Running want to start but...

I didn't enjoy running until I got good shoes, meant for running and fitted for my gait, stride, etc.

Without proper shoes, my shins burned during runs, my knees ached long after I'd finished, and my lower back was often sore. With good shoes, those aches and pains are all (mostly) behind me. Like anything else, if you go in unprepared, you run a higher risk of not meeting your full potential.

it really depends on the person, some people don't have any problems with it and some need proper shoes. I run barefoot which takes the whole thing out of the equation but does require a longer lead up time, IMO (you need to gain foot strength and be much more mindful of how you land in the beginning).

Not the best advice to run with improper shoes. I'd hate to see you get injured.

Please see my list of running tips below and hopefully they help.

1. Good Pair of Running Shoes properly fitted by someone who knows what they are talking about. They are the third most important piece of equipment after your feet and brain.

2. Listen to your body. If you aren't used to running, the urge to go as far as you can, as fast as you can, can and usually does lead to injuries.

3. Most people should follow the 10% rule... never exceed the previous weeks running by more than 10% (especially on longer runs). Build gradually, Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was marathon distance running. Keep in mind, according to mythology the first Greek who ran to Marathon dropped dead on arrival. Don't be that guy!

4. Take a program or running clinic. They will guide you to what are reasonable distances and what to expect. Running Clinics are wonderful opportunities to learn about the sport and run with other people of similar experience levels. The offer you a coached experience. It is also fun to run in a group. You can find the programs online or at your local running stores (I coach for the Running Room)

5. Find a running buddy will help keep you motivated.

6. Sign up for an event and train for it. Most people start by signing up for a 5K about 10 weeks out. Again, keeps you focused and the feeling of success when you cross the finish line is fantastic. Start with a 5K, build to a 10K, then a Half, and Full and eventually Ultra (my goal for this year).

7. There is an old adage that you can't teach speed. Don't be discouraged by your pace, work on endurance first. Speed comes much later. I have people in my clinics who run 8 minute miles, and I have people who run 15 minute miles. They are all fabulous and dedicated runners. I teach people that we are all as different as our feet, I couldn't run a mile in your shoes, and you'd trip all over the place in mine ( unless you wear a size 12 double E width

8. Treat every run as a learning experience. Did you have a great run today? Or was it a supremely crappy one? Why was that? What went wrong? Not every run is going to be an awesome run, and not all of them bad. Try to find the positives and build from them.

Probably many more things I could add. Feel free to add me as a friend if you have questions or need advice.

Good luck and be safe!

I wore my regular runners at first on the treadmill. I could run for about a minute before I started to hurt (probaby because I'm so terribly out of shape). I splurged and bought new running shoes, and my time went from 1 minute to 3 and a half without the aches and pains. I find with proper shoes its easier to go longer. Start slow and see how it feels. I've hated running my entire life, and now... I push myself to run every time because I'm starting to love it! Good luck!

Get out there and get runnin! When you need better shoes, your body will tell you. I suggest C25K!!

This.

People have done it (when I was in the Army - back in the mid 70s - we were issued awful running shoes and we had to run a lot, everyone had terrible shin splints, sore feet, sore knees etc) and survived but running is much more enjoyable with a decent pair of shoes.

Interestingly there has been a fair bit of research that has shown that despite all of the high tech shoes that the rates of injuries among runners has remained relatively unchanged in the past 30 years or so and that the most important factor is that they fit you properly. (The verdict is still out as to effectiveness of minimalist / barefoot running shoes - it seems that the improved injury risk comes more from improved running mechanics). If you shop around a bit you can usually find "last year's" model of a good shoe on sale at pretty reasonable prices.