Hello, I would really like to begin running, for the health benefits, to help tackle depression and to lose a bit of weight. Does anyone have any good advice??

I've found that a treadmil is easier than running outside and an elliptical is easier than a treadmil. It also helps if you have a TV or something in front of you, so you don't concentrate on how far you still have to go. It keeps your mind off it, especially if you put it on CC and have to concentrate and read the words. If you get cramps, just run through them, unless they're debilitating or something. Don't beat yourself up, but make a good effort to improve. Alternate days, like MWF run and TTH lift weights, because it isn't good for you to run every day just like it isn't good for you to lift weights every day, because you're not giving your muscles time to recover, and it tears them down instead of building them up. Some people run every day after they've been running for a while and that's not as bad, but when you're just starting and still developing those muscles for running, its really bad. The best way to improve your running on days you're not running is improving your core, like with situps, etc. And stay hydrated! Best of luck!

I started walking for a while until I got in really good shape then I began cycling. I take cycle classes at the ymca and my endurance has increased drastically. Running is not in my blood, but if I do ever need to run I run one song on my iPod then walk one song on my iPod. Hope this helps. If you are just beginning exercising start walking then increasing speed and pace each time.

I highly recommend a "Couch to 5K" type of program, like the one found on the Cool Running site - Cool Running :: The Couch-to-5K Running Plan (http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml) - It really helped me 2 years ago when I started running.