How do you start running?

[cupofteaplease]

Not literally, I understand that you have to put one foot before the other... but how do you become a runner?

I've decided to perhaps give it a go, what with it being free and all that. I went for a run tonight, without any preconceptions and was quite astounded and because I only made it round 2 blocks and was home in 5 minutes

I was out of breath, sweating, my legs were wobbly, hands shaking and ,my lungs felt like they were on fire! Now my breathing is back to normal I can feel the good feeling that exercise brings. However, how can I start running for more than 5 minutes without feeling half dead?!

I did couch to 5k starting in June, and I now run 3 miles, 3 times a week! >

The podcasts really help. Good luck!

Another vote for Couch to 5K here, using Robert Ullrey's podcasts.

I'n now on week 8 and can't believe how well I've done.

Lost a fair few lbs too.

Has anyone got those Nike+ shoe things?

I've just done my first run in about a year!! (Baby's 6m) I started with week 4 and just about managed it

I am also large of norkage and wear a very stuctured sports bra with an aerobics top over the top!

I am very interested in this, but I wonder if you are running in the evening are you taking anything safety orientated with you? I know, I know, am paranoid.

I have to say ruby, I never did. I used to go under cover of darkness wearing a black hat when I first went so probably would've scared any passers by!!

I feel confident enough in my village and only run on well lit residential streets. DH liked me to take my phone.

I think you could easily carry a personal attack alarm in one hand, ipod in the other but if you have to be carrying keys, phone etc you might need a bag!

haha at taking a bag - that would be me to a T! I'd probably have spare socks, lipgloss ..

I am one of the paranoid ones! I take a small bum bag with an iphone, pocket tissue, id, and spare change.

Has anyone done this who is very overweight? I've always liked the idea of running but have stones and stones to lose so I don't know if it's a good idea...

How would I find a like minded wannabe runner local to me do you think?
I think I am more likely to do it regularly with a buddy.
Would I look on the MNtzarinas bit or what?

ruby - I never worried. Dont know why but I never felt in the slightest bit threatened.

Whereabout are you?

Hexham in Northumberland.

Ahhh... a bit far then Even without a gammy foot I don't think I'd tackle that distance.

ha ha! well I live in hope. I might put a message on fb hoping a local pal will come with me (I am such a chicken)

Am also addicted to running..such good 'me-time' and good for you too! Feeling quite jealous of all those needing to 'double bag' norkage...sadly no such problems for me as have shrunk into oblivion. Have found a great running buddy through school-amazing how many of the mums do it but would like company occasionally. Major motivator for me is entering something competitive once a month or so, to try and beat my previous time. Also Skins are great for support(expensive but last ages). Try girls run too website

What are skins? And I will try that website, ta. and I have found a mate who will run too! (off now, feel I have hijacked enough threads for the day)

I love running - but my hip keeps bloody hurting. On the outside of the joint. I will be gutted if I am forced to stop!

Could be bursitis potato. I had this a year or so ago. It went away after a few months. I have been through loads of minor injuries running but most of them fade away after a while. Are you currently trying to increase your pace or distance dramatically?

Thanks OrmIrian - that's really interesting, I'll look it up. I'm not trying to increase dramatically, though I have only been running for four months or so, and doing 5k 3 x a week for two months. I too have had niggles which have faded, thankfully (I think you probably just do?) but this was not fading and I had to stop this morning as it was just getting more painful...

Off to google now!

Oh you have to stop running for a while potato. Until the pain goes. But it doesn't have to be forever and it isn't a life sentence where the running is concerned.

What everyone else said - you just keep it up. And remember that walking mid run is not a crime!

I can recommend a book called "Running made easy". It contains running plans, lots of hints and tips and loads of inspirational stories.

Right... will do! So annoying when I have just started getting and looking fitter, but I could tell this morning that only an idiot would keep running with it hurting like that. Thanks for help with this

I hear you ! I have tendonitis and will be off running for another couple of weeks at least. bugger!

arse!

I'm using couch to 5k too using ipod touch and Nike+ too for the last couple of days. I have hired a treadmill cos the weather up here is horrible and I know I would use that as an excuse not to start running!

I found the challenges part of Nike+ help motivate me

Ruby-Skins are Australian made support shorts/tights/tops endorsed by physios that help reduce risk injury(see website for science bit). I've found them great. Also reading about other people's aches and pains I would say don't forget core stability in addition to running. Easy to spend 15 mins doing it at end of run. Makes massive difference as strong core key to being free of injuries. Try APPI website, Pilates Foundation or body Control pilates.