I am a new runner also and found the Couch to 5K walk/run program helpful. I have not been able to progress at the rate they suggest because of some new painful muscle/ligament issues that popped up. I took a break when the hip started acting up and looked into Chi Running. I have done 2 workshops and think I have figured out why I was experiencing some ligament strain. I never thought I would be able to run (knee issues), but if we start gradually and learn to run with good form, we should be able to do that 5K!