How about collaborating with someone else for your first go? That way its not all hingeing one you (so that takes the panic out). The other advantage is that you will have to go ahead with it otherwise you let the other person down (you're still letting them down if you allow yourselves to go into double-panic mode & both chicken out).
Telling people you are going to do it might make it more nerve-wracking for you, so perhaps don't tell too many people beforehand.
Best of luck with it - I bet you'll love it!! Its very addictive once you start.......

Kris