First time running-joint pain

I'm not a runner, but here is some info to start with: There is a difference between joint pain from "impact" (the foot hitting the ground) and just plain using your body in a way you haven't before. The latter is usually described as muscle pain (not a joint issue) and will resolve as you continue to do the activity - just take it slow. If it is an "impact" issue, here are some thoughts:

- The surface you are running (or walking) on makes a difference. Try to run on dirt or grass, not harder surfaces.

- Listen to your body on joint pain. If it hurts, cut the workout short.

- Start small and build up. As you lose weight and your body adjusts, you will be able to go longer.

- Supplement your workouts with low/no impact activities such as bike, treadmill, and swimming.

Great tips from runningwhilem and others.

I was in a similar situation as you - while I was very active up through my twenties, I hadn't run farther than a mile EVER until I started moderate distance running last year as part of my plan to get fit. Lots of things hurt - knees, ankles, feet, even my back. I started off with a "Ease into 5K" app on my Droid and it did an awesome job gently preparing me for running. At first, it had me running only about 15 seconds, then walking, but in ten weeks it has you running 30+ minutes without stopping. I couldn't imagine doing that when I first started out, but a few months later and twenty pounds lighter, I run three times a week, three miles (nonstop) each. It's still hard work at times but I went from 12 minute miles to about 9; so, for me, what used to be tough (12 min. miles) is now a pretty leisurely pace. As you get more fit, your heart rate will go down even as you run faster. And that's awesome to watch happen.

OK, so that covers a preparation app and weight, so that leaves shoes and technique. I would definitely recommend going to a running store, not an athletic shoe store at the mall. We have a wonderful place (owned by the Cucuzzella guy mentioned below) that will not only discuss the latest trends in shoes (e.g. zero or low drop running shoes, with minimal heels, that let your foot land more naturally than do traditional shoes with high, cushioned heels) but the best shops will even critique your running motion - gait, breathing, upper body posture, etc. So, that's my last suggestion - do some research on the web related to running technique. A real pioneer in this "new" running philosophy is a guy named Dr. Mark Cucuzzella. The guy gives running clinics and seminars all over the country. Google him and watch some of his videos on YouTube; he's got some great exercises that will improve your technique, which in turn will GREATLY reduce strain and stress on your joints. In particular, pay attention to his advice to always have your knee bent, not completely straight, as you "land" your forward foot. And stay off that heel! I'm very lucky - I'm even able to attend his monthly fitness clinics in the area and it's made a big difference for me.

One last thing - I found "Born to Run" a very inspirational book for a beginning runner like me; it made me reconnect with my love of running as a kid. I don't know about you, but from when I got home from school until I was called in for dinner, I'd be out in someone's yard running around, either playing football or soccer or tag. With our desk jobs and staring at computer screens all day long, it's amazing how far we've come since those days. And our bodies have paid the price.

One VERY last thing - I now use Runtastic to map my runs. It calculates the calories burned and uploads those automatically to MFP, subtracting those exercise calories from your net for the day. Nice. Runtastic also supports heart rate monitors, so you can track your heart rate against your pace/speed and see in real numbers how you're getting fit.

Anyway, this is way longer than I intended! Sorry. So, good luck to you - hope you grow to enjoy it eventually and that it becomes an integral party of your life as it has mine.