How to start running advice

Agree with others, sports bra and decent trainers. I started by choosing a route that was fairly flat. I had little targets so I'd aim to run to a certain house one day and then build it up slowly. I ran every other day for just a few minutes. After a month, I did my first 5k! I started running in April and now I run 5k every other day and do a 10k at the weekend. EVERYTIME I run, the first 2 minutes I spend justifying why I should stop, how it's ok to do a short run that day. Ignore that voice and you then get into a lovely groove!

I'd also love advice on this - I'm 25, just under 10st, ex smoker, I play badminton and ping pong frequently but want to start running/jogging.

What's the correct form?

Definitely put together an upbeat playlist to listen to as well! And let your mind wander when running instead of thinking about how tough it might feel.

As for trainers, I got some cheap Skechers that have memory foam and are incredibly comfy. You don't necessarily have to splash out on anything fancy... Just comfy to start.

Run slower. REALLY slower.

And it's absolutely ok to repeat week 1 for ages.

Start again with the C25k, but do the first few weeks as a fast walk instead of running. After a few weeks your stamina will have built up, you'll also be in the habit of going out several times a week. After that, go back to week 1 and introduce running. You may also need to pace yourself as you could be running too fast too soon.

Can I join in? Am trying to motivate myself to do couch to 5k for mhh too, and wheeze and puff and feel am too unfit to even start.

argh - used to jog (not job !!)

I run on and off. If I'd had an extended time off from it, i start by intermittently running and fast walking, to keep up momentum but to catch my breath/recover at the same time. A little bit extra each day. Challenging myself even when I feel I need to stop I'll just keep running until that road sign and then I'll walk til that next corner etc.

Essential - you need good supportive trainers. If, on your first runs, you have any sort of leg pain or injury (apart from the obvious stiffness that comes from starting new exercise!) you need to look at wether you need new ones

Trim your toenails too, to relieve pressure on them - even slightly long toe nails are a running no no. Always stretch out your calves and hamstrings.

I don't run now but used to job (not run!) years ago.
My advice would be to make sure you've got some decent trainers. Back in "normal" times I used to by my trainers in a shop that did free gait analysis and I had far fewer niggles and injuries after that.
Obviously that's not possible atm but maybe invest in some new trainers which are suitable for running in.

A good friend of mine, who runs marathons says 90% of running is in your head. I started running last year. I was fat, unfit and 50. I hadn't run since school.
At first it was hard. I did the lampposts. You Run to one lamppost and walk to the next and so on. Then you build it up.
Then a couple of weeks later I realised I had ran 7 lampposts without stopping.
I stopped running and walked to the next lamppost because I thought I couldn't run any more although I could. Put music on and just go at your own pace. You will soon get into a rhythm and forget you can't run!

Make sure you have the right stuff - sports bra and trainers will definitely help.

Don’t worry about speed. Don’t run so fast that you get out of breath. A slow jog is still a run.

Try and get your breathing into a rhythm with your feet - I try breathing in for two steps and out for three.

Set small goals and build up gradually. You’ll be surprised how quickly you get better.

I did (most of ) Couch 2 5k and went VERY VERY SLOWLY. No running. More like a very light jog. Or else I would have passed out. Don't try to keep up with the seasoned runners speeding past you. You can build stamina quite quickly even by going at tortoise speed!

Well OP I’m planning this too...: and am planning on doing laps of my garden first but I’m stones overweight !!!

Tell us some more about your weight, other exercise you do and your age etc.

Anyone can run, but the entry points are different for everyone too.

You will be out of breath at first but will build up your fitness. I know it seems awful at first but you can do it and just need to push through when it gets hard. Ensure you are taking deep breaths when running (sounds obvious but people tend to take short, shallow breaths and as much oxygen as possible will help). Start by going downhill/flat. Uphill is so hard when you are starting! Be gentle on yourself. The idea isn’t to sprint, just run at your own natural pace.
Good luck! You’ll be thrilled when you are running for ten mins straight without stopping or getting out of breath. I know when I started I thought I would never be able to do that!