re: starting out
Where you start at usually depends on your level of fitness. I wouldn't recommend starting the quest for fitness with joining the track team, but if you knew me you'd know how hypocritical it is for me to say that.
Have you been instructed on how to run without injuring yourself? what's your diet look like? how often do/will you run, and is that your only form of exercise? I'd like more details so I can better answer your questions. Also, if it's not too personal, how out of shape are we talking? age/height/weight/bf?
Here's the deal:
First off: Drink. Lots. Of. Water. You wouldn't believe the difference that will make on its own. I'm talking at least 4-5 L a day if you can handle it. You should be sipping constantly..especially during a heavy workout.
As for cramps..if we're talking regular cramps, that's good. My advice to you is to suck it up, princess.
Just don't kill yourself. But if you're actually in pain, if you feel nauseated while running, or are experiencing pain-okay, I don't know how to describe the actual sensation of pain, but you'll know what I mean when you injure yourself. Which will happen soon enough, no doubt, cramps are nothing-then you might want to take it a little more slowly. Work up to running, first walk fast, then run. As they say in Thailand, "If you want to run, crawl, if you want to crawl, run." Just an addendum: if you're properly hydrated and working out at your fitness level,you shouldn't really be cramping up much,in my experience anyways, but some people do.
Hope that helps a little. More info?
[edited for spelling and confusion over whether im quoting the thai properly..sigh. I'll have to ask my acharn.]