Advice for a new runner in 2012

Just push yourself a little bit more every other day. Don't run every day - give your body time to recoop. Listen to music. Wear something comfortable. BELIEVE that you can do it and you will. You've got good endurance (because you spin a lot) now you've just got to get your running muscles acclimated. You got this. Running is FUN!

Walk breaks are the way to go! I bet if you added a one-minute walk break after every mile you could do three miles almost immediately. If you want a structured approach, you could jump in towards the end of the C25K programme, say week 5 or 6:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Also, when increasing distance, go much slower than you have been. Once you've built up the distance, speed will take care of itself.

Here are all my beginner's running tips in one place, "20 things I wish I’d known about running when I started", hopefully some might help!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

Yes~ I do have the endurance from spinning... but you're right when you say the 'running muscles!' I can feel it in my back, and it feels good! So, I like the every other day advice..... Do I increase it by like .25 miles? Thanks Kerry!!! xoxo

Don't increase your distance by more than 10% in a week - that's in total, not for each. Three or four times a week is plenty.

Agreed, Des!

Congratulations on starting a running program!
As a long-time runner my advice is to keep a journal. Record time and distance (and thus pace) and track your progress. You will be your own best competition.
Buy comfortable shoes. Go to a reputable shoe store that can analyze your gait and footstrike. They will help pick out a shoe that is best for your foot.
Lastlly, warm up before you run. Walk brisklly, very slow jog, even pushups or jump rope--whatever it takes--for about 3-5 min. People quit running because they are too tired after just one mile--mostly because their body is not ready to run yet. The heart has a hard time going from resting to work so quickly.
Good luck and keep on keepin' on!

I am a long distance runner and picked it up about ten years ago (but took long breaks in between having babies). Best advice is to find a shoe that works for you and stick with it. We live pretty frugally and I can't afford $100.00 everytime I need a new pair. I utilize Craig's List and ebay. I have gotten my favorite running shoes for affordable prices (most of them they are new or been worn only a few times). I hate the treadmill and prefer to run outside. Even in the winter, your body adapts. Then 40 degree temps start to feel really comfortable. I also use Hal Higdon's (www.halhigdon.com) training programs. There are so many to choose from and all different types of races to train for. Set goals. Keep a running diary or blog (mine is http://19milesandcounting.blogspot.com/ if you want a sample). Have fun! We all have bad running days. Yesterday I struggled to make three miles when I have ran six a week ago with no issues.

When I first started running my goal was to run to the gas station and back (a little over a mile) and I could hardly do it. It was so painful. It took several weeks. Never in a million years did I dream I would run a marathon six years later.

Love your blog!!! Great tips!!!!

Walk breaks are the way to go! I bet if you added a one-minute walk break after every mile you could do three miles almost immediately. If you want a structured approach, you could jump in towards the end of the C25K programme, say week 5 or 6:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Also, when increasing distance, go much slower than you have been. Once you've built up the distance, speed will take care of itself.

Here are all my beginner's running tips in one place, "20 things I wish I’d known about running when I started", hopefully some might help!

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936

For socks, I cannot live with my Thorlo Experias. They are comfortable in all weather and really help to prevent blisters. They are not inexpensive, however, but for me they are worth their weight in gold.

As for shoes, everyone is different. Go to a store that specializes in running and have them fit you for a pair of shoes. At a good running store, they will do a gait analysis (typically on a treadmill) to determine what types of shoes might work best for you and let you really try on shoes (as in get back on the treadmill with them). A good pair of shoes prevents injury and can really improve your running experience. A bad pair of shoes does just the opposite.

Most of all HAVE FUN!