I run in the morning, too, while my husband and daughter sleep. It's such a nice way to start the day. I am taking my time, though. I started walking more last November, and then started to add some running (usually the flat or downhill parts). Now I warm up 5 min, run two, walk one or two, repeat for 25 min, and then cool down. So usually a 40 to 50 minute routine.

The reason I am not pushing myself to keep up with the week by week, is because I want this to become a lifelong habit. With my bad ankles and extra weight, I was worried that I would injure myself and then stop.

One thing that really helped is "chi walking/running." I bought the dvd and later had a session with a chi running trainer so that I would get my posture and form right as to avoid injury.

Keep us posted on how your are doing! Cara

I am glad to see I am not the only one who can look in the mirror at an hour when so many are still sleeping, sweat all over, no makeup and hair in a pony tail and say " Yeah I rock."