Welcome to 3FC!

I love the sound of a banjo, myself...hope you'll have fun with that!
There are all sorts of forums here for specific diet plans and ways of eating. If none suit your style, you can try the Calorie Counters forum, and see if that seems a better fit.
You might want to check out the Cool Runners thread on the exercise forum. There are other distance runners on there, and they're a great bunch!
Anyway, hope that helps, otherwise, just jump in where ever you feel comfortable. Hope to see you around the boards.