Something I did that helped me not stress about increasing the running time in the upcoming week was, on day 2 or 3, after I had finished the program as written, I would run as long as I would be running for during the next week.

I wouldn't necessarily do this in the final weeks, but it helped me feel less intimidated by the increase when I was just starting.

If you have a Road Runners Club of America affiliate in your area - join! They have all kinds of workshops, seminars, advice, programs and running groups that you could benefit from. All ages, sizes, and paces.

Also, I've found that local stores and specialize in running products often have "fun runs" and great advice.

Awesome tips! I'm just starting the program (W2D1 tomorrow) and these are very sensible ideas. I think a lot of people overdo it and get frustrated. I'm just going to do what I can do and keep on going...

GOOD SHOES! I had a pair of thin soled shoes, so I went and bought a pair that I thought would be better. They were cheaply made and I ended up getting injured after 2 days of running in them. My heels are currently killing me and I can barely walk with out pain it has been like this for 4 days. I have since bought good running shoes and they feel nice but I won't run again until I am not in pain anymore.

Great ideas! I also say find a running store in your area. You don't have to buy shoes there, but most have machines that can do a full evaluation (for free) to tell you what type of shoes you need. Everyone is different and sometimes it's best as a new runner to find out what works for YOU! Then, find the shoes cheaper elsewhere :P

Wow, reading all of these tips have helped. I am starting W1D1 today and am a bit worried...but I will take it easy and slow and I do have a great pair of running shoes

OK, I just completed the DREADED W5D3 workout and I have to add this to the list of tips (also, can't remember if someone else gave me this advice, I read it somewhere or I came up with it in my own little noggin!!)

YOUR BIGGEST OBSTACLE WILL BE YOUR OWN SELF DOUBT!!!!!!!!!!!

I TOoooooootttaaalllyyyyy psyched myself out and was scared to death of the 20 minute run...but once I started it, it was no problem at all and I completed it without any real issue. TA Daaaaa!!!!!

Oh, that leads me to the next tip (which seems all "AA" but it still holds true here)

TRUST IN THE PLAN!!!!

If you do the runs that lead up to your current workout you will be able to do it...refer to my first tip if you feel nervous about this!! LOL.

TO YOUR HEALTH!!!!

If it genuinely HURTS, rest.

I was kind of lucky. My stress fracture only put me off running for about 5 weeks. As soon as it went from a dull ache to actual pain, I stopped running. When it kept hurting after a week of rest, I got it checked. Mentally, I wanted to keep running on it. I wanted to push through it. If I had, I'd have bunged it up even worse.

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Register for a 5K to give yourself a reason to continue once you finish the program.

This is exactly what kept me going my first go-around. In fact, the race came along at about Week 5. No matter, I did the best I could and had a blast!

lol I did the same! My 5k came after I was done with week THREE! I ended up walking a lot of it, but the point is I finished, got a medal, and FINISHED. Now I KNOW I can do it...just have to work my way up to actually running the entirety of one! Plus I have a medal hanging over my bed to push me to do better next time!

Here's some of mine:
*SHOES--I know it's been said, but seriously, invest in a good pair of shoes. Yes, invest. Because a good pair will not only last longer than a crappy pair, but it will also keep you feeling better and keep you running in them longer. It's an investment, don't skimp if you don't have to.
*Register for a 5k....even if you're not done with the program. In my case there was an awesome one in my city that sounded like it's always fun...so even though I would only be done with week 3 when it was held, I did it anyways. Just the drive to know you can complete a course is HUGE.
*Keep your head in the game--One of my favorite quotes that I have to tell myself over and over and over when I run is "don't let your head give out before your legs do"...and I've found that SO many times when I see that timer and it's still got 3 minutes on it, I start freaking out...my chest suddenly hurts, my feet hurt my knees hurt and omg I just want to stop! A lot of times the 'pain' is mental. Unless something genuinely feels wrong, keep going. I've found that breaking up runs into smaller ones that I've already accomplished has helped a ton. My 3 minute runs because to 90 second ones...heck my 5 min ones from this week (just completed week 4) because 10 30 second runs....I know the time isn't different but it makes it easier to tackle when I break it down into runs I know I can finish. 5 minutes seems daunting, but 10 consecutive 30 second runs? that's a piece of cake! (well, not really, but my brain doesn't rebel so much lol!)
*reward yourself for completing things--but not with food. Or at least not with the "hey ill have a big mac after I run cause I finished week x"...Friday was my last day of week 4, and the first 3 minute run I was just dead. I wanted to stop so badly. But I had been planning on going to the movies after, so I kept telling myself....do it for the movies, do it for the movies....stupid, I know, but I'm telling you? It totally pushed me through!
*get excited about running....I'm the first to tell you I've never been a runner. Like, EVER. But researching different types of runs and all the fun crazy things I can get into during races? Now that inspires me! And the race bib/medal I have now are further inspirations. I'm actually going to run another race in about 2 weeks...I still won't be done with the program and honestly I'm fairly sure I'll have to walk a lot of that one (I'm doing a 4 miler!), but it's just so exciting being around a race atmosphere and stuff.

*oh, and the big one...when it comes to your first 5k...DONT FREAK OUT!!! Trust me, I did. I had a panic attack the morning of mine. I was practically in tears. Worse, I was doing it completely alone. I was SURE I was going to be the last person, sure I was going to have everyone laugh at me, sure I wasn't even going to finish...but I did, and I wasnt last. But even if I were? I still would have felt amazing completing it at all. So just give it your best....don't race against everyone else, race to push yourself farther!