Running for weight loss

Question
I have just started running again and have about 4 weeks invested.  I'm
averaging 3x week and approximately 4 miles per run. I have a nike/ipod
trainer and it is hugely motivating and I'm noticing my distances increase and
my desire to run more often.  I'm also running the hills which I usually walked
and adding just a little bit of stairs at the end of my workouts (2-4 sets of
approximately 90 stairs)  running up them but walking down and walking
between the short distance flights between levels.  
My goals are:
#1 weight loss
#2 Toning.  

I am a 5'6" female and currently way 165lb.  And 36 yrs old.  I've just started
the weight watchers program and after following it precisely I only lost 1.5lb
the first week.

My questions are:
- Do you think my weight loss could be slower (especially in the beginning
due to gaining muscle?)
- Is it okay to run every day or does your body need a rest in between days?
- What training regimen would you recommend based on my goals?

Answer
Hi Linda
First question...NO...you have to be patient.Four weeks is not much time.Your focus should be on body fat not weight.I would recomend to have your body fat measured with calipers for a base line to work with.Second i would recomend you learn to eat in the real world and give up weight watchers.It really isn't hard.You really don't want to count points your hole life.

Second question...You can run seven days a week,but just run easy and relaxed,and if you feel you need a little rest just walk for the workout.

Third question...I would recomend you run for time and work up to 45 min three days a week and 1hr.20min.twice a week with two days in between the longer workouts.You can run and walk the longer workout till you feel you can go the hole way running.The real key to max fat loss is going longer on your workouts and fine tuning your nutrition program.The other things your doing is excellent.

Final success
formula........PATIENCE,PATIENCE,CONSISTENT,CONSISTENT focus on your goals that your commited to.You will then be able to live and become the hero of your own success story.
Any other questions get in touch Linda.

All the best

John