New to jogging - Any tips?

I'm new to jogging, i've started the couch 2 5k programme which is free to download with good upbeat music helps me, but i am on a treadmill till the snow is gone.

Just keep at it is the best advice I can give... Also try the http://www.c25k.com/.... Good luck and enjoy!

I tried the c25k but ended up going on my own.

If you felt that way after running for 5 mins, pace yourself and slow down a bit. That will give you stamina to run further. Then build upon the time you run. Once you can run a good distance for you then start upping your pace slowly.

I found walking fast with running sprints really helped me. I started back in Dec and can now run 10k at 5mph. Not super fast but at least I can run it. I also run with my baby and groceries if going shopping.

Lastly, make sure you have good trainers that are suited for you.

I love running and miss it when I can't get out!

Have to highly recommend the Couch 2 5km program (c25k). All you need to do is download it to your android phone or iphone, put some headphones in, play some music and off you go.

Before you do this make sure you go to a proper running shop (not a sports warehouse) and get custom fitted shoes and a sports bra. The shoes and bra will make a lot of difference. Ideally they should check your gait, custom make some insoles for you if required and let you try on a few appropriate shoes for your gait. This will ensure you dont hurt yourself (and besides, once you have spent all that money on running shoes and a new bra, are you going to give up easily?

I am on Week 2 of c25k. I found my first run really easy and it gave me too much confidence. I really struggled through my second run because I tried to go too fast. My legs were jelly and I couldnt breathe. My 3rd and 4th runs have been easy compared to that 2nd run because I learned my lesson. Dont try and go too fast. Keep the runs slow to start with. There is no shame in starting slowly. Just by getting out and doing the run you are doing better than 99% of the people out there who have no motivation to do it at all.

Set yourself a goal for added motivation. In the UK there are park runs every weekend. Commit to one for when you finish the c25k program and go and do it. I have my run on May 18th. I'm looking forward to it. I'm also committed to another run in August in Sydney, Australia and will need to build myself up for that but I WILL do it. Since it is 14km, I might have to walk part of it but I am going to do it.

Good luck and I hope this helps

I'm new too and what I find most difficult is I pay too much attention to the fact that I'm joggin and how much pain I could potentially be in, then how much pain I am in, then how much I wish I could stop. So I try to find ways to distract myself. Focus on your form and your music. Let your mind wander. I listen to the Zombies, run! app and in between storyline clips they play your music so ill think about the meanings of the words or try to imagine how I'd make my own music video to them. I'm in NJROTC so sometimes ill sing Jodies out loud if no one is around.

Just jog, don't focus on time, don't focus on distance, just jog, everyday you jog it will get better, you will go faster, you will go farther..

Definitely couch to 5K, and consistency! You don't just have to jog to get better at jogging either. I hadn't gone for a run in about 3 months, and the other day I got on the treadmill and ran 4 miles without a problem, but it was because I had been keeping my endurance up with other cardio workouts and weightlifting. As long as you keep working out at least a few times a week, it will keep getting bettter.

Before you do this make sure you go to a proper running shop (not a sports warehouse) and get custom fitted shoes and a sports bra. The shoes and bra will make a lot of difference. Ideally they should check your gait, custom make some insoles for you if required and let you try on a few appropriate shoes for your gait. This will ensure you dont hurt yourself (and besides, once you have spent all that money on running shoes and a new bra, are you going to give up easily?

SHOES, SHOES, SHOES, and start slow and work your way up. Watch the surface you run on as well. After running in my old shoes on the road, I have shin splints that wont seem to go away! Probably because I wont take a long enough break from walking or running for them to heal.
I wouldn't run 20 feet when I started. I can run over 3 miles now. I am sure I could do more if I wanted but havent tried. Been thinking about signing up for 5K but haven't motivated myself to do that yet,

Thanks so much for all your advice guys & gals. It seems everyone rates the C25K approach. I've had a look on my android play store and there are so many apps for this! Can anyone recommend one they use which is any good? Thanks x

I used this free one, which worked well for me.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.guyhoffman.c25k

START SLOW. Couch to 5K programs. Or if you aren't necessarily trying to train for anything try walking 2 minutes, running 2 minutes (or whatever interval you're comfortable with)... and alternate as long as you can (20-30 min.). A Time Ironman Interval watch is great for this Good luck and JUST HAVE FUN!

