How do I start running?!?!

I've always wanted to try running but it's always been really hard. I've never really been fit and everytime I've tried to run I get winded and out of breath. Sometimes it even hurts. With trying to lose weight a lot of people have told me you burn more calories while running. Which makes sense. I go walking every morning just to get me started. But i need more then that cause my body is starting to get used to it. Any tips or advise to make running easier to turn it into a routine without killing me?!? haha Anything will be a big help. Thanks all!

Try a couch to 5k program. Week 1 is 5 min brisk walk then you alternate between 60 seconds of jogging and 90 seconds of walking, for 20 minutes.

Hope this helps.

couch 2 5k definitely will help you get started. goodluck! i am working on running my first 5k, if you need any support/help friend me!

:flowerforyou:

i am not much of a runner myself. What I do though is use a walk run ratio. First week walk for 2 minutes and run for one 10x.
Then increase run times and lower walking. Got this starters tip from runnerworld.com
Good luck

I hated hated hated running. In august I started walking and by September it had turned into running. Now I have signed up for my second 10k in March.

When I started I would get tired and winded really fast and the side stitch, oh that darn side stitch. My best thing I figured out was not to focus on speed. Just doing the running motion was enough at first. I think when I started I did a 12:30 mile. However, I was able to run the entire mile without stopping. So my best advice I could give is find the pace that doesn't make you winded, the pace where you can have a conversation and run at that pace. Today run a quarter of a mile then walk a quarter, run a quarter and finish with a walk. Do that for awhile until you want to run half a mile. Just keep moving up at your own comfortable pace, never worry about your speed, that comes naturally. I was running one day and noticed, "Holy HOt Damn!" I now run a 10:30 mile.

Another thing is a goal really helps. I signed up for my first 5k in October. Having that goal made me really work on my running and forced me to give no excuses.

Good luck!

Oh and bananas! They are suppossedt o be great for runners! I eat at least one a day!

Another thing besides doing the couch 25k which is a great starting program, you will need very good running shoes or you might end up with shin splints! Also a good supportive bra is in order! I tried the C25K on my elliptical last night, works just as well but I am going to try the running thing again eventually! Good luck!

I have just started the C25K ( i have done day 1 and 2 of week 1) and i am finding it quiet hard to run for a minute, i can manage it but only just. It has lifted my spirit reading that people that could barely run 1 minute in week 1 are now a few weeks in and running over a mile.

I could barely get through a minute and 2 seemed like an eternity, im now doing 6 without a problem and my heart rate/recovery rate has improved sooo much, stick with it, it really works

I can't say enough about C25K! I was never a runner, hated running...even when I played football in high school. I started C25K last fall and it also helped me get off the weight loss plateau and I've lost 37 pounds since then as well as run three 5K's with my next 3 miler in a month. I've also started the Bridge to 10K with hopes of running a 5 miler in May.
If I had not found the C25K program I might still be sitting at home wondering what it would be like to run! I say give it a shot!

this sounds awesome! One of my goals is to be able to run 2 miles straight. I'm almost there (i usually stop about 2-4 times for 30-60 seconds). I think i could do it but I just get so BORED staying at one pace for more than 10 minutes. Does anyone have any suggestions for that?

I'm going to jump in the C25K at around week 3 or 4 and see what happens. Maybe i'll end up loving running so much I won't get bored!

I would stay at a level that I was having difficulty with until I was comfortable with it, do an extra run or 2 or whatever then move on. It just gives you confidence that you CAN do it!!