Maybe for some an unusual topic but I've been running since High School. After all these years if I don't, I feel very lethargic. I don't think aerobic exercise should be limited to running but I do feel strongly that it's the single best habit you could aquire. A healthy diet is vital of course but the list is long as far as pysiological benefits and changes to your body derived from regular aerobic exercise be it walking, biking, aerobics, cross country sking, etc.
Regular aerobic exercise, increases heart stroke volume(ejection fraction), blood volume, lung capacity, lung efficiency, improves vascular(vein) health, helps stabilize blood sugar levels, lowers bad cholesterol and trigycerides and raises good cholesterol. It promotes better sleep and relieves stress as well as benefits mood. Of course it helps weight control which helps keep your blood pressure optimal(very important). Even helps with bone health. Just ask your Doctor. Having said that, I don't think you need to go to extremes and become a diet and/or exercise nut. We don't live forever folks, just take care or yourselves so you can be around a bit longer, do all things you've wanted and feel better.
Enough of that, so what tips do I have after 25 years of running? Well if you're starting I recommend you evaluate you foot and leg health and if you don't have any problems that contradict running, get a decent pair of shoes. Which is predicated on you biomechanics. If you're flat footed or have sore knees you need Cushioning shoes. If you Over Pronate like me, you need Motion Control shoes. If you're fairly neutral with no leg or feet problems you likely can get away with just a decent pair of mid priced running shows.
To start I recommend run/walking. Walk to warm up and jog a bit until you feel winded. Then walk until you've caught your breath and run again and repeat. After a while you be running more than walking and then mostly running. Soon you'll be running. But that could be weeks in the making. Shot for 20 mins but 30 mins 4-5 weeks is optimal.
I can't go too much further without recommending a radio or mp3 player. It makes all the difference. Music can give you energy. I listen to rock/classic rock and pop/80's pop. It puts me in the mood to be active and you should look for the same effect from whatever music you choose.
As far as running surfaces, stay off concrete. Asphalt "gives" ever so slightly and is a better choice, just remember to alternate sides of the road because roads have a crown and it's hard on the ankles to run only on one side.
Trails are your best bet be it gravel, clay or other softer material.
Page in progress.....more to come....when I get to it.