Want to start running

go low and slow. Move at your own pace, you're not running any one else's race but your own. I'd suggest using something like a "couch to 5k" program, there are lots out there. It basically gives you a guide of how much to run, how many times a week. I did a "Learn to Run" program at my local running room. Basically, the first week, you run one minute, then walk one, for a cycle of 5. Increase your time by one minute each week (run two, walk one, the next week, run three, walk one), keep your time at about 15 - 30 minutes each time.

2 things I would advice - 1) go to a local running store and get fitted for proper shoes, this is truly important! Make sure it is a good and reputable running store 2) Start slow and build up over time. Do not concentrate on distance or speed at the moment, you just want to do your workout and finish it feeling nice and strong. Read this article from Runners World that has a 8-week beginners program for you to follow. If you follow this and stick to it you will reap the benefits. http://www.runnersworld.com/beginners/8-week-beginners-program?page=single

Good luck and don't give up! Running is awesome :happy:

I used the Couch to 5K app on my iPhone when I started running and I really enjoyed it. It starts you out with a 5 minute warm up, jog 1 minute, walk 1 1/2 mins and repeat for 20 mins then cool down for 5 mins. From there it works you up to running a 5K run over 9 weeks. There are probably several different ones but I like the Active.com one. Here's the link http://www.active.com/mobile/c25k .

There are running groups on here too that you can join as well.

Good luck on your journey.

This!!

I've always heard great things about the Couch to 5K program.

As for running at the gym I prefer the elliptical and the arc trainer.

Easier on the knees.

I have bad knees but the way C25K eases you in I have had nothing but luck

if you're on a track use a program like C25K. I started out on a treadmill and it was fine, low and slow is definitely great advice, remember that all of us started at zero as well and any amount of running over what you're currently doing is a huge accomplishment! I started by running as long as I could and then walking for the rest of my half our on the treadmill, then the next time I got on trying to beat how much I'd run by just one more minute of running. My first attempt I think I managed a whopping 5 minutes of running before I wanted to die! HAHA but it worked well, within 2 weeks I was up to 17 minutes straight and that's when the endorphins start to kick in If you're planning to graduate to road running do yourself a favour and add a minor incline to your treadmill while you go- it will help with the transition.

My only other advice is when the roads clear up get out there and pound the pavement, running outside is infinitely more rewarding than treadmill running IMO! (Even at -30 which is what my lunchtime run was today! brr!!)

I did the C25K program several years ago and can't speak highly enough about it.

I agree about the shoes being SO IMPORTANT, however if you're like me you probably don't know if you want to fork over $100+ for running shoes until you know you're going to stick with it. Running shoes were my reward for finishing the program

I started running on December 5th and I could barely run two minutes let alone a mile. I started on c25k (couch to 5k) and I did it every day over my lunch break. I'm on Week 5 and I'll tell you something. It's hard. But it's supposed to be hard. If it were easy, everyone would do it. It's one of the most challenging and one of the most rewarding things I've ever had to endure. I recommend getting a decent pair of running shoes. Go to a specialty store where they'll monitor your gait and such. Buy online the model they're pushing or last year's model if money's an issue. Keep it mind that it's supposed to be taxing and exhausting and do it as often as you can. I did it every day on my lunch break but I took days off when I felt it was absolutely necessary.

Intervals! Sounds like that's what C25k is doing, but basically just alternate running and walking, one minute each or so. Do it for 20-30 minutes and that's all you have to do. Don't worry about mileage, speed, anything. Be happy and satisfied with where you start and that you've started.

Breathe! Running is meditative for me. Get the rhythm of breath and step going.

People asked me how I started running, and I honestly answered I put my shoes on and went outside. That was the hardest part for me: just following through on the commitment.

+1 on getting fitted for comfortable shoes.

Good luck. Running has moved from painful torture to a pleasurable (and still challenging) experience. One foot in front of the other.

Bump

I am a C25K grad! I loved it. I repeated many weeks but I ran two 5k's. Take it slow and try to run outside atleast once a week. This is the advice I got from my PT. I ran almost 100% inside on the treadmill. My 5K's outside messed up my knee.

Edited to say: I messed up my knee by not running outside. My lack of training for the hills (stopping/slowing/going) during my races caused a knee in injury.