Running Fat

I've been running around 3 miles for 2 or 3 times a week for over a year now (ok, maybe not every week). I also swim a mile at least once a week. Despite the fact that I know I'm overweight (12st 12lbs and only 5' 10'') why doesn't running get any easier? Why, over the same distance, don't I get any faster? If that's too much to ask, why doesn't it feel more comfortable? It must be that I'm kidding myself that I'm putting enough effort in and that being fat (ish - no pot belly but definately got the love handle thing) and over 40 isn't helping.

I do know that I have simply not tried to lose weight. I just don't want to reduce the amount I eat if I'm being totally honest. It's only natural to like food isn't it? I'm working on the misconception that by exercising alone I'll become more svelt. I am sure it's helping stave off the move towards Walrus proportions but there's no chance of reaching a male size zero (what is the male equivalent?).

I've always done a fair amount of exercise and I think I'm actually reasonably fit. My pulse is around 40 bpm which I know is very low (the average is around 70-75 I think) and I am hoping that is the sign of a strong heart that won't let me down whilst walking down the tinned goods aisle in Sainsbury's.

Exercise will continue to be an important part of my life. I just need to gather the willpower to lose the extra bits of me that I've gathered over time.

Right. That's enough. Off to the pub...