What sets jogging apart? Why has this tedious, often painful activity captivated millions of us? Some were undoubtedly attracted because jogging seemed chic and trendy. But I suspect that by far the great majority, convinced that exercise and fitness might benefit them, started jogging because it is so easy to do. Jogging demands few physical skills and requires no club memberships, hourly fees, expensive equipment, or dependence on others. Its benefits are achieved in relatively brief periods. The jogger has unlimited playing fields; virtually any street or path is fair game. With proper attire, he or she can jog with reasonable comfort in all types of weather.
Some find jogging terribly boring, but one man's boredom may be another's contentment. Jogging can offer relief from an otherwise hectic day or an opportunity to meditate without interruption if alone or to socialize with a group. Such contentment is, however, not readily