Hey Ashley!
Running is a good form of cardio, but like any other form you have to switch it up or your body gets used to it and you're not working out enough. My trainer actually told me that the most effective way would be to move from machine to machine, so I rotate amongst the elliptical, the treadmill, and the bike depending on how long I feel like doing whichever. I find the bike to be least effective, but also least stressful on my stomach. So I generally save it for cool downs, or days when my tummy hurts.
The best way to start running (if you're not a runner) is to build up to it. When I started I ran 20 minutes, most days, throwing in a 30 minute day twice a week. I also kept the pace pretty slow, somewhere around 5 mph or so. Then I built up my abilities and now I run anywhere from 20 minutes to 60 depending on my mood and IBS. I also change things, like running 10 min @ 6 mph (I'm still not that fast, so that's booking it for me), or upping the incline some. The best idea is to start slow so you don't get frustrated and quit. You could also run 10 min and take a 1 min walking breather. Intervals are a great idea in general, but I find them impossible on the treadmill. It takes a while to change speeds and that blows the whole interval thing.
Oh, since you're doing this for cardio purposes, keep an eye on the time, don't worry about distance. I never rack up the miles because I'm not that speedy, but I still get in my 200 min of cardio a week, and that's what I care about.
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Re: question for Chinagrl or others who run at the gym...
