Need advice for running (beginner)

I've heard so many good things about running, so I'd like to try it. Any suggestions on how to start out?  Also... any advice on how to not feel so self-conscious while running...?  :/ I always feel like people are looking at me. ugh

Hay Pandaxx, im starting running on Friday and i also feel self conscious!! i tryed it once, saw someone looking over and stoped dead. i always stop when i see someone. How about blasting your Ipoid into your ears and looking stright ahead.. or just thinking they are possibly jealous you are doing something for your health?

Im starting with my mum on fri, if it was not for her i would not be doing it! will a friend go with you?

Running is great, i started 10 years ago, and i remember filling embarrassed the first few times, but there was no reason for it. It goes with time, now i run 10k and half marathons and have lots of fun...although i am far from being the fittest/fasted and sometimes do wonder what others think, i enjoy it. Focus on yourself, and as Han suggested, music is great for that.
I would suggest to start with a short distance, let's say 1 mile...and if you need to stop, do so and walk, then start running again. Don't forget to stretch after the run, it is very important to avoid injuries later. Then when you feel comforatble with 1 mile, increase slowly the distance, let's say 1/2 mile per week until you reach a distance that you enjoy...you can work later on the speed if you wish.
enjoy!

For me, it's all about how cute I look/think I look.  I'm confident that even though I am a chub, I can pull off some illusions in some areas.  So I make sure I feel confident and change from regular clothes to cute workout clothes and head for the streets.  I figure, I can't hide that I'm a chub, but I can make the best of it.  And then I think, if I saw me(a chub) running and really putting effort in, I would be like -- wow I wish I was that brave, so then I get the confidence to become that brave.  And shh, don't tell anyone I care what other people think! ;)

Also, around my house, there are trails that go down hills into town or hike up to the top of a mountain.. you could find something like that..Look for bike trails, nobody ever uses them anyway.  You hardly ever seen anyone and if you do they are typically nice... in my experience.

One other tip, don't make some big plan -- you are more than likely not going to follow it if you're anything like me.  You think, I know I planned to run at this time, but I don't feel like it.  Then you feel like a failure and can't get motivated as fast.  Put your running shoes by the door, and when you feel like running -- As nike says, just do it.  And remember, the first time it's not going to be the most fun -- but you don't have to run the whole time either. 

Oh and one last thing, when you're running -- think about what you ideally look like and kind of imagine how you would do things differently then.. ya know? Pretend play.  I'm serious -- it psychologically proven ;)

Ok, thats all :P sorry for the warm and fuzzy stuff.

I am glad to hear you want to run; I have been running for a long time and it is a great way to stay fit and sane. I would strongly suggest you start with a run/walk combo. Most programs start with a 1:1 ratio: run one minute walk one minute for thirty minutes. Then each week you increase your run time by a minute and keep your walk intervals at a minute until you are running fifteen minutes and walking one. At this point you would try running 30 straight. Keep your pace slow and steady; make sure you are drinking. Most importantly, make sure you have proper running shoes. If you can, go to a store that specializes in running shoes, not some generic sports store. Proper shoes can make or break your running success. I hope this helps.

I don't get the whole self-conscious issue, it must be a girl thing.  To me, when I see someone working out, I think there is someone trying to do something for themself.  Why would you even care what others are thinking?

Well, you already got good advise on how to start.  Consider a location you feel is either more private (not recommended) or where you'll find others with the same goals.  If you find that you like running, then join a running club for the social aspects as well.

Best Wishes,
Geo

I quit the running because of the judgement of others too... I know it's stupid but I can't do it...

If I had a private place, I'll be there everyday!

I started training for a 5K a few months ago and when I first started, I felt like people were looking at me.  I always think I am running funny or something.  Anyway, now I really don't care.  I blast my iPod and watch the tv at the gym while on the treadmill.  People can look all they want - I am meeting my goals and it makes me feel good about myself.  Besides, how do you know people aren't looking because they are jealous and wish they could run like you?

I started by doing interval workouts, and I still do them because it helps me build endurance.  I run till I can't run anymore then stop for a bit to catch my breath and go again.  This helps to teach your body to keep going.  You can change your intervals all the time so it doesn't get boring too.

Another thing I do is set small goals for myself.  When I first started, my first goal was to run 1 mile without stopping.  Then 2 miles. Then 3.  Now I am working on increasing my speed.  It's all about reachable goals.

