At last after just over7 weeks,no cigs, 70 0dd miles sweat and calf pains,i managed to run non stop for 1 whole mile,still puffing billy,but the last time i ran any distance was back in the 90s.Had to take previous 10 days off,because was a complete prat thought i could do 6 miles which i did complete after a fashion,but at just over 5 miles right calf was agony,rested for 10 days,been trying forefoot running today,been scouring internet and books,to try and find most suitable style of running for big lumps like me.heartrate peaked at 170 today,oh best time for 1 mile 11.17.YES!!!!.

Well done! Now to gradually increase that distance, and you'll be running 10K / 6 miles (without injury!) in no time.  Perhaps set your sights a little lower to begin with - a 5K is the ideal goal for a beginner (and one of the most enjoyable distances for many people!) 

Looks like you did the sensible thing and rested up fully after your previous over exuberance - I'd love to say that you'll learn from that, but I think we all still get carried away sometimes! :o)

Yes, as Ian says, increase gradually! Well done though Phillip, congratulations. The good news is that it really does get easier from now on. Think of starting running as pushing a boulder. At first it's a huge struggle, but you gain momentum and before you know it, you're achieving things you never thought possible. That's when it becomes really enjoyable.

Personally I wouldn't get too caught up with trying forefoot running, as trying to change your gait can sometimes cause more problems than it solves.

Hear, hear Burtie. First priority - make sure you have the right shoes - get your gait checked. Then gradually increase frequency and/or mileage until you're comfortable running a few miles without walking or wheezing. Most importantly, enjoy your running!

Well done on getting this far, and good luck with your progress from here.