Running is hard to do...

Listen to your body and make improvements each day. If you are not ready for this 5K you will be ready for the next. Either way, you win! You will be in better shape by 5K time regardless!

like you I am trying to do a 5k. just do a little more each day. I started running and walking between each telephone pole. before you know it you will be running 20 minutes at a time before resting. Just keep going and don't give up.

Do the Couch to 5k program...

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtml

I am attempting to run my first 5K with only about 30 days of training...today i tired running on the treadmill and after doing my warm up walk I ran only about .27 miles before I stopped

i was discouraged because I've only got about 25 more days until the race and I can barely run without having to stop....but after talking to my mom I was thought that no one who decideds to do a 5k for the first time ever can just get up off the couch and run a full 5K without stopping...so tomorrow is another day and i will push myself to go further than yesterday and hopefully I can get to my goal or close to it without stopping.

Manda B!

You can do it! Just keep your head up. It takes time and you will be amazed at what you CAN do. 9 months ago I couldn't even do a block without going out of breath. Last month I did my first 10k without stopping and I'm doing a 5k at the end of June. If you can, get a workout buddy or even a trainer. That extra motivation is what helped me.

you don't have to run the whole thing if you aren't ready in 30 days. you can do a walk/run mix. just keep trying (and remember to give your body rest days)!

I'm in the same sitation you're in. My first ever 5k is coming up on July 3rd and I really just starting running about 2 weeks ago. At first, I was lucky to run a quarter of a mile without stopping. I'm consistently at 3/4 of a mile and getting closer and closer to that first full mile. I'm trying to be realistic and know that I probably won't make the whole thing without walking, but I will finish it!! Then, hopefully that will give me more motivation to keep training to beat that time on my next one!!
By the way, I'm sorry to hear about your fiance deploying. My hubby just deployed about 3 weeks ago. (he's a Marine also) I'm looking forward to being able to run with him when he gets back!!

In January (I got into this health kick straight after Christmas!!) I joined a gym and the first time I got on the treadmill I could barely run for 30 seconds. I was sooooo bad!! Anyway, I went back two days later and was able to run for a minute. The next time I ran for 3 minutes. The next time I ran for 5 minutes, then the time after that I found myself running for 15 minutes!! I improved soo quickly, each and every time. Soon after I was easily running for half an hour on the treadmill, and so decided to do a 3 mile charity run in March. I was very scared as I hadn't run outside before, so the day before my race I thought I'd go out for a run and have a practice. Anyway, an hour and 20 minutes later I arrived home, to find that I ran 6 miles!!! The next day the 3 mile run was a breeze, and I finished in under half an hour. I now run for 13 miles everytime I get on that treadmill without even thinking about it. I can run for longer if I want to. After a while, your body adjusts to running. I find I can run without getting tired, just like we walk without getting tired. People at the gym have commented on my progress, as they have watched me transform in less than 6 months.

If you don't already have one, buy a heart rate monitor, and also ensure you are breathing right and have a good technique. I bought a Polar HRM and running magazines to help me, and I don't think I'd have come as far as I have without doing so. I run on Mon/Weds/Fri/Sun. Before I got to this fitness level, I found that if I ever missed a day, I struggled to match the distance/time I did previously, so try to practice at least 3 times a week and don't miss a session.

I just thought this could maybe motivate you, as 5 months ago I was saying "I'd love to be able to run for 20 minutes without stopping one day", and here I am completely smashing that every time I run. I can't believe how quickly I've improved. I'm sure the same will happen to you.