JuicyFruit,

Here is a Chi Running Video that teaches you to not Heal Strike.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkUqkdPQHis

I'm looking for that other video.

Thanks for the videos!!  I watched them both, but think I'll have to watch them again, a few times maybe.. LOL...

Day after W1D1, my legs are still a lil achy, looking at better shoes... but a bit excited for W1D2!!!

Completed week 5 day 1, now on to longer runs.

I stetch very little before runs, 10 seconds on my hamstrings and 10 seconds on my thighs. I perform much better when I stretch a little bit. Walking to cool down is better than stretching for me.

I never stretch before or after. I am up to 4 mile runs twice a week and a longer 6 mile on the weekend. I am running in Luna sandals and there are no more knee issues. Yes, you heard me. Running sandals. I bet if I did stretch the fatigue and rubber legs would likely go away.

Keep going you guys I am nearing my 1 year anniversary of starting running and I feel amazing. When I started I couldn't run for more than 15-30 seconds. I completed a run that was 1 hour 15 minutes last weekend. Just keep going, don't get discouraged, don't stop.

Never stop.

Also here are a few tips about being self conscious:

1) Go to areas where there are other runners, I think others have mentioned this. People always support you if they share your interrests. It's the ones that won't/can't that want to tear you down.

2) Walmart sells starter compression shirts. They keep things....stationary...wear a t-shirt over them and they whick sweat away from your body and keep the experience a pleasant one. $15.

3) Chafing....yea, it's a delicate subject but our bodies rub together and chafe. You can get something called Body Glide that goes on like a stick deoderant. Amazon sells it if you don't want to buy it from a running store. It's about $10 and lasts for about 6 months.

You can also use it on your feet when you get new shoes to avoid blisters.

4) If your aim is to lose weight as well as gain fitness you are going to have to diet. Salads with dressing on the side is your friend. Go for garden salads when available as some fancy salads can contain 1000 calories

5) Loseit app helps you track calories (even has a bar code scanner)

6) Endomondo fitness tracker has a social component to it you can see your friends walks/runs/swims etc and comment. You can even send them pep talks during their runs. Amazing technology. They also have challenges where you can win things. I won some shoes from Li-ning as a random participant. It also helps you set goals (how can you set a goal if you don't know what your best is?)

There are some tips, now get out there!

Juicy, don't worry about it. If your legs were burning, it means you were going too fast or you weren't warmed up. It never hurts to slow down or to walk....just make sure you are moving forward. I and many others started with 30 second runs so take your time.

Hi all,

Finished w1d3 today and feeling good! My knees feel much better but now my stinkin shins/ankles were killing me by the end of my run! I could have kept going except for that! And surprisingly, I wanted to!! I think I may actually be able to do this!!

Chipy13 ~ I completely agree with you! My body really must be in shock. "You're lifting how much weight?" "You're running?? Are you serious??!!!" "Wait, there's a McDonald's can we stop please??""  Yup, too much for it to handle. My trianer keeps telling me it will kick in, it will come together and a slow weight loss will begin as long as I keep doing what I am doing.

Keep it up!

Hello all!  I am a brand new prospective runner.  I am 5'2" and weigh in @ 221.  I just signed up for a 10k run/walk at the end of sept 2012.  I know I can finish it walking worst case, but I would love to finish it running!  I just downloaded the c25k app onto my iPad and plan to start that tomorrow.  If I were to rate my activity level I would rate it slightly above a couch potato.  Any other suggestions? Do you all use a stopwatch to "time" the segments or just count off in your head? Any tips you found that worked for you to keep your energy up?  Any suggestions for a newbie are welcome! 

  My ultimate goal is to be healthier!  I mean of course I want to lose weight, I am just hoping that will be a side benefit of more activity and better eating.

Thank you!