Want to start running again

I used to run a lot but quit due to lack of motivation, apathy and depression (ironic, right? Since running is known to be the best anti-depressant) . I'm not good with keeping goals and sticking with them, especially when it comes to physical health.

I want to start again and ease into the smaller 5k races then gradually work towards a marathon someday. Any advice on how to get started, best practices and holding accountability for myself so I follow through?

I like to run but sometimes I fall out of a routine because of weather, too much work, school, or whatever other reason.
One thing that always gets me started again is knowing how much better I feel after a run.
The extra energy it gives me to make it through the day.
Following a running plan may help that will lead you to your goal of running a 5k and signing up for one perhaps.. For me it's always a motivator knowing I have a race coming up. Good luck!

Something I've heard is supposed to be helpful- telling other people about your goals. They'll help hold you accountable. Nobody wants to hear "Oh, well I was going to run on Monday but I was sick, and on Tuesday my boss called me in early, and in Wednesday I was just too tired..."
A website I love to motivate me for fitness is fitocracy. They track your routine and give you points for it, as well as having groups that will help you train for what you want to do!

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You may want to consider downloading a couch to 5k program onto your cell phone. It's a 3-day-a-week, 8 week plan for running a 5k. There are a bunch of them out there. I tried to do it but it was causing problems with my fibromyalgia so now I've scaled back.

I, too, am motivated by how good I know it'll make me feel. Also motivated after already putting some time in and not wanting that work to go for naught.

Just, as a none-runner, how about starting with something like walking? I love walking. I gave jogging a go, went out for 20-30 minutes, very cold weather, a complete jognovice (bar jogging indoors, on the spot, alongside my usual workouts) and ended up with very sore shins, and felt like I was dying... hah. I was coughing crap for a couple of days. I'll try that again when I'm lighter and have better stamina. (I'm getting there xD)

So, anyway, I've been walking since, and I don't mean 30 minutes, I mean at least an hour, up to 5 and a half hours, often at 3-3.2mph, up and down typical England hills. I love it. I love it a lot. Sure, it takes longer, but you get to take in the sights more, and it's less ... taxing? Sorta.. it's like.. IDK, I can't explain it.. something about it just makes it so easy to get into. Go from walking to jogging, then jogging to running? You can even get a rucksack and shove a bunch of crap in there to make it harder.

I think I owe a lot of my body-fat loss to walking.

Thanks, that's a good point. I should work my way up to running. I've heard that walking has good benefits too.

I would totally recommend a free Couch to 5K app for your phone or iPod. It allows you to listen to your own music while slowly progressing you from running just 30 seconds at a time, to a minute, to five minutes, and eventually a whole 3 miles.