I’ve always preferred bikes really, although I did go through a brief spell of running a bit more years ago than I want to think about…

But the truth is that Cathie has signed up for a half marathon and I really needed to use the running shoes she bought for me last birthday. A look at the bikes on this site and you’ll know I like the best kit. Bling is good but functionality is better and when it comes to running shoes my knees insist on it!

We stumbled upon a running shop near Cranleigh on a trip to look for women’s cycling clothes last year. The Tortoise and the Hare is based in Smithbrook Kilns, a small shopping/gallery development on the A281. I’d recommend a visit to this shop or to Beyond Mountain Bikes as both are excellent and there are some other great little shops in the ‘Kilns.

I think it is fair to say that the Tortoise and the Hare is staffed not by your run of the mill shop worker. They are specialists, they are enthusiasts, they are evangelists, they probably have mental health issues but I’d recommend you go in and buy some stuff from them, we need shops like this!

Anyway, the point of my rambling is, if you are going to run, get some decent shoes, not the junk you will get sold in the high street that doesn’t support your foot. Put me in an expensive pair of Nike and I’ll last a few hundred meters before I am told to stop by my ankles and knees. But with the Addidas I was sold by the nutters – I mean Pros – at the Tortoise and the Hare I’m up to 3.5 miles now!

We even popped back yesterday to buy some running kit, those “hoopy” water bottles and ask advice about energy drinks/food!

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About the author

Dave's been riding seriously since about 1997 and is one of the founding Molefathers — along with Matt and Mark — that came up with the idea of a MTB website for Mole Valley riders.

He's had several different bikes but it's now mainly 29ers in Dave's stable, apart from an Orange 5.

Current Bikes: Orange 5, Salsa Spearfish and Kona Big Unit