A good one can run you 30 dollars. or a cheap one for around 5 bucks.
Try sporting goods stores, walmart.
I use a belt clip on watch and just watch the second hand.

I've always wanted to run. I always imagined running a marathon. Over the years, I've tried running several times. I usually made it to the corner before my lungs gave out. I was also a smoker and have mild asthma.

I found this program a year and a half ago. I was 37 and just had my 3rd baby. I was exercising and had quit smoking. I was at a wedding with my SIL. She was taking a Running 101 course at the YMCA, which is similar. We both agreed to run a marathon by the time we're 40. I found this program the next day, and just loved it.

Each week of the program felt good, but I could never imagine doing any more. Each week I did more. I was so thrilled the first time I ran 3 miles! I came home and tried to put it in perspective for my 4-year old. I told her, "Mommy just ran to the library and back". Her eyes widened and she looked thoroughly impressed. Then she said "Did you get a book?" http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif

This is the year I turn 40 http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif I'm hoping to run a marathon in April.

I bought a regular watch with a timer at Target for about $12. It was fine for me.

There are more expensive watches where you can set the intervals and stuff. But, you're only doing those intervals for a few weeks, so it's not worth it. Once you're running miles, you may want to invest more.

Now, I use the Timex GPS, which is about $250 http://www.lowcarbsite.com/images/smilies/icon_eek.gif It's great. It shows speed and distance via satellite, and signals each mile.

Are you planning on doing this program? I did it in June/July of 2002, and have been running ever since. I never ran at all until then.

Good luck!

Thanks for this also..

Even when I was in the TA (volunteer army) I was fit, trained every day and swam 5 days a week, but still... could not run the 3 miles without absolute hell!

My chest gets really sore and I can't breath well, but would love to be able to just go for a run.

Think I'll start small, and do some jogging at home... then see how I get on breathing wise and try it outdoors.

:wink:

Thanks for posting this, I'd like to try it but not quite yet.

For now I'm sticking to the Elliptical at the gym because it's low impact on my knees. In about 6 months or so I hope to have lost enough to give this a shot.

My little sister jogs, and I'd love to run a 5k with her sometime!

I used to run on a treadmill.
Dont know if my lungs can handle it outside in this poluted city.
I'll try it when i join th gym next month. (funds wont allow it yet)

I'll start inside and see if i can get my lungs up to trying it outside.
Right now I do interval aerobics at home. Fun..and i tone at the same time!!

I never ran until I was about 40 either (I'm 43 now) and while I didn't follow a specific program I just slowly increased my running. I started by running for 50 yards and walking for a while. Slowly but surely I found myself able to run a couple miles. What I've found is that fitness seems to come in steps. The body plateaus for a while and then you jump up to the next level.

I'm a former smoker too and that's really a key. You can't get your exercise level up to where it needs to be when you smoke. You get out of breath and are stuck exercise at a much lower intensity level.

I was regularly running up to about a year ago when I shifted back to just walking. I just got my cholesterol checked and did a treadmill test. The treadmill came out fine....the doc told me I had excellent exercise endurance. Unfortunately my cholesterol ratio is not doing real well. I need to get my good cholesterol up higher. I've seen several studies that indicate that the more you exercise the higher your good cholesterol level.

Consequently I'm starting on the running program. Yesterday I did my usual 3 miles but ran about 3/4 of a mile. Hopefully I'll be running a 5k by the spring.

what is...couch to 5k program
 

what is...couch to 5k program?
sound like i need it.

Thanks girl!

Does anyone know how much a stop watch costs?