I run 7 days a week most weeks. I like it being part of my daily lifestyle and I am a creature of habit. I started off by speedwalking and then after a few weeks I just felt the need to do more. I began jogging and would take it as far as I could and then walked it. I did this again and again and now I am running 3 miles without stopping--this morning I did 3.5 without any issues at all. Running is an incredible experience. Best of all, it's the right price. I have invested now in two good pairs of running shoes and of course, my IPOD downloads can get pricey but other than that, it's free!

ETA: I warmup with a light jog for 1/3 mile or so and then do some gentle stretching. My stretches are similar to Jillian Michaels in her 30ds program. Then I do my run. Afterwards, more stretching.

Treadmill. Warm up 5 minutes, then run 1 minute, walk 2 minutes. Repeat until time runs out, then cool down 5 minutes. ("Time running out" means a 25 minute workout non-inclusive of warmup/cooldown at this point)

It's getting easier

Not sure what the next step is for me. I will check out those running programs too.

I started on the treadmill doing pretty slow running and walking after about every mile. I combined this with weights (more muscle=more glycogen=more endurance!) and before I knew it I was running 25-30 miles a week. The treadmill gets really boring really fast, so if you can, run outside, you'll get less discouraged. I'm training for a half marathon now and I've only been running for a few months. Running has really transformed my life in many ways, I highly recommend it!

This may sound stupid but what exactly is the C25k?

~ tea

I apologize if I'm repeating anything because I haven't read all the replies, but here's my experience:

1. How did you start running? I started with my own modified version of the Couch-to-5k plan (which you should Google to learn more about). I only was able to do it on weekends at first.

2. How did you avoid injuries when starting out? I weighed about 250 when I started, so this was definitely a concern. My knees hurt after every run, but icing them was very important. Also, you should go to a specialty shoe store for runners (I like the New Balance store) and have shoes fitted especially for your feet, gait, etc.

3. why do some people on this forum say you should only run every other day (i.e. a full workout say anywhere from thirty to forty-five minutes) and others run six miles five days a week? I don't know why people say that, unless they're concerned about injury. I ran only on the weekend at first, but when I got really into running, I ran 4-5 times a week.

I fell in love with running a year or two ago when I started it. I had been obese for years and never imagined I would be able to run more than two feet. I fell in love with it, though, and ended up doing several races, including a half marathon. I also became a cross country coach. I met my weight loss goal (lost 110 pounds) and had plans to run a marathon in 2008. Then I got pregnant! So I gained back lots of weight and had to stop running, and now I'm starting over!

I just wanted to tell you -- anyone who wants to run should run! If I could get so into it, anyone can. I miss it, and I'm really trying to get back out there (it's tough with a baby!) There's no better feeling in the world. It's hard at first, and some runs will always be hard, but it's so worth it. And I think it's the best plan for maintaining weight loss. It's tough to gain a lot of weight if you're out there putting in the miles every week.

My biggest piece of advice for new runners: do NOT think about speed. Not for a long, long time. I had speed goals right before I got pregnant, but it took me a long time to get to that point. Too many people wear themselves out trying to run fast. Just do a slow jog. You'll get there. And if you're always slow, who cares? Running too fast is the best way to get injured, burn out, and quit altogether. Just take your time and don't push yourself too hard. Then you'll fall in love with running and you won't have to push yourself because you'll WANT to be out there doing it.

I've been thinking about taking up running properly (i.e. training for a 5k) for some time now, so I've downloaded the C25K podcasts , it looks really good so thanks for the tip.

The most important thing is to give your joints a chance to warm up before running. Make sure to walk 5-10 minutes before beginning to run, otherwise your knee and ankle joints can suffer major damage. I am someone with bad knees at 17, and i've had many injuries, but my physical therapist says this is super important! :] I am training for a triathlon, and for now i started at 5 minutes running, and 30 minutes on the eliptical to save my knees until theyre stronger. I add 30 more seconds every day. So far i'm at 6 minutes, and going strong!