Hi Shoelover,
I used to run quite a lot a few years ago and while it really toned me up, to drop that many sizes, your friend must have cut down on a lot of food.
I used to run in my lunchbreak in Hainault Forest, and really enjoyed it. The gym I was a member of had a running club on a Friday in the forest, and I went with them one day and it made me realise how bad I was - picture the little fat kid being left behind at the back, ha ha!!!!!
I dedicded to carry on alone and at my own pace and it was great - except for avoiding the Canadian geese and their poo!
Then unfortunately my knees started playing me up, so I had to stop.
I now run/fast walk on the treadmill at the gym but it's much more boring and a lot easier, as it's all an even surface and the belt helps you along.
But it's better than nothing at all and not so bad if they have a tv or something to distract you a bit.
What gym would you go to if you did, and where would you go running, as I know you live in Essex, quite near me.

Bluebella