Quote from PHOENIX TRADING:
I tend to agree ,what really makes the difference is genetics (IMHO) some people can get away with it all their lives others basically wear out in their late 30's.
I think the trick for me has to been shift to every other day instead of every day (with one day rest on saturday or sunday).
I spend time on the non-running days riding a high-quality spinner for 45-60 minutes doing intervals between 90 rpm sitting position with no load to standup 500-stroke climbs with massive load. Cycling is good for the knees and tends to offset the knee tightness that people get from running.
The most important part is to start up very slowly if you haven't been running. It is so easy to get hurt the first few weeks.
I like a good hike as well but "nature stroll" in Peoria? LOL! You have to elevate your heartrate or you aren't doing shit for cardio.

