New to running - any tips)))

I agree with a lot of what has been said already. @Joanna212B gave some excellent advice.

C25K is a very good program. I highly recommend it to those just starting out. It teaches you consistency, discipline, and patience, as you progress through each week. Many people end up repeating certain weeks, which is fine. Better to take it slow and easy, than to try and rush yourself, which often means medaling in the injury division.

In regards to the run / walk method. There is nothing wrong with it. Even us ultra runners make use of it at times, when the terrain is not really conducive to running. No shame in employing said method. At the same time, one should be careful not to get dependent on the run / walk method, least you find yourself walking a lot more than you may really need to, just because you have gotten your mind focused on it so much, that it becomes a detriment to your goal of running nonstop distances.

1. Make sure you are using the right running shoes for your gait and needs as a runner. Wearing any shoe you can find is not necessarily a wise thing, as wearing the wrong shoes often lead to bad running form as well as injury. If possible, go to your local running store and get fitted. Look for shoes that have a wide toe box, (Altra) so that your toes can naturally splay out, which provides you with a more comfortable and powerful run. A lot of running stores (local and online) allow runners to try shoes out for 30 - 90 days. And if need be, return them for something that provides a better fit.

A). The most expensive shoes are not necessarily the best shoes. The average life span of running shoes is (approximately) 300 - 500 miles. Even if the shoes feel and look good,they can be getting worn down cushion wise, which can lead to injury, if one is not careful.

Get in the habit of looking for last year's model(s). You can save a lot of money buying shoes that work for you, and are least year's model (or more) old.

C) Make sure to log how many miles you put on your running shoes each session. Apps like "Strava" have a built in feature that will assist you in this area (for free). When the shoes get worn, you can use them for causal around the house / errand use.

2. As a new runner, it would be wise to stick to running 3 days a week (which the C25K app promotes) for at least 6 months. Running places a lot of stress on your ligaments, joints, and bones. It takes many, many weeks for them to gradually adapt to new running stress, which occurs any time you run faster, on different terrain, or run further than you previously did.

A) As a new runner, it is important that you take the time to build your aerobic base. With this phase of running, you are pouring the concrete for the foundation of your running house. This phase involves running slow. Slow means running at a pace that allows you to carry on a normal conversation without gasping for air. If you can't talk normally with someone (or sing if by yourself) while you are in your foundational (read: aerobic building phase) session, you are running too fast. It doesn't matter if the running watch says 12 - 14+ minutes per mile. What matters, is that you take the time to run at a pace that allows your body to build Mitochondria, Plasma, and the ability to utilize and transport oxygen throughout the body. A new runner will see much quicker improvement in the area of oxygen transport ability, than he or she will see with the strengthening of the ligaments, tendons and bones. That is one of the reasons why it is so critical to be slow and pragmatic when it comes to building a good running foundation.

Don't worry about running speed. Way too many people are obsessed with the minutes per mile and let that become the beginning and the end of their running session. It is put a part of the running session. There is so much more involved that what the running watch shows your minutes per mile to be.

C) As you slowly progress as a runner, you will find that you become faster over time. Don't compare yourself to other runners. Don't try and run at their speed. Run for you and no one else.

3) Be consistent in your training. If you start your running career being hit and miss, you will find yourself missing more than hitting anything noteworthy (read: improving in endurance, stamina, speed, and overall health). Unless you are sick, have a family emergency, or some other unforeseen emergency (or injury) that prevents you from running, dedicate yourself to running on your scheduled days. Find the part of your day that best suits your running time and stick to it.

4) Make sure to get plenty of sleep each night. It will not benefit you long term, if you are not getting the proper rest. Sleep is a big part of running recovery.

5) Start paying attention to your diet. Garbage in is garbage out. Being a runner doesn't mean you can eat whatever you want and it not both you, because you burned x amount of calories etc.

6) Do not try and do too much too soon. Otherwise, you will find yourself nursing an injury. Running doesn't mean being constantly injured. At least it shouldn't mean that. There are a lot of runners (on and offline) that seemingly go from one injury to another, never understanding that they (through one or more reasons) are sabotaging themselves without realizing it. As a general rule, it is best not to increase your total weekly mileage by more than 10% each week. And as a general rule, your long distance run should not comprise more than 30 - 35% of your weekly total distance. The slower you increase your mileage, the better.

These are just a few of the tips that came to mind. I wish you well on your new running journey.

Edited to add: For some reason, the forum software sees B ) as a smiley face.