Fun and Fitness for the 40-Something

An easy plan to start running

Want to start running? C’mon, you know you do.

After all, the benefits of running are indisputable, including:

• weight loss,
• stress relief,
• cardiovascular fitness,
• improved bone health, and
• improved joint health (perhaps contrary to popular belief).

And the legendary “runner’s high”? Apparently, it’s for real.

I love running because of the sense of accomplishment it gives me, its convenience and its efficiency. The average person burns about 100 calories per mile (depending on weight, speed, terrain and other factors)—that means you burn more calories in an hour than you would from biking or other activities.

Running 5K will burn about 300 calories. And you can get to that distance by following an easy six-week schedule.

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Just because her show is where I get my reality TV fix, I thought I’d mention this article about how Kathy Griffin stays fit.  I know she’s an acquired taste—people seem to either love her or hate her—but you have to give props to someone whose fitness tips include eating peanut butter from the jar and altering your clothes.