Running Anxiety

Hi,
I have run 30 marathons and have trained many women to run.
Here are some ideas:
1) Only run on fairly soft surfaces --not the sidewalk for example which is very damaging to knees, but asphalt roads, park trails.
2) Be sure you have decent running shoes.
3) Don't listen to music when you are beginning---pay attention to your surroundings.
4) Finally---really important, if you are a beginner---walk 10 minutes, run 1, walk 7-8 minutes run 2 minutes---try to run slowly--many new runners try to run too fast. Gently work up to running more minutes with less walking minutes---this will takes days and weeks.
5) And finally, really finally---smile when you run, it sounds crazy but smiling will help your whole body relax.

When I first began and felt very self-conscious, I ran early in the morning. Now that I've been a runner for many years I can tell you that most people are not looking at you, most runners will admire you for getting out there and trying the sport we love.

Runner's World online has lots of good advice for beginning runners, it is free to check it online.

Hang in there. Have fun. Good luck!