I want to RUN.....

First things first, go get a good pair of running shoes from a running specialty store. Don't ask for brand name recommendations or pick the prettiest colored pair... get a proper fitting and buy the ones that feel the best. Try to find a store that does a gait analysis to help with this. Plan to spend about $100, although you may get a good deal if you can buy an "outdated" model. trust me, I speak from personal experience when I say that the money is better spent on shoes than podiatry co-pays.

As far as getting started, that's more of a personal choice. I went from couch potato to runner with no program, just got up and ran out the door one day. If you want the structure of a program or can't run very far, I've heard great things about C25K and similar programs. Whether you opt for a program or just do your own thing, start out slow. The best advice I was given was to run slow enough that you can hold a conversation. It keeps you from getting winded too quick and helps prevent side stitches. Once you get used to it, you'll increase speed.

Get decent shoes (don't need to spend a fortune)
And start slow

Just do it.....
Learn more as you go.....

Talk to people, run with other people, look for support groups

And enjoy it! Watch a puppy or a 4 year old, they enjoy running!

Just thought I'd add: by saying "start slow", this doesn't necessarily mean "run slow" -- if you're really out of shape, or way up in the obese part of the BMI range, or can remember disco from personal experience in the 70's, then maybe the right approach is to start by walking, and then starting C25K after you feel good with regular brisk walks.

I completed C25K last spring, but after some (unrelated) medical issues, I stopped working out and dieting. I'm just starting back now, but I'm going to give myself a couple of weeks of walking (for me, 3.5 mph for a half hour seems like a good place to start -- your mileage may vary!), before I jump back into C25K. The worst thing I could do to myself is go at it aggressively, get discouraged, and quit.

So, for me at least, some time spent getting accustomed to my diet and my exercise regimen, including some decent walking, is definitely part of my C25K prep!

http://running.about.com/od/getstartedwithrunning/ht/getstarted.htm
This is how I started, good luck

THe Couch to 5K program is awesome. It took me from not being able to run at all to running for 30 minutes non-stop. I've gone on to training for a 1/2 Marathon because of that AP!

Same advice as others,...

1) Go to a running shoe shop and get them to fit you with some running shoes
2) Start slow and build up - C25K is good, if not then run for a few seconds and then walk then repeat several times. Over the next few weeks swap more running for less walking until you are doing 1/2 hr - won't take you as long as you think :-)

the most important advice

STRETCH AFTER EVERY SESSION - EVEN IF YOU ARE KNACKERED AND SCHEDULE REST DAYS

Bump for later.

The key to starting and keeping at it is pacing yourself. Dont go try and run a mile day one...or even week 3-4. If you try too much at first you won't go back to doing it all because of how much it SUCKED! Start small. I started running last March and would literally run the length of a mailbox to the next mailbox. Stop and walk and when I was ready- did it again. Each day I went just a tad farther and farther until 1 mile wasn't enough and so on. You can definitely do it! and YES- Shoes are very important and were(and are still) motivational tools to get me going. I love shoes- especially new ones;)

Here is a repost of my tips for new runners;

1. Good Pair of Running Shoes properly fitted by someone who knows what they are talking about. They are the third most important piece of equipment after your feet and brain.

2. Listen to your body. If you aren't used to running, the urge to go as far as you can, as fast as you can, can and usually does lead to injuries.

3. Most people should follow the 10% rule... never exceed the previous weeks running by more than 10% (especially on longer runs). Build gradually, Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was marathon distance running. Keep in mind, according to mythology the first Greek who ran to Marathon dropped dead on arrival. Don't be that guy!

4. Take a program or running clinic. They will guide you to what are reasonable distances and what to expect. Running Clinics are wonderful opportunities to learn about the sport and run with other people of similar experience levels. The offer you a coached experience. It is also fun to run in a group. You can find the programs online or at your local running stores (I coach for the Running Room)

5. Find a running buddy will help keep you motivated.

6. Sign up for an event and train for it. Most people start by signing up for a 5K about 10 weeks out. Again, keeps you focused and the feeling of success when you cross the finish line is fantastic. Start with a 5K, build to a 10K, then a Half, and Full and eventually Ultra (was my goal for this year... currently sidelined with injury).

7. There is an old adage that you can't teach speed. Don't be discouraged by your pace, work on endurance first. Speed comes much later. I have people in my clinics who run 8 minute miles, and I have people who run 15 minute miles. They are all fabulous and dedicated runners. I teach people that we are all as different as our feet, I couldn't run a mile in your shoes, and you'd trip all over the place in mine ( unless you wear a size 12 double E width

8. Treat every run as a learning experience. Did you have a great run today? Or was it a supremely crappy one? Why was that? What went wrong? Not every run is going to be an awesome run, and not all of them bad. Try to find the positives and build from them.

Probably many more things I could add. Feel free to add me as a friend if you have questions or need advice.

Good luck and be safe!

C25K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

cant add much more from what everyone else has said...good luck to you

GOOD SHOES!

Also when you go shoe shopping ask lots of questions to make sure the sales person knows their stuff.

Along with ALLLL this wonderful advice (good shoes, yes; C25K or similar, yes), keep in mind that running is 95% mental. If you get to a tough point in your training and let yourself think you can't do it, you will give up. But it's amazing how you can stretch yourself and go those next few seconds/minutes/feet/yards, etc, when you tell yourself you can.

Enjoy!

If you find that you don't like Couch to 5K (I didn't care for it at all), and feel like you need a plan instead of just doing your own thing, then I second Hal Higdon. You can find his training guide online.

Read Chi-Running. No pain in my knees or anywhere else after reading it and applying the technique! May not work for everyone, but it has for me!