Complete beginner.. race in less than 4 months!

Hi, my name is Sarah and I'm new to this. I'm 20 and am in training (Well I say in training.. I haven't actually started yet lol) for the Cancer Research Uk Race for Life event at Trentham Gardens in Stoke-on-Trent on 4th June (Which is also my birthday :D). I am doing this event because I want to raise as much money for cancer research as possible, as I lost my mum to lung cancer in sept so this has even more meaning for me than just getting fit.
Can anyone give me some hints and tips? I'm going to tesco tonight to kick start my healthy eating... but I could do with everyone's experience... (It's a 5k run).

Any help is greatly appreciated (Oh and if you wish to sponsor me or to see my race for life page, it's http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/sarahbanks

Thanks everyone!
Sarah x

Training tab at top of the page. Good luck.

4 months is plenty of time....as long as you get started :-)

I'll second Merthyr's suggestion...take a look at the training plans, pick one that you think'll suit your spare-time and go for it!

Motivation is the key , just get out and do it, no one can help.

Be tough with yourself, the first step out the door is the hardest

You've got plenty of time, Sarah, but use it wisely.

What you need is a plan and some info to get you started.

Check out the Hal Higdon site, He has a Novice 5K training plan. Also, read his article for getting started:

http://www.halhigdon.com/beginrunner/intro.htm

Good luck.

Hi Sarah

I've just been running for 4 weeks and can confirm that stepping out of the door (at 7:15 on a cold wet morning) is the hardest bit.

I currently using <a href="http://www.bupa.co.uk/health_information/html/healthy_living/lifestyle/exercise/running/beginner/programme.html">BUPA's training programme</a> as it starts off at a slightly easier pace than the RW one.

grrr.... sorry I should have checked about posting links first.
BUPA's training programme