A coupla things about running: I'm a new convert to it, I've avoided it all my life even when I was a teen athlete, now I'm a total addict! I started out just running for a single minute, then ignored the time and went for distance, a half mile at first. That became a whole mile, though with several breaks for speed walking. So now I have some questions:

1. Pace - the guy at the running shoe store told me that the ideal pace is 180 steps per minute, or 90 pairs. At least I think that is what he said, can anyone confirm? I do like that pace, it keeps me at a fairly nice prance.

2. Change in body - After you have incorporated running (not walking or jogging but real running) into your workout, what changes have you noticed in your body, in your shape? I would like to know if what I think I'm seeing is real, versus hopeful imaginings. The scale hasn't really moved but I think my pants might be fitting better.

3. Arms and the rest - It's obviously good for your legs but what do you runners do to keep the rest of you toned?

Pace--I mostly run to music so my pace depends on the song--anywhere from a 10-minute mile to a 7.5 minute mile. My favorite is Springsteen's "Trapped" but any fast beat will get my legs moving.

Body changes--I have muscle under the saggy skin in my butt. Running hills will help there and in your thighs, too. I also have great calf muscles--not bulgy like a ballerina but long and lean with a good shape. My abdomen and back muscles are strong too. I keep a 10 lb dumbbell by the chair I watch TV in, and I can do bicep, shoulder, tricep, and chest exercises right there. I also swim for an upperbody/back workout, plus it makes a nice change from the pounding my knees take. Running and swimming help everything!

Thank you for that Foxbins, anybody else have any advice? Words o' wisdom? Anything?? =)