New to running!

I'm fairly new to running too! I also lack the motivation sometimes! I just run when I really feel the urge to since I am trying to make myself learn to like it.
I was running outside but with the weather getting colder I am running on a treadmill now. I like it because I can push myself a bit harder and know that I don't have to turn around and run back home. If it gets too hard to keep going I can push stop and die on the floor if I need to...not so easy if I am a mile or so from home! For me it comes in spurts. I run like crazy for a few days and then I dread it for a few days. No matter what, (since I have a treadmill) I at least walk 2-3 miles 3-4 times a week.

Good Luck. I hope it gets easier soon. :flowerforyou:

I just started running too. It gets better, trust me.

Start off by just running as far as you can. You dont have to sprint, pace yourself. Go for as long/far as you can, then stop. Just walk for a while. Once you've caught your breath, start jogging/running again and repeat. Pick a short path you want to start off with, like a mile, and then just practice with that until you can jog the whole thing.

Dont forget to push yourself every day though. If its getting easy try to run it faster, or run a farther distance.

I like to run outside if its going to be for an extended period of time. I get bored really fast on the treadmill. Though its a lot easier on a treadmill since its perfectly flat.

I like to listen to upbeat music to stay motivated. Not to mention knowing that this is going to help me get in shape. Which is always motivation for me. Because i really want it.

I've always hated, hated, HATED running!! But my Dad just bought me a pair of boss running shoes so I figured I would put them to use. I have an ap on my iphone to help me train for a 5K in 8 weeks, which is pretty nice with the music in the background but I have some issues:

1) Serious lack of motivation - once I'm out the door and down the street it's okay. It's just getting to that point of getting out the door I have a hard time with. Any motivational tips?

2) Super out of shape - probably a sub point of number 1. But I feel really discouraged by the other super fit, can run a mile without stopping, training for marathon runners in my neighbor hood. I know the stamina is supposed to get up eventually, but how long till I'm supposed to notice a difference?

3) Treadmill v. outside. Which do you prefer??

1) As far as motivation goes, having a challenging race scheduled (at this point, for you, maybe a 5K; when you get past that, sign up for a 10K, etc.) and a day-by-day training plan to get to that race is what motivates me (I'm training for my first marathon now). I know what I want to do and I know that getting out the door is what it takes to get there. You can also visualize race day; or think about how good you feel knowing that your run for the day is done (I use that last one to haul my butt out of bed at 4:30 AM to get my runs in).

2) Just pace yourself (I struggle with that one sometimes!), run when you can, and walk if you need to... you'll find that, the longer you keep at it, the less you'll revert to walking. And I like Slateo10's suggestion for you, too - planning on a set run/walk combo is a really common strategy.

3) OUTSIDE!!!! I get super bored on the treadmill; I love running outside, people watching, seeing the scenery go by, etc. - guess I'm just nosy! :laugh: Unless there's ice on the ground (and its associated risk of injury), I run outside... through rain, snow, or sun, just layer on the right clothes and off you go!

Best of luck to you!