Derek,

My run tonight was more of a run (for the first 1.6k), the a walk/run for the last .4k. In my case, I do pretty well, but the last part of the run has some gradual uphill portions that really tax my breathing. I quit smoking almost 5 months ago so my lungs are still in recovery.

I've been feeling pain in my shins (not sure if that's where your pain is), but it actually got better once I got in to the run.

Kids are a great motivator to start taking a serious look at health and fitness. I've got to be around to set the example for my son (almost 6) and daughter (4).

Although new, I think your plan of run/walking your 3k is probably good. Might not hurt to start out with a little less even--just keep moving and don't stop to rest.

Hope this helps-- mostly just me rambling.

I havev been running alot of different distances one day i would do 2.4 k the next day maybe 1 k. Would it be more bennificial to get my body use to a certain distance.. and is running everyday help full or does your body need a say to rest

What I'm trying is a 2k route that I try to complete while running. Some days I do better than others--but I always finish the route.

I'm curious about the frequency too, but in my case, I think I'll take a day between runs and alternate with the boot camp class I'm taking as well.

FOR ME the frequency of the run is not nearly as important as monitoring the intensity and depletion of the run, from my experience.

the shins- my experience says do not stretch too much prior to running. Enough to wake up, but not feel stretch. At the end of the run, stretch real good. the calve stretch- which I tend to be least patient on is important, it releases the fluid build up you are feeling doc. I happen to know you and your routine.... BUT I am here to learn too.

Derek- for the kids,, nice bro! Anyhow, "pain" is way to vague. If you are sore- like poking your finger into the muscle at rest hurts- GOOD. I wish I could get that way. No wories bro, a time will come when you question if you are even getting anything out of a workout. true Newbie pain is awesome.

Would you guys like to play, "one upmanship" for a 3 day wekend?
I'm starting with Tae Kwon Do at 11:00 worth 731 calories. whatcha got! i will start a new thread for his one.
FF'er!

I just began running (again) and i find it best to listen to music so you dont freak out about breathing, which is what I did. You can't read as you run, so my ipod is my savior. Linkin Park, is my running buddy hell yeah. Find something that keeps you motivated, keeps you moving.

When I began, I could barely run for a FULL minute. I was up to about 15 minutes before, then I stopped at the gym for a few months. HUGE MISTAKE! Its like starting at the beginning now. Im up to about 13 minutes straight now. (which is over a mile)... then I walk fast to catch my breath and go back to running.

Im no pro, but I can give my input on whats helpped me.

Good Luck!

Well Ive managed to run a lot longer of a distance before i feel winded. No my problem is my legs feel weak and i have to stop running before i fall to the ground. Or thats what i think is going to happen if i dont stop. The problem is in my calves. Is there anything i can do at home to help strengthen my calves as well as running..

the way you describe that is hydration and oxygen sounding. Try drinking more water, and gatorade or soemthing with electrolytes. also, allow your stomach to go loose and breath fully while you run. Contracting your abdominals is fine, but breath man breath. DRINK and BREATH!

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