So, there's a local running track in my town

Try the C25K program. It is wonderful. I started running when I was 250 pounds(I'm 5'11") Running on a treadmill is actually easier as you can control your speed and it's not as hard on your joints as outdoor running. That said, I enjoy running outside much more. The best advice I can give is to make sure you have a good pair of running shoes and start slow. Don't push yourself to go fast right off the bat. You will burn yourself out and possibly cause injury. Good luck!

Google C25K. If you have a smart phone, there are apps that will help you with the intervals, otherwise you can just follow a schedule found online like I did. If it's as hot and humid there as it is here in Oklahoma, I'd recommend going first thing in the morning. Also, there are fewer people out that early. Make sure you have great shoes, hydrate, stick to the right side of the trail so cyclists can pass on your left, and since you're visually impaired I wouldn't mess with tunes.

RUN! And walk, and run. And when you are running a lot, try to switch directions from time to time, or day to day. Best of luck!

I'm not a runner, but I've been using C25K to build up stamina and increase my walking pace. I'm two-thirds of the way through the eight-week program, and can vouch that it works. If you have a smart phone, there are apps that will guide you through each workout and give you audio cues when it's time to speed up and slow down.

I applaud your decision to try running and it truly is a great way to lose weight. When I started trying lose weight 42 pounds ago I was also self-conscious and somewhat embarrassed to be out sweating on the trails with all the fit skinny athletic types out there. But then I saw a very large man sweating and huffing along, and then a big girl came by, dressed in sweats and obviously there to get healthy. There were lots of overweight people just like me out there actually trying to make a change. Everyone is there to enjoy the outdoors and to exercise and it seems to me that we are all in this together. Everyone at their level of ability striving for common goals.

IMO you mustn't wait. You need to go and start now.

When I decided to begin running I was embarrassed at how slow I ran. It was barely a jog, I was afraid a long legged walker would pass me and I would feel awful. But I did not stop. I found a little out of the way part of the park that was about half a football field long and I ran back and forth, alone, at my own pace, in my un-artful, inelegant way. I kept going.

Very soon after I was running the real trails like everyone else. No one seemed to be tossing derogatory comments or hurtful looks my way, in fact most people will nod, smile as they pass. My speed increased naturally and the weight really started to drop. I am now addicted to my runs and I could not go without running for very long. (I ran both days this weekend, just because I wanted to)

I think you should go to that track, perhaps late in the day when there will be less people about and just go for it. If people show up and you feel self conscious then just slow to a walk, but keep going. Do not wait for those 6 pounds to go away. Start now. Like the Nike ads say... Just Do It!

Add me as a friend so I can hear how it's going. You can do this

-V-

OK, well I've taken the first step - I've sent the track a message through Facebook of all things, just to check if there's anything I need to know about, like do I need to book in advance type things.

That's awesome! I do similar things when I am hesitant to try something new. Congrats on taking that step and good luck with the running.

By the way, it's appalling that anyone would yell things out their window at someone who is doing something healthy and positive. Hopefully next time, they will crash.

There is a school with a running track about 1 mile from my house. Once my legs were strong enough to run at all (old knee injuries make things unstable if my legs are not strong) I would walk my dog down to the track, jog as much of a lap as I could then walk to bring my heart rate down, then jog again. Again and again and again. I started jogging and walking 4 total laps around the track, then another mile walk back home. This started back in March when I had lost somewhere between 15 and 20 lbs. Stuff was jiggling and shaking all over my body and sweat would pour off of me, and you know what....it was awesome!

Get out there and go for it! Be tenacious! Don't let looks and comments from anyone around stop you. Your health and fitness is yours and your deserve to be as healthy and fit as you want to be! You have nothing to lose besides some sweat, body fat and weight! You'll gain physical and emotional strength that will help drive the rest of what you're doing!

As for the track, check to see if there are specific times it's open for public use. Probably only an issue for a track that is part of a school system or on park public property. Secondly, most tracks will post a sign asking public users to stay on the outside lanes. The inside lanes get the most during track and field competitions (such as high school) and they just want to even out the wear and tear on the track surface. Third, personal preference is to wear headphones whenever out running. It helps me block out the outside world and clear my head so the miles (or kilometers in your case) can roll by.

Gear...obviously get good running shoes. A custom fit done at a running specialty store is worth the higher cost of the shoes there, at least to do it once. Comfortable clothing that will help combat chaffing in the usual areas (under arm and crotch) is necessary. I really like that my heart rate monitor watch has a foot pod that acts as a pedometer to give me real time data on mileage and speed in addition to the heart rate. Having the data really helps me push myself.

A couple quotes I love:
"run when you can, walk if have to, crawl if you must; just never give up" -Dean Karnazes

"If you are a runner, it doesn't matter how far or how fast. It doesn't matter if today is your first day or if you have been running for twenty years. There is no tests to pass, no license to earn, no membership card to get. You just run." - John Bingham

Intervals are great for building cardiovascular fitness. Alternate running/jogging with walking to start. Then, once you can run continuously, alternate sprints with easier paced running intervals.

"There is an itch in runners."
-Arnold Hano

C25k!!! I am in a group that is starting the program tomorrow... you should join us!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/groups/home/7326-c25k-starting-7-30-12

:happy:

If there are other people running fast laps then stay to the outside. Also, run counterclockwise. Those are the only rules.

I ran a 5k yesterday and there were a couple of entrants doing what we used to call a scout pace where you alternate running a certain number of strides with a fast walk for a certain number of strides. I count 1 for every four landings in one foot or eight strides per count. I run forty of these and walk ten. I started with ten and ten. They call it a scout pace because you can cover ground, you can maintain it for a very long time and scouts would travel this way. It helped me to put in the time I wanted at the heart rate I wanted to maintain. It is also much easier on you and you will burn very nearly as much as jogging.