I used C2K as well and it was awesome for me!! The app that I used was by Zen Labs and it was free. Worked great! Just keep trying to do a little more each time. Don't rush it!! And agreed, proper shoes are absolutely necessary!! Good luck!

Thanks so much for all your advice guys & gals. It seems everyone rates the C25K approach. I've had a look on my android play store and there are so many apps for this! Can anyone recommend one they use which is any good? Thanks x

Here is the link to the real C25K from Cool running program:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Here are all my beginner's running tips:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

I can't emphasise enough point 1:
When you start out, it’s HARD! Even if you think you’re fit, running is so different to anything else you’ve done before you will get out of breath quickly. Stick with it. Can’t manage a minute? Go slow. Still can’t? GO SLOWER!

And here's some extra stuff I sent a friend who's training for her first 5K:

There IS a speed everyone can run, you just need to find yours. Sometimes I barely get above walking speed, it doesn't matter. And in RFL there will be runners who haven't trained and stop dead, and walkers - I promise you won't be last!
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/nice-guys-and-girls-finish-last-108783

Everyone will tell you to get fitted for proper running shoes. While this is important in the long run (pun intended) it's a huge investment when you first start out and not that vital. I ran in cross-trainers for the first two years. Though proper running shoes do make a huge difference when you do swap.

More important is style. You may feel proper running is "heel to toe" but this can lead to painful shin splints and achy knees and feet. Let your legs swing naturally under you and land under your body (not in front as that will act as a brake), and land mid-foot. YouTube proper running technique or running mid-foot landing to see examples.

A great sports bra, however, IS vital!

The RFL website has its own training plan, and I used an early version when I first started out. However, the joggers' plan starts at 2 min running sessions, which can be a bit tough at first. Given you've got plenty of time, check out Couch 2 5K (C25K). This site has all the versions for use with a watch, apps or podcasts. One will suit you:
http://www.c25k.com/

If you find a week hard, don't panic, just do it again the next week, but slower! You'll get through it.

I love the Zombies, Run! app, and there's a 5K training version. However, it can be a little distracting, which is good when you've been at it for a while, but you need to concentrate on how you feel to find your best pace when you start.
https://www.zombiesrungame.com/

The next step is just to get out there (yes, even in this weather!). Keep all your MFP buddies updated with your progress! You'll do fine. :flowerforyou:

One final point. Start calling it running, not jogging. Then, voilà, you're a runner!

This is going to sound weird but -- take small steps.

When I used to run, I used to end up injured all the time, and it turned out the biggest problem was that I was trying to go too fast by taking giant steps. I'd stretch my leg out as far as I could, striking with my heel, and then try to drive forward.

HUGE problems.

You can go fast, if you feel up to it, but do it by taking lots of shorter steps. That made a huge difference for me.

In the meantime, to build endurance, start with 1-1's -- "run" a minute, walk a minute. When that's easy, do 2-1's, etc. I know many people who do races at a 10-1 -- no shame. They aren't likely to win, but so what?

ABSOLUTELY THIS ^^^

Smaller steps will make form a habit and help you avoid injury.

C25k has helped thousands and thousands of people go from zero to running incredible distances..it really does work!

And please, don't worry yourself about how FAST you run..just focus on distance, nothing else. Your time to work on speed will come the more you run.

1) Quality equipment: Shoes, socks, undergarments

2) Take it slow: start with walking, then alternate walking/jogging, then switch to jogging

3) Have a distraction: Get an awesome playlist on your ipog/mp3 player just for when you're jogging or if you're on a treadmill watch your favorite tv show. That will help take your mind off the stitch in your side or the feeling that your left lung is going to explode