Weddingbee boards

I am going to start running this week! I have never really ran any pointers?

Wear good shoes!

I've heard excellent things about the Couch to 5K program, and would suggest starting with something like that--start off kinda slow so you don't hurt yourself or get burnt out.  I started just running after I stopped playing soccer so I didn't really ease into it in the same way...if you're already in pretty good shape from sports or a different activity that puts similar pressure on your joints you might be able to dive right in, too.

One of the glorious things about running is that it's pretty straightforward and requires little additional equipment/investment, aside from the shoes.  Yay!  Also try to dress for the weather so you don't freeze or overheat...that's harder to do when it's crazy weather out, but it's worth a shot.

Good luck and have fun!

@ChantelleyLace: Thanks so much! Thats sounds great for me, have you noticed any weight loss while running? I was talking with a sales women at Macys a few weeks ago who said you start losing weight from your head up? Is this true for you?

Invest in good running shoes. It makes a real difference on your shins, knees and feet. I would go to a specialty running store to get fitted. The consultants will watch you run to determine your gait, stride and footstep. Then they will give you advise on shoes that match how you run and whether or not you need specialty inserts.

Moisture-wicking apparel is also helpful. It will keep you cool and prevent you from tugging on your clothes thus ruining your running gait.

Good luck!

EDIT: Like another poster has said, stretching before and after your run is helpful too.

@BunnyBrideToBe: What kind of shoes would you recommended my FI runs with those Vibram (sp?) shoes the ones that are like running barefoot. He told me my Nike Shox where no good 

@baldor1: Thanks so much! I love all the help from you ladies!

@MissAsB: Thanks! I eat pretty healthy but I hate to admit that I dont really exercise other than walking 2 miles so I was hoping to get a jump start on the weight loss

@PinkBubbleGum: Thanks so much I'm a super shopacholic so that would be amazing for me to try! to bad shopping isn't an Olympic sport 

Wait, I have a couple more: http://www.motiontraxx.com/

I used to run to music on my iPod for years, but I never really updated my music, so after awhile it got boring, and I was beginning to learn how long I've been running based on the length of the tracks (not good for me when I was a beginner). Then my sister turned me on to the website above. You can download running music for free. There are many choices for run-walk intervals that are great for beginners and it will ring a bell when it's time to start-up or slow-down.

Also, when I was just starting, I had the tendency to push too hard that I was in pain the next day. Wearing a heartrate monitor helped me from pushing too hard thus wanting to go back the next day.

@baldor1: Thanks so much its like having your own running coach!

I've lost about 10 pounds (it's leveled off, now I'm just hoping not to gain them back) since starting training for my half marathon, so even though weight loss is mostly about eating, it's definitely about exercising, too!  I have also found that training for a goal makes me eat more consciously--knowing that a slice of pizza is going to make tomorrow's run that much harder makes me more likely to eat just one slice and a big salad instead of 2 slices and a small salad, if that makes sense.

In terms of shoes...I have been wearing Asics Gel Nimbus shoes for a number of years now, and am still happy with them.  Your best bet in terms of shoes is getting fitted at a real running store.  I went to Marathon Sports but I think they're just in the Boston area...My brother in DC uses Fleet Feet so maybe there's one like that near you?

At the running store they'll have you walk barefoot to evaluate your stride, then recommend shoes for you to try on based on what they see.  Usually you'll do a short run in each shoe to see which you find most comfortable.  So, for example, I have high arches and supinate (run on the outsides of my feet) which means I need a little more cushioning in a shoe.  FI has a normal stride which means he doesn't need as much cushioning...I think he wears Mizunos.  There are also overpronators, which means you run a little on the insides of your feet, and they need still different shoes.

I tried the VFFs and they didn't work for me, but maybe they'll work for you!  They exacerbated some spine problems I have and gave me illiotibial band problems, so I went back to my Asics.  I have found that people who love their VFFs truly love them and aren't going to believe anyone who says that traditional running shoes are better, but my opinion is that you should try some different things and make the choice for yourself based on what you experience.

Sorry for the novel! I guess I'm passionate about ALL types of shoes, not just high heels :-D

@BunnyBrideToBe: Thanks so much! i will for sure be checking out my running store this week! You ladies are amazing with all the knowledge you have thanks so much.