Any runners around the campfire?

My advice would be as follows - first, get a good pair of running shoes. You will be amazed at the difference - like no shin splints. Then, invest in one of the nicer FitBits - or some other activity tracking watch. The reason I say Fitbit is that you can pair it with an app called MyFitnessPal. This app lets you track your food intake. I found that if I enter what I eat, it actually helps me eat less which is also something you want to consider as it makes no sense to burn all those calories, only to put them back in. The app also gives you the ability to scan bar codes on foods and beverages and automatically add in the data. The app calculates the calories burned by the activity it is tracking than subtracts the calories of the food you intake.

If you don't get regular checkups/physicals, it may be a good idea to make an appointment and get a workup. When you get winded, maybe scale back to a brisk walk until you catch your breath. Better yet, do interval training where you run for so many minutes and then walk for so many minutes. Some apps have a interval training function.

Also, realize that stuff is going to hurt - joints and muscles are not used to what you are asking of them - but the good news is that as you loose weight and gain muscle, this will get better.

Good for you and good luck!