For the runners out there...

Check out coolrunnings.com and runnersworld.com to get some information about proper shoes/attire/running form and beginner's programs. If you don't have proper shoes, you won't stick with it, and you'll probably end up with an injury.

Starting to run is just about taking it slow...run a minute, walk a minute, repeat. Then move up to running two minutes, walking one minute, and so on.

check out coolrunning.com for the Couch to 5K training program! I have never been a runner until I did this program!

Seriously, you just have to do it. Start slowly and you will build up to that 5K. Definitely check out a site with couch to 5K. Good luck! My pick is from a 5K (my first) I ran a couple weeks ago, next Sunday is an 8K! So excited, it feels great to run

I'm just starting to run too! I find it so hard, so I've made it one of my goals. I would love to be able to run for 30mins without stopping and I'm begining by using this article that I found from runner's world

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-380-381--9397-2-1X5-3,00.html

hope it helps!

Could you suggest some good shoes for this? I have no idea where to start or what I should be looking for

Find a running store in your town. A good running store will watch you run in several styles and find one that fits your stride and where you will run--trails, track or street.. They should not make you feel like less of a person for just starting out. I do that when I change shoes then often take what I learn and buy the next pair at a cheaper store. I love Saucony and New Balance. I can't wear Asics or Nike as they are so narrow.

Don't feel ashamed to begin with run-walking. You do not need to run the whole distance! In fact, it builds your fitness faster if you do intervals of walking and running. I've heard of people who run marathons this way. They run for a mile, then walk for a minute, and do that for the entire 26 miles! Personally, I prefer to run the whole distance (well, I've never run more than seven miles), but when I was able to do speed work, I would do interval training at least once a week. Just because you are "running" doesn't mean you can't take walk breaks, especially in the beginning. You don't have to kill yourself. Just go until you feel like you need to slow down. You'll notice over time that your running intervals will get long and longer.

Good luck and have fun!

Cheryl

I live in a small town of 735 ppl. No stores like this around. The closest city is an hour drive.... and the only place I can think of is footlocker... I will ask there to see if there are any good places like you have suggested.. but I doubt it. The city is small too. If I cant get "Custom" shoes... what are a good brand I could keep an eye out for?

IMO, Brooks are the best shoes you can buy. They make shoes for people who have flat, normal, or high arches, who under or overpronate, and who have larger body mass. They're highly specific and have silicone instead of gel, so they last longer.

Asics are second only because they use gel and are somewhat narrow. They're still highly specific.

New Balance are a great walking shoe that offer a lot of support and stability, but can get very bulky and heavy.

Nike makes some cool looking shoes, but to say a Shox is a running shoe is like saying you should go swimming in your everyday clothing. Sure, it's possible, but impractical. Also, they are often narrow and most have a 'one arch fits all' design, which isn't the case. Same for Adidas.

WOW! This is great information! I just started running myself - I have done a few 5ks but couldn't run the whole thing - embarassing.... thanks for the couch to runner tip! :embarassed:

Don't be embarrassed! Just BEING IN the 5k is more than 90% of the population can say! There are people who can't even walk a half mile, let alone run 3. Be very proud. :flowerforyou:

http://www.hughston.com/hha/a_17_2_4.htm

Hi Carrie! Here's a great "how to" for figuring out your foot type.:flowerforyou:

I started off 240pounds back in feb and could barely walk on a tredmill for 20min.. lol Well recently I started running and I just run/walk to the church and back and push myself as hard as i can, walk when i cant run adn run when I can. Just start slow! If I can this... ANYONE CAN!

As someone who went through basic training in Canada in 2007 I can tell your brother that most PT sessions are 40 minutes at 5 am and they are almost all running except when you stop to do pushups. There's hardly any warm up and cool down or stretching.

If he can run for 40 minutes straight then he should be good. He doesn't have to be really fast but I'd say a good place for him to start is to be able to run at 6 mph on a treadmill for 40 minutes.

I'm not that fast by a long shot and it sucked to always be behind the platoon but as long as you never walk they can't write you up. can't? won't? I've never seen it happen. It's the ones who can run faster who slack off that get in trouble and the ones who persist in walking occasionally. Even looking like you are running is enough if you are trying to run while sick as a dog.

If he wasn't more info he can go to www.army.ca it's packed with info for people wanting to join on all aspects from fitness to what to expect at basic and beyond.