Also, you don't need to run continuously. It's perfectly fine to run for a couple minutes and then walk a bit. I think people's definitions of exercise are of

Also, you don't need to run continuously. It's perfectly fine to run for a couple minutes and then walk a bit. I think people's definitions of exercise are often too strict, or constrained. Another way to get into running is to start by just going for a brisk walk and run a little bit when you feel like it. That's how I got into trail running. I was going for long hikes, and at some point I started jogging short sections (maybe only 30 seconds) when I was feeling good. By doing this I could limit the total amount of running I was doing while still getting a good workout in.