Running

Couch to 5 k abbreviated c25k is what most people use.

I just walked one mile for a week then started walking 1/2 mile run 1/8 then walk the rest of the way home. I started adding a1/8 of a mile each time till I could run a mile. Just pick a pace you can stay at.

Most important, have fun.

This week, run from the bottom of your driveway to the next door neighbor's driveway (assuming it's like 100 feet or so). Then walk four or five driveways. Repeat.

Next week, run two driveways, then walk 4 or 5.

Each week, add a driveway to the run, but walk the same amount.

In one year, adding only the distance from one driveway to the next each week, you'd be running about a mile.

You will almost certainly be able to add distance faster than that after just a few weeks.

It took me 6 months to be able to run 5k without stopping, but now running isn't even difficult.

Go slow, add distance a little at a time.

i was a terrible runner. i started doing 2 min jog/1min fast walk intervals, and eventually increased speed and increased the jog time of the intervals. if i can work my way up to do half marathons without stopping- anyone can!

its a mental game, really. if u think "i have to run 3 miles" it sounds like forever. yet "i have to run for 2 min before i can walk" doesnt seem bad at all...and the 1 min walk is a good way to catch your breath.

give it a shot...u can do it

Run slower than you even feel like is possible, keep going until you can't anymore. Walk until you've recovered. Run slowly again. Repeat until you're a runner.

Seriously, that's all it takes. It's the foundation for all beginner's running programs like C25K. The slow part is of absolutely critical importance.

I'm going to also recommend Couch to 5k (C25k) program. But before you start that, begin by walking if you haven't already. I would walk for a month or two before beginning a running regimen. That's what worked for me.

Another vote for c25k! It made a runner out of me - I started it about a year ago, and in 9 weeks, I was running for 30 minutes non-stop, and could cover the 5k distance. Worked like a charm!

I used the c25kFREE app by Zen Labs on my iPhone.

Ever look up the couch to 5 k program?

I can't run, but that's what I'm doing. I'm just doing the week 1 over and over until I get it down, then move up.
It's /totally/ your pace. If you can't run for a minute, then don't. But aim for it.
You get better the more you try, then once you complete it, you can move on

Start slow and work your way up. Run in short intervals at first. I was 400 pounds and could barely walk a mile and with in my first year or two of running I completed my first half marathon. So if I can do it anyone can! Also a good pair of running shoes really help as well!

C25K app called rundouble is a great app. You can listen to your music and it fades out at the right parts to say to run or walk. Only around £2. Definitely advise it.

Get good shoes, break in slowly (important so you don't injured your shins. Easily done going from never running to lots. Did this last year! No fun)

Get some headphones and a band to out your phone on with the music!

Take a good sized water bottle. I normally loop my key over my HRM strap.

Look up form. It is important.

Although it's not half as much fun, it's good to start in a tread mill. The 'ground', is much softer and better for your shins for starting on.

If your struggling to breathe... Just go slower. Can build up speed later. Don't need to be running full pelt straight away. Start of jogging and build up. Once I slowed down I went for longer periods.

If you struggle with a week or C25K don't sweat it, just repeat the week u til your comfortable with it, then move on. You have all the time in the world!

It gets much easier. Don't be discouraged!

Zara x

Pfft! Don't http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Fixx
Lift weights instead, apparently

A good pair of shoes.

And Couch to 5K (C25K) or a similar interval programme.

Pfft! Don't http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Fixx
Lift weights instead, apparently

Sorry, but that's a ridiculous assertion, that one should lift weights for fear of death by running because a runner died- he was a heavy smoker earlier in life with other lifestyle risk factors that eventually caught up with him.

I agree with lifting weights being good, but the OP wants to run and shouldn't fear death by running. /smh

In addition to C25K, I recommend working on your form to start with so you don't injure yourself. Many people heel strike because of the supportive shoes we are used to wearing. I was one of those people until I started getting a lot of hip pain. Here are a few videos that help explain:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrOgDCZ4GUo

http://www.goodformrunning.com/learn-good-form-videos/166-forefoot-versus-midfoot-versus-heel-strike

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkUqkdPQHis

Best answer! The videos were quite helpful. C25K is very good plan but in addition we have to know how to run properly. I was in week 6 of c25k but then knee pain hit me and was resting untill last Friday for nearly 3 weeks. Now my knees are better but I am starting C25k from week1 again and want improve my running style and go slow. For beginners like me Go slow should be the policy for first 4 weeks atleast.

I was just wondering what weight you guys all were when you first took up running/jogging? Im 237lb - can I do this without killing myself?!

When I started, I did run-walk intervals by listening to music on my headphones and alternating with each new song. Not very precise, but fun.

Also, taking it slow is super important - my brother told me to run slowly enough that I could carry on a conversation. I still run only slightly faster than I do a brisk walk - but I do run consistently.

And, once you get going, sign up for a fun 5k race. Until I started enjoying running for its own sake, the only thing that made me get out there regularly was if I had a race coming up. I certainly didn't run those early races without stopping to walk, but the challenge and the atmosphere and the satisfaction of finishing were all super motivating.