I began running again after 15 years to loose weight November 2007 after dieting since July. My cholesterol levels were in the mid-300 range and my sedentary lifestyle was beginning to catch up with aches & pains. I dropped 55 lbs by May 08 and lowered my cholestrol by 100 points without meds. The Dr. felt I should still go on meds every other day. I recently tested normal with above average good cholestrol! I have worked my way back from injuries (calf tear right leg, then achilles on the left) after gaining back 19 pounds. As of now, I am down 15 from that height with walks/jog combinations, bicycling and excersize with light weights and fitball. One thing that for me was unthinkable was a hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon. This was the trip of a lifetime in my mind before the event. The views, the experience, the fun involved and the myth that it was beyond reach are gone. I had the most stiffness in my quads the day after but I am already planning my next hike, hopefully Rim to Rim, next year!