how long did it take you? (runners)

I have signed up for the Tough Mudder next June and to be at all competitive I need to be able to run 10k. I am just getting started and my step mom (who is a long distance runner) said to start slow. You can download "how to train for a 10k" and it will tell you to walk for 6 min, run for 1. Do this 3-4 times a week. Second week walk for 5 min, run for 2 etc etc. My friend started doing this a couple months before me and it took him 3 months and he can run 10k. He was super committed though. Another piece of advice my step ma gave me was to inhale for 3 steps, exhale for two. Focus on that and I bet with taking longer deeper breaths you will achieve your goal in no time!