Just found this thread, figured I would share my experience.
I decided to start working out when I hit 220 pounds, at 6'2" and 20 years old, I decided it was time to care about myself.
I started by going to the gym and just messing around, burning 500 calories on the elliptical as fast as possible then doing some lifting. Not long after that I switched to the treadmill and trying to run a mile as fast as possible. When I started I was dying after a ten minute mile, within two months I was down to 7:30.
When the weather got nicer I started going to a local park with a fit trail, a network of workout stations connected by a running trail. GREAT full body exercise. I would o the fit trail in about a half hour and shoot around with a basketball for another hour. 7 Months after I started working out I had lost 50 pounds.
When I moved to phoenix, I got really into distance running and swimming. I would run a 5k, hit the pool for 250 meters, and hit the resistance bands for an intense 30 minute upper body set. Now that my resistance bands are broken and I don't have access to a pool, I'm just focusing on my running.
Now, 3 years after I decided enough was enough, I lost 70 pounds of fat and gained 10 of muscle, my base run is 4-6 miles, and I can bust out a 5:40 mile.
Now I'm trying to build a little bulk (but I hate using supplements) and training for a half-marathon (short term goal) and an ultramarathon (100+ miles, log term goal).
I want to say I'm not trying to brag, but I'm pretty damn proud of myself. I've never been in better shape, I have clothes from middle school that are too big for me.
Lets just Hope I don't let myself go in the midst of all my current turmoil and uncertainty.
Edit: I also cut out all white bread and almost all processed foods, and keep my added sugar to less than 20 grams daily. Also, DRINK TONS OF WATER!