Just started running and...

And lot of running programs start out with walk/run. Depending on what kind of shape you are in, you can start out with run 1 min, walk 2 min and repeat 5 times. As you get better you can slowly increase you run time until you can do run 10 min walk one minute. Lots of long distance runners use this program for their long runs. Good luck!

You sound like where I was at the end of January this year! Never been a runner, could walk, and walk fast, all day long, could do cardio like nobody's business - but run? Not me!

Then I started c25k. I didn't get fitted for shoes, but I did get a new pair around the second week. I went with a shoe that I've always been comfortable in (Asics for me!), and I had been just using them for my in the house workouts because they were new and pretty, and I'd use my older shoes for the outside stuff - that's what I had always done for walking. But I realized since the running was more serious, I had better have some new shoes that weren't all broken down!

Go slow. As slowly as you need to to get through each running interval. Slow jogging is still jogging! :bigsmile: Form, rhythm, speed - all that will come later. Just breathe, keep moving, and follow the program.

I went from being a complete non-runner to being able to complete the 5k distance by the 9th week! I amazed myself! LOL And I'm still running - 3 days a week, anywhere from 2 to 5 miles, depending on the day, how I feel, how hot it is outside, etc. And I love it!

Keep at it, it will get better! And so will you!

I started C25K and love it. I like to walk my dog while I do it, which confuses him completely when I jog, walk, jog, walk, jog, walk. But it motivates me because he loves to go out for walks and he does much better than me. Good shoes are important and keeping hydrated. I adore listening to music while I go and make sure its upbeat music, slow songs are not great motivators.

That 16:33 really pathetic was faster than I could do a mile for years I started at a block and kept building slowly and walk jog mostly walk I am 64 and can do 4 or 5 miles at a time now but still in the 14s per mile so dont judge yourself and I think you should try some outside since I find it is much more fun and less boring out than in If you dont stress and worry and accept this running thing as what is fun and play and just do it you will be fine and look back at these days and smile at where you have gotten to faster longer
go out and do what I do keep smiling wave at some people and have a blast

In the words of Nike...Just do it!

Yes, there are a lot of factors that come into play if you are going to train for run long distances ...like the right shoe, your gait, etc.

But, if your goal is to run that 1 mile just focus on the finish of that mile. I remember when I ran my first mile and my goal was just to finish and still live afterwards. It didn't matter how long it took me I just wanted to finish.

Good Luck, and keep us posted when you do it

I am following the C25K, with a free app - Loving it. I am doing a complete week on the treadmill and then repeating in outside, I find outside harder and this way I know I can do it before I do it in public! It works for me. I would say the only thing you absolutly need to start are fitted shoes and a water bottle - Everything else can follow if and when you are ready - Oh and a phone just in case!!
Most of all, give it a few weeks before you decide it is for you or not and Enjoy the burn

Just take it one step at a time (pun intended!)

- Get the shoes. A good running store is where you need to be.
- I suggest doing some leg strength stuff. Squats, lunges, leg lifts, crunches - add push up, planks and jumping jacks for a good work out.
- Warm up for 5 minutes and stretch! Make sure you cool down and stretch too.
- Make a goal. Sounds like a mile is working, keep doing it. Walk/run until you run it. Then go for 2. C25K is great if you are ready.
- You can Google running form. Good form helps make you more efficient and maximize your oxygen intake as well as avoid some common injuries.
- You can also Google running breathing - some people need help with that.

O yeah, and have fun.

About 6 or 7 years ago, I started as a treadmill walker, who never planned on running. Ever. Well, after months of that, I started putting little snippets of running in my walks. The running part kept growing, and the next thing you know, I was out on trails walking and jogging and running and doing it all. Then came the bicycling. And it just kept building. Now, I'm about a month away from my second marathon, and I race triathlon all season long.

This didn't happen overnight. It took years to get where I am today. As far as being overwhelmed by all you read, just remember you're reading things written by people who aren't where you are. So of course you would feel overwhelmed and intimidated.

There's no better advice to a new runner than GET FITTED FOR SOME HIGH QUALITY RUNNING SHOES!. It should be a no brainer, but it's not. Go to a dedicated running store, and make sure you're getting good, high quality, properly fitted shoes. This is not advice from a wealthy running snob. If you sacrifice on shoes, you risk endless injury. And injury is just not fun. Or cheap.

The next best advice to a new runner is, HAVE FUN. Running should be fun. Let it play to things that make you happy, or peaceful. If you're an outdoorsy type, then find a park with trails. If you're an adventurous type then try new routes every so often. Just find a way to keep it fun. Do that, and you'll never be overwhelmed.

And, as others have said, PATIENCE, GRASSHOPPER. You're not going to wake up one morning, strap on your Nikes for the first time, then magically run a marathon. The more patient you are, the easier it'll be for you to continue having fun as you progress, and the less likely you'll be to burn out and quit.

I hope this helps, and I wish you joy, peace, and good running.

Don't get caught up in all the technical stuff. Get fitted for the proper shows and run. Try the C25K program. It's a great way to start off.