[MzJuicyD]

Im really starting to like exercising and im always looking for new things to do. Lately ive REALLY been considering running. Now ive never liked running and always avoided it in gym class when i was in school lol. For some reason, i really want to give it a try.

I admit that im afriad to try it on the treadmill at the gym with everyone watching. I dont want everyone to see me crash and burn lol. Im thinkin about starting in my neighborhood. I just need tips on how to get started.

[reji]

I've been loving the Couch to 5K program, and using the podcasts from Podrunner Intervals at http://www.djsteveboy.com/intervals.html

I'm about to start week 9, and I'm now running for 28 minutes. If your neighborhood is safe (and not icy like mine is right now!), go for it!

[twinmommaplusone]

Go out for a measured Walk, on your walk start to run, run as long as you can, then walk. You can do this as intervals to build yourself up with both your heart/lungs/legs. Thats where I started. There are loads of people here that do the Couch to 5k program. Google it and if you are up for that sorta of regimen, start that, it tells you what/how long to run!

I love running, what it has done for my body and my mind has been incredible! It's so much more than just fitness it's so uplifting and leaves me feeling empowered!

[FatPantsSkinnyJeans]

I started last summer, because I had no $$ yet for a gym membership. I'd just start walking, and then say "OK self, run to that street sign there." Gradually, I'd go for longer distances, and eventually phased out the walking.

I got so into it, and enjoyed the challenge so much that I signed up for (and finished) a 5k back in November. I'm doing my first 8k in April!

For me, running races gives me a goal to work toward and gives me such a feeling of accomplishment, even if I finish dead last.

Yay for running! Just remember, slow & steady wins the race

[stasiagurl91]

Start out slow. I'm building myself up to run. I heard good things about the c25k program, but I do it my way. I use the interval training like I did before and I add more minutes every week. Let your bodsy adjust to getting stronger to run. Slow speed is best in weight loss to me. Today I jogged 9 minutes before I started cooling down. I felt I could do more but I didn't want to exhaust myself before hitting the elliptical machine.

[Trail Runner]

I will second (third? fourth?) C25K -- it's a great program. Don't feel like you need to progress each week if it feels too difficult, however. If week 4 was hard and week 5 looks even harder, just do week 4 for another week and see how you feel.

Running outside is way more fun than running inside on a treadmill. Even more fun than running on the streets is running on a some sort of trail or gravel road! And walking/running is a great way to explore the parks in the your city!