Running your first 5K race is a magical thing! You train, you run, and you realize you like the adrenalin of the race and crossing the finish line is a unique high. Many consider the 5K distance a gateway race; meaning completing this distance leads to other races. If you can run 3.1 miles why not try for 6.2 and compete in a 10K? Why not tackle a triathlon?

Since many of you listed running a 5K as one of your fitness goals for the 2011, I thought it best if you trained with a plan. Physical therapist and running specialist Julie Ann Dougery of the CMPC Running Clinic created this 5K training schedule just for FitSugar. Her goal is to help you run a 10-minute mile race and train injury free. Before starting this 11-week schedule, which starts on a Wednesday so you could start tomorrow, you should be able to run 20 to 30 minutes continuously without pain. The plan has you running three days a week, supplemented with cross training — but be sure to rest at least one day a week.
From Walker to Runner: 8 Week Plan
So you've always wanted to take up running, but every time you've tried, you were exhausted after one minute. Not everyone is born to be a runner, and for most of us, it takes weeks of building up and training your body to get used to moving this way.

I believe any healthy person can go from being a walker to a runner, and this eight-week plan from Running.about.com can get you there. To take a peek at the weekly schedule read more
Running to Cure Asthma?
I LOVE running, but that wasn't always the case. As a kid, I always hated it. I played inside with my dolls to avoid those stupid tag games (I was always "it"). And don't even get me started on the mile run at school we'd sporadically do twice a year - I HATED running.
In college, I developed asthma and now I have to take 2 kinds of medicine everyday - if I don't, I can't even carry on a conversation without coughing. But I HATE taking it everyday.
My friend told me her husband had asthma really bad - like rush to the ER bad - and he started running regularly and it really helped.
So I gave it a try. Of course, I didn't stop taking my medication right away, I started running first. And when I say started, it was a slow start. I walked a lot in the beginning, but gradually increased the amount of time I ran, minute by minute - and now I'm up to 30 minutes.
I set a goal for myself to do it consistently, 3 times a week, and I have to say that it helped a ton. Exercising my lungs clears out any fluid I have in there. It must work for Jackie Joyner-Kersee too. Now, I can't remember the last time I had to take my albuterol.
Want to go from HATE to LOVE? Then read more