I have often though about returning to running.  I remember my days in Germany running with a jogging stroller for fitness and in hope that this would induce sleep for my son.  It gave my wife a break and was a means for me to exercise.  I loved the stress release and I could exercise for 20-30 minutes and burn a heck of a lot more calories than I do today.  Alas, that is no more…

In 2005, I experience two training injuries:

• The first one occurred while playing football with some fellow trainees.  I had an ankle inversion injury.  I hobbled on it for a week with crutches.  The ER physician told me it was not broken based upon the ankle rules for fractures.  Well, they are 95%+ correct with that test.  I guess I was in the other 5%.  I had a fracture of the left distal tibia (outside bone of the ankle right at the bony bulge of the ankle).  I don’t fault the physician who saw me.  I did not think it was broken either.  I rehabbed it for 3-4 months and thought I was good to go.  
• The second occurred 8 months later while on assignment overseas.  I stepped in a hole and it popped.  Good news: a combat boot is a good splint.  Bad news, I had a fracture in three places.  I waited until after my return from the assignment to seek surgical care.  I had to have ankle reconstruction.  I would likely never run again.  

This is why I walk instead of run.  Occasionally, I will try to run or jog but the ankle reminds me in short order why it is a bad idea.  It also keeps reminding me for several days after.  

Cardiovascular Exercises:

1. Jogging:
   • PROs  
     • Less impact on the joints than running
     • Burns more calories than walking
     • It is cheap
     • Extends life expectancy
   • CONs
     • Higher impact than walking
     • Harder for the elderly to continue
     • Higher injury rate than walking
     • Takes more time to burn the same level of calories as running
2. Running:
   • PROs
     • Burns more calories than jogging or walking
     • Extends life expectancy
     • It is cheap
   • CONs
     • Harder on your joints than jogging and walking
     • Highest injury risk
3. Walking:  
   • PROs
     • Anyone can do it
     • It extends your life expectance
     • It is cheap
     • Lowest injury rate
     • Lowest impact of the standing conveyance exercises
   • CONs:
     • Takes more time to burn the same level of calories as jogging or running

I think you can easily see why I choose to walk.  I can do it with my repaired ankle.  It has lowered my cholesterol and cardiovascular risk.  Time will tell if it effects my life expectancy or reduces my risk of dementia.  I recommend you consider walking as a form of exercise.