Running... Options

[Jim]

In an attempt (a permanent one, I hope) I've picked up running with my girlfriend. What's a good distance to start at for someone pretty out of shape? Should I change speeds or go at a constant (comfortable but not easy) pace? Should I occasionally take breaks? Any tips on this would be good...

[Dogmeat]

In an attempt (a permanent one, I hope) I've picked up running with my girlfriend. What's a good distance to start at for someone pretty out of shape? Should I change speeds or go at a constant (comfortable but not easy) pace? Should I occasionally take breaks? Any tips on this would be good...

Are you jogging on a track, a tradmill, or the sidwalk?

The reason I ask is, jogging on a sidewalk or paved surface is much harder on your joints and body than jogging on a jogging track or a treadmill. If you want to jog outside, that's fine, however, I'd start out walking to strengthen up your legs a tad and get them used to it so you dont start out by giving yourself massive shin splints and then never jogging again.

I think the best idea would be to start out on a treadmill and and jog 10 or 15 minutes at a time, then walk that much. Base it on time right now and not distance. try that for a week, then go a little farther ... you're more concerned with getting your heart rate up and keeping it at a specific level for a given amount of time than you are about going for distance vs. time.

After you've been doing that a few times a week for a few months, get a really good pair of jogging shoes and try it outside ...

if I jog outside I prefer jogging on dirt roads, or up in the mountains int he trees when the ground is soft with pine needles and whatnot.