Here are a couple links for articles about the benefits of running. It's hard to get off the couch and head outside for a run (trust me, I've run two half marathons in the last year and I'm still struggling with it!), but there are so many reasons why you should make that initial effort. It's worth it in the long run (or so I keep telling myself...).
Outrun Your Genes from Women's Health Magazine - you can actually beat your body's predisposition to become obese
Resolve to Run from Runner's World Magazine - tips to get you started6 Benefits of
Running from Active.come - it's more than just keeping down your body weight
76 Ways to Get Moving from Active.com - Do you need more reasons?
Everything you Need to Loving Walking and Running from Fitness Magazine