Want to start running

I'll jump on the bandwagon and also recommend getting the right shoes and starting slow with some kind of interval program like couch to 5K. I actually finished a couch to 5K like program one year ago yesterday. I absolutely hated running before starting the program, since finishing it I have completed six 5Ks, two 10Ks and a half-marathon.

In my opinion I would cancel the gym membership... unless you want to do weights ECT... If your are deciding just to run defiantly quit membership. I had a gym membership for about a year which helped me lose my 1 stone goal. But since then I have been running around the street as I couldn’t afford the gym anymore. I was able to run for 3 miles on my first run on the streets where as whilst I was in the gym I couldn’t even run 5 minutes without stopping and feeling like I was going to die! But honestly I don’t think a member ship is needed for running ! To start out ensure you have good running shoes and not just normal trainers! Make a track of where you want to run and just go at your own pace for as long as you can. If you stop, don’t worry it will all build up every time you run so you will get better X

I did the Run your Butt Off from Runners World and it was wonderful! I hated running before and this was a great way to pace someone who wasn't running.

Running shoes are very important and you can buy good ones for less than $100...but the key is having your gate checked and getting fit for the right running shoes. That being said, if you are not sure how much running you are going to do...you can start with just some basic running shoes...however I would still have your gate checked to see if you pronate or have a neutral gate..this is very important for your running shoe and again, it doesn't have to cost $100. Actually, I buy Brooks and I run ~25 miles per week...I don't think I've spent $100 on any of my running shoes yet....I manage to find the one's I need on sale; last year I bought a pair of street and a pair of trail Brooks for $120 - great sale at Finish Line

Jeff Galloway method is a great way to start; it is with intervals of walking/running like others have suggested:

http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/index.html

Or Hal Higdon's training:

http://www.halhigdon.com/training/

Here is also a few schedules I've used previously for training:

http://www.sparkpeople.com/resource/fitness_articles.asp?id=1148

Good Luck!

EDIT: Always remember you are in a race against yourself not others!

Don't do it! Before you know it, it'll make you all badass and confident and you'll be addicted. Just stay away from running!

haha. I did a free C25K program from coolrunning.com. I started it in June. Now I run 4 days/week. Usually 3 miles. Sometimes a hair more, sometimes a hair less. Don't do more than what the program says. Just do it as it's laid out to avoid injury.

Go to a running store so they can tell you how you stride and what type of shoes to buy.

Agreed. I finished C25k in August and now I run 3 miles several times a week. Good luck!

Before you invest in an expensive pair of shoes, see if running if for you. I good pair of running shoes will cost you $100 or more. You have received some great advice. I highly recommend the C25K or Hal Higdon's beginner running plan. I'd also recommend finding a running club if you're lucky enough to have one. Runners make the best friends.

Good luck. If you have any questions, feel free to ask.

Steve