A few years on and I was really into fitness so I tried again. My two best friends were regular runners and talked me into joining with them one evening. We ran along chatting with each other and when we started to puff, we would stop and walk. I loved it! I felt great. I now realize that before I was trying to run too fast, competing with my dad and brother.

I began to go running regularly. I started very slowly, and when I started to get puffed I dropped back to a brisk walk for a while and then jog again.

I would encourage you to read a few books on running before you start running yourself. I learned how important it is to increase your distance gradually, that you should not be compulsive about running the maximum distance every day, and that you should learn to listen to your body. If it tells you that you are tired, don't push too hard. If you keep your pulse rate up to your training level long enough, you will be shedding fat in those problem areas.

Running may not be the ideal exercise for some people, because it does put stress on your knee and hip joints.

The sad news is I haven't jogged for several years now. I do hope one day in the near future (say six months) to start to run again. I can tell you from my own experience that when I was running I had never felt fitter, healthier or more full of energy in my whole life. I also stopped smoking while I was running, and it didn't seem that hard to kick the habit when I was fit. But now as you know, I am not very fit, overweight and I'm smoking again. I know which should be my first priority, quit smoking! But it's not. I want to drop the weight and get in shape first. Then when I feel fit enough to start running again I will try to quit smoking.