Take a good look at your running shoes and your form. Knee pain is often attributed to these two things. Also, your body is going to take awhile to acclimate to running, so you could also be experiencing discomfort from that. Cruise around here in the "Med Tent" section and you'll see more specific advice about your condition, but the good news is it is quite common. Good luck!

Congratulations on starting out. Your knees shouldn't be hurting---this is a bad sign that you are overdoing it. Whatever plan you are on, it's probably too much right now. I tell every newbie the same thing. Get a heart rate monitor and workout at or under 180-age (for you it would be 137 beats per minute). More than likely, you will be forced to walk, perhaps at a fast pace. Then as you get fit, you will get faster, and eventually will have to run to keep your heart rate up near 137. What you want to focus on is your aerobic system. This method will keep you aerobic, and if you stick to it, more than likely you'll be injury free. Remember that health and fitness are related, but are two different things. You can be fit enough to run a marathon, but if you're getting to the starting line broken down, with bad knees, injuries, sick---you are not healthy. Think long term---one day at a time. Working out at these low HR, fat-burning intensities is a much healthier way to go. Check out the below links and make informed decision. I wish you the best.

--JImmy

heart rate training

MAF test

6-time Ironman Champ Mark Allen on Heart Rate Training

interview

You're welcome, Reina. I used to weigh 230 pounds at 5'10". With just a few small dietary changes, and walking. I got down to the 170's. After a few years of walking, and getting faster and faster (I was walking 5+mph), I started to run. When I started I was ready for it. I had already built up my aerobic base. The weight was off.  I was able to run a race 4 months later, and got hooked on racing. The advice I gave you was given to me, and it has really saved my body some harm over the years. Take care. Keep us posted on how you are doing.

--Jimmy

Hi Reina!

Congratulations on your new outlook!! You are doing a wonderful thing for yourself! I'm new to running also (very new), but have had some experience with weight loss. I would suggest you educate yourself about nutrition, which will go hand in hand with your new more active lifestyle. A balanced diet and increased activity is the best formula for weight loss and health improvement. Be sure that you are getting the recommended daily allowances of the important nutrients like Protein, Carbs, Fats, etc., and your body will be sufficiently fueled for the performance you expect! If you need any direction on how to start, I'd love to help!

Again, congratulations...please keep us all posted on your progress!!