Don't Know Where To Start

I really want to start running— not just a quick twenty minutes every other day, but as a real hobby. I've heard a lot of folks talking about their 5k and 10k races, and I'd really like to try it out!

But I don't really know how to go about it— how do you find races to run? This website has some advice, but no 5k races seem to be going on in NYC right now, and I'd like to start small.

Plus, how do I train? How long should I practice, and how many days per week? Will my asthma affect my training?

Also, I don't have enough money for any fancy gear or nice new shoes. All I have are old sweatpants, shoes I bought in sixth grade, and an iPod that's apparently already outdated despite the fact that I only bought it three years ago.

Starting new things is fun, but it's so hard and confusing sometimes!