Great thread! I started the couch to 5k programme a few weeks ago, and really enjoyed the first two weeks - last Saturday though I ended up with very painful feet and hips, having overdone it with the first session of week 3.
I was talking to a guy at the running shop a couple of days ago and he said exactly what you suggested,
@EdMac . Am going to replace my shoes but only after having my gait properly looked at. There were good reasons, he said, why his shop doesn't stock Puma! (My shoes are....... Puma!)
Having never run, I've been loving it. Until the ows started, that is! Going to get back to it this weekend after a week off. My cardiovascular fitness isn't bad, as I swim daily (although now just every other day, alternating with the running), but I fully recognise the need to build up the muscles, tendons and ligaments, as it is just that trap I've just fallen into!