Running again after a 25-year break?

Question
Hello Nick. My wife was a competitive sprinter in high school, but she is 43 now, and hasn't exercised much since then. She would like to get back into shape, and is considering sprinting again. She's not overweight, doesn't smoke or drink alcohol, has no personal or family history of heart problems, and is naturally limber. How do you suggest she get back into it? She's worried that this might not be a good idea, that maybe she should just walk instead. Thank you very much much for your help with this matter.

Answer
Leonard,  Thanks for the question.  It's great to hear that she wants to exercise again!  I would definitely suggest that she start slow. I would rather someone go a little slow than become injured with going to fast.  Injuries cause you to spend more money, experience, pain, and can frustrate you from exercising more in the future.  Going to slow means you don't get the results as fast as possible, but consequences are minimal.  

Steps
1) Start with walking and light jogging.  The way she'll know if she can progress is if over the next two days she feels alright.  
1a) If she has any desire to lift weights there is a huge benefit to lifting weights.  It would allow her to exercise more and not overwork the muscles, ligaments, and tendons involved in jogging.  (There are also other benefits.)  If she doesn't have a desire to do this then no worries.  If she needs a program I suggest The 6 Week Workout Program.  This is fabulous for beginners and I'm the author so if she ever has any questions I'm available to answer.  
2) Jog and sprint as long as she follows the rule outlined in step 1.  

If she does experience any pain then see a physical therapy doctor.