Gophfer,
Congratulations on your running, AND you lost 109 pounds! Wow!! That's amazing!
I'm running a bit myself on the treadmill, admittedly I'm doing the walk/run thing, alternating minutes. Right now I'm at a total of 5 minutes running in a half hour... and my HR is also high. But I know that with getting in shape, it will drop some! (I also use the elliptical trainer and the rowing machines.)
I figure as long as I'm not dizzy or panting for breath
I'm doing ok. I am very impressed with the challenge of running! Wow, it's humbling to think "I can row an hour, or be on the elliptical for an hour, so I must be in ok shape!" then to try and actually RUN and have my body go "WHOA!"
It's a reality check, all right... but an inspiring one!
Happy training and racing!