Tips for Jogging/Running

Aerobics isn't as strenuous. I do aerobics as well as running, and at first I found it exhausting, and I am more achy after, but it isn't anything like running aerobically. I burn around twice as many calories an hour running as doing aerobics (700 vs 350).

Start slow with the running, really slow. You won't feel like you are moving much faster than a walk at first, but keep going. Your aerobic fitness will improve really fast as you run. I started a bit over a year ago and have now done 3 10ks and am doing a 9 mile race next weekend. You CAN do it!

Start by walking for 5 minutes, jog 2-5 min, walk 5 min, jog 2-5 minutes. Gradually walk less and job more! Running rocks!

Google couch to 5k! It help you with your breathing. If you are already exercising you might be able to skip ahead.

I very much second this! Excellent way to ease into running, with a built-in goal to meet! I will start my 4th week next week and I love it. I'm already registered for my first 5k about a week after I finish the C25K program.

When I first started exercising, it was all I could do to WALK the 1.7 mile loop around my neighborhood. I eventually started trying to jog a little. I'd see a mailbox/streetlight/sidewalk curb up ahead and tell myself I had to jog to that spot, then I could walk. Eventually, I started setting my sights further and further away. Within 3 months, I was running the entire 1.7 miles (which included two hills) without stopping to walk. Now, as long as I go slow (12 min mile), I feel like I can go and go and go and go! It's just a matter of getting your body used to that activity!

I'm going to third Couch to 5K (which is often shortened on here as C25K). I am starting week 8 (of 9) tomorrow. I still have trouble with the long runs but can comfortably run 10-15 minutes without having breathing issues. Breathing during running used to be my enemy, but I've really got it down! Also, I picked up at the end of week 2 because I was joining my sister, who'd already started, and I was dying during the 90-second runs. It was pure torture. I was scared before the 5-minute runs, but now that sounds easy. (To be fair, we do it 6 days/week vs. 3 days/week, which is the plan.)

You just have to start slowly, push yourself a little past what makes you comfortable, and you'll see improvement.

It if's any motivation, I have seen major positive changes to my body since I started. I might weigh 185 now, but I look better at 185 than I have ever looked at 185 before. I am wearing size 12 jeans, whereas previously I would be wearing 14s at this weight

When a friend of mine started running she would run to a light post, then walk to the next, then run to the next, etc, etc, etc. Then she would run two light post, walk one, etc. until she was able to run without stopping.

As far as breathing, make sure you keep your head up, if your even slightly leaning forward or have your head down a bit, it can restrict your breathing.

I started running in high school and best advice that was given to me was "once you realize its only going to hurt so much and you realize you can handle it, then you know you can work through the pain and keep going".

Another tip, try to find a running buddy. Having someone to run/exercise with keep you motivate & keep you going. Plus talking while exercising helps me to keep my mind off how longs its been and we're done before I know it.