One answer was, "isn't running hard on your joints?" I still can't figure that one out.
I run about 5 miles 4-5 times a week, and occasionally go 12 w/ my 50 year old mom :). I find running to be meditative - and it's great for my heart, and is pretty much a full body workout. Running lowers my anxiety, cholesterol, blood pressure, improves my digestion, makes me thinner, & makes me stronger. Plus, it gets me outside enjoying the fresh air, and gets me on pretty trails (or on other days it tests my reflexes to avoid inattentive drivers who want to kill me all before breakfast).
The benefits of "greener" exercise map well to my experience with running. You can still be green if you're a runner!! Plus, I think they complement each other too, stretching out runner tight hamstrings! Moral = do the activity you love!

