Hi Donna - I just wanted to second and third what everyone has said here. You CAN do this! I think running is such a great workout and it will condition you very well. I notice more of a difference with running than I do with any other workout plus it tends to give me a lot more energy.

I think you're not eating enough or are perhaps eating things that your body doesn't want to process properly. I read a thread from someone who is Very Active who had trouble losing weight until she learned more about what her body needed and what it didn't like.

I really think you will enjoy running! I recommend compression tights especially if your joints hurt a bit, good shoes and socks, and (of course) a good workout bra. I use a HRM and like that too...initially I just watched the calories burned build up and up but now I use it for practical things.

The last great thing about running is that it is SO portable. You can travel and take your running shoes. It doesn't take forever to get ready to run AND...your running shoes don't get flats