novice jogger

[Quinch]

I'm thinking I might start jogging as a way to lose weight and improve stamina. I'm 36, a little overweight and I haven't done any real exercise in a while. Does anyone have any advice on how I should start? Any special diet or routine?

 

Thanks

[Treasa]

I'd recommend building a good aerobic base first. Try walking five days a week for at least half an hour. See if you can use an elliptical at a gym, or get one of your own.

 

Once you can do about an hour on the elliptical, try the Couch to 5K beginning running program. It's a nine week program that takes you from walking/jogging to just running three miles. From there it's very easy to add miles.

 

This is pretty much what I did, and I was overweight at the time, and I went from being out of breath just walking slowly for 20 minutes at a time to actually running a half marathon a year ago.

[Mahatma]

I have been running for about 2 years now. When I started, I wasn't overweight or anything, but as long as you are not getting pain in your joints because of the weight, you will be fine.

 

When you start out, you will probably be able to jog for about 10 minutes, then need to walk, then jog again.

 

Over time, this time will increase and eventually you will not have to stop running periodically.

 

Getting started is hard and you have to be pretty determined, but anyone can do it in my opinion.

[tanbark813]

Go to a shoe store specifically for runners and have them help you pick out a good shoe that works with your build and stride. And don't skimp on cost. You don't want to be running in cheap shoes.

 

Start out slow. Personally, I think it's better to start out at a slow enough pace that you can maintain it for as long as possible rather than jog, walk, jog, walk but to each his own.

[Enema]

If your goal is losing weight, you should look at your diet too.

 

Here's a great page (ignore the atrocious style): http://www.angelfire.com/ms2/bigjensen/MYPROTEIN/eatingtoshrink.html

[shoesies05]

i agree with treasa

 

im starting to run myself... i was doing other stuff first like elliptical and biking- but now i feel like getting into running because its something one can do virtually anywhere.

 

if you have a gym membership- id deff. say go to the gym to work out most of the time. its kind of motivating to see other people working their butts off, also its more imbarassing if someone stops working out after 5 minutes, u kno? a bit of a motivator.

 

and set small goals for yourself. like im going to go running/walking for ____ distance 3x this week. or whatever... then when you do reach those goals, rewards yourself with a nice bath or shower lol... a long one, the ones that feel reeeeally good.

 

happy running!