OK, so I must admit that I am not a big shopping fan. I recently bought a suit for my upcoming wedding and whilst I loved the reason I was buying the suit, the several days spent in the West End walking from one end of Oxford Street to the other were… well, let’s say not my idea of fun.

However when it comes to running kit, that is a different matter and recently I had a brilliant experience that I would like to share. I wanted some new racing flats for the 3ks, 5ks and 10ks that Nick has planned in for me so I called Toby Lambert’s shop, Alton Sports (http://www.altonsports.co.uk/) and explained what it was that I wanted. It was Saturday and I was told that someone would call me back. Monday morning Mr. Lambert himself called me and asked a few questions. Then we agreed that I would give him my debit card details so he could suggest some shoes and send them. He emailed me later that day with some suggestions and, after I sent an email saying I was happy, he sent them in the post. Toby sent me two pairs, gave me a great deal and they are both exactly what I was looking for.

So, if you are after some new kit at a great price and great advice if you need it, then I would really recommend you call Alton Sports.

I live in Farnham and am lucky to have a branch of Alton sports there. They are really good – best advice about shoes in ages. Used to have to trek to Woking to Sweatshop but now just pop in to closest town. Wouldn’t go anywhere else now.

I would also echo above comments, all my family have purchased running shoes from Alton Sports, great service and advice. They and even offer delivery service in and around Winchester area, including Winchester track on training nights, perfect! I am waiting for advice on Brooks racers. Victoria (Toby’s sister) is contacting Brooks on my behalf before making a recommendation on which would be most suitable for me, if any. Top service.