So I've begun to incorporate a bit of jogging into my walking and I feel like a galumphing fool. I'm slightly knock-kneed and pigeon-toed (really hot, right?) and I want to kick things up a notch. I'm trying to start with short intervals of jogging while walking on the treadmill or outside. I'm a bit concerned I might hurt myself. I've had knee problems for so long I never thought that I would ever try jogging but now that I'm so much lighter it doesn't seem to bother my knees but my hamstrings get a bit sore. Are there any websites some of you runners can point me to that can help me with better form or pre and post stretching etc.? Thanks!

First thing...go to a store that specializes in running shoes, clothing, etc....they will do a free foot analysis and recommend what to look for in proper fitting shoes....Very Important, and often over looked...

I was under the impression that the more expensive, the better...right? Wrong!...Almost did permanent damage to my left hip, not to mention my toenails turning black and falling off..."Black Toe" actually common with runners...but not desirable...

Socks can be just as important...my socks are labeled left and right...and are very $$

I now run 5 miles a day....in the beginning it was impossible until I lost a considerable amount of weight...and got myself in better shape/health over all....

Exactly what B52 said...go to a specialty store. They will have books there too. I use Runners World website and find it has a lot of good info.

as for how you think you look...quiet the criticisms in your head. Other runners will look at at you and think...way to go...taking back your health. The people lapping you in their cars...they'll be jealous that they're not out there taking care of themselves.

As you lose weight...you can reward yourself with flashy running gear

Thank you! Great advice! Definitely a little sore this morning. Also checking out the couch to 5K app. But I MUST get good shoes!

I want to cross over , so to speak, from the elliptical to running. I, too, need to get to the running shoe store. I've brought my daughter there for years (she has run every day of her life for the past 10+ years), so I know they will find the right shoe for me. I, too, have an awful running "form." I think I can handle the whole cardio aspect of running (I currently can do 7 miles on the elliptical in an hour EVERY DAY.... Yeah me!!!!) BUT, I still think I may have too much extra weight to transition to running. I will NOT give up this dream..... I WILL take off another 30 pounds and try this the right way.

PS..... I did find it easier to run/jog/walk outdoors on a track than on the treadmill for some reason!

I would say there is no reason to wait unless your Dr says so. It will be easier at the lighter weight but either way it will be tough. Run walk is the best way to start. Go get me tiger

I started with the couch to 5k app and it worked out really well. I am amazed that I am able to jog for 3 miles. Believe me it is not easy yet I still feel like people are going to get me an oxygen tank or something the way I am huffing and puffing but I find it is very rewarding and probably the most efficient of all aerobic exercise. I still do the elliptical too to keep things interesting.

Congrats on your decision to start running. I ran my first 5K a few weeks ago. I have been running a few on my own since then. I also have signed up for a bunch more this year, one of them being a mud run and a color run. I was recently at an outlet mall and bought myself a bunch of nice running shorts, shirts, socks and jackets. It felt awesome to treat myself. I never thought I would become a runner, but I have to say I am hooked. Although it wasn't necessary I bought a subscription to runner's world magazine, and bought: Runner's World Complete Book of Running: Everything you need to run for weight loss, fitness, and competion. A great book with tons of useful stuff in it. I also wear compression gear when I go running or use the eliptical. It helps keep all the jiggly bits in check. Don't forget when you are out running, you are lapping everybody sitting on their couch!!

All the best!!!

Love this post - I am also a new runner - LITERALLY just started adding some jogging into my walks last week! Going to use these tips for sure. Thanks!

I would suggest few things. Speak to either a trainer or Physical therapist. Ask them about your knees and proper stretching methods. With my bad knees the IT band stretch is the best. The suggestion about good running shoes is some of the best advise given. Pain I was having in my knees and ankles went away with good running shoes. Always go slow and set small goals for yourself. Don't expect to run a 5k tomorrow. Remember any exercise is better than none because you over did it.

Awesome advice everyone! Thank you much! I work part-time at a gym so I've bern talking to one of the trainers about it. He also said I need to get the right shoes and we stretched using a foam roller today. That was AWESOME!

My foam roller is my best friend! Perfect for stretching and working out the kinks.

I hear you about the shoes. However I can't afford to buy a pair a shoes now and again in a few months if my shoe size changes. Did this happen to any of you?

My shoe size has gone down in width but not length. A lot of my old shoes are too wide now.

I have knee problems (2 surgeries for torn cartilage and chondromalacia) and the best advice I have ever had was to learn about Chi running style. There are videos on YouTube and websites. I also switched to zero drop shoes (Brooks Cadence) in September when I was having a lot of knee pain. They have been amazing! I've lost 85 pounds and have not lost any size in my shoes (unfortunately, I wear a woman's 12 and would love to lose a size!). Another thing that I have done is get Orthovisc injections in my knee. Orthovisc is a lubrication and is done in 3 injections over 3 weeks. It makes a world of difference in my pain levels.

After you have a good pair of good running shoes (I use Nike Pegasus), then I would check out Chi Running approach.

http://www.chirunning.com

This is how I learned to run starting back in December 2012. Literally my first run was a 5 k in 28 minutes on my treadmill at 230# ( I am 180# now). Sure, it was hard but I feel chi running made it possible.

The main points of chi running (copied from the site):

"Reduce impact, stay pain-free, and run with confidence. Our ChiWalk-Run program is a great way to get started. By taking short ChiWalking breaks during your runs, you'll easily increase your aerobic-cardio capacity and walk-run the 5K distance in just 8 weeks.

Improve your posture, core strength, and use gravity to make running easier. You don't need killer calves to be a runner. ChiRunning teaches you how to use your large core muscles to move you forward instead of overworking your leg muscles, greatly reducing fatigue and risk of injury. Check out our ChiRunning for Beginners blog for an introduction to the ChiRunning technique.

Make running a fulfilling practice. Learning ChiRunning is an engaging process, so every run gives you the opportunity to discover something new. Our newsletter supports your practice with Chi fitness tips, recipes, and special offers. Sign up here!

- See more at: http://www.chirunning.com/what-is-chirunning/beginning-runners/#sthash.XU17wviJ.dpuf"

It really does work and, might I add, brings joy to running. It has helped me run long distances (up to 20 miles at a good pace) and fast (4:30 mile pace for a few miles with 30 seconds rest between miles). Leveraging gravity and practicing the good chi running form allows anyone, even those with injuries or structural imperfections,to run with grace and ease.

I hope it helps.