Hi DDH -- good for you! I started running off and on last year, though only a little at a time (1-2 miles), then kicked it up a level this year and finally met a goal I've had in the back of my mind for my entire life, that of running five miles continuously. I've now done that several times, and I am very proud of myself!

When I first started, I got some good recommendations from the more experienced runners on the list. The one that helped me the most was to read anything by John "The Penguin" Bingham. He's a runner-turned-author who started out very overweight and now does marathons. He's lost lots of weight, and is a proponent of running slowly and run/walk. His books have so much wonderful information and are highly motivating. His first book, The Courage to Start, is especially good for a brand-new runner. I highly recommend it! I've also got No Need for Speed, and am reading that now.

Keep on posting, and don't get discouraged. Running is hard, it's a lot harder than cycling to me, but you can and will improve. Hills are still very hard for me; I'm stronger on the treadmill. I haven't done any events (just don't have time at the moment, and now, with a new puppy in the house, even less), but I enjoy running on the treadmill at the gym and doing trail runs outdoors.

Best of luck to you -- and I agree with the others, you aren't eating enough! I am tiny -- 5-1-1/2" and weigh under 105 -- and eat at least 1500 calories a day, often quite a bit more on days I'm very active. You need to fuel your body for activity.

Emily