Running

I suggest the C25K program. It will get you to running in no time.

http://www.c25k.com/

Try the Couch to 5k program! It starts you off slow and builds you up gradually so you don't overdo it to begin with. I loved it I had never run a day in my life, and now I run 5ks!! Just google it and you should see it. It's on coolrunning.com i think.

Good luck! Friend me if you need some tips

Couch to 5K is the best beginners program out there, IMHO... you can Google it. It's free and there are apps for Android, Blackberry, etc. to keep you going.

Before you start, though, be sure to get fitted for a good pair of shoes. Don't just go to any old store and pick up whatever's cutest/cheapest/etc. Have a gait analysis done at a running store and get the RIGHT shoes for your feet.

Best of luck!

Try the Couch to 5K program. I am not a runner. Never have been. I am trying the program because I want to try it. it seems to work pretty well. You can find info on it if you google it and there are free smartphone apps too.

Couch to 5k..Google it. It is a great program for beginners.

I agree with everyone else - C25K is where you want to start. I didn't use this program because I didn't know about it when I started running, but from what I've read and seen written about it? Everyone loves it. Just remember -- take it slow. Running can be hard on your body - so give your body time to adjust.

I found that this blog had a lot of helpful hints:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/mrphil86/view/my-running-walking-tips-95469

And I found this on someone else's blog:

Your First Run:
For those thinking of running my advice is to start slow. I’ve started multiple beginner running programs and they lasted exactly one day! The reason is I started out too fast! I tried to do too much in the beginning. A good program to start with is the C25K program. It’s self-paced so just take your time and repeat any weeks you feel necessary. The main thing is you’ve taken the first step which is HUGE! Congratulate yourself!
There are tons of beginning running programs on the internet for those of you who do not want use the C25K program. Just remember to start slow and add no more than 10% mileage every week. Your legs and feet will thank you.

Resources:
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-520--2201-0,00.html – Runner’s World beginning running plan
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml - C25K plan
http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-520--9397-1-1X5-2,00.html – Runner’s World 8 week training program for beginners

Rest and Recovery:
Rest is a very important component of your training. Rest does not mean you can stretch out on the sofa, it just means reduced activity. Rest days are key because they allow your body to recover and rejuvenate from running. Your body grows strong while resting.

Breathing:
I bet you are thinking “I already know how to breathe!” Day to day breathing is automatic but breathing while running can be complicated. When running your body requires more oxygen to move the muscles. The faster you run the more oxygen you need. The number one error most new runners make is going too fast. It will not work and you’ll hate running. So slow down and try to match your breathing with your strides. With an easy pace, breathe in for three or four steps and then breathe out for three or four steps. With faster tempos it’s one-two in, one-two out. Trying to breathe through your nose is like breathing through a straw so breathe through your mouth.

The Mental Game
The brain is a powerful tool. There is a saying “Running is 90% mental and the rest physical”. Imagine yourself as a runner. Don’t let negativity get you down. Don’t compare yourself to someone who runs faster or farther and never diminish your accomplishments!

Running shoes:
Beginners do not need expensive shoes for running, just a good running shoe. My first running shoe was Nike. I loved that old pair of shoes. Visit a running specialty store for a good pair of shoes. The attendant at the store will ask you questions like “Do you overpronate?”, “Do you need a stability shoe?”, etc. Don’t be intimidated or embarrassed. Tell them you are new and they will welcome you to the world of running with open arms! They will want to watch your feet while you walk and run to determine the best shoe. Just remember the shoe you purchase today may not be the same shoe you need six months from now after you’ve been running for a while. You’ll improve in running style and performance so another shoe may work better for you later. The correct shoe will enhance your natural stride and help prevent injuries. The wrong shoe can turn running into a routine of pain and recovery. You don’t want that.

Terminology for running shoes:
Pronation – The foot naturally rolls inward as you run. This is correct positioning of the foot.
Overpronation- The foot rolls inward too far as you run.
Supination – The foot does not roll inward enough as you run.
Oversupination – The foot rolls outward too much as you run.

Motion-control shoes are designed to prevent the foot from rolling inward. This is done by adding something in the sole of the shoe. This is mainly for people who overpronate.

Stability shoes have more cushion than motion control shoes and are designed to prevent excessive pronation. I personally use a stability shoe because I overpronate. It provide support for the inner part of the foot and for those who overpronate just a little too much.

I personally don’t like cushioned shoes. Even though they are the softest, they work best for those who have perfect running form.

When purchasing shoes don’t buy the where they ‘just fit’. The shoes should be a little bigger than regular shoes because your feet will swell when running. They should be ½ to 1 size larger than your dress shoes. Too tight shoes will cause blackened toenails and then the toenail will fall off. That is not a great look!

