I hate running, but...

[kenyonchris]

I am a certified (National Academy of Sports Medicine) personal trainer...and so hereby saying, DON'T STRETCH COLD MUSCLES!!! Warm up a bit (walk or slow run), move about, THEN stretch.
I am a hideous runner. I do run, and am sort of half thinking of trying to do a half marathon, just to see if I can. But I am awful. I put my ipod on and try to think of better things. The first mile is usually terrible, then I get into my stride (awkward as it is) and then I find myself having to slow down so I don't burn out. Blech.
Right now I am in MTB mode. I will stay in it until the weather gets too bad to do it consistently. I will run over the winter, then start on the road bike again in the spring.

[luvmypwds]

yes, get fitted for proper shoes. Go to a running-specific store if possible. Is there a Running Room around where you are? I'd recommend signing up for a running clinic. When I started running (wow, almost 15 years ago now!) I joined clinics and I found them very helpful - both for the coaching and the camaraderie.

[OakLeaf]

+1 on proper fitting shoes. (But note that many people have to make some compromises when they fit shoes. For myself, I've just radically rearranged my idea of what compromises are appropriate, which shoes "fit" and which "don't.")

Here's a warmup routine Wahine posted back in the spring that's been really helpful for me. Before that, I like to do the "body looseners" recommended in the Chi Running program.

+1 on not stretching cold muscles. Actually, I was taught that even after a warmup, there's no benefit to stretching before a workout. Definitely stretch afterward - calves, hamstrings, quads, adductors at a minimum.

There's pain and there's pain. Some muscle soreness is to be expected any time you're adding or increasing activity. Cramps are common, but not what I'd call "normal," especially if you're getting them frequently - there are LOTS of things that can cause them - form, nutrition, hydration, improperly fitting shoes, etc. Joint pain, or pain the next day in your arches, heels or Achilles tendons, means that something's wrong. Attending a running clinic, joining a Chi Running group or another running club are possible ways to figure out how you can run pain-free.

[Jolt]

+1 on not stretching cold muscles. Actually, I was taught that even after a warmup, there's no benefit to stretching before a workout. Definitely stretch afterward - calves, hamstrings, quads, adductors at a minimum.

...and don't forget to stretch TFL in addition to those!!