couch to 5K - any advice?

I've been doing water aerobics, treadmill and just started to use an elliptical machine. I'm thinking about setting a goal to run a 5k next summer. I'm not much of a runner, but I really like the idea of shooting for something I've never done before.

Does anyone have any tips for me to get started? Right now on my treadmill and the elliptical I periodically increase my speed for a minute or so. I can hold it much longer on the treadmill than on the elliptical but at least I'm trying! Any advice you have would be appreciated. TIA!

Just follow their program.
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

It doesn't matter how fast you go, because what is a walk for you may be a jog for someone else, and what is a jog for someone else may be a sprint for you.

Pick a speed that you can comfortable walk at for your walk portions, and something that is a challenge for the run.  If you can't complete a certain weeks workouts, that's o.k. just do that week over again until you can.  It's not a race to finish the program.

1 thing to remember though with the treadmill is that it is easier to run on the treadmill than it is on the street.  It is doing part of the work for you and you aren't experiencing any wind resistance or road variances. 
If you can, you want to put some incline on the treadmill.  Here is a chart showing what the differences in incline mean to your speed.
http://www.trinewbies.com/tno_running/run_treadmill_chart.as p

Scott

Great advice. Thank you Seht!

check out www.walkfromobesity.com there is a couch to 5K training chart that is really good!

Thanks for the link Renee!

Just follow the couch to 5 k program (just type that ). It is a wonderful program for beginners. I did it and now I can run 3 plus miles without stopping. I love it! Julie

Julie, cool that you are now running 3+ miles without stopping. That's my goal! Thanks for the encouragement.

 Someone on the DS board gave me a link for a podcast that helps with the couch to 5k.

http://www.ullreys.com/robert/Podcasts/index.html

Sounds interesting. Thanks Kitzy!

Definite fan of couch to 5K (c25K0.  Did the program and will run my 3rd 5K this summer on Saturday.  I was 50 when I started, and I'm still about 30 lbs.  over where I want to be.  but I ran my last one at 39:20.  I'm shooting for 39 Saturday.  My husband is 51, still overweight, and will finish the progrma on saturday.  We're scheduled for a 5K together in September.

Remember, the running virus is catching and you might not want a cure.  The virus causes addiction to running.  (not a real virus, but I now am sorta addicted).