Hey, DDH!

You can totally do this! See my intro on the "Hi!" thread I just posted. I second what people have said. Find a walk/run program and stick with it. Don't be afraid to change it, though. When I first started marathon training I thought that all of the magic was in the plan and if I missed a single run or didn't do the prescribed distance I was going to surely fail. Now I know you have to have flexibility and listen to your body. If you're feeling sore or drained, cut it back.

I definitely second the idea of getting fit at a proper running store in good shoes. The right shoes can mean the difference between injuries and smooth sailing. Once you get going, shoes should be replaced every 300-500 miles. If you're doing a lot of your running on a treadmill, they may look very new, but replace them anyway!

I would also recommend having a goal race or maybe if there are no races nearby just a day when you invite family/friends out to cheer you on as you run a set distance. A 5K must seem very daunting but it is very attainable within a few months, I'd say. I was more proud at the finish of my first 5K than I was at the finish of my first marathon. That 5K represented a much bigger roadblock in my mind. I never thought I'd even run one mile and was so proud!

Good luck!