Appears I need some running advice

I have made the decision to start the couch to 5 k and yesterday was my first time. I am 4 months out and hitting 243 on the scales. The great news is that i managed to run (ok, jog weirdly) for most of the intervals without death mind you, the not so swift news is I realize i am doing it wrong (i think)  I was using a trail that went up and down some hills also, so that may have impacted it. 

I havent even pulled a jog since I was 8 and we are not going to talk about the 36 years in between. so when I started yesterday, it feels like my feet are slapping really hard and made my ankles hurt and my toes kept catching (fortunatly i didn't fall and break a hip or anything!) 

I mean really, its jogging, I should be able to do this, but apparently my form just sucks. I am headded out to do it again tomorrow and any tricks or advice would be appreciated.

You are doing great! Congrats for making the choice to be healthy and to reach for a goal.
My advice would be....

1. Be proud of your choice
2. Don't compare yourself to anyone
3. Do this for you
4. Take it slow, but make a choice that doing "nothing" is not an option
5. Don't worry about form or speed (those will come to you in time)
6. Do something everyday to move toward your goal

You can do this! You might have set backs, but what matters is how you stay focus and positive. You can overcome any obstacle with those two things! Best wishes! Can't wait to hear of your progress! Congrats!

When I started I felt like a bull in a china shop. Repetition will fix your form , just keep at it.

Take it slow and easy. It will get easier.

If you haven't yet, get fitted for the right type of running shoe. It will make a world of difference.

pan head

I would recommend you avoid the hills to start.
They will certainly change how you run.
Find a flat section or a treadmill.  Don't get addicted to them, just use them as a tool the first time.
Once you get comfortable running, go ahead and do it again on the hills.

Scott

I didn't feel like a bull in a china shop... more like the elephant in the tu tu from Fantashia!

I echo what Scott says...

Take it easy, enjoy, and get good shoes!

Hugs,
Kathy

I am wearing new balance cross trainers. I love the fantasia referance, I swear I bet I looked a sight out there. My brain had visions of a light footed, fleet, running goddess, reality was totataly closer to the fantasia idea, lol. But thats ok, i am going to keep it up and eventually it will work better. I appreciate the help and info.

You need to get actual running shoes, preferably fitted at a running speciality store. You need the right shoes for your gait and style of running.

Also, I'd be careful of running two days in a row. A lot of people find that hard on the body. Couch to 5k is a 3 day a week program so you can do it every other day and so some cross-training on the other days.

I started with this program and now a little over a year later and one marathon done, I agree with everybody's advice.

The most important thing is the SHOES.  Go to your local running store, not Dick sports or sports authority, but a running store.  And have them fit you with a good running shoe for your foot.  When I started this I thought a running shoe is just a running shoe, but I was very wrong.  Like yourself my feet were killing me at the begining and my shoes made a world of differnce. 

Another to do is get a book "No Need for Speed" .  It is a great book to read as a begining runner it will tell you about what to look for and also what to look out for.

Good luck and keep one foot infront of the other.

shane

I felt the same way when I started.  I run on a treadmill most days and have the benefit of seeing myself in the glass in front of me.  This helped me to get a good sense of how I was positioning my arms, legs, etc.  I was able to read some information online on "proper form" and this helped as well.  When you can see yourself, you can adjust and then it is less like the elephant with the tu-tu (that's what I felt like too!).