Try this new fad called jogging or yogging

I have come to realize that I am in very sad shape.  I need to do get up, get out and get something, so I decided that I would start running.  My problem is there is no where fun to go run around here.  I'll probably end up running around the school parking lot in the evenings.  I don't know how well I'm going to do at this "running" thing.  I'd like to have a goal, maybe run a 5k or something, but am I motivated enough to get out there and run and not quit when I get tired?  I used to be in great shape, but I used to run with a purpose, basketball.  I always hated the first two weeks of practice though, hell weeks, because when we pretty much didn't even get to see a basketball.  It was all endurance drills.  Also, I don't have a treadmill, so I'm going to have to be out in the elements jogging, or yogging, not sure if the "J" is silent.  Heck who knows if this will ever even happen.  I've been dreaming since the last season of Biggest Loser ended and the remaining contestants had to run a marathon.  Seeing them finish that race and the looks on their faces made me miss that sense of accomplishment that sports used to give me.  Now that I'm an old fart I don't have those moments anymore.  So what I'm looking for is for any pointers from you runners out there on how I can get started running, maybe some tips for beginners, goals that I should be setting to run a 5k, shoes to wear and so on.  ANY help would be appreciated.