When I first started I could run for 4 mins before I was too tired to go on, and yesterday I did a 10k training run in 51 mins.
I feel I've gotten it wrong so many times it's difficult to think of what I was doing right. If you go out and run, you'll get better, such is the way things are when you're a beginner. It's a matter of still getting better after that early bit.
I'd say, start with couch to 5k:
http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_3/181.shtmlKeep in mind it's better to go slower. You want to run at a pace you could talk at.
Once you can do 5k at a talking pace it's time to think about your goals. Maybe you just want to build up your goals slowly, like:
Run 5k without stopping
Run 5k in 30 mins
Run 10k without stopping
Run 10k in an hour
Etc
It's recommended to not increase the amount you run in a week by 10%. If, for example, you can run 5km and want to run 10 I would recommend something like this:
Run 1: Long Slow Run (start at 5km, keep adding 10% each week until it gets to 10k)
Run 2: Hill Sprints (Find a steep hill, run up it for 15 seconds, walk back down, once you've got your breath go again. Repeat 10 times or so)
Run 3: Medium Slow Run (Similar to Long Slow run, but half the distance)
Run 4: Intervals ( Plan a route in between long and Medium distance, run enough to warm up then sprint 15 seconds, then jog long enough to get your breath back then sprint again. Try to have about 8 or do sprints).
This is pretty much what I do now and it's working alright for me so far. You could maybe do your hill sprints after a mediumish run, then do just a medium run the next session. I like to alternative sprint sessions and distance sessions personally.
I'd also recommend looking into stretching and foam rolling. It'll take quite a bit of time starting out, but over time you'll realise which movements are best for you and concentrate on those when you feel you need them.
Make sure you have rest days, and eat enough, and sleep enough. Listen to your body, it'll be difficult to figure out when you're pushing yourself too hard when you first start but it's something you'll pick up in time.