Running socks
Important! Important! Important! Please invest in a good pair of running socks. Don’t wear standard socks purchased at a discount store when running. Good quality running socks will prevent blisters and black toenails. You can purchase these at any specialty running store.

Running Clothes
Beginners can basically run in anything that doesn’t rub – sweat pants, over-sized t-shirts, etc. Eventually you’ll want to buy some real running clothes. Perfect weather for running almost NEVER happens and that is where high-quality running clothes helps.

During the hot season, a lightweight shirt made of something like Dri-F.I.T. or CoolMax will draw the water away from your skin to help keep you cool. For cool weather there’s CoolMax, Dryline, and Dri-F.I.T to pull the sweat away from your body. Dress in lightweight layers to help draw the moisture away from the body.

Remember, regardless of the outside temperatures your body will heat up during your runs.

Icky Side Effects of Running:

Pit Stops #1 – Leaky bladders when running are most common in women. To help combat this try some Kegal exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles.

Pit Stops #2 – Running stimulates the intestinal system so many runners get diarrhea or have the urge to defecate. Females have a higher risk of loose stools during exercise than men. To help combat this, try modifying your diet. Dietary triggers can be: fiber, sorbitol, coffee, tea, fatty and spicy foods, alcohol and high doses of Vitamin C. Dehydration also makes the problem worse. So make sure you drink plenty of water. If it really becomes a problem eat some corn before running and find out how long it takes for it to go through your system. If it takes just 2 hours then you know not to eat within 2 hours of your run. You can also eat foods which are naturally constipating like bananas, bagels, rice and oatmeal before your run. As your body gets use to exercise your intestines will go back to standard bowel movements.

Black Toe Nails – This is usually caused by too tight running shoes, running downhill or long-distance running. The constant rubbing against the shoe causes a blood blister to form under the nail. The toenail will appear blackened and then eventually fall off. To prevent this wear correct size shoes and keep your feet dry during long runs. It helps to wear proper running socks.

Runner’s Acne – These pimples commonly appear where clothing is covering the skin. To help combat this, shower immediately after running and avoid wearing makeup.

Itchy Legs – I use to suffer from intense itchy legs when I ran! This is normally caused by arteries and capillaries expanding while running. The problem will go away once you’ve increased your fitness level.

Bloody Nipples – Mainly men suffer from sore or bloody nipples and it can be extremely painful. This is caused by the constant rubbing against their shirt. To avoid this, coat the nipples in Vaseline or Body Glide. Band-aids and Nip Guards work well too. Wear clothes made of Dri-Fit (or something comparable) and never wear cotton clothes. Cotton causes chafing. Women, do not wear a cotton sports bra.

Uncomfortable Underwear - I once went to a running store and describe to the lady that I was having issues with my underwear when running. She advised me to go ‘au natural’! Well, once I picked my jaw up off the floor I realized many runners don’t wear underwear for that very reason. If that is not your thing, then purchase shorts with built-in underwear. Some runners will also wear spandex in place of underwear under their running shorts. It’s just a matter of personal preference. Just don’t wear lose fitting cotton underwear. You’ll regret it!

Monthly Cycles – Women, don’t be afraid to run during this time. Running can improve your mood and help alleviate symptoms.

Blood in Urine – Don’t panic. When you run the bladder can suffer minor injuries. If after 48 hours after your run you still have blood in your urine then seek the advice of a doctor.

Other Important Tidbits of Information:

DON’T COMPARE YOURSELF TO ANYONE! You are doing good. This is your journey. There will always be someone faster and run farther. You are the only important person.
In the beginning, avoid running too hard and too often.
REST!
Listen to your body. Aches and pains are your body’s way of alerting you that something is going on.
Stick to a schedule.
Place a copy of your running program on your fridge so you can see it every day.
NEVER DIMINISH YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS!

I know this was long. I hope this information is helpful and thank you for reading to the end.

Happy Running!

I don't know if running has other health benefits over walking but I think that running or walking the same distance you burn about the same number of calories... you just get there faster with running.

I don't know if running has other health benefits over walking but I think that running or walking the same distance you burn about the same number of calories... you just get there faster with running.

I know it already got posted above, but I will post it again....

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html

All about calories burned running vs walking.

I started with the couch to 5k program 2.5 years ago and it's still my favorite form of exercise and stress relief today! You won't be sorry you did it Good luck!

I don't know if running has other health benefits over walking but I think that running or walking the same distance you burn about the same number of calories... you just get there faster with running.

I know it already got posted above, but I will post it again....

http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-304-311-8402-0,00.html

All about calories burned running vs walking.

All I know is that the other app that I used in the past would give me the same calories burned for 2 miles if I put running or if I put walking half the speed that I set the running at (within 5 calories). I never looked into it more.