How I did it: I decided to try the Couch to 5K program that I'd heard so much about and just pushed through it. After a month, getting up to run in the morning was no big deal.

Lessons & tips:

• Don't go too fast. Doing too much too soon can get you injured because your body is not used to it. 
• Don't run with old shoes. I was in so much pain because I started with worn out shoes. If you can, go to a specialty running store so they can help find a pair that's just right for you.
• Keep it to just 3 days a week. This makes injuries less likely and allows your sore muscles to heal. :)
• Pain is unavoidable. It's going to hurt. Just bear with it (unless you actually injure something). The pain is fleeting, but the satisfaction of having toughed through it can make your day.  
• Go early in the morning when it's cooler. Running later in the day can be unpleasant if you live in a hot area. 

Resources: Couch to 5K has a lot of articles and such that helped when I was starting out. And I've never used them but they also have some online tools that may prove useful. 

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Jul 12, 2011, 05:24AM PDT | 0 comments | 8 cheers