The Running Thread

Your one-stop resource for all things running.

What shoes do I buy?
The most common advice is go to a specialty running store (Varsity Sports in the SELA area) and get fitted for shoes. They'll have you walk back and forth a few times while analyzing your gait and recommend a shoe based on that. I usually buy from the store because it's local and they're always helpful, but to save a buck you can go online to some of the sites listed below and get last season's colors for cheaper.

RunningWarehouse
Dick's Sporting Goods clearance shoes
Eastbay Clearance

How do I start running?
Slowly.
But seriously, starting slowly with a run/walk program is a great way to ease into it and avoid injury, which will lead to you hating the exercise. Couch to 5k is the most well known program. This program will take you from a run/walk to completing a 5k.

After C25K you can move on to more advanced workouts. I picked up a copy of Daniel's Running Formula years ago and never looked back. It's my Bible when it comes to running because it handles just about every topic you could have a question about. It also has great workouts for anyone from beginner to Olympian.

Strength Training/Injury Prevention
Running isn't the end-all answer to fitness. Supplementing your running with lifting can make you a better runner, as well as help prevent injury. It's up to you to find a program that fits your goals. For some, bodyweight exercises will be all that's necessary. Bodyweight squats, lunges, pushups, pullups, crunches. Others like to supplement their workouts with weightlifting. I recommend 3-5 sets of 12 reps on compound exercises, but it comes back to personal preference and what your goals are.

Increasing Mileage
This deserves its own discussion. When it comes to increasing mileage, the general recommendation is no more than a 5-10% increase per week, fittingly known as the 10 Percent Rule. This rule will help you avoid doing too much, too soon, which leads to a huge majority of running injuries.
For an example of how to use the rule, let's say you run 20 miles this week. Next week you can increase your weekly total to 21-22. As time goes on you'll keep increasing, until you reach your desired weekly goal.

More injury related resources:
Runners World - The 10 Laws of Injury Prevention

What about barefoot running?
Barefoot running is its own niche. I've tried slightly more minimalist shoes but never gone full barefoot. Proponents talk about it like it's the cure-all to any running problem, but I don't know enough personally to weigh in.

Barefoot Resources:
Amazon link - Born to Run
Runners World - Barefoot Running

Other Resources:
New Orleans Track Club
Louisiana Running Company

Let me know anything else that should be added to this post.