Can You Run a Mile?

When you're dedicated to fitness, running a mile can seem like a piece of cake, but as we learned from a recent episode of "The Biggest Loser," a mile can seem like several to someone who's not used to exercise, carrying a fair bit of extra weight or both. In fact, it takes so much extra effort for obese people to run a mile than it does for normal-sized folks that they can end up burning more than twice the calories! That's not to say that obese and overweight people are the only ones who have trouble running -- I know slim people who would struggle. Yet others struggle with conditions like exercise-induced asthma or joint issues, making running more of a monumental challenge than a simple sprint.

So this week, I want to know if you can run a mile, and if you can, are you the type of person who finds it easy? Or is it a challenge?

Last week, I wanted to know how you keep your weight in check -- with diet, exercise or both. Your response?

• 77 percent chose the smart answer -- they balance both to stay healthy.
• 12 percent said they prefer exercise -- they work out lots so they can eat what they want.
• 10 percent aren't crazy about exercise, so they eat well all the time.
• 1 percent aren't bothered with either -- they aren't worried about their weight.

Here's a good reason to be concerned about your weight -- it really affects your lifespan!