help me run!

I've got a treadmill at home, and my advice would first of all be that when you're at the gym, don't give a second thought to what other people are thinking of you - you don't go in there and stand around judging people, do you? Well, neither do they...

As for getting started with running, you should check out the Couch to 5k programme, very popular on here for beginners (like me!). It gets you running in short bursts, and over 10 weeks or something like that it builds you up to a steady 20 minute run. Of course if you need to take longer on each 'week', you can do that, it's just a print out programme or a podcast you can download too.

I did that for a few weeks and have recently changed tack - I'm just setting myself a distance and building up to running that far. I'm only just a beginner really, so I'm starting at trying to run half a mile non stop. So far I'm at 0.3 non stop.

It's up to you which you prefer but I think those are the two ways people tend to get started - a programme that starts with short bursts and builds up your stamina, or just going as far as you can each time.

You can do it!

When i started running i just ran until i needed to walk again then once i caught my breath i would start running again.
Now i can run almost 8kms without needing to stop, i normally run outside but i sometimes hit the treadmil at the gym dont worry about what you think you look like running trust me chances are nobodys looking away their worrying about themselfs and their own workout.

My advice:

1. Couch to 5K - it has worked for tons of people. I wish I had done it.
2. If you're serious, get fitted for shoes. The right shoes (for you!) make all the difference. You'll need to go to a running specialty store for a proper fitting.
3. Run outside if you can. Don't let the cold hold you back - wear an insulated base layer (think Under Armour - or the Target knock-off version) and a layer over that if needed.
4. Join a running club or find some friends that run - run alone sometimes, but it's nice to have someone to run with too.
5. Nike+ is a great app to track your running. It's free, plays your music, tracks the mileage on your shoes, and gives you your splits and calorie burn (it's pretty close to accurate...for me anyway).
6. HAVE FUN!

C25K is great but more importantly pair it with strength training for your legs. If your legs are strong you will be more performant, recover faster and ultimately enjoy running as a daily activity. Do not pay attention to others in the gym or outside. Whether they have an opinion about you or not it is not like it is in your control to change it. Anything that is beyond your control should be disregarded. Running and taking steps so today is the first day of the rest of your life, that is within your control. Good luck with the running. I love it, it clears my mind.

Been running consistently since 2005. I am not an athlete! I have completed 2 marathons. So my advice:

Do not get wrapped around distance or speed. Simply start off and run as far as you can. When you can't run anymore, walk. Mark your distance. WALK the remaining distance. Complete your goal! The next day attempt to go a bit further. Do not get caught up in running vs. walking at first. Run as far as you can then walk.

i.e., Set a goal for 2 miles. Run as far as you can and WALK the difference. Then try to go a bit further until you can run the entire 2 miles. THEN, add more distance as needed.

Too many people try to run 5 miles right off the bat and then are discouraged because they can't run the entire distance.

I could talk forever about this subject. runsleepeat@yahoo.com if you want to hear more.

ok so I looked up this c25k program... if I do this on a treadmill, what speed to I go up to for my "run"??? And how low for my walk?

Go whatever speed you need to in order to be able to complete that day's assignment. I did all my c25k training outside, so didn't have to worry about changing the speed of a machine. But slow it down as needed - slow jogging is still jogging!

I used the c25kFREE app by Zen Labs on my iPhone - worked great, and turned me into a runner.

My advice:

1. Couch to 5K - it has worked for tons of people. I wish I had done it.
2. If you're serious, get fitted for shoes. The right shoes (for you!) make all the difference. You'll need to go to a running specialty store for a proper fitting.
3. Run outside if you can. Don't let the cold hold you back - wear an insulated base layer (think Under Armour - or the Target knock-off version) and a layer over that if needed.
4. Join a running club or find some friends that run - run alone sometimes, but it's nice to have someone to run with too.
5. Nike+ is a great app to track your running. It's free, plays your music, tracks the mileage on your shoes, and gives you your splits and calorie burn (it's pretty close to accurate...for me anyway).
6. HAVE FUN!

This is great advice! The only thing I would add is to find a 5k race a few months out and register for it! Having a race on the horizon is a great motivator to keep going with the training - and racing is a lot of fun.