Hellobee Boards

Yes Couch to 5k is awesome! Do you have an iPhone? There's an app that makes it really easy - it tells you when to run and when to walk, and you can listen to music at the same time.

I would start easier, especially if you're used to the eliptical. Most of my work to become a runner has been in training my joints to take the stress. I personally started with jogging a block, walking a block. And really, really slow jogging. And I worked up from there.

I've heard that couch 2 5K is amazing. I know a ton of people who've had success with it!

I did c25k last year before I got pregnant and I really liked it. I am NOT a runner, and have always loathed running, but I always felt like it was the best over-all workout for my body. I had the app on my phone (it's available for Android, too) and that was great because I didn't have to keep checking a watch or stopclock or anything. It just dings a bell when it's time to switch pace. I found the program to be challenging but not so challenging that I felt like I couldn't handle it. It pushed me just enough to keep me going! Good luck!

also re: shoes, if you have a running store near you, go there! they can do a gait analysis to tell you what kind of shoes would be best and probably special order a pair in your size.

I did couch to 5 k (but had to stop when morning sickness sidelined me).
Honestly, I didn't buy a book or anything - I just downloaded MapMyRun, and used a playlist of songs to clue me in to when to walk/run.
For me, because I was NOT athletic when I started, I had to try so hard not to get discouraged when I couldn't even do phase 1 on the first run. So instead, I modified it a bit (and did a phase zero) until I built up a bit of endurance.

Like PPs have said; tons of water, and please get good shoes - shin splints are brutal, and my sucky shoes made running excruciating.

Like @redsmarties, I was doing the couch to 5K before I got pregnant and had to give it a rest. I found buying a really cute running outfit helped to motivate me

My DH also bought me an awesome Garmin watch with GPS that tracked my speed and routes and made running really fun. He got it at Costco. You could map routes and try to beat your time, or you can put in your running plan so it beeps every 2 minutes so you can walk 2 mins/ run 2 mins etc. it was super motivating.

That being said I also heard of an iPhone app called "Zombies, Run!" that is supposed to help you prepare for a 5k run, it might be fun to check out!

Um so basically spend a lot of money on clothes, watches and apps!

Seriously if you follow the plan for couch to 5k and take your time building up to it, it won't seem like "work". I was not a runner at all and found it very enjoyable! Good luck!