Help me get started

[whensteaready]

Please can you give me some advice
on how to get started with running. I am fairly fit as I do a Davina workout or similar most days. Also what distance should I be aiming for and does it help with weight loss.
I seem to have reached a plateau and want to try something more challenging.
Thanks

Couch to 5k would be the recommendation for you, you may find early stages easy if you are fit but don't rush it, just because your heart and lungs can cope doesn't mean your knees and muscles can, let them get used to it gradually .

Get a good sports bra (shock absorber run one is best IMO) and get your gait analysed at a sports shop so you get the right trainers, more expensive does not necessarily mean they are best. You should find you lose weight, providing food intake is sensible, but don't expect super fast results on that front, lots of new runners find their bodies take a little while to start getting lighter, toning effects you will probably notice very quickly though.

Once you can do the 5k, or nearly, why not sign up for a race or for your local parkrun, a weekend group 5 run?

Have a look at the Couch to 5K regime. basically, you start walking/running intervals for about 15 mins, then build up overall time and running time, until you can run for 5K, which is about 30mins. I think C25K takes about 8 weeks. There are variations on this, and lots and lots of other tips about starting running on Real Buzz and Runner's World. I do the RW 5K trainong lplan when I need to get fit (planning to do so when I am given the all clear to run again after recent C Section). It works, but you need to stick to it.

Other advice - you need a decent pair of running shoes, fitted by a proper running shops.

You also need a proper high impact bra - Shock Absorber great, but M&S OK! (and I am a DD cup)

Handy is also a watch that you can set to bleep at intervals and an i
Pod.

Sensible eating too, goes without saying.

Thanks for you advice.