I did my first semi-real session of HIIT this morning. Got on the eliptical and warmed up for 2 mins, then did an interval at about 175bpm (took 20 seconds for it to show that high), and kept it up for a minute. Slowed down until I was about 120 (2 mins), then had another go. Got about 30 seconds in and I was sucking too much wind to continue :(
that was at 7:20am, its now 9:45 and I'm still doing the little cough thing you do when you're outta shape (not very often)

This is really a great indicator of how far I've fallen, I was in shape for most of my life, its REALLY crappy to not be in shape, and be THIS out of shape :/

I know - patience, but I know what my body is capable of (or WAS capable of :( ). I just have to turn this around to be motivation, but damn its disappointing...

Dude, it's "High Intensity" for a reason ;)

I'm gasping for breath when I'm done with each interval as well!

Since you're beginning, I'd suggest you use musclemedia.com's HIIT guide. It slowly ramps you up to HIIT, adding 1 interval every 3rd workout. (Google for 'hiit cardio' and it'll be near the top).

I'd get comfortable with 30-45 minutes @ 70-80% max HR before starting HIIT. There's nothing wrong with that, you've gotta start somewhere.

Personally, I think you'll be that much more satisifed when you look back at how far you've come. That's always how I turn bad news into motivation :D

Thanks for the encouragement...
I'm probally going to start adding cardio on to my lifting days as well, I think CV fitness and fatloss are much more important to me at this stage then strength/size gains.