I want to start running... HELP!

I've started running into my workout. I jog for 40 sec. then walk for 2 min. Jog for 40 sec, walk for 2 min. I do this for a mile. As it get's easier you increase the jogging and decrease the walking.

You've already gotten some great advice here.

I agree with the running shop as a great starting point. Most runners are very supportive of each other and especially newer runners. We all started somewhere and we all know the challenges you meet as a runner both new and seasoned. A decent running shop will analyze yout gait and assist with finding a proper running shoe. They will also have great (and pricey) running gear and sports bras. Even if you do not buy your gear there, go and try them on so that you can feel what the support feels like and compare.

I have a larger chest and have tried TONS of sports bras out there. Short of buying one that I can barely breath in, many are not that supportive. The most supportive (and least jiggly) are the ones which have a bra strap closure and adjustable arm straps as well. This way you can adjust the bra to a custom fit to suit the girls. This is the one I am favoring right now - I barely notice that I have a bra on when I run.
http://www.freshpair.com/Moving-Comfort-Fiona-High-Impact-Sports-Bra-771660.html?from=sp

I also support the compression gear folks. I recently bought a pair on sale at Old Navy and they were pretty decent. They weren't as "tight" (ie: compressed) as the others I have, but I like that a little better.
http://www.oldnavy.com/products/compression-activewear-women-C69873.jsp

Good luck to you and feel free to msg me/friend me if you'd like.


And kudos to you for even starting! many people fear running so much that they won't even try. You are on the right track.

I want to start running too...OK, I don't but my oldest son wants to so I'm willing to give it a go. However, I HATE running! Stuff on me doesn't jiggle, it bounces. Like crazy...boobs, belly, butt...it's like my body is trying to beat the hell out of me for making it run :laugh:

I was thinking of asking this same question but haven't gotten around to it so I'm glad you did lol

You CAN do this! I'm on a super-slow running program at the moment. I'm 250lbs but even when I was (much) smaller I was never able to run. Ever. Five weeks ago I started by running for 30 seconds (half a circuit on the track at the gym) and walking for 2.5 minutes. I could only do it twice, then I was so exhausted and in so much pain I had to stop. This was despite (like you) being able to go for miles on the elliptical and bike, as well as swimming. Today? I ran for half a mile. HALF A MILE! Yes, I had walk breaks but they were in addition to the half mile running. I did four circuits at the gym. And I am so proud of myself I could burst. Just start out really slow and increase gradually and you can do it. Good luck!!

Hey, I have some tips.

Start off VERY SMALL. Do not worry about impressing anybody. You will hurt yourself if you do more than you handle. For example, I would start off with a half a mile. If you don't want to be at the gym, time yourself for about 7 minutes. If you can run about that time you have ran a half-mile..considering your beginning pace will be pretty slow. Also, if you have an iphone, there is an app called "runkeeper" that can track how far you run through gps. If not, timing seems to work!

Now, do that half mile for about a week. Maybe run 3 times your first week. The next week increase it to either 3/4 a mile, or if you are ready, a mile. You might want to do this length for about 2 weeks.

Slowly, slowly work up to 3 miles. From that point on, your body will be a lot more adjusted to running.

Again, running is going to hurt at first. Stretch A LOT before you begin. Some runners don't stretch, but I can tell a big difference when I don't stretch.

Bring a water bottle; you sweat tons.

I love running outside. It is way less boring than a treadmill and you'd be suprised some of the things you get to see.

Those are just some tips. If you keep up with running, you really learn to love it, and it makes your body look great!

I feel your pain. I was a runner before I ever had kids, but after my babies were born I tried to get back into it and had a HELL of a time with the pain of extra weight bouncing around, not to mention having had my hips widened and repositioned twice. All I did was put on spandex and kept at it. When I started up again, I couldn't finish half a mile. That was in the fall of 2010. Last summer I finished several road races, including a 10K. I continued this year with road races and I'm training for my first half-marathon this fall.

Don't give up! Keep at it, buy some garments that make you feel "contained," like some good compression shorts and sports bras, and keep running!

Support gear, support gear, support gear. Definitely get a good bra, but another option is a belly binder. When I first started jogging my midsection flopped around so much it was painful as well as embarrassing. I talked to my dr & he recommended a belly binder & it was the best thing ever. Unfortunately it's a little hot in the summer but it's still better than flopping around & keeps everything in place nicely. I used it for over a year, then lo & behold, I lost enough weight that I didn't need it anymore! I do still need compression bottoms, but those are pretty widely available. Old Navy Active are my favorite because they're reasonably priced, but I also have some Nike & UnderArmour ones.