Right. Now that that's out of the way, been doing some more looking into that C25K program, and there's actually a mobile app with all the timings and voice commands on when to walk, when to jog, etc., and it even has music streaming compatibility so I can run Spotify right through it.

Looks like it's grind time tomorrow morning. Will start up a progress thread tomorrow, I think. Obviously I'm not going to just be running. I will be incorporating calisthenics into my program, as well.

damn homie, u need a robot on ur phone to tell u when to run and walk?

If I'm going to go with the C25K program that has prescribed intervals, it's easier to do it that way rather than keep glancing at my watch or count in my head while I'm listening to a playlist.

long distance running is all about mental strength.

I'm sure it is, for most people. You seem to have missed the part about knee surgery and looking for ways to ease back in without fucking my life up.

focus through the pain the agony

And straight into total knee replacement. Got it. ;)

Will be hard with your knee surgery unless it's 100% healed and you're mobile again.
As for your form? Depending on how long you run, run "loose"
Only move your arms vertical don't swing them horizontal while making sure they aren't strictly rigid.
Shake them when you need to in order to circulate your blood better ( this is if you're running like 10 miles daily )
Make sure you stretch the hell out of your IT bands, and hips prior to running.
Don't bobble your neck like a lot of novice runners do, keep it SLIGHTLY below looking straight ahead ( in real time if you're on a side walk look 5-6 side walk "blocks" ahead and keep your eyes around there.
Stretch
Stretch
Stretch
Stretch

If you want to lose your gut, I'd suggest sprinting and not distance running.