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I get asked how to start running a lot. A lot. I love this question because it’s easy to answer: use Couch-to-5K or a program like it.

But there’s a problem. C25K is hard. Like really hard. Especially if you’re not a runner. Even more so if you’re not active at all, and you’re just starting out with fitness and exercise.

That’s why I always include one caveat for starting a Couch-to-5k program: make sure you can walk for 30-45 minutes before you start. That’s all. Just take a week or two (think of them as part of the program) where you walk 4-5 days a week and get yourself to where you’re used to moving around.

Then start C25K. It will be so much better for you. And you won’t feel like you’re dying like I did.

Make sure you take the rest days, too. You need to not add in extra runs unless you’re using it to get back to a point where you were before. There’s a reason you have 3 days on/4 days off. A big part of running is knowing when not to run.

If you want a longer post on this, I have one here.

You also need a good pair of running shoes. I’ve told you that I’m a big fan of Altras lately. I’m also a huge fan of the Asics Nimbus line. Because I need lots of cushion. I thought it was becuse I had weak knees as a child. But it’s actually because I have weak ankles.

The extra cushion helps your ankle take the strain of your feet hitting the ground. It’s a shock absorber. Less cushion can actually be easier on your knees.

So remember: more cushion = ankles, less cushion = knees. More than likely, you’re gonna find something in the middle.

If you wanna get good shoes, I always suggest Zappos. They’re awesome and have treated me well in the past. Even more than that, I say support your local running shop. Whenever possible, I am all about giving my cash to local merchants.

In other awesome news, my counselor told me today that I was in maintenance mode, and that I seemed to be in a good enough place to lower my sessions with her to once a month. That’s awesome. It’s taken a lot of work and experimentation to get here, but I want to let those of you who suffer from anxiety and depression, it can get better. If you need to talk, remember I have anxiety@geekfitness.net for that stuff. 🙂

If you have any questions about starting to run, picking out running shoes, anxiety or anything at all, remember I live @geektogeekcast on Twitter, Instagram, or Facebook.

Until next time, fitgeeks![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]