new runner

Question
I'm 46 and in fairly good shape. Although I have always been very active in exercise, I have never really given running a shot until the last few weeks. About 4 weeks ago, I decided that I really wanted to see what running was all about. I started slowly - alternating between walking and running, but not even running 1/2 mile at a time. After running 5 to 6 times a week over the last 4 weeks, I have completely surprised myself that I am running 3 miles without stopping. I've found that I have no problem with the breathing, but my legs are very sore when I run. Also, afterwards, I have some discomfort in my hips. Is this normal? Not pain, but discomfort. Am I doing more harm than good by continuing to run each day? I'm scared to take much time off because I don't want to have start over and build back up. Do you lose your endurance if you don't make a point of running practically every day? Any advice you can give me will be appreciated. I'm definitely still learning. Thanks!

Answer
You don't have to run every single day in order to maintain any endurance that's been built up.  3-4 times a week is what is recommended by most coaches & experts on the matter.  Even the super-serious will take workout frequency down from 6-7 days/week to 3-4/week from time to time as a way to taper & recover from training.  
I'm not sure what is going wrong with your hips, and I'm unable to help you there via email (can't really do any fixing of pain/injuries over a series of emails).  I'm not sure what you are doing for a warm-up or cool-down, but the new foam rollers that are out there can be of benefit, both before & afterwards, to aid in muscle recovery.

Rick Karboviak