Up & Running

I’m currently in need of some new trainers, and I’ll definitely be going back to Up and Running for them.
When I bought my current pair I hadn’t bought a good pair of running shoes before, and I kind of stumbled across this place in a search for some in town. At first I was casually browsing the selection, but in no time at all I was asked if I needed any help. I explained what I was after, and the very nice gentleman escorted me downstairs to sort me out.
First things first — we didn’t just jump straight in to pick a pair. He suggested we take a few minutes to assess my running style to see if I’d need any extra support on the ankles or anything. So he got me on the treadmill and made a short recording on my feet and legs. From this he explained that I wouldn’t need any extra support from the trainers as my running style was fine. He also mentioned that shoes with extra support cost more, so he saved me a bit of money (he sounded like he knew what he was talking about and explained himself well, so I assume he was right and not just playnig the salesman!).
From here we tried a few different brands and styles of shoe, trying them out on the treadmill if I was tempted by any. In the end I opted for a very light, well ventilated pair, and I’ve been really happy with them (although I’ve left it too long and they’re a bit knackered now!).
Overall, an excellent experience all round, but having only been once I won’t give it that fifth star just yet — if I have another good experience when I get round to buying a new pair I’ll come back and notch it up.

If you are going to run whether for pleasure, exercise or punishment then you need the right footwear.
For years I had tried to cut costs by buying my running shoes in discount shops or supermarkets and as time went on I developed pains all over, but enough about me!
If you are looking for cheap trainers don’t bother coming here but if you are serious about your running you have to try this place. It seems that the staff are all runners so they understand and they use fancy high tech machines to make sure your foot is balanced in your chosen footwear.

On my seemingly endless quest for a bag of specific hand luggage size I decided to go for a punt in here, just in case the perfect bag awaited me inside. One of the less pleasing aspects of my brief visit was the distinctly sweaty odour, which greeted my unassuming nostrils swiftly as I swung open the front door. I was a tad put off, and nearly walked back out again, only to change my mind and see if I could find said bag. After all, it is a running shop so what could I expect? Sadly, there was no joy there, but a very friendly member of staff greeted me to offer his help.
All I could see was a number of rucksacks and trainers, and any other essential running gear (you know, like ergonomic water bottles and such), so I thanked him and departed. On my way out I noticed that another energetic member of staff was giving a customer a very practical demonstration of one of their running machines, and talking her through the various benefits of the equipment. In spite of the pep behind the pitch, which seemed informative as much as it was persuasive, I felt certain that I wouldn’t be buying a running machine any time soon. Swimming at my own casual pace is more my bag, although the privacy of getting all huffy and red-​faced in my own home is tempting!
What ever your take on running though, this place appears to have got it covered for anything you might need. The more cynical person might say that running is one of the few bastions of free exercise left, and so there shouldn’t be a need to pay to do it. The more sensible person might argue that it’s only sensible to stock up on decent trainers, supportive clothing and some handy advice. It’s up to you, really, but should I consider getting my heart rate going I know where I need to go if I want a helping hand!

The folks at Up & Running really are passionate about running! The staff are extremely knowledgeable and seem to take pride in providing expert advice. This shop is about efficient, professional service and quality products.
If you are a ‘proper’ runner of the sort that sports lycra, headband and a heart rate monitor to boot, you will love this place. If however, like me, you are a bit clueless and tend to go running in a pair of trackie– bottoms that moonlight as PJs and some battered old skate shoes that long ago began letting the rain in, then the staff at Up & Running will sort you out good and proper!
Though quite pricey, you know you are paying for quality, and kit that will help you stay fit safely and snugly… and who can put a price on that?

Up and Running is so much different to the JJB Sports and JD Sports out there, granted it sells the same stock, as in, sportswear, loose branded clothing stuffs, plenty of elasticated waistbands and footwear running apparatus. But the difference in Up and Running lies in the expertise. Everyone who works here looks like they know something about fitness, and I’m not sure if it’s personal choice or excellent training, but ask a question, get an answer, without the usual umming and ahhhing and healthy side dollop of attitude. This place comes into its own when you’re hunting for running shoes, as there is a dedicated running analysis machine to look at running style, overpronation, underprontation, and all that technical running malarkey. Your recommended choice won’t come cheap, but the benefit to knees, ankles, arches and your spine will thank you for breaking into the piggy bank. It’s not just footwear, for outdoor runners there’s all the safety kits like night vests and reflective clothing, heart rate monitors, skins, shorts, t shirts, and everything you didn’t think you needed when running.

Jogging eh? I love it. For years and years, I ran around in my knackered Converse. They served me well, I thought. Then my grandad heard about it. He’s had two knee replacements — and told me I was an idiot; «if you carry on in those pumps you’ll end up like me sooner than you think».
So, I went and got some proper runners. Up & Running really is the place to go. They look at your feet, ask about your running/​jogging/​power-​walking, put you on a treadmill to see how you actually run, then recommend the perfect shoe for you. They generally aren’t cheap, but for your money you will get a long-​lasting trainer, that — touch wood — will prevent the knee replacements occurring too soon. Hopefully.
As well as trainers, they’ve got everything running related. Shorts and a water bottle do me just fine, but if you’re taking it seriously, there’s heart-​rate monitors, pedometers and the rest. Check you out Usain!