I have never in my life felt comfortable running; even when I was a kid, I got teased because I ran funny. It's not that my legs are built any differently or that my bone structure is at all wonky; it's just that I never got the necessary knack of coordinating myself. I get very self conscious if I have to run in public for any reason.

I'd like to get going, though. I have access to treadmills at the gym but I'm wondering how best to start. Can anyone offer any tips?

same with me. why don't you try getting comfortable with the treadmills first? you can just walk on them for a while

You might want to take a look at ChiRunning. The website and book/DVD have a lot of good tips re developing pain and injury-free running technique. Here's an NPR story about it.

Then there's the "Run Barefoot" school, but quite frankly I think you'd be nuts to try it unless you're running on a protected surface, such as a track.

I tried running barefoot on the treadmill, to see how my feet landed etc. Got some amazing blisters. Taught my to run on the balls/toes of my feet though and my knee and ankle pain went away. Something to think about.

Thanks for the replies, all. And Nat, I'll definitely check out those links.

You may want to research Jeff Galloway or John "The Penguin" Bingham on running for newbies.

Jeff likes the run walk run methodology

John is an adult onset athelete and is very funny. He writes in Runners world.

Good Luck!

I have heard great things about the Chi Running book mentioned earlier in this thread. I have not found the time to read it completely yet.

Much as I try to stay away from this topic as it seems a bit controversial here, I would recommend trying to run with music (not because it helps your form), but it can make you forget about how you look while your running and will enable you to focus on enjoying your run. Personally, I was a bit conscious to go the gym, not so much abouthow I look when I run, but just that I feel uncomfortable running at high speeds or gritting my teeth etc. in front of others. But after the first few runs with my favorite workout program in my ears, I am totally oblivious to my surroundings.

And believe me, people at the gym are really nice, each one trying to their own thing. Remember, you are doing this for 'you' and try to forget the others around you.

Also, try the elliptical and see if you like it better.

You don't have to run! Well if you are being chased my mountain lions it's ok. Find alternate cardio. Get a rowing machine, or swim, or speedwalk, or bike. Chop wood for an hour. There are hundreds of things you can do to increase your cardiovascular fitness, and most don't require a book.



Mark

Thanks again, everyone! This is a great community!

Mark, it's not that I feel like I *have* to run... I *want* to run. Mostly I want to be able to keep up with my nephews and nieces and various godchildren. That's all.

If you want to run, do it. Don't worry about what you look like to others. There are many different "strides". Watch a race sometime and see how differently different people run. It's quite interesting! I think that sometimes the things that happen to us in childhood keep us from acheiving what we want to as adults. We "hear" those old voices telling us we aren't good enough, fast enough, etc.

I'd definitely look at Chi running. Perhaps try to Couch to 5k program at www.coolrunning.com. Running with music or a good book can also help you to take your mind off things and it does not have to be dangerous. Keep one ear open and the sound down low enough to hear your surroundings.

If you want to do it, do it! I love running and I used to be a dyed in the wool hater of running in large part due to childhood experiences.

Tory K recommends an excellent sight, www.coolrunning.com I recommend that one too.

My advice is find a running club with a newbie/beginners group.
Then you'll be running with other awkward people.

Lance

Get a Mp3 player and don't worry how you look to others. Maybe You can start out with brisk walking and work up to a run. Or if there's a less beaten path to run on you won't feel self conscious. But music definitely helps me get going.