first time runner here.. help please

So I had my surgery October 1st 2009 and have lost 100 pounds. I would like to starf running now and would like to know if there is a safe way to start. How far should i go when starting out? Anything special i should eat or drink? Any help is good help, i just dont want to kill myself in the proccess.

Nikki

Nikki,

The Couch to 5K program is a great way to get started.

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

Best of luck.

Mary

I have to agree that couch to 5k is a wonderful program. I can now jog 3 miles and love it! Julie

Couch to 5K for sure.  Had my surgery 9/1/09 and have lost 103.  Have now run 3 official 5K races.  There's a podcast on itunes to download, and Robert will count the time for you.  Join the couch to 5K facebook page and you'll get lots of information and support.  Love me some C25K.

Could you give me more infor on the podcast on itunes to download? How does that work and how to do it? Thanks Julie

Hey there

So everyone spot on with the c25k. Really, just start.

On your question about food and drink - no you don't have to worry about anything. As long as you're getting your regular "meals" and water in you'll be fine. It's only when you start running for more than 8 miles or so in one go will you need to really worry about food on the run. Water - if it's hot out, just make sure you're drinking your water.

One other thing however - when was the last time you got shoes? I was wearing the wrong type of shoes for my feet (I wore cushioning and needed support) and ended up injuring myself. If you haven't got a new pair of sneakers in a while it might not be a bad idea. Walking you'll be fine with old shoes...running could be tricky. Any athletic store should be able to sort you out.

Good luck

 definitely get some good shoes, it will make a world of difference.