Good luck!

Stretch!

Start off light and slow. Stop and do a few light stretches to limber up your muscles. Jog. 

And afterwards, stretch again, holding your stretches 30 seconds.

At least, that's what my physical therapist is telling me I should have done, lol.

Like gscott, I got over the whole self-conscious thing because I always admire people I see working out and taking care of themselves. I think, "good for them!" 

Also, excercise is my ME time.  And I'm determined not to let anthing get in the way of taking care of myself. 

But I do like to jog with a baseball cap on, feels more anonymous that way.

And people drive by so fast...

Yes stretching is key if you are a beginner especially, like SS said stretch really well other wise you will get pain and soreness in the joints

Here is a program called couch-to-5k. What's nice about it is that starts out slow and will gradually get you up to a 5k race. hope this helps!

I second the Couch-to-5K recommendation. I'm starting week 7 tomorrow. At first I could barely run more than a minute, but this morning I ran 25 minutes straight (I think about 2 miles?) and it felt GREAT.

After just a few days you stop being self-conscious and I PROMISE that when people look at you, it's because a)they're totally checking you out, or b)they're jealous that you're out there having a good time. Just smile like you know what you're doing!

This may be silly but I play Native American chant music.  It's so easy to keep the beat with the drum and it's motivational for me.  remember to breathe.

I third the Couch-to-5K program. I just finished it a week or two ago. When I started, I couldn't run more than a couple of minutes at a time, and I couldn't stand the thought of funning for the sake of running. But, I thought I'd give it a shot, and in no time I found that I was enjoying it and improving rapidly. Now I can do 3 miles at about 10 min/mile pace!

One beautiful thing about the way the program is designed, is that you can go at your own pace. If you're in week 4 and find that you're not doing as well as you want to for that week, stick with that week's plan a little bit longer, until you're ready to move on.  Plus, it's designed so that you only have to run 3 days a week.

My biggest recommendation when you're starting to run: breathe! I worked on that a lot in the first couple of weeks, when the couch-to-5k was pretty easy. Regular breathing makes you're life SO much easier as you increase how far you're going.

As for not liking to be seen by others: half the people don't even really look at you. The other half will see you, but will most likely be more concerned with not running into you (a car, a bike, another runner, etc) that they're not going to analyze your stride, your pace, or your weight. Most people recognize that anyone out running is doing a good thing for themselves, and think hey, I wish I could do that. So take pride in it, enjoy it, and if they want to look, let them admire!!

As far as people judging you, I live by this model...
"If you aren't paying me, screwing me, or feeding me then I don't give a
rats a** what you think of me."

And when I see somebody running, especially if they are overweight, I think to myself "Good For Her/Him!".

"If you aren't paying me, screwing me, or feeding me then I don't give a rats a** what you think of me."

I love it!  I just printed that out and taped it to my computer screen :)

LOL ME TOO!!!! I love that one rlurker!

I had a problem with the staring, but I also live next to a college campus, they have a bunch of tiny runners there. They do look at me. You know what I tell myself? "At least I stilll have boobs" (they run A LOT, and they don't really have any curves, they remind me of little boys) and "at least I am on the correct side of the street" (they always run with the flow of traffic, which, since they run in groups has gotten at least one of them run over, that I know about).

Also, I have had some problems with some neighborhood people actually laughing at me when I started. I got some jeering, but they don't laugh anymore - some of them have seen me running every day since day one, and have also seen the difference in my size. HEHE look who is laughing now!!!

thank you all for the great advice :)

pottery, that's awesome.  I'm starting the couch-to-5k on Sunday, and I was also worried about running through the undergrad ghetto.  I'll just stay away from Frat Row.  At least everyone will be hung over Sunday AM since football starts up again tomorrow.

i decided today after jogging for 5 minutes and not dieing during my walk lol that i wanted to be a runner. i walk dogs in the afternoon and at one house im usually there for a half hour while the dogs are out in the back yard. this family happens to own a nordictrac that is open to me :). so that gives me 3-4 days of 30 minutes a pop to exercise. starting tuesday im beginning the couch to 5k program. im gonna be a jogger by halloween and a runner by christmas. booya. btw rluker, i've seen your before and after pics and good for you! ur an inspiration personally lol. i wish i could see that change in a month...and maybe now i can :). thanks everyone (especially panda for starting this post)