running=pain?

I am a brand new runner.  I've been at it for four whole days, and I'm surprised by how much I like it (I've always believed that I'd be hard pressed to run even if I were being chased by a bear or something).  Anyway, to the point... now that I've started, I'm enjoying myself, all except for these horrible, screaming side pains. 

Basically what I need to know is, what do I do when they get started?  It seems like they come on SO fast, and they don't go away easily at all.  I try deep breathing (which seems to make the stabbing sensation worse) and raising my hands over my head (very difficult for someone who already has balance issues).  Also, how long do they persist?  In other words, is there some magical two week boundary after which they will disappear (unlikely, but I thought I'd try)?

Oh, and I've only done about twenty minutes a day, so it's not like I'm killing myself with crazy expectations, am I?  I don't think so.  *shrug*

Is it like a cramp? Try stretching out really well before you go and also don't run with food in your tummy, some people can but I find it makes my stomach cramp

You can also try this:

http://sportsmedicine.about.com/cs/injuries/a /aa053100a.htm

and

http://www.the-fitness-motivator.com/breathin g-exercises-for-running.html

Hope it works out for you!

How far into your run are you getting them?  Are you doing a solid run, or breaking it up with walk portions?

Clint

I'm pretty neurotic about the stretching.  I did drink a little juice about half an hour before, so that might have been messing me up. 

Thanks for the links, Clint!  I got the cramp, which I'm pretty sure is just your basic evil stitch in the side, around minute 13, but it went away around minute 17 on the first day.  Since then, it's been appearing around minute 8 and hanging with me until about minute 19.  I run two minutes and walk one.  I'm trying to build up from a very, very low level because... I'm really not a runner. 

something else my instructor in a learn to run class said to do is do an extended orceful exhale so you force all the air out of your lungs.  It has worked for me.

Are you stretching before you run and do you drink plenty of water?

Try the suggestions here http://health.howstuffworks.com/home-remedies -for-side-pain.htm