My first bit of advice would be to worry about increasing your distance before you worry about picking up speed. Also, make sure you have a good pair of shoes - they don't have to be expensive, they just have to fit you correctly. Finally, a good way to go if you really are just starting out is to mix running and walking. For example, walk 2 minutes, run 1 minute (or however much walking you need to do in between the running segments) and gradually build up the length of your running segments.

And, the 'think you're going to die' feeling will pass pretty quickly if you keep up with it. Just try to do a little more each time you go out.

Also concentrate on your breathing, trying to breathe in through the nose and out through the mouth. If you are prone to getting side cramps, it may help to alternate which foot you breate on - it sounds odd, but if you always breathe in when your right foot strikes, this can lead to a cramp on your right-hand side.

Looks like your getting some good advice.
I'm starting EMT/Firefighter school....I get up at 5:30 A.M.
Every morning,and I run a half mile everyday.
I have noticed it is getting better every day,but the first
Three Tenth's of a mile is " Hell on Earth" for me.
In time you will be able to run a long distance with no
Problem.
What I need is someone else to run with me,but unfortunately
for me most of my friends are heavy,and just won't do it.
Hope you hang in there!!!

Looks like there is good info here. I am going to take from all the advise thats been given here. Wish me luck. I am a outdoor person , would love to run outside. However, I currently live in Atlanta , and its soo freaking hot here right now. So i am going to try to go out early in the AM or Late after the heat has died down a bit. Anyhow wish me luck, I will let you all know how it goes. Oh, yea, i agree with the last post about needing someone to run with , I think that would make it easier. Take Care!

I have been running off and on now for several years. Frankly without ever really being able to go past 2 miles, until this year. I started out really slow, as in running .5 miles and walking .5, running .5, walking .5, and I slowly built up to running 3.3 miles. It was around this time that I started experiencing runner's high, which is AWESOME! Unfortunately that lead me to increase my mileage too quick, and now I've hurt my knees. So my advice is never to break the 10% increase rule. Sounds like you are doing great, keep it up!