Lori, I am a super slow runner too, but I'm 51, that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it
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Running has to be the best fat burning cardio around for me too... I've just started running after a summer break, I cannot run in the heat... I've also gained weight over the summer even with biking instead and weight training, go figure
too much wine, beer, BBQs me thinks
Good luck with the running and keep us posted on your progress...