I used to HATE running. In April of last year, I was at a plateau having lost 45 lbs, with 20 more to go. I was riding my bicycle a lot, but needed to do something different. So I downloaded the RunDouble app and decided to give it a go. The first day I couldn't run 1 minute without feeling like I was going to die. I came on here, read some forums, slowed down and kept going.

I finished the program, despite gall bladder surgery and have since run two 5k's and one 10k. Oh, yeah, and I've lost that last 20 lbs and kept it off. I run a couple of times a week unless I'm training for a certain race. I still don't LOVE running, but I don't HATE it either!

I LOVE THIS GROUP and the Bridge to 10k group. Very supportive!

Thanks!

Make sure you check out the Daily check-in thread in this group.

Part 1 is here: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/970137-daily-check-in-thread

I think it's up to Part 6 now. Lot's of great advice and encouragement!

Going to give ya a little harsh reality though....

You can come here to the C25K group, look through all the motivation posters and all the graduation stories. But, until you make that decision to just get up and put shoes on and start, you will continue to just read about it. Stop "looking" and start doing...that is the only way you will get going. In the end you have to inspire yourself. You have to take those first steps, you have to take that first run, and you have to decide to commit to it.

I know it is up to me. I need some good shoes! Any recommendations that won't break the bank?

Go to a running store where they will analyse your walk/gait and fit your feet properly. Good shoes are crucial. None of our suggestions may work for you. When you go to the store, take along a pair of older shoes so that they can look at the tread wear.

Like other posters have said, make sure you start slow! If you've never really run before, the temptation will be to run at a fairly quick pace as it feels good initially...and then when the breathlessness and stitch kicks in 30 seconds later, there's a good chance that you'll solemnly swear that you'll never put yourself through this again!

Run at a pace which feels slightly slower than natural and see how it feels. If after a few 1 minute runs, you feel like you can pick up the pace...by all means try, but as soon as it starts to feel uncomfortable just slow right down! Just wanna make sure that you start it and learn to love it ;-)

I need some good shoes! Any recommendations that won't break the bank?

Everyone has different needs in shoes, so I'd support the suggestion that you get fitted properly.

I also would suggest that you go to a running store and get fitted. It can make the difference between comfortable progression and fighting shin splints, etc. through the program.

You don't have to buy the shoes there (although it's encouraged). You can figure out what you need and then see if you can find an older model year on the internet - sometimes you can luck out and find something 60% off.