how I run

I've had a lot of people ask me this question, which always surprises me because I am 1) the slowest runner EVER and 2) have only been doing it for about 4 months. So, here's my unofficial advice. Ingest at your own risk:

I started running about two weeks after I started Weight Watchers in August. I know people who run at a bunch of different weights, but I'll admit I was about 185 when I started (and 5'2", proving you don't need to be a skinny mini to do it). I'll definitely put the consult-your-doctor-first disclaimer here, though I was bad and did not call my own doctor. One lap around my apartment complex is about half of a mile, and at first, I went around three times, doing the infamous Couch to 5K running plan. Though the plan itself is geared for an 8 week time period, I ended up running a straight 20 minutes after about a month... but not a 5K in that time, of course. I was probably running a 16-minute mile! Anyway, I just gradually increased the time I ran - about 5 minutes every two weeks, and made up the rest by walking either at the beginning or at the end.

Currently, I run about 18-20 miles a week, provided I am not sick or having finals. Usually, it's about 4-5 miles per run, 4x a week.

I always, always started with a 5-minute warmup walk and ended with one, plus some light stretches at the end.

One of my WW internet-buddies, Corinne, is my favorite couch-to-runner success story - she made a fabulous transformation and has an awesome running tips page and a great newsletter you can sign up to receive each month.

Things I cannot stress enough:

--When you start, run at a slower pace than you think you should, but run for a longer time than you think you should.
--Good shoes are crucial in ways I could list forever. Go to a running store like Track Shack, not just your local discount shoe store, and have them fit you for a shoe after analyzing your gait. It's the best investment you'll ever make in your fitness quest, and it saved me from having achy knees and legs and generally not enjoying my run.
--Don't run every day, even if you're one of those crazy, all-or-nothing perfectionists like Yours Truly. Take a day to rest yourself in between runs.
--Hydrate: nothing will cut your workout short like a nasty, strength-sapping case of dehydration. Drink yo water.

Other things:

--Love, love, love my iPod. Great for running. Get an armband if you can.
--My running gear: cheap stretchy pants and top from Target, their C9 Champion brand. Moisture-wicking, cute, and I didn't need tons of money to get it.
--When you run, remember that it will feel about 20 degrees warmer than it actually is outside, so don't overdress.
--Use the toilet before you go, even if you think you don't have to go. Trust me on this one. Taking a dump behind a bush is not fun.
--For the girls: I have, er, a lot up top, and Target also has Champion sports bras that hold me in well and secure. They go up to a DD cup size.

Again, this is just my own, unofficial, not-an-expert story of how I became a running fool. I love it now and feel really yucky if I don't get to go for my run when I need to. Another really great website to go to is Cool Runnings, home of the aforementioned Cto5K plan. Great tips on how to start running, how to train for a race, and to answer any general FAQ's you might have.

Happy running!