new to the sport

Question
Hello, I am 24, 5'9 and just under 200 lbs. I never enjoyed running before, but I am starting a new healthy chapter in my life, eating healthy,exercising 5 days a week, and I'm loosing weight and loving it. In addition I want to start jogging(and eventually running) and make it part of my life, but I just dont know the right way to go about it and dont want to over do it or hurt myself. Can you give me any suggestions? Maybe one day I can even complete a marathon.

Answer
Hi Elise
First i want to say how excited i am to hear your focus for the future Elise.Second i want to say to you i personally started the same way years ago.I have since run 25 marathons and about 700 shorter races and still train 7 days a week.I am going to give you the same program i did which is a walk jog and increasing the jog as you become more comfortable until you have the ability to jog 45 minutes 5 days a week at a very comfortable relaxed pace.You can then decide what next level you want to focus on such as just good health and relaxation or get into some competition.The most important thing you have to remember in your quest is you have to have a great great deal of patience and commitment and consistency to become the hero of your own success story.It is that simple Elise and not complicated.I so admire your quest and desire to change your direction and make it happen feel free to call me any time here in albuquerque NM if you have other questions.Just go to my web site for contact info.

All the very best
Elise

John