Welcome Eclectic!
I, too, was never a runner until 4 years ago. Hated running. Always out of breath. So I was in my early 40's when I started. 5 years ago started cycling and lost weight. Then SO started running 5Ks..and I watched. I thought I could either say on teh side line watching, or get out there and run. And that is what I do! I like the longer distances, cuz I am slow. Just PR'ed in my last 1/2 Marathon.
Most folks start out wrong by running tooo fast, so just keep it slow. Yep I love races where folks "run" past me, but I pass later when they are walking. I think is you just slow you pace a bit you can run teh whole thing!
So welcome to the running thread. I myself need to get back to the biking thread and this year...a TRI!