This is great advice, thank you caryesings! I will do that next time it''s in the 50's or colder!

I've been meaning to get new shoes, I know they're necessary. I just hope I can find them for $100 or so, I never seem to have any luck with finding good deals, especially not in Manhattan.

I'm in So-Cal, so I'm not dealing with real winter. But I do have mornings around 40 degrees. I wear a light weight cardigan over my t-shirt and just tie it around my hips after I warm up. I also start out wearing gloves and tuck those into the top tied around my waist. It is a bit of a pain, but it's too cold to start in the t-shirt. When it's cold I wear capris instead of shorts. It helps a lot to have my thighs fully covered, but the loose cropped hem is enough ventilation after I've warmed up. This is vs. my summer-wear: tank top and shorts (i.e., as little as possible from the get-go, because it's too hot, even before dawn).

Wannabeskinny you said: Like stomach growling 1 hour after breakfast, which is usually yogurt with honey and walnuts. If I had ONLY yogurt w/honey and walnuts, I'd be gnawing my hand off too! Try more nutritionally dense foods. If I run first thing in the morning I run on coffee then when I get home I have water, I'm not usually hungry right away but about 30 mins later I'm ravenous and will eat oatmeal with raisins and eggwhites. This meal sticks to me for a least 3 hours...

Definitely get new shoes, if you give up on running, but please don't, you can always use them for walking or going to the gym... Shoes are EXTREMELY important... They will alleviate a LOT of your aches and pains, like the shin splints...

I also feel that you may be starting out trying to run too fast... Get a nice pace going and you may be able to run further and longer... Vary your runs too, do sprints, easy runs, hills...

I had a lot of ached and pains when I first started too but eventually they went away, I can't remember how long it took but they did go away.

I was also very tired when I first started running, it's such an intense workout I think that's why you're so tired...but that eventually stopped too...I'd sleep like a baby though so I really liked the fatigue....

I run in -20C/-4F and I love it! Invest in good wick away clothing and layer and peel off if necessary. When it's cold you should feel a bit on the cool side when you first start but you'll soon warm up. I do like the idea of running around the block a couple of time too, what a great idea...

I don't run with water, I'm just gone for 50 mins usually, I know I won't die of thirst in that time. I've also read that if you carry a bottle it throws your balance off and that 's not good for you.

Hope this helps, keep us posted on your progress....

I know everyone has feet and stride issues that are particular to them, but I'm curious what brand and model of shoe everyone has. If you care to share, I'd love to know.

My most recent pair which are only 3 weeks old are by far THE best I've ever owned, they are Asics gels, for a neutral gait.... I've had Brooks, Nikes, Reeboks, Saucauny and none compare to this pair... I them...

i run in Mizunos and i am NEVER getting another pair for as long as i live!! Mizuna wave rider 12, or something. They are a nuetral shoe, for high arched feet, and performance (meaning they are light weight, and for racing). What this equates to is a pair of shoes i have to replace almost monthly, but they fit my feet and runnign style like a glove. Ive tried asics (and they F**ed up my feet something fierce, as well as saucony (which exacerbated all the problems that started with the Asics!) The minute i put the mizunos on my tendonitis dissapeared and i stopped getting stress fractures!!

not laughing at your feet problem caused by Asics.... but this just goes to show you how one shoe does not fit all... I love the Asics and you hate them ....We all learn by trial and error when it comes to running shoes ......

absolutely Ilene!! We are all individuals and we cannot take to heart what one brand that works for someone else!! The Asics gel model are actually the best selling running shoe nationwide

Lol... funny thing about runners, when we find shoes we love, we are so loyal to them!

I run in Saucony Hurricane 10s and LOVE THEM!!! Though I tell you what, I've been hearing fantastic things about Mizunos so when I'm due for my next pair, I may have to break my loyalty to Saucony.

My hubby on the other hand loves his Asics!

I have Brooks Infinitis. They were the only pair of a bunch that was small enough in the heel without being wide in the forefoot. I have had some problems still with my knee, and I wonder if I need a more supportive arch. I'll be asking when I go back for a new pair. But it I might just have knee problems regardless. A shoe can't fix everything! But I think I'll be trying out a pair with more stability and see how that goes. But the narrow heel is a necessity too.

Mine are Asics gel as well, can't remember the model number. I tried a Saucony & a Mizuno at the same time and neither of them worked for me with the two different foot size issue. I really like the Asics, but the Mizunos were a close second.

I'm not sure if I should post here. But i completed my first 5K on Saturday. I did the C25K program, and I cannot say enough good things about it. I highly suggest following it for new runners. (i'm pretty new myself) I also started out with Mizunos that were supposedly fit for my feet (they were a half size too small). Please go to a running store and have someone fit your foot and fit your style of running. It has worked wonders for me.

I have another question. I signed up to run a 5 mile Jingle Run in December, and a 10K in January. Does anyone know of a good training program? I can run 3.1 without stopping. TIA.

I use Hal Higdon's training plan... he has training plans for beginner/intermediate/advanced: http://www.halhigdon.com/10ktraining/10kintro.htm

There's also an 8k training plan, too!

Hi Wannabeskinny - here's my 2 cents!
Anytime I "step up" my exercise routine (add a new class, increase intensity, increase distance), I find I am a little more tired and hungry. Once I adjust to the extra work, that usually improves.

Weight gain could be water weight -- or you could be eating more to compensate. It's very easy to do! You'll just have to see how it goes over time.

Clothes -- make sure you are wearing wicking fabrics, cotton kills! If you are warm enough when you begin, then you are overdressed for the weather because you will definitely heat up as you run. It's a trial and error thing, I'm afraid, depending on your heat/cold tolerance. I run in shorts and short sleeves until it gets to the low 60's. In the 50's I'm wearing tights and long sleeves. In the 40's I layer a windbreaker-type jacket over a long sleeve shirt and may wear gloves. In the 30's, I add a hat and switch to a heavier jacket. I don't run in weather colder than that! (but I don't HAVE to because I live in Florida!)

I don't take a water bottle unless I'm running for more than an hour. But I'm used to that. YMMV.

Aches/pains -- get good shoes! Stretch regularly. Increase your mileage by no more than 10% per week.

(and I love my Asics!!)

P.S In my photo, I'm running a half marathon and as I recall it was in the mid 60s that morning. And I was PLENTY warm once I got going. Before and after, that's another story!

It's helpful to see which shoes everyone wears. I have Asics (I think the most expensive), and they're pretty good but not perfect. I think I need to go get fitted at a good running store once and for all. Thanks, y'all!