How to Start Running

Definitely try the Couch to 5K program.

http://www.c25k.com/

It's amazing how you can go from barely being able to run for 1 min to running 30 min straight. Good luck!

Have you looked into doing the C25K? It's "couch to 5k" and its a cool run program that you can download free playlists....It starts with walking & jogging and each week you increase your run time a little more so that in the end you can run a 5k! Its super cool!

Couch-to-5K! It's awesome, and definitely worked for me!

Another recommendation for C25K here too!

Someone posted it, but the C25K program is wonderful. I went from never running in my entire life, to running a 5K non-stop. I used to hate running. I am now training for a half-marathon. Love the program, I don't think I would've gotten to running without it.

i am NOT a runner... hated it even when i was a kid! but i started the C25K program last week and it seems to be working great so far. the thing i like best is that it's really easing me in, giving me small goals to work toward.

I didn't do a Couch to 5k program when I started running, but it is a really great tool! I honestly just got on a treadmill and ran at a comfortable speed until I felt like I couldn't, and then I would walk at a nice pace to keep my heart rate up. I then just continued to try and add a little more distance every time I got on, until I was doing a solid 30-40 mins.

Intervals are great, run for 1 min, walk for 4 min (which is what the C25k does) and build up your stamina that way. You can do it!! Once you get your lungs and legs in good shape, its really a mental game after that! Good Luck!

One foot in front of the other! I've heard good things about C25K, but never did it myself. I'm too impatient! I just ran. I'd never been a runner and managed about 19 minutes the first time I ran. I'm sure it was at a snail's pace, but I kept my feet moving. Each time I just tried to beat my last time.

Just graduated C25k this past weekend. I have never been considered a runner, ever. C25k is a fantastic program!

First... Go to a running store and have someone watch you walk. If you pronate, supinate or have a neutral stride, their are shoes that accomidate each type. DONT just go down to a shoe store and get a pair of shoes that say RUNNING SHOES - you will get shin splints and f' your feet up!!!

The three major brands of marathon running shoes are: Brooks, Sauceny, New Balance, and Mizuno. I know I may be leaving a couple of the other brands out. I LOVE the Brooks shoes! LOVE them! They offer the best cushoning and I have not had shin splints ONCE!!!

As per getting up early, I would recommend you get something with a blinking light so that cars can see you. I went down to Academy and got a red light that uses a AAA battery. It was in the bicycle section.

Start out by walking a mile with occational running. Keep at it until you can do it w/o stopping then increase your distance! Dont be afraid to walk because eventually, you will be able to run 4... 5... 6 and beyond w/o stopping.

I have heard great things from C25K program, I never used it - I just started out walking with occational running in the mix. Also, try out the website: http://www.mapmyrun.com - you can create routes and log your time.

I started in April of this year running and on Nov 13th, I am running my first marathon! San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon - 26.2 miles

I loathe running - but want to get to a state where i can do it, even if i choose not to! My advice would be to start in a gym (a cheap one!) and do a few minutes on a treadmill, then gradually build up until you can do half an hour slowly, then gradually faster. That gives you a safe environment in which to progress. At the moment i am concentrating on using an exercise bike - will progress to running later on perhaps

I started walking in April. I walked a mile a day and then increased it as I felt comfortable. I started buying apps (C25K, nike plus, HRM) and you know, I didn't need any of that. Your determination to walk/jog and a good pair of runners is what you need, period. As Nike says, just do it and you'll be fine. I lost over 60 pounds now and when I go for my walks (I still walk), I don't bother using my nike apps or gps watch or hrm. I could have saved money. If you really want to start jogging, there are plenty of free online methods and techniques, I would look them up and try it if you really want to.

Good luck to you (and save your money).

:bigsmile: I'll join the rest , C25k - it's how I started

i have heard awesome things about the couch to 5k program, but i actually like to use hal higdon's training schedules. he has one called 30/30 which i did to start and then moved up to the 5k program and actually finished a 5k on saturday in 31 minutes! i have heard that jeff halloway has great training schedules too and incorporates walking breaks as a part of his running plans.

Toally agree with the others - C25K. I have NEVER been a runner not even in high school. I started the C25K and now I love to run. Now, I haven't been able to do it because of the change in weather/season. It gets dark too quickly for me to run right now, but I will start again in the spring/summer. I will probably start with the C25K Program again. You can do it!! I am living proof of it. It is a 9 weeks program that goes from the couch to running a 5K. Best of luck to you.