i haven't exercised in years. this morning, after getting all the stuff i needed (shorts, trainers, ipod armband) i finally decided to go out for a run. i was really ambitious about it, but i quickly realized how out of shape i am.

i ran/walked for about 25 minutes. i tried to keep a steady pace, but i coudln't. i kept stoping to walk. this is good right? walking and running, rather than over-exerting myself trying to keep running.

-should i stretch before or after running?
-what about hydration? when should i drink water?
-and eating, what should i eat and when? i don't usually do breakfast, and i will be running in the mornings.
-also, where do you keep your keys? my shorts don't have pockets, so i just put them in my shoe.

how often do you run? ideally i'd like to get to the point where i'm running in the mornings 3-5 times a week for atleast 25-30 minutes. i'm not overweight or anything, but i'm so fucking fleshy. i have no muscle at all. well my legs are muscular, thats because i bike everywhere. but there's no muscle in my upper body.

any advice, tips? thanks.

-should i stretch before or after running? Both. If you dont stretch before, you could pull something, and if you dont after your muscles could tighten and cause pulling as well.
-what about hydration? when should i drink water? From what i know, you shouldnt chug it while you are running because it could cause cramping. I always bring water when i run because i do get thristy, but i sip it. After i am done i drink all the water i want.
-and eating, what should i eat and when? i don't usually do breakfast, and i will be running in the mornings. You should eat something before, whether it be a piece of fruit or an energy bar or yogurt. It helps your metabolism and gives you more energy. The same applies for AFTER running. Dont pig out!
-also, where do you keep your keys? my shorts don't have pockets, so i just put them in my shoe. Shoes are an excellent idea

Well, Jaded answered all of your questions, so I just wanted to give you a nice big "thumbs up" on starting this. I just started running about two weeks ago myself, so we're in the same boat!
Just be very careful when you go out. My mother was jogging a few years ago and was violently attacked. The fucker was never caught, but luckily my mom is a tough cookie and beat him away from her. I don't want to scare you; definitely keep up with the exercise program, but I did notice you said you bought an ipod armband -- perhaps keep the music to a minimum volume, or just don't use it at all. You gotta be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Other than that, good luck!!!

Running isn't going to help your upperbody. You need to lift weights to tone your upper body. Maybe swim.

good call. i missed that part of the post.

I don't have anything to add ... I just wanted to say, Congratulations!! Keep going with it!!!

I need to start doing this myself.

thanks for all the support thus far. will i notice any physical changes from running? i don't have time to do weights. what about push-ups and crunches? shit i'm so oblivious to all this exercising shit. will running tone my stomach?

Good on you for making a change. Im ambitious about exercise just never get round to doing it everyday like I would hope. Pushups and crunches will help your upper body more than running. Im pretty sure running just helps your thighs and legs and gets you fit.

good on you for having a go. I prefer running at my gym, as I can put my stuff in a locker and watch the big TV screens! I find music helps me run for longer. Also after about 20 minutes I get that cool endorphin rush that motivates me more when I speed things up or add more incline. Keep it up, I bet in a couple of weeks you'll start to see changes.

Well, it will certainly help you lose fat. Push-ups and crunches should build muscle.