Beginner Runner...

Slow down and make sure you're taking full breaths rather than shallow ones. There are different breathing techniques on the internet if you're inclined to look but I say just remember to breathe in and out.

Definitely do some kind of C25K app. I recommend the Zombies, Run! 5k training app if you're into science fiction.

I've started up running a few different times, and I always find that it helps to do intervals. 1 min brisk walking, 30 secs slow running, then 1 min walking, 30 secs running... and so on. Your body has to get used to doing this; you can't expect it to run continuously right from the start. Do the same interval workout maybe 3 times, then after that, increase the running... 1 min brisk walking, 45 secs running, and so on. Figure out how fast you can increase it. Very soon you will be able to go 2 mins running, then 3, then 4, then... you get the idea

A great way to start running is to take it slow. Don't worry about doing a run in record time. It'll get you no where.

The best way is to run for 2 minutes, then walk for a minute. Run for 2. Walk for 1. Keep doing that and eventually you'll be able to increase it like run for 5, walk for 1 etc. Eventually you'll be ale to run without stopping.

I was once in your shoes too, but do not fret! Your body will adapt if you keep running on a regular basis.

Feel free to add me Big time runner here.

Slow down. You don't need magical breathing techniques either - if you can't carry a conversation during a normal run, you're doing it wrong.

Exactly this

I'll echo the recommendations of c25k and slowing down. I became a runner at the age of 43 with the c25k program - worked great! Speed and distance will come later, just focus on completing the times in the program for now, and go as slowly as needed to do so.

You can do it!

I agree with those that said to slow down on your pace! Just go as slow as you need to go. Download the Couch 2 5k and follow that training program. As the weeks progress, your pace will naturally get faster! Good Luck!

Slowing down is probably your best bet overall and trying to relax. Before I could worry about slowing down I had to calm down and relax. Running is supposed to be fun. So I had to breathe in 2 steps and breathe out 2 steps. It helped relax my arms, shoulders, and helped me not clinch my jaw. After awhile breathing just became natural after I relaxed. It was like taking a few deep breaths to lower your blood pressure and heart rate.

Don't forget to check your posture too. If you're hunched over, it makes it harder to breathe. Running "tall" will also help prevent side stitches.

This was a help for me! I have been running since last July, and I'm now running for solid "blocks" of time (now up to 30 mins!). Was watching a You-Tube video of breathing techniques a while back & a guy was saying a way to do this while out running is to place your free hand against your clavicles (collar bones) and gently push back. This will help make sure you are running upright, and will help you with the breathing. I periodically do this to make sure I'm in good form. I'm still trying to do the whole "breathe in for 3, out for 2" thing. That takes work.

But I agree, the consistent 5 pace speed is high for a beginner. That is 1 of my "speed-work step paces".

When you are first starting you might actually find yourself running even slower than you walk. Do not worry about speed at all at first. I felt like I was almost running in place when I started out. Once you are able to run 2 to 3 miles then you can start worrying about speed. I started out with a 18 minutes per mile pace and have finally made it to 13 minutes.

Read the following--if I had read it I would not have been sidelined with an injury last year. Priceless advice from a very experienced runner.

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1217573-so-you-want-to-start-running?