Even fat, I was an exerciser and right now I'm in reasonably good shape. My workouts have gotten a little predictable, so I decided to try and go for a run. I felt like the most awkward, least coordinated person in the world. I could barely get my feet off the ground, and I was once a Division I athlete.

How long does it take to find your groove? I'm comfortable in a gym, but in the big bad world, I'm at a loss. I couldn't figure out what to wear, what to listen to and how to run like a normal person. I felt like a giant elephant.

Any successful runners out there who went through some growing pains in the early going? I was chanting "never again" to myself for the duration. TORTURE!

"I don't run for fun".....this is my motto in life. hahaha but when it comes to starting some new type of exercise I got that! takes me about 4 weeks to really start getting in the groove. never really swam and started doing that, started pilates, zumba and weight lifting. each was a complete live and learn experience! but, I finally got comfortable. goodluck!

Try the couch to 5K running program. Click here for all the details.

It gets you up and running gradually over about two months. Thousands of people have used it successfully, and there are a few threads about it here.

Good luck!

I was going to suggest the C25K program but Mariasha beat me to it.

I wish I would've started it a while back, there's a 5K today I could've run if I had prepped for it. (and no, I can't even walk it yet.. walked my 3 dogs 1 mile last week and spent the next morning with awful cramps)

Oh well, I'll get started for the next one.

I plant o start the Couch to 5K program when I reach 195 lbs. (I am super top heavy and wanted to get some weight off first for the sake of my back). It is a great program. You start out really slow with just walking and very gradually add more walking, then a little jogging until you can run. I highly recommend it!

Mine was similiar to couch to 5k...I walk fast on the treadmill for 2-3 minutes to get my heart beat up and then I jog/run for another 3 minutes, back and forth. I figure 30 minutes of that I at least run 15 or more of those minutes. I also do the same thing when I am walking the dog for miles. He's a pit and loves the job. He's my workout buddy and pulls me along:)