Hi again,

I know that any exercise is good for you but I have a question.  I have just started jogging/running depending on how you look at it.  And this is a big deal for me.  I have always wanted to run but either not wanted it enough to actually do it or so out of shape going up stairs felt like running a marathon.  I ran 1 mile yesterday and 1 and 1tenth of a mile today.  What I plan is to reach the same distance that I have ran the day before and add 1 tenth of a mile to it until I can run two miles then three and so on.  I figure if I am streesed and can't add to my previous day I can at least maintain until I can continue to reach my goal.

My question is this: what are the benifits of running opposed to walking.  is there any specific way I should go about this at this time.  I am running on a treadmill because I can't get away to walk/run outside with a baby in the house.

Do you have any suggestions?  I would like to maybe run in a marathon some day.  I use to think this would be impossible but now I am not so sure.  I am from Boston and what a hoot it would be to run in that marathon.  Dreams are good don't you think

Thanks

Hi RebekahM,

One of the biggest benefits of running is that it makes your body work harder than walking, thus you will burn more calories.  That is the most simple way to differentiate the two. 

I like what you are doing with adding the tenth of a mile each seesion.  By doing so, you are raising your level of activity each session, but doing it in a way that makes it obtainable and safe.  Keep doing what you've been doing!

Dreams are great and you're proving that they don't have to be out of reach!  You can run the marathon and it will be more than a hoot!  

Keep up the good work!

Good Luck,

Paul