Beginning running

Good for you! You really need good running sneakers, not cross trainers...just running shoes. you can go on to runnersworld.com and there is a lot of info there....start slowly, too much mileage too fast and your shins will not be thanking you:)
A lot of people do the couch25k program..i did something similar but you can look at hal higdon's info as well.....
I started running in January-and ran a full marathon last week!:)

google couch to five k (c25k), it is an amazing program for running. I am so excited to become a runner and its because of this program. If you have a smartphone you can get an app to make it easier. I downloaded it to my blackberry and it uses and timer and tells you wnen it is time to jog and when it is time to walk. It is fantastic.

Also make sure that you get GOOD running shoes. I just bought new ones, and it makes such a huge difference. Friend me if you want and we can push each other and help each other out to begin and continue running. Good luck!!

First, you need to get proper running shoes. Try to find a place that will analyze your stride. Then, I would suggest starting with intervals. Get a timer/stop watch that beeps. Start with maybe 30sec. -1 min. intervals. So, you would walk for 30sec-1 min. and then jog for 30sec-1 min. Do this for at least 30 min. It trains your body to have faster recovery and it is easier mentally too. When you get that rest (walking) you can think -- 30 sec. -- I can do anything for 30 sec.

After your body gets used to that you can up the running time (For example, run for 2 min. and then walk for 1 min. etc.). Another way to intensify your work-out while you progress is to add some hills for higher intensity.

I hope these suggestions help. Keep at it! :happy:

Good running shoes are a MUST.

Mizuno wave creations are my favorite (I have high arches and a narrow foot)

...ive got 4 pairs in my closet :-) its a sick obsession

I haven't had the side stitch issue but I do tend to get shin splints super easily, sometimes even from walking a lot. In the case of walking the answer turned out to be that I needed to buy new shoes more often. Shin splints from running was a lot more difficult for me to solve. I attempted C25k last spring and couldn't make it past week 2 day 1 because of my shins. I knew I wanted to try again so I gave them a good long rest and then used the power of google to read up on shin splints. One theory I came across was that weak calf muscles can be a cause. I do strength training and do squats and deadlifts for my legs, but since neither of those things target calves specifically I began doing bodyweight calf lifts 3x a week. I stood on the edge of a step or something like that, with my weight on the balls of my feet and my heels sticking over the edge, and my hand on a wall for balance. I would slowly raise myself up and hold it for a few seconds, then I would slowly lower myself 'til my heels were below the step for the reverse stretch, and I would hold that for a few seconds. I'd do 25 of these.

The other thing I did was pay attention to the way I landed when I ran. I suspect that this was more important than my stretches, but I can't know for sure. The theory is, that landing on your heels causes shin splints. I learned to land on my midfoot with my heel softly touching down right after. Many running shoes have thick, beefy, somewhat raised heels, and are a bit stiff, which all encourage landing on the heel. I looked for something flexible and with a lowish heel that would encourage, or at least not inhibit, midfoot landing, and I wound up with a pair of Nike Free Runs which I love.

Weather is was the shoes, the stretches, they way I land, or all three, I am now about to start C25k week 9 tomorrow! For me it took a lot of patience and experimentation to overcome my problem with shin splints, but it can be done. I hope this helps.

I've just started back at running again - I cannot recommend the Podrunner first day to 5k podcast series highly enough! It's a 12 week couch to 5k series that is all music - faster beats for running, slower for walking. So easy - you just put on the headphones and go! (just google Podrunner or go to iTunes).

I also recommend lots and lots of stretching. I stretched as long as I ran in the first weeks! I do light warm-up stretches, long post-run stretches and lots of yoga in between. Helps with soreness (including shin splints) and keeps you from getting tight & uncomfortable.

Runner's World online has tons of good stretches and hints for new runners, too.

Try "Chi" running. This is an excellent technique for beginning runners. I started running in Feb 2010, and ran my first 5K in May 2010. I'm a big girl and would have never thought that I would ever become a runner. From day 1, I never had any pain. I also made sure to get fitted for proper running shoes with good suport and a sports bra. Whether you have large or small breast, I recommend the Fiona moving comfort bra. It has adjustable straps and minimizes moment without crushing. I personnally have not experienced shin splints but it is likely that you are landing improperly on your feet while running. "Chi" running is an excellent technique and I think it will help you with your running technique.

ITA w C25K! 6 weeks ago, I couldn't even jog 30 seconds w/o gasping, and in more pain than I could tolerate. Yesterday I ran 20 minutes straight. It was a slow jog but I did it!

I start W6 tomorrow or Wednesday

The "couch to 5K running plan" on FB is GREAT inspiration!

jeff galloway has some good tips for beginning runners, too! Good luck.