Running really isnt a good way to drop weight. At first you might possibly see some loss in weight, but it really wont be much. To drop weight you really need a variation in heart rate for extended periods of time. Doing sprints is much better than running long distances. If you are trying to lose weight and you are distance running your body is doing the opposite of what you are trying to do. By distance running you are training your body to use as little energy as possible to sustain activity. There is a saying that "you get fit to run, not run to get fit." I would probably take the advice from the guy who posted above who has actually been through basic and made it.