Maybe this is IMHO, move as appropriate.
I’m a little overweight, but I’m reasonably athletic. However, if I were to go out running/jogging, it’s doubtful I could run even a whole mile without stopping to rest.
How do I go about trying to condition myself for distance running? I’m not talking about a marathon here. But what kind of plan would it take to be able to run say8 miles without stopping?
Try the C25K program (couch to 5K). You can google the link. It’s designed to slowly bild up your endurance over nine weeks.
You just have to build up over time. Try fast walking first and then move to jogging as you get more fit. The biggest mistake is to push yourself too far and too fast. If you are gasping for air at any point of it, you are pushing it too far.
Thanks runner pat. I was posting via my phone and couldn’t get a link! I’ve been doing teh program now and just started week 3- I am amazed how well my non-runners body has adapted!
Don’t rest / stop, but it’s fine to walk then run then walk some more.
8 miles takes a long time to run if you’re not that fast.
The Couch to 5K never worked for me as I could never seem to build up the run. Finally a friend recommended that I “just” jog a whole mile nonstop - the key being to do it slooooowly. Sure enough, it worked - true, I was going at a walking pace (probably 4 mph), but I was jogging, not walking. I made the mile and it was like everything just “clicked” and my body finally just kind of figured out how to jog. From there it was just a matter of going a little bit faster and a little bit further each week (sort of like the C25K progression, only with speed/distance instead of walk/run time).
Novalyne, without more details, I’ll guess you were trying to run too fast.
Your friend’s advice to run slooowly was spot on and really is at the core of the C25K. That’s why the program emphasizes time instead of distance. You can’t make a minute shorter by running fast. 
It’s a common misconception that you only get in shape by running hard and bettering your time on each run.
Tom Osler was an ultramarathoner from the 60’s-70’s who authored three running books which encouraged runners to train at a very easy pace relative to their racing abilities. Even after running the Boston Marathon in a PR of 2:29(5:41/mile), he would run as slow as 10 min miles in training.
As someone upthread said, the worst thing you can do is over-do it. When you push yourself so hard you wake up the next 3-4 days not wanting to leave the couch… well, the couch is where you’ll find yourself 6 months from now. 
I suggest you just walk- briskly. Don’t run.
As has already been mentioned, it’s probably good to start sloooow. Like, so slow that it feels ridiculous doing it when you first start running. Keeping the jogging motion, but going at not much more than a fast walking-pace. (at least, that’s what’s worked for me lately - I always used to go much too fast and would wear myself out way too early)
Yep, and avoid running related posts where “slow” runners whine and whine about “only” doing a 10 minute mile. Rackin frackin slow my arse!
Whenever I’m training hard for a race I always remind myself of some quote I read in a running book (I think on of Hal Higden’s) about how if you’re considering running as a lifestyle/lifetime event then you shouldn’t be in any hurry to improve. It causes me to wise up and slow down sometimes to prevent injuries.
C25K is excellent to get to a level where you can call yourself a runner. If you can run a 5K, it’s “easy” to get up to a 5M to 10M level.
Work on the C25K, once you can do a 5K if you are still motivated to move up to larger distances, look for running clubs, (and read running message boards to work out kinks). I joined a running club to train for the Broad Street Run (10 Mile) I beat my audacious goal by 4 minutes (1hr35) because of the team camaraderie. Only thing that sucks about run clubs is they often meet crazy early in the morning.
Good luck
You really have to work yourself up to it. I committed to running a marathon after never having run before. I’d walked a bit, but not like that. I started on a mile track - running 1/4 mile, then walking 1/4 mile. I set goals - by the 2nd week - 1/2 and 1/2, building from there.
I think the most important thing is to set goals and know that you can achieve it. If you put your mind to it, you can do anything.
Good luck, brave soldier!
In the C25K program, is there a definition of “brisk walk” or “jog”? I know everyone here is saying not to go too fast, to take it easy. What does that mean, taking it easy? 4mph or so? 5?
I have been walking a lot on my treadmill, just going 3mph but on a 10 degree incline. But I’m not sure I’m getting as much out of it as if I were jogging/running, which I’ve never known how to do.
jog = don’t sprint.
brisk walk = walk fast.
Slow enough that you can talk, fast enough that you can’t sing.
I am a greqt believer in LSD (Long, Slow Distance). You have to build up a base of conditioning, so even if you want to race eventually, wait until you have the base. Then you can introduce some short sprints, then back to slow running.
As has been mentioned, run at a “conservational pace.” If you can’t talk without gasping, you are going too fast.
Running is easy if you just remember to alternate legs.
For inspiration, I did not start running until I was 46 years old, and did it every day, summer and winter for 20 years. In my 50s and 60s, I ran hundreds of 5K and 10K races, as well as ten marathons. Keep at it, and you will keep improving.
I know the OP specifically spoke against it, but I would not rule out a run-walk program to train for a marathon. A good run-walk program is designed so anyone can make it, and the training experience is a great way to meet other people with similar goals. And actually finishing a marathon is a great experience when you want to improve yourself.
If you wanted to do it by yourself, you would google Jeff Galloway to find the program. Personally, I would recommend finding a local group to work with, as runners tend to be great, interesting people to socialize with, too.
Hijack–what are good ways to get to a good mile time? Like, I’ve worked my way up to doing a mile at once but I still only do about a 12 minute mile. People think it’s awesome that I work out so much but I hate to admit how slow I am. Is it better to try doing short distances quickly and then work up again? (Not necessarily directed at you, zweisamkeit, just anyone in the know who’s reading.)