Fitness Goals Support Group

My advice is to start out moderate. 2-3 times a week running then maybe crosstrain another cardio form such as biking/swimming. Also don't contantly run on the same surface:vary it. Too much asphalt for aexample can cause problems in the LONG TERM. Always warm up and stretch.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE how much some moderate weight training will help. Even a couple times a week with your legs to help strengthen the weight bearing joints. Just a little more strength will help the knee capsule for example absorb more of the impact. Keep your core muscles like your lower back/abs/glutes etc strong. This will in the long run protect you.
Read runner's world magazine or some thing to learn from.
Remember, moderate. You may want more later but ease into it and learn your body and it's limits. Also get your gait checked out. You sound like you'd benefit from going into a specialist running store, where they can check that and get some motion control shoes.
If running really is too much for you then the next best thing would be to power walk. There's a lot of info on the internet about walking for weight loss and many people I've worked with as a trainer have achieved remarkable results when combining power walking with a healthy eating programme.

I agree with cherry.

Lift weights...muscle mass makes for more efficient fat burning!!!

As far as the running goes, only run about 2-3 days a week, on a treadmill if the outdoors bothers you. If you're not running to compete, then the important thing is that you're doing it. I find the elliptical trainer a close second to running. I like the ones with no handles...you know, the moveable ones. I don't hold on while i'm doing the ellip, it helps to strengthen the core. Of course, I enjoy a good kickboxing class too, to change it up. There are a lot of good cardio options out there, you just need to experiment and see what works best for you.

Best of luck to you!!!

Running can be stressful on your knees, ankles and hips. Strength training 2x week will help strengthen these joints. Stabalization exercises could help too esp with your gait. Get the RIGHT shoes and stretch like cherry said. Most importantly if something doesn't feel right, STOP. If you have minor ache /pain in your knees, ankles or hips, ice them for 20min.

Definitely Elliptical. Maybe you should have your gait evaluated by a professional. Physical therapist or podiatrist somebody like that.

I'm worried about that gait. If you work it too much before getting that addressed you could really hurt yourself. The solution could be as simple as the right pair of shoes.

Speed walking. A good personal trainer could help target the muscles that are weak and need to be strengthened to correct your gait.

Lots of good advice so far. I'll throw in my 2 cents worth based on my experiences. If you're not running to compete but just to stay in shape than running 2, but no more than 3, days a week is enough. Also, I never run on asphalt but instead run on trails. Trails help soften the stress on your legs plus gives you the added benefit of strengthening different muscles than just running on a flat surface. Just be careful that when you start out you choose fairly flat, well-maintained trails, you can graduate to the rough stuff later.
Also, the elliptical trainer is a great alternative. I also like to do that with holding the handles as it gives you a better workout. You have to push yourself but if you do the elliptical properly you can get just about as good of a workout as running.
Sounds like your biggest concern running is your form. Be careful of that and pay attention to it because that could really mess you up. Good luck to you.