Lori,
You start out slow, baby steps!! The couch to 5k program is great to a running program but if you have not had any exercise in a while, I would like to suggest a good walking program first. I probaby walked for 4 months before I started the couch to 5k program and it really helped me. You can do this!! You just have to want it bad enough! I agree, don't set your goals so high, setting a goal of completing a 5k in the spring of 2008 sounds just about right. Don't set yourself up for failure. Enjoy the journey to a healthy life style. Barb

Cool Running is a very nice, supportive place. I would also second the suggestion to start walking. People who are in their 40s, who have not exercised in a while, and who have a sedentary job should really start SLOW. This ensures you have a positive, injury-free beginning. I started by walking a half mile, and then going from there. Then I gradually started running/walking.

It is best to start by exercising doing three days a week, no more. Conversely, don't just try to run on the weekend when you have more time (my husband does this and I'm trying to encourage him to 3 days/wk).

Be sure to stretch. Extra credit if you do strengthening exercises.

Susan

Everyone has offered great suggestions, including to take it slow, start out by walking, and not exercising more than 3 days a week.

And, while I am sure you would be able to do TC next October if you took your training nice and easy and were consistent, I would recommend making that a 2009 goal.

If you have two year's of training under your belt, the marathon will be that much easier, you will enjoy it more, and (this is the most important), you will want to continue running afterwards. (I have seen too high of a percentage of first year marathoners who are no longer running.)

Stay on this board for all of the great support and encouragement everyone on it provides, check out the RRCA (Road Runner's Club of America) website to see if there are any member running clubs in your part of Minnesota so you could find a local running support group, and if you need help your plantar facitis (another reason to take it slow and not have TC as a 2008 goal) other running injuries or any specifics about actually training, or stretching, feel free to email me at 4runners @ merr.com (anyone else can too, just include some words that are running specific in the subject area).

For the past 10 years, I have been teaching a beginning running class in (neighboring Wisconsin) to about 70 or 80 adults, about 80% female, so can help you along when you have those inevitable low points.

If there is a mall nearby, you could use that in the morning to walk in.

When you do start out running, the C25K program is excellent(and don't be afraid to repeat weeks), or I have a similar one. Also, during the running portions, run slow enough so that you can still talk out loud (and do so occasionally, even if noone else is there). That will keep you from getting too sore where you don't feel like running the next time, and will help prevent injuries too.

Marty

Welcome, Lori!

You've received excellent advice from everyone else - I second everything that's already been mentioned. So on to some new stuff:

Shoes - yes, yes, yes, get the best ones for you and get them properly fitted at a specialty running store. They are definitely an investment that you need to make in yourself. This may be almost as scary as going to the gym, but if you find the right store, they will treat you with respect and will help you immensely. My first trips to a running store near me were a nightmare. I felt like such an imposter there; as if they were thinking that since I didn't already look like I runner, I'd never become one in my old and overweight state. Since then, I've found a fantastic store where I'm treated well and get great advice on shoes, fit, etc. I still get such a boost from going there because there's never a doubt that I'm a runner when I talk to the folks there.

This is especially important since you already have PF. Make sure you're stretching and taking care of that religiously.

If you start with walking, sports bras shouldn't be too much of an issue, but once you do start running, you'll definitely want to invest in and get fitted for good bras, too. I've found great success in ordering running bras from Champion online. Was able to figure out which style and size to wear from the web site. I'm big on Champion because they run great sales twice a year - all bras 19.99 - in the spring and fall. You should be able to get fitted for a running bra at a specialty running store as well.

I started running almost 2 years ago (at age 45, way overweight) when a shoulder injury seemed like it would end my being able to kayak. Every step hurt for about the first 3 months because my shoulder was such a mess. I'm still ridiculously slow, but I've gained so much from running that now I can't imagine not doing it. And the shoulder's better, too, so I can run AND kayak in the summer.

Stick around at CR - it's an amazing source of inspiration!

Eliz

Hi Lori,

I'm older than you, and was also overweight when I started running about 6 months ago. I have also had thyroid cancer and know what it's like to try and get your med level right. Also, lots of feet problems which were finally made much better with custom orthotics and weight loss.

Part of my reason for starting was the "endearing" comment made on my 50th birthday by my sister who described me as the UNathlete. She meant well, but it stung and I decided to prove her wrong. Starting a running program is worth all the doubt and pain of the early sessions. Soon your self confidence will soar as you tackle something harder than most people are willing to try and SUCCEED at it--a little at a time.

And if you don't have support around you at home, all the more reason to come here where people understand and will applaud and support you as you embark on this journey!

Wow!! I must admit that some of these replies are bringing me to tears. It's been a bad few months and yesterday was especially bad. So I'm a bit emotionally "tweeked" so to speak!

I haven't gotten up off the couch for hours now, but I think before it gets too dark out, I'm going to attempt my W1D1 (See, I'm already a pro with the lingo)

Slowbutt, I'd love to have a buddy. What part of the country do you live in? How do we get e-mail addresses?

So I'm going to find some clothes (don't think I have anything wicking, except some candles...hahaha), layer a lot, and DO IT.

Be back in an hour to let you know if the medics are on the way....

Thank you sooooo much everyone. Are there dedicated groups on here for regions? Or just core groups so you get to really know the people you are chatting with?

Well I did my W1D1 last night. I love to say it was easy, but it wasn't. My biggest issue is the sports bra. But that's an easy fix.

I was going to run outside, but as soon as the wind hit my face in the 20 degree weather, I headed for the gym. Luckily it was nearly empty. I picked a treadmill in the last row and said right out loud...."Welcome to your new journey, see you at the finish line". Don't know who I was talking to, but hope they were listening!

The first 15 minutes was super easy. But then the pain started. It's got to be from bad shoes. It was all over the fronts of my legs, below my knees. At one point at about 20 minutes, I had to stop. But I got right back on.

I have so many questions. What else should I be doing? Weights, eliptical? Or should I only be focusing on the running/walking/jogging part? I am working towards weight loss as well, so shouldn't I be burning a LOT more calories and toning up the flabby areas as well? I don't want to do anything that will be counter productive though.

Slowbutt, e-mail me! I'd love to have a cyber training buddy!