So I've been "thinking" about running for a while now. I've been doubting myself, embarrased to do it in public, afraid that I wouldn't be able to do it, etc. But I did it this morning and I feel great. I walked to the track at 7am (I'm a morning person) and there was a great feel out there as opposed to when I go walking there in the evenings. There were no children, no soccer games , no socializing. Everybody there was SERIOUS about working out. It was pretty silent except for the heavy breathing and the pounding on the track. There were personal trainers there making people do push ups, there were joggers, walkers, runners, there were even women on the track doing walking lunges. The atmosphere was intoxicating and inspiring.

In keeping with the running programs I've read about I'm planning to take it easy. I spent 20 minutes walking to/from the track, and then 30 minutes on the track alternating between

100 paces running = 60seconds running approximately?
120 paces walking = 120 seconds walking approximately?

Since I don't have a stop watch or an ipod I don't know how else to do it. I welcome suggestions on timing myself!

My breathing was fine, I could've ran longer than 100 paces but first of all I didn't want to overdo it for my first time and second of all OUCH on my lower legs!!! Will my lower legs get stronger? Also I felt a tiny bit of cramping on my side near the end, is that bad?

I know you're supposed to do one day on and the next day just walk, but can I do something else instead like play tennis? Or would that be too much exertion?

This is awesome. I started when I was just under 200. I think you are really going to enjoy the running. It is freeing to me. If you don't have one already you might want to think about getting an IPOD or some source of music. It has been shown to increase both length and intensity of working out. I really find it helps me with my run. Also, remember to breathe IN through your nose, out through your mouth. I MUST do this--otherwise it is sidestitches all the way.

I started by doing walk/runs as I was able. I went every single day. In addition, I did some belly dancing and eventually some Jillian Michaels on occasion. I am now just starting to do other things--tennis and indoor rock climbing. My goal is to make these activities part of my daily routine and not really think about them as exercise--so I am making standing "climbing dates" with a friend and standing tennis practice.

I would say run as far as you are able and then ease back to a powerwalk and repeat. As your weight comes down and your strength increases, you will naturally be able to run further and have less walk time.

I have been walking/jogging at the park. I take my baby with me in the stoller and I pace myself by the street lights. I start out walk 2 lenghts between the lights then run one and then increase the running/jogging as I can. I would look at the track for land marks or see if the track you are running on is divided by distance and you can use that instead of time. Just a suggestion that works for me. When I walk in my neighborhood. I go by houses as we live in a city neighborhood and they are all spaced evenly.

You're right I have to focus on my breathing.

A day later and nightime wasn't so good. I felt extremely restless at night and couldn't sleep. My body didn't seem at rest. Also I felt extremely bloated. How does this happen and what can I do to offset it?

Woo hooo, awesome!
I can't wait until I can actually run for longer than 4 mins!

Wannabe, working out in the morning is always best for me. I sleep easier at night. For the bloating you might want to try more water--after your run. Also, work on getting plenty of fruits and veggies--raw is best. I haven't heard of bloating being a side effect of running but this advice *should* work anyway. If you are sore you might want to scale back your running time and increase slowly. Good luck! It is such an awesome adventure and amazing what our bodies are capable of if only we let it try!!!

Fantastic!!

Great job!!!! The first steps are always the hardest.... keep it up and running will change your life!

COngrats wannabee!!! be careful though...running can be EXTREMELY Addicting!!!!

This is awesome! I have no real advice since I am not able to run yet - but I look forward to the day when I can. Like you, I have my doubts, but I know I can put those behind me when the time comes. Thanks for the inspiration!

way to go