How to start running?

I was going to suggest c25k too. I just started it this morning. There is also an iphone app for $2.99 that i found good -although i have only used it 1 day. Good luck and feel free to add me if you want to do it with a buddy:)

http://www.c25k.com/

google c25k and check out that program. I have lots of friends that have finished the program and are now runners. I just started running during my walk one day. Said I am going to run to the end of the street....then added to the next driveway or that big tree until I can now do 2 miles regularly without stopping and if I am feeling really froggy I can do 3!

I am enrolled in a beginning running class at a local running store. That may be the first place you want to check. I went in a signed up and also had my stride analyzed. They told me to get stability shoes (bad arches) shoes and since then haven't had the knee problems that were hampering me before

Best of luck to you!

I suggest you start running and then... you know... keep running.

When I started running, I didn't know anything about the C25K program.

I simply started off slowly and worked my way up. I started off by walking and then as I got better - I increased my speed. Next thing I knew? I was jogging (I couldn't do it for long - a few mins was all and then I had to go back to walking). I just kept increasing my speed and the time in which I was jogging. Next thing I knew? I was running.

Just do it slowly. Don't expect your body to be able to run a 10 min mile when you just start out. Ease into it slowly.

I do Couch to 10K. I know someone else that started with C25K and then had to get another app called B210K...(Bridge to 10K). I've tried running many times, but this time it is totally different. It helps when there is something telling you when to run and when to walk etc. I fully recommend it.

My husband and I signed up for my first 5k December 17th! He has raced them before and so have I, but I would like to actually run this one! We started the Couch to 5k and it is a great program, but we weren't able to stick with it for very long. We are going to try it again this winter. Good luck!

interval training is the best for new runners. That is was worked for me too. That is basically what the C25k is it is interval training. you can look up different interval work outs too I found one on Lance Armstrongs website that I really like. Look around. Before you know it you will be running for 5 mins, then 7 ....20 mins you'll get there! Trust me I am not a runner and I still am not addicted to it but It is becoming less strenuous and I dont mind it as much now!

Step one: get a hungry bear or zombie. Step two: Start running.

The app is $2.99, the bear would be expensive. The zombie? How much do shovels run these days? (Love it!)

I know when I was younger, (but still trying to lose weight them too) I'd go to the track with my husband. He'd run and I would walk. After awhile I just felt like running. It was the oddest thing, because I went with the intention of doing nothing but walking. They say running is addicting...

We've got a treadmill....I've no excuse. My goal today is to GET ON IT! I'm going to check out the c25k app as well. Thanks everyone for mentioning it!

Another vote for Couch to 5k, or a similar interval beginner running program. I am just finishing up C25K and it has helped me run for the first time in my adult life-regardless of being totally overweight and out of shape. You just build up each week, and repeat weeks if neccesary. Then you can do the Bridge to 10k if you like (I am going to). I started by using the free C25K (only free on Android I believe) but the free one has some limitations so now I use the runkeeper app (also free, and associated with a website where you can track all your progress, etc). I just created my own "coaching" using the C25K and B210K guidelines.

Im another diciple of C25K, i couldnt run into the kitchen from the lounge without keeling over, now, i run 5Ks 4 times a week, and planning my first 10K and Half marathons... all down to the help of C25K.

Good luck

Hey everyone!

I really want to start running and training to possibly run races. Everyone keeps talking about how addictive running can be, but I get so discouraged because I can't run for more than 3 minutes before I start panting and gasping for air. Clearly, I'm out of shape. I'm working on that though. Anyways, this question is for all you runners out there. How do you start running? What can I do to improve my endurance? I appreciate any advice anyone is willing to give!

Thanks guys!

I saw this post on here and found it very helpful. Hope it helps you too.
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/394470-treadmill-vs-outside-running-and-pasted-12-week-program-to?hl=run+1+min#posts-5404920

Couch to 5k is great, by I think the best thing to do is keep track of what you do. I love mfp bc of how easy it is to keep logs of all exercises. Endurance for running is all mental. You just have to gradually work into it and once you start going further you know your body can do it because you've done it before.

Another vote here for C25K!!!!

I started walking on the treadmill last March... a 21 minute mile back then. I slowly started doing walking/running intervals, and then I heard about C25K. It's a 9 week program, 3x per week, that slowly builds up your running. And if needed, you can repeat weeks. I did the program on the treadmill since it was easy to control when to walk and run. When the weather finally got cool enough for me to run outside, I thought... this will be easy. Wrong... running outside is way different than a treadmill. I mention this just so you will be prepared in case you walk/run on a treadmill. Regardless, I also did the C25K training program outside. I just finished Week 9, Run 3 yesterday. I'm signed up for my first 5K on Saturday.

As others have said.... take it slow, and don't worry about speed... you'll slowly get faster. I completed C25K, and I still run an average of 11 - 11:30 minute miles. But hey... I'll take it!

Oh... and as others have said.... a really good pair of running shoes is essential. If you have a running store near you, go there and try to get fitted to a pair that complements how you run. And stretch.... warm-up... and stretch again when you are done. It definitely helps with sore muscles and cramps.