If you suddenly start jogging an hour a day you will most likely get runner's knee! I would say start working towards running an hour a day (biking and elepitcal could help with the pre steps) and always make sure to stretch!
Otherwise Spot reducing fat is very hard (not impossible) but because most people only work out one area (when they're doing it) their body needs to compensate so getting a balance is really hard.
BUT you -can- tone your legs to get them tighter and then possile leaner
Lunges, squats etc will build up because of muscle mass but if you stretch stretch stretch it should help lengthen your muscles.
SWIMMING is the best cardio you can do without much muscle bulk (except for butterfly your shoulders get massive).