First time Runner

I decided to go out for a run/walk tonight.

Ive never been a runner but id like to try to start. Ive been told I run funny though so im a little embarrased running. I also cant run very long, without feeling like i need to fall over. Any tips for this?

Also, I have a new pair of running shoes, and as i was running tonight, they made the back part of my ankle start to bleed? Will i break this in, or should i get a new pair of shoes? Thanks

i'm planning on starting running and haven't been a runner, myself. i have similar questions, in fact... 

Get a new pair of shoes, or wear higher, thicker socks that will protect the area that's being chaffed. I personally would opt for a new shoe because for me there's a pretty big difference between running in the perfect shoe and running in a just-adequate shoe.

As for running funny, anybody who says something like that to you is being an ass in my opinion. In high school, our #1 runner "ran funny." I would just suggest that you try to keep your body relaxed, especially your shoulders and arms. To build endurance, start by running slowly, even if you're moving at a pace slower than a walk. Just run at a pace you can maintain for however long you feel is a good period of time, and increase your pace slowly and when you feel comfortable doing so. You could also try alternating speeds, doing a minute at a regular pace then a minute at a slower recovery pace. I think one of the biggest mistakes people make when they start out running is they start out way too fast, can't keep the pace, then quit.

Hi! Check out the website for Runners World. They have some great beginner programs. They start you off by walking for the first 8 days, thn move you right on up, nice and easy. Also Cool Runnings has something too (or at least they used to). 

I think RW wil also have info on your shoes, but I hop they break in soon...

 

What are some of the benefits of working out? Will help to trim fat? and increase muscles in my legs, and help me lose weight?

It's said by a lot of sources that running is the best cardio workout. You can burn a lot of calories doing it. I also heard that working out first thing in the morning is best because you use the carbs stored as fat in your body. check it out. Hope it helps.

Hey, I just wanted to say that I "started" running about 2.5 months ago.  Last saturday, a couple days ago, I ran 9.5 miles.  I'm hooked!  So, don't let anything stop you.  I ALWAYS thought "oh, I hate running, I'm not a runner," even though I've been a hardcore cardio-er for the past few years.  Part of it, I think, was remmebering back to my much heavier days a few years back, when I was on an intramural soccer team in High School, and some guy saw us running a lap before a game, and said I ran really weird, and looked funny.  Geez, thanks!  Anyway, now I don't think I really run funny at all.  It might take a couple of runs, but it'll all fall into place.

Good luck!!

(double post, sorry)

provided you keep your calorie intake below what you burn, regular running will absolutely help you trim fat. It's an excellent workout that not only burns a lot of calories while you do it, but can increase your metabolism so you burn more even when not exercising. In terms of building muscle, I'm not sure on this but I think running is more geared towards endurance and speed than tone and muscle density/mass. Personally I'm a cyclist, and have been cycling just about every day to college for about two months now. That has made a BIG difference to the tone in my legs, particularly my thighs, so I strongly recommend it if tone and cardio is what you're after.

Also, about your shoes, if wearing thicker socks that cover the rubbed area doesn't work, I think you should definitely get new shoes. Running is high-impact, so it's very important to have shoes that will absorb as much shock as possible. The whole point of that is to help you avoid injury, so I'd say it's definitely worth buying new ones. Also, you may wanna be careful about the impact on your joints, particularly at first, if you haven't run much before. I think they need to get used to it and strengthen before you try anything too ambitious, I certainly find it quite tough on my knees and hips, but then I've always had quite weak joints, so I'm sure it wouldn't be so bad for you, just thought I'd mention.

I started out by fast walking. That got my legs very very toned and primed my cardio so that I could start running in the first place. I also dropped enough weight walking that I was able to try running without it doing serious damage to my knees. (Plus you KNOW that you look funny fast walking - everyone does! - so you don't even have that on your mind anymore after a while.)

Once I started running, I found that with fast walking/hiking I could target whatever key muscle groups I wanted with more effectiveness and could more easily adjust my level of cardio up or down.

I lost the most weight when I combined the two, so try easing into it with fast walking and incorporate jogging slowly until you know how it affects your body. (And double up your socks - it helps me avoid the bruising of runners toe and blisters.)

I run/walk every day at lunch. I walk for a bit then run for a bit until I cant take anymore then walk etc..

I noticed that my endurance is getting better and my ass is not shaking up and down as badly :) I keep telling myself you'll get there. It becomes like a drug I think from what I can tell about seriuos runners.

good luck keep at it, I know I am going to try to.