You are probably right. When I was a middle distance runner several decades ago,  I had a few runs  at night where I felt I could fly forever. Then my knees went kaput. However, if you have been sedentary all your life, running can seem so intimidating that it is tempting not to do anything at all. If you do get out walking, it's amazing what you can encounter, even in the most mundane neighbourhoods. Bird life, gardens, wildflower s, happy goofy dogs, happy, goofy middle aged ladies (that would be me, hello), little libraries, free stuff left outside houses, funny little houses with eccentric lawn ornaments. And the poles aren't for the halt and lame, they give you upper body strength. That way you can avoid gyms. Now Those are boring, and smelly.