How do you protect your knees while running?

I agree with the post above. I think the biggest thing is just to not try to progress too quickly.

I was not a runner either and actually ran my first 5k without even running on the ground beforehand. I never liked running and always used the elliptical for exercise. My first 5k went much better than I expected. I did it in 30 minutes (jogging the whole time) without preparing on the ground. For me, it was more about getting the cardio capacity than the actual running part. If you are getting tired and your legs are getting sore, go ahead and take a break and use a machine to train.

I was in the same position as you at one point and I have run several mud/obstacle races including a few spartan races and a tough mudder.

Good Luck!

Form, shoes and not doing too much too soon.

Get fitted for shoes that fit right, at a running store. You are not looking to commit to running so don't be afraid to get some cushioning in the shoes. No need to worry about minimal shoes.

Too much Too Soon. Just don't do it. Use the C25K App to train, run at a pace that is comfortable and can breathe. Trying to run too far and too fast too soon is the best way to get injured.

Form. Run loose, don't over stride, your foot should land beneath you not in front of you. That will reduce the shock on your joints, tendons and muscles.

All of this as well as some strength training to build up the muscles in your legs to help protect your knees. A lot of people are quad-dominant so need to focus on glutes and hammies. Building up my glutes has done wonders for my impact-based knee problems.

Squats, hip thrusters, dead lifts, back extensions are all great exercises (include all variations of these exercises including single leg variations)

Some great advice already! If you hate something you won't keep at it. In general we "hate" things that we are not good at, and running is no exception, with the extra bonus that you get to feel pain.
I can only echo the Couch 2 5k advice, although I am not sure you need to invest in an expensive pair of shoes to do the initial stages. Running with a group also is fun - once you have done the first bits of C25K you might find a nice beginners group at your local running store.
I started c25k in Oct 2011 and in Oct 2013 did a marathon in 3:47, and I currently run about 30 - 50 miles a week, so if you start slow and build up you can make really good progress!

Edit: As to the actual question, you will probably feel pain in the front of your legs for the first few sessions, as you are stressing muscles that are not used to it, but that goes away. If you have nothing wrong with your knees already, then you should be ok.

I can't add much to what is already there
But I will say. I thought I hated running. Then one day decided to give it a go.
I went slow. Ran for a bit walked for a bit while I got used to it, but that lil sucker worms it's way in to you.
Running gets fun. Ok maybe not always fun. But it gets addictive. I'm a lot nicer if I've had a chance for a run. Even if I don't feeling like getting off my *kitten* and going I do be ause I know once I'm there I feel a while lot better.
I must admit when I'm stressed I even crave it a little bit.

So if you can dont go out thinking you will hate it. Just think of it as something you are going to give a go. A challenge. I will do this and I'm going to have fun with it.
You might surprise yourself.

I hated running and never did it until I was almost twice your age. Now I love it.

best tips I was given:
1) get the right sort of shoe. It depends on whether you have a high or low instep. They must be cushioned in the right place to protect and correct your strike. The right shoes will stop you getting shin splints. Change them often. I change mine every three months. I don't run loads - only about 10 miles a week, but as soon as they stop feeling springy they are binned.

2.) Stretch out all the muscle sin your legs especially the side ones. Tightened hamstrings and side muscles (not sure what they are called) really put a strain on the knee joint. the thigh muscles need to be long and supple and warm before and after you run.

3) Take tiny steps when you start running. This is less about the knees, more to help with what you mentioned about the feeling in your lungs. Don't run too fats at first and keep your stride very small indeed until you build your stamina.

Also, I find wool hiking socks better for running than running socks. They are more cushioned and springy and they keep your feet very dry in all weather conditions.

You can get some running lycra leggings with built in extra knee support. Try Sports Direct.

I'm sure this has been said, but get proper shoes, research correct form, and don't overdo it. That said, I've never been one to believe the hype of running being "bad" for knees. Take it easy and enjoy!!

Start slower then you think you need to run. Much slower. Don't worry about speed, speed will come with time out running.

It's a Myth Running doesn't damage your Knees. In fact there has been research showing it strengthens them as it increases cartilage growth. Wear decent shoes and you'll be fine. You'll always find someone who'll give you some horror story about knee and hip replacements and give you an example of someone they know. In all likelihood the example they're giving wood have had to have those replacements if they were a runner or not

http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-prevention-recovery/5-things-runners-should-know-about-knees