Thanks for the advice and encouragement. I have "run" 3 times so far, and overdid it somewhat yesterday, and am feeling pretty sore today, especially the quads. I am running for 1 minute and then walking for 2 minutes, and yesterday almost 40 minutes had gone by before I realized it, when I had intended to go out for 20 minutes.

I agree that the training programs are just a starting point, and if it takes me months to get to the point where I can run 3 miles non-stop, than so be it. I am not trying to compete with anyone else or run in a race. I am doing this for myself and my personal fitness. I'm also going to start running at lunchtime at work, as there is a shower here, and it is much flatter than at home. Who cares if my co-workers are looking out the window at me? At least I am out there ploddiing along!