I hate running, but...

I hate to run, but I keep reading about the dangers of belly fat and I've decided it's time to take care of it. I fall in the healthy BMI range, but I have a decent amount of belly fat. I've read that running is one of the best things you can do for belly fat. Can anyone give me some good tips for a beginner runner? How to start, how to breathe while running, etc. Thanks!

I started! On Wednesday, I walked 3 minutes and ran 1 minute for a total of 20 minutes and Thursday I did the same thing for 28 minutes. I actually kind of enjoyed it! I'm resting today, and then I'll go again tomorrow.

Good for you! I'm glad you enjoyed it! I also promote the walk/run technique - I usually run 10/walk 1 on most runs and even though I've been running for years and have completed a couple half marathons I sometimes drop back to 5:1 if I'm tired or feeling overtrained. My theory is that I want to enjoy my runs, and that means not killing myself over a couple extra walk breaks!

I noticed that no one replied to your shoe question - the shoes really depend on how they fit your feet. I've had new balance shoes that I loved, and then they changed the design and they no longer fit as well so I found a new brand. I'd suggest going to a specific running store and have them watch you walk and they can help you determine what shoes are best for you specifically.

You'll also get some aches and pains along the way. I highly suggest finding a physiotherapist or chiropractor that does 'Active Release Technique' and not being afraid to go in for a little tune up every once in a while before a problem crops up. Running stresses muscles that you don't often use otherwise so you might also want to start a strength training program targeted at running muscles (abductors are often a comon problem area for women). Check out the running magazines like runners world, they often have great articals about exercises to help.

Happy trails :)