Want to run

I would like to maybe start jogging but I feel like I am too heavy/flabby/jiggly to jog. Is jogging any more calorie-burning than a fast-paced walk? This sounds dumb, but I feel too gauky and uncoordinated to jog. 

Research shows that you will burn the same number of calories per mile, but with walking it will take more time. So fast walk a mile or run it, you'll burn the same number of calories. Walk for thirty minutes versus running for thirty minutes, running wins! Make sense? 

Got it. Thanks 

I totally get what you're saying, I felt this way too.  I felt like I was too uncoordinated and ridiculous to run.  But.. I did it anyway.  I started off with just 15 seconds out of every 5 minute block of walking - so I'd run for 15 seconds and walk for 4 minutes and 45 seconds.  Then I worked on increasing my running time until I could run for a full minute.  Which was a HUGE accomplishment for me.  Now I run for 1 minute out of every 2.5 minutes - so I run for 1 minute and walk for 1.5 minutes.  Slow improvements, but improvements nonetheless!  

Running definitely burns more calories for me than a walk of the same duration - since I can run faster than I walk, clearly, and running gets my heart rate higher than walking will.  So it's better for my cardiovascular system and stamina, etc.  

I started running when I was 3 months post-op.  

Great info GwenMo. I might go get some decent running shoes this weekend and try it. I definitely will be taking baby steps LOL.

If you have access to a local speciality running store, I HIGHLY recommend going there to get fitted for shoes.  It's a great experience and if you have any foot issues (which you might not be aware of) it can help immensely.  It can be a little intimidating, but getting fitted for proper shoes was a life changing experience for me when I did it pre-op!

Yes, there is a Gazelle Sports in Kalamazoo. I don't think I have ever been professionally fitted for shoes. Might fix some of my knee and ankle issues. Can't wait!

That looks like a great store.  (I checked out their website just now.)  I went to Kalamazoo College! :D

Yes, my kids used to buy their running shoes there. Hey cool! I hear K College is a really good private college. The basketball coach wanted to talk with my daughter about playing basketball there, but she chose Siena Heights U and ran track. 

IMO long term you will be better off walking vs running.  easier on joints and keeps your heart rate lower so you'll burn off less of your muscles.  you cna go things like walk up hills or increase your pace as walkign becomes easier for you.   and, as always, I recommend adding in some weight lifting or body weight exercises when ever you can.  long term they'll do more for you than anything else by building and working many muscle groups!