Running??HELP!!!!

Although I have not done the program personally, I see a lot of people on the forums talking about Couch to 5K. Google it and check it out.

I have had multiple friends who had luck with the Couch to 5K so definitely look into that. Many local area running clubs have that type of program. Also, make sure you have good shoes. I would go to a running store and have them help you find the right shoe for you. I did and it made a world of difference.

You just get out there and do it.

I used to be a self-professed running-hater. It's actually taught me a lot about myself and become my go-to stress relief strategy. Just give it a shot, you might surprise yourself.

Don't start out with high expectations. If you can just run for 30 seconds at a time, do that, then walk, then run again. It's a process, and honestly, you won't love it at first. It takes time before you get to a point where you can really enjoy it, so really, you just have to get out there and do it, and be patient with yourself in the beginning.

I've always believed you can do anything for 30 seconds. Try jogging as fast/ slow as you want for 30 seconds then walk for 30 seconds. Repeat as many times as you can. In a week or 2 you should notice your jogging longer and not as tired.

I'm the same way, I've never been a "runner", the only running I ever did was for hockey and softball conditioning lol...One of my main goals for the year is to run a 5k by the time it's over....I'm using the Couch to 5k Program...I also downloaded an app on my ipod, Get Running, that kinda takes you through it all. Yesterday was my first day and I oddly loved it...so I'd look into an app or the web page of c25k (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml)...and definitely get fitted for running shoes if youre serious about running a lot

I 100% support the Couch to 5k program. Google it, it has turned many a non-runner into a runner. But the concept is the same as everyone has mentioned. You start out walking with a bit of running thrown in, adding more running as you go. 99% of the complaints that people mention about running (getting short of breath too quickly, aches and pains) are because they are trying to do too much too fast.

That said, you should definitely make sure your hurting knees aren't an issue -- don't injure yourself. But I'm guessing if you take it slow, that will disappear.

I ran when I played high school football in the late 80's because I had to...and that was usually sprints, always hated it. In fall 2010 I found C25K and figured "why not" since I had hit a plateau in losing weight and had never run a 5K, much less a mile ore more, before. Surprisingly, I got through each week, I huffed and I hurt, but I did it. It does get easier over time and your endurance will build up. Now I'm 12 days out from my first marathon, so the possibilities are endless if you get "I can't" out of your vocabulary.

Thanks for this great question. I desperately want to be a runner but have knee problems. I have had one rebuilt already from playing tennis. I printed out the Couch to 25K and was looking at trying that but the weather here is pretty unforgiving so I thought I would try to start on the treadmill so I gave that a shot. I was totally out of control and felt like I was going to fly off the back, side or even over the front.

What is some advice for getting running on a treadmill without endangering myself and all those around me? I tried holding on to all the different bars and hand positions but that didn't work. It seems like everyone just hops on and off they run but I was all over the place. HELP!!!

Couch to 5K