how are those knees runners?

I believe you could do it. I would start with an app like C25k Couch to 5 k. I did it when I first started running. I loved it. I started out super slow and I am just now starting to run faster. Good luck

Couch to 5K (C25K) is a great way to get started - not the only way, but it works for many.

Running actually protects your knees over the long term except in special cases so I don't worry about it! (Some abstracts: http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=403120, http://www.cfp.ca/content/55/9/871.short)

ETA: Those articles aren't necessarily about protection, just correlations between knee issues and running/exercise.

My knees are just fine, thank you. There is overwhelming evidence that running does not damage your knees and/or hips but there are pre-existing conditions that contraindicate running (eg existing joint damage, being extremely overweight)

The good news is that by starting slow, building gradually, employing good technique and using appropriate footwear even us overweight runners can perform well,have fun and run injury free. There are a couple of other things you can to to help yourself too, and these include cross training (bike, swim, row, weights etc) , strengthening your core and focusing on strengthening glutes & hips (hip & glute weaknesses / imbalances frequently manifest themselves as knee pain)

Running can be a very enjoyable and liberating activity, approach it sensibly and you can enjoy running for the rest of your life.

I recommend good shoes, stretching, and proper technique.

Warm up your muscles before stretching before running. It helps make sure you'll feel how you're landing a bit better.

Mine knees are destroyed from running in knock-off Converse before I could afford running shoes, as well as ballet and tap giving them quite the beating. Don't be ridiculous like me.

I stopped having knee pain when I quit running in 'cheap' running shoes, and switched to minimalist shoes. As the above poster said, they aren't for everyone, and you can use proper form with other shoes as well, just the minimalist ones force you to land on the front of your feet, because heel striking really hurts in them
As a reference for proper form with some anatomy and shoe-lore thrown in, check out the book 'natural running', I think the authors name is Danny Abshire.
Slow build up, patience and not overdoing it are very important. I always have to hold myself back from progressing too quickly. I now started cycling, so I would get over my running-impatience (I ALWAYS want to run more than is good for me at my current level)...

Excess weight people carry around is more harmful than the stress put on the knees when running! Think about it, someone who is overweight will put more stress on their knees just from daily tasks than someone who is not overweight and runs.

I had shin splints occasionally when I first started running on the treadmill, but learned that was from increasing my speed & incline too rapidly.

Get a free assessment from a personal trainer at your gym. I did and had the PT assess my form when running to pick up any points that would minimize pain.

Good luck- you will LOVE it! There is no better feeling than hopping off the treadmill sweaty with a great burn!

I started running at 240 pounds. I'm 5'6, so I was quite overweight. You can run while overweight, but I do think you need to be maybe more careful than your average runner.

First, as others have mentioned, buy good shoes for your running style...especially if you over-pronate, you'll want something with stability.

Next, try not to run on concrete, at least at first. Treadmills, trails, and dirt roads are more forgiving to joints than paved streets.

Finally, and probably most importantly, build up very gradually. You'll improve cardiovascular health sooner than your joints will adapt. You won't want to run more than half an hour at a time (or rather run/walk intervals). You also shouldn't run two days in a row at first...cross train the other days with swimming or walking or something else low impact. Oh, and do some strength training. It'll help you keep from getting injured.

It's worth the trouble though. I love running now.

I started running last year, I'm the most unlikely runner I can think of. It's helped me lose more weight, build up more muscle and to feel better about myself.
I went to a decent sports store where they had a Gait Analysis machine so that they found me the right sort of running shoes otherwise I'd be going over on my ankles all the time (I'm double jointed). They helped me change my posture to avoid knee problems (which I've had since I was a child) and I now run several times a week (in good weather) and do about 5k or more each time.

Start with Couch to 5k, get an app for your phone that tells you when to run and when to walk. Take it slow and don't worry if your run is no faster than your usual walking pace. It's still taking more energy and it ALL helps.

Well done for taking the next step to a fitter, slimmer you.