running newbie

[crazymule]

Hopefully this community is actually open to this sort of post, if not let me know and I'll take it down.

I've decided to start up a running regiment, have my running shoes, and a great area to run in, a running partner with four legs, now all I have to do is actually...run.

I was wondering what you guys thought was the best way to start? I was thinking I would try the C25K program as many people seem to find success through it. Does anyone else have any suggestions? I am decently fit, 20 years old, female.

If anyone would be willing to share how they starting running to inspire me that would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

[ilanarama]

C25K is supposed to be a great starter's program. I have many friends who have had success with it.

I actually started running as a way to get exercise and explore the new town I had moved to. At some point I started really enjoying it - now I've done 3 marathons and am running ~50 miles/week. (And have a 10-mile race tomorrow!)

I guess if I had to share the most important advice I could think of it would be: run slowly. Don't run as fast as you can except when you race or when you do speedwork (which a beginner shouldn't even be considering).

[lyras]

I definitely found the couch to 5k programme a good way to start. The only thing is that if you're already fairly fit it may seem a bit slow to you, depending on how accustomed you are to cardio exercise. So I'd say, feel free to build up a little more quickly than the C25K suggests - with the proviso that I also agree with the previous commenter about not doing too much too quickly!

Other thoughts: running every day can be tempting in the beginning, but probably isn't a great idea for your body and muscles.
Running outside is 100% pleasanter than running on a treadmill, as long as you can find somewhere without too much traffic but where you also feel safe.

Have fun!