I have just started the alli program and before I started i have been walking fast 20-45 minutes 5 times a week.  I would like to start running but I find it very difficult to do.  I am just wondering if anyone has tips on how to ease into running?  Anything would be helpful

Laura

Intervals are a great way to start.  If you are using a treadmill, most have a interval program setting - this makes it so easy!  If you are "street walking," time yourself walking for three minutes, then slow-paced running for a minute, then walking for three, then running for one, etc.  Try this schedule for a week or so, then boost up the running time incrementally until you are running more than walking.  Take it SLOW!  Play with running speeds like sprinting for a minute, slow-paced running for two, walking for two, etc. I just read interval running can actually burn more calories in a shorter time! Tell yourself what you are going to do for how long before you do it - this helps me, too. 

I was never a runner, but by taking it slow I can now jog (my pace isn't fast enough to be considered running :) ) for an hour stretch...  It feels so good when I finish the workout.  I accomplished something I didn't think I could do!

Hope this helps. 

I enjoy running myself, and I was a runner all though my school - college years. A treadmill is good if you're looking for a consitant run, but i find it much better if you have access to a track when you are first starting out, or a dedicated route.  The reason why is because you can adjust your pace and don't need to rely on the treadmills speed. Often you can run faster than you think and  sometimes a treadmill can limit that.  A track is easy, on an outdoor track 1 lap is about 1/4 a mile (inside track) , (indoor will be different depending on size but you can ask to find out how many laps you need to make a mile).  So 4 laps is about 1 mile.  Since there are lines on the track you can run 100 - 200 meters and then walk until you build up your endurance and can run a lap without walking, and when you can do that, run a lap, walk ect... until you can run a full mile.  If you have a route outside, it is better to do a time one, run 2 minuets walk 45 seconds, run 2 mines, walk 45 seconds. ect. (you can do this on the track too if you want, but i find it easier to do it by distance). 

Hi!  iam a runner and trying to get back to it since my new baby and loseing the extra weight i put on.  the way ive always gotten myself back to jogging is mail boxes.  if you live in a neighborhood try to fine a 3 mile course and walk to a mail box then jog to the next, walk and so on.  when you feel like your building up your endurance jog 2 mail boxes walk one. and so on.  also runners world is a great magazine for begginers and seasoned runners.  and its cheap.  20 bucks for 12 issues.

sunshine

I've always enjoyed walking, but once i've done it for a while,  i really feel like i want to jog.   I seem to be able to jog a lot better and longer on my treadmill rather than the blacktop paths.  I'm assuming it's the softer surface of the treadmill....i used my music when i started jogging,  working up to a full song.  doesnt sound like much to people that run constantly, but the songs are long now, so i felt pretty good about it.    I'm not sure how much i'll stick to jogging, i think it's pretty tough on your joints and as RA runs rampid in my family, i must protect my joints.  But it does feel good to know i can do it.

Hi,

At www.coolrunning.com they have a program for beginning runners.  It's called the Couch-to5K

program.  On their homepage click on training and then on new runners.  It's a pretty good program and I know a lot of people who had success with it.  Good luck!

I agree with sunshine!  In my neighborhood, I run from one telephone to the next and then walk a few and then run to a telephone pole, etc.  At the gym on the treadmill I walk for a few minutes then run for 90 seconds, and so on.  It is pretty easy to add a few more seconds or a few more fence posts in, just hang in there.. whatever you do, it's better than sitting on your butt watching TV!