Beginner Runner

Both really help you and it is a good idea to do a mix of both. Cardio will give you the jump start though. I normally do at least 20 mins of cardio before I lift weights to get myself warmed up and my metabolism going.

Both! Strength training helps build muscles which in turn burn the fat. Something like that anyway haha. I know someone on here has a clearer answer.

I find running does more than weightlifting for me. My metabolism must just like the harder effort for longer. I walked and walked one summer with little results, but just running a few times a week and I peel off weight.

My biggest suggestions: check out runnersworld.com..... they have programs. Start slow and don't increase more than 10% a week or you will get some injuries.
Go to a running store and get fitted and buy NEW shoes. You need to replace them much more often and have proper fit for your style.
Get the right clothes.....invest in bras, wicking and anything to make you comfortable. Target and Kmart have some cheapies so it won't cost much...spend the most on your shoes!

Have fun, find a friend, and mix it up!

Hi everyone...I'm just going to talk on my personal experience. I did P90X when I was 180 pounds, I got strong and lost some weight, but the weight started melting off me when I began running. I had never run before and last June I decided I was going to run a mile...it was tough!!! I weighed around 165 pounds. I decided that I wanted to focus on my cardio and really dove into a running plan. I signed up for a 1/2 marathon in October and committed to a plan. I weighed in at 140 pounds on the day of the 1/2 and now weigh 133 pounds and I have continued running. I cross train with swimming, treadclimber, light weights and kettlebells, but my main focus was cardio and the weight melted off. It was discouraging to me (not everyone, but me) to weight train but still have so much fat that I couldn't see the results. You want to have a well rounded exercise program, but for me, the focus was cardio and has paid off! Hope that helps...

Wow, lots of responses to this.

Too much cardio will burn muscle which will slow down your metabolism. The person that did P90X then ran and lost more weight with all her running lost muscle with all the running. I'm not saying that's all wrong because their is a theory to lean 1st then build muscle. My point is if she doesn't build muscle (and she may be...this is not an attack I'm just using her as an example), and for some reason she reaches her goal and stops exercising and eating properly she will gain back all her weight and more.
P90X is NOT, again...is NOT a weight loss program. It's a fitness program with a side effect of weight loss. The whole purpose of P90X is to build muscle and let the muscle burn the fat.
I was having a problem with building muscle and a personal trainer said to me...how much cardio do you do. I told her I do up to an hour of cardio a day. She said, that's your problem. You are burning up your muscle.
Now I do no more than 30 minutes of cardio 3X's a week. I also do 3 - 1 hr weight lifting workouts per week and 2 days of mixed cardio, core and weight. Seems to be working for me.
Build muscle and let the muscle burn the fat.

I always laugh when women say that they don't want to bulk up. I'm like you'll never find the time, money, and commitment for that, but 300 pounds on a five-foot frame seem pretty bulky to me. I guess some people like that look better.

Definitely go to a running store and get some shoes, it may alleviate your splints and stuff. You can google some exercises to help too, but often bad shoes, or increasing your running too much from week to week are the culprits.

As for eating, I don't eat much before or I get side cramps or general GERD. However, after you may not be hungry for a bit, this gives you time to make something easy and healthy. I'm a big Runners World fan, they have post run food ideas in most issues. They highlight snacks to promote healing and recovery.