I ran competively through HS and college, and now do it recreationally. I don't race anymore - I'm competitive and I might hurt myself.
People always gave me a funny look when I said I ran cross country and distance events in track. Usually they had the same thoughts as you -
why would someone want to do the worst part of every other sport as their whole sport? Yes, it is hard, but it's also very rewarding. Start out with low mileage and find some way to keep motivated. I find a great way is to go home after work and put on running clothes every day. Then decide if you want to run or not. It's a cheap mental trick, but it works. Run harder when you feel good and relax on days when you don't. But push yourself once or twice a week (assuming you're working out 4 times per week).
Buy good shoes - spend at least $80 for something that fits. I go to a running store, not Foot Locker. You'll get better advice. Get some good socks - especially if you're planning on starting to run outside in MI this time of the year. You'll be more comfortable if you have no cotton next to your skin.
Find someone to run with. Even if it's once a week, you can go on some nice long runs at a "talking pace" and the miles just breeze by. We used to do 12 miles every sunday morning at 10 am - there were about 6 of us typically. So we'd take off down the trail and compare notes of debauchery from the night before.
Well, that's about as much undirected insight as I can offer right now.
