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So, I'm 30 (about to turn 31) and, as seems inevitable these days, all of my college friends have started running (and posting updates on Facebook, etc. about their runs and how happy they are about how fit they're getting). I'm in pretty good shape (6'0", 175 lbs), but I'd like to lose about 2" off my waist and hips, which usually correlates to about 7-10 lbs of "weight loss". Until about 6 months ago (when I moved across the country for a job), I had been lifting weights regularly (2-3 times per week, for about 8 months) and doing Pilates (once a week, for about two years). But I wasn't really doing any cardio, and while I know I was getting strong, I wasn't really losing any inches. In fact, I gained a few inches (increased muscle mass under stubborn fat), which I found immensely frustrating. So I decided to take up running. I decided to use the Couch to 5K program, and I got some new shoes from a local running store (they called them a "neutral" shoe, and they talked me out of getting a minimalist shoe, since I was newer to running). I also did a "Good Form Running" class at the same running store, and was told that I have good form (good upright posture, not heel-striking, etc.), although I need to work on relaxing my shoulders. I was very encouraged by all of this, and so I started the C25K program, but I didn't get very far. The first few weeks were great, but then I hit the transition from week three to week four. I can run for three minutes straight (middle "interval" of week three), but not for five minutes straight (middle "interval" of week four). I asked the instructor of the Good Form class about this, and he said that he suspects I'm pushing myself too hard during the "run" parts of the run/walk C25K program. He said I should move more slowly, while still keeping up my tempo, and I'll be able to get through it. When I did as he suggested, I was able to make it through the 5 minute segment of week 4's program, but I was jogging, not running. I didn't know if that was bad. I define jogging as taking smaller strides and moving more slowly and running as taking longer strides and moving more quickly. I can actually do the first week of C25K alternating between jogging really slowly (basically the same speed as a brisk walk) and jogging a little more quickly. So is it okay to be jogging? I just am worried about my form. I am trying to keep up the tempo of my jogging (3 steps per second, or thereabouts), per the advice I received at the Good Form Running class, the same as I had been for my running, so in theory my form should be good, but jogging just feels so much less... I don't know, productive, I guess. Any thoughts? Suggestions? Tips? Should I just stick with it and eventually I'll get there? Thanks, Megan