Chef, I have a hard time with stamina. I'm more out of shape than you do it might not be an issue for you.
I bout an app for about $2 for my iPhone. It's a couch-to-5k program. It increases you stamina if you run when the say and walk when they say. I got towards the end but then had the 5k (hadn't finished the program yet). Lately, I've just been doing the 5k events and haven't run between. (Currently in the middle of "crap" and haven't had time. )
I've got another 5k next weekend.