The key to running is the shoes. I went to a store that sold nothing except running shoes and gear. Like a LBS for runners. They inspected the shoes I was wearing for wear patterns, sized my feet and arches, looked at pressure profiles while walking/running, etc. I tried on 4 or 5 pairs of shoes and ran in them at the store indoor track. The difference in fit and support was very noticable. My aches and pains went away after getting the right pair of shoes.
Put no more than 500 miles on them and switch out even if they look new on the outside. Most runners I know switch after around 300 miles.