Need jogging/running tips!

Couch to 5K. Best thing I've ever done. Couldn't run a minute when I started. Now I'm on week 8 (out of 9) and running 28 minutes no-stop. There's an app for your phone that makes it even easier. I could try and explain, but here's the link. They do a much better job!

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

There's a Couch to 5K group in the community here as well. Great for support and inspiration!

Good luck.

Definitely Couch to 5K! I love it and it has gotten me back into running. I'm just coming off an injury, so I'm restarting with Week 1 this week.

You can google the website with the list of what to do, or download the Get Running app from apple (if you have an iphone/ipod) and probably from android as well. I use it on my iPod touch, and it lets me listen to my music, but tells me when to run, walk, and how long I have left. It's fabulous and can totally get someone from being a couch bum like I was to a runner.

IT gets better! Running in intervals is great for starting. Run 1 min, walk 3 min. Repeat for 30 min total time running/walking. You'll be surprised how quickly you build up endurance. Also, Couch 2 5K is a great program to start with. Good luck!

i just started running in march..... was running intervals for a long time.... But now I'm training for a half marathon - coming up on nov 10!! it does get easier. Key is to stick with it and do it right!!

I echo the couch to 5k suggestions! Also, I've found John Bingham books to be reassuring and helpful, e.g. http://www.amazon.com/The-Courage-To-Start-Running/dp/0684854554 or http://www.amazon.com/No-Need-Speed-Beginners-Running/dp/1579544290/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1347462049&sr=1-1&keywords=no+need+for+speed

If you can, definitely get some workout clothes/gear: shirts/shorts/pants/whatever made with moisture-wiking fabric. I couldn't believe how much of a difference actual workout clothes made!! The same goes for socks - running socks are amazing (no cotton, breathable, some of them have compression fabric in the arch, etc.). Also, a properly-fitting sports bra, and properly fitting sneakers (you can get fitted at a dedicated running store). I've loved some of the plus sized workout clothes and a sports bra from Modern Comfort, and plus sized workout clothes from Nike. There's lots out there, and don't feel like just because you're bigger or not a pro runner or whatever that you don't deserve to feel good exercising! Also, hydrate and feed yourself well!

Start out slow, and keep on slow if you need/want! I've done a half marathon and several shorter races, and I'm training for my first full marathon in November - and I'm doing it all by doing running/walking intervals. I'm slow, but I do it. You can totally do this :drinker:

Another vote for c25k! Made a runner out of me - and I had never ever been one to run unless being chased by something I didn't want catching me.

I used the c25kFREE app by Zen Labs on my phone - worked great!

Anyone know how I can get this app for my phone? Its a blackberry 8900 and I am not very tech savvy.

I found an application for iTouch/iPhone/iPod on iTunes and it is called Ease into 5K by bluefin software which is very good but not free, maybe around $2.99 This app has good ratings and lets you use your music playlists from your iPod in it.

I believe there is another app similar to the one above by someone else and is free but don't know much about it......

I also found a podcast on iTunes called NHS Couch to 5K which is "free" but it doesn't let you use your own music and it has its own music built in......

I've never done Cto5K, but you obviously can see the enthusiasm most have for it on this board.

My tips are simple - stick with it. I included a story about running in my profile. If you're looking to really improve your fitness, I 100% support it. Feel free to friend me if you need some more encouragement.

If you don't want to do the Couch to 5K program, you can just start off with run/walk intervals... run for as long as you can and time it, then walk for twice that time. If you are able to run for two minutes straight, do that length for each interval. Do that for 20-30 minutes and make sure you stretch really well before and after.

Just keep at it. Once a week, I would run as far as I possibly could and keep trying to beat that distance each week. And then I'd do the intervals throughout the week. Once you're running up to a mile, I'd increase the longer runs and decreased the intervals so you can start building some distance!

I joined the military as a total pud who had never been into athletics or anything like that (I played softball, but I loathed the two laps we had to run every practice). After my enlisted training, I was down to a 15:40 two mile time.

When I got back into running years after I separated from the military, I was terrible. I made it halfway up the block and I couldn't take it anymore... my whole body felt like it was put together wrong and my hips felt loose and wobbly (I was 4 months post-partum). I stuck to walking until my hips felt stronger and then I started small. My first run, I made it a half a mile before I walked home. I kept trying to make it to two miles, which I eventually did. This was in the fall of 2010. The summer of 2011, I ran four road races and focused mostly on improving that time. This summer, I have been focused on long distance (which has also been improving my 5K time) and working towards my first half. At this point, I'm up to 11 miles in my half-marathon training.

So, I'm here to say it's totally possible to become a runner from "scratch."

Keep at it! You may get to a point where running is one of your favorite things to do and then it won't be such a struggle anymore... it will be a pleasure!