Running, whether for long distances or short is a form of exercise that many enjoy. Running burns calories, increases cardiovascular health, and allows the brain to secrete endorphins, which cause a "runners high" of euphoria and happiness. It can be difficult to start a running regimen however and stick with it. Those new to the sport find it hard to know where to begin or once started, how to maintain progress.
Starting slowly is crucial. You should still be able to have a conversation while running; if you are so out of breath you can't speak, slow it down. Alternating between running and walking will help build up stamina and keep you from being discouraged. Every time you go for a run, keep track of how far you went and how much of it was running vs. walking. Try to stretch out the distances each time, and make the stretches of running longer than the walking parts. Finding a friend to go running with you and sticking to a schedule will also help you hang in there as a beginner. Before you know it, you'll be doing miles and miles.