If you don’t enjoy it, don’t watch it 👍
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