Hey everyone,
Great to see you guys have accepted the challenge. While I am no expert (at all), I have been working out consistently for the past couple of years so I've picked up a few things that have worked for me and might work for you. I also wanted to share some resources for some of you guys who may be new to exercising, weightlifting, cardio and aren't sure how to get it started. This one shall be focused on running.
When I first started working out I was 155lbs and I wanted to nip it in the bud before it got worse. Way back then in 2009 there weren't as many fitness resources and fitness in general wasn't as huge as it is now. I went with the old-as-time method for weight loss and that was running. I definitely recommend running as a way to lose weight relatively fast. Don't look into the word "fast" too much -- this isn't to encourage insane or unhealthy weight loss in a tiny amount of time. The truth is, running is physically challenging (especially for non-fans of cardio) but that's the point. It's supposed to be challenging. If you look pretty at the end, you're doing it wrong. And again the purpose of "fast" results is just to get you excited about the progress and use it as motivation to keep going.
I would suggest just going out and running. Strap on some runners and just go for a run. 15-20 minutes is fine especially for beginners. It doesn't matter if you can walk faster than you can run, if you have to stop to catch your breath every 5 seconds, as long as you do it and stick to it. If you're more the type who does better with a program set up for you, I would recommend the Couch25K app. Like the name, it's an app that is to get you from the couch (no running experience) to being able to run a 5K in (I believe) 3 months. I know our challenge is only a month, but it's a good program to start now, this second, yesterday even to increase your activity. The Couch25K program divides the run time in increments of walking and running. First starting out, the ratio of walking to running will be higher but it works you up to being able to run more and walk less and eventually just run. It even lets you play your own music.
I quickly have to mention another app speicifcally for Zombie-freak Ange. It's called, "Zombies, Run!" (https://zombiesrungame.com/) and while similar to C25K, it is more mission-based. You have to run to specific "checkpoints" to collect supplies, run faster if a zombie is chasing you, etc.
To reiterate, cardio/running is a helpful tool to accelerate weight loss and in turn motivate you to keep up a healthy, active lifestyle. It doesn't matter how fast or far, as long as you go and do it.
If you guys have any questions at all, shoot them my way! I will try to help or at least point you in the right direction.