Wow, your story is SO INSPIRING. Maybe I should run too!
I had a short-lived running kick in my first year (and by short-lived, I mean for three days) but I found the only time I felt I could run safely was in the small hours of the morning when no one would be around. The first day was okay - I managed to be out for about three quarters of an hour, though I was sure it had been about two hours, got in, no one saw me, showered, drank some water, collapsed into bed with an episode of Supernatural and feeling great.
The second day I locked myself out of my flat at about four in the morning and had to ring the doorbell to be admitted by a grumpy flatmate - who I hope was too tired to notice my tiny shorts, fat thighs, and sweaty armpits.
Of course, I forgot when it came to Friday night that everyone rolls out of the clubs and back to campus during the small hours, so a fourteen-stone fatty in pyjama shorts and an ill-fitting Oasis shirt provided hilarious entertainment for a large group of drunk students. I have never run so fast as I did in trying to escape that humiliation. Got back to my flat, showered, and probably ate a vast sugary snack to get rid of the pain.
And I have not really wanted to run since.
Now, however, I really want to run again. I'm moving back in with my parents in a few days, and I think late night or early morning running will be easier in an area populated mainly by the elderly. Is it okay to start off small? Right now running the length of a street would probably kill me. Do you think I need to invest in a sports bra? (I have an E-cup.)