in a handful of three- to four-hour-long runs set in. Fair enough. But how about a simple 5K instead?It’s the perfect distance: 3.1 miles require relatively little build-up, the training doesn’t take over your life, and the race is over fairly quickly

in a handful of three- to four-hour-long runs set in. Fair enough. But how about a simple 5K instead?It’s the perfect distance: 3.1 miles require relatively little build-up, the training doesn’t take over your life, and the race is over fairly quickly

Q. I’m a novice runner and I am working my way up to 30 minutes of running at 12-minute/mile pace. I plan to stick at 30 minutes for one month, then start adding some speed before a 5K. What would be the best speedwork for me?A. Begin your

Whether you’ve decided to make a change to your lifestyle, or you’ve just been roped in for a charity race, this index of our best beginner articles is for everyone taking those first running steps. From can't-fail motivation, to a first 5K or 10K

GETTY IMAGESWhether you're running your first 5K for charity, fitness or to support friends (or all three), read on for everything you need to know to finish in style.Training helpQ. I've never run before, how should I start? A. The best way

5K fun run. As the name suggests, these aren’t meant to be serious, and will give you a taste of racing. If you enjoy it you can target other races, perhaps at longer distances.I’d also recommend joining a running club or finding like-minded training

.Most events fall into one of three racing distances (see below), though some fixtures also offer a super-sprint (shorter than sprint) or middle-distance (between Olympic and Ironman) option. Triathlon Race DistancesSprint750m swim, 20K bike ride, 5K run

?Food before runningHigh energy drinks and losing weight…I want to have energy, but to lose weight too…Should I eat after a run?What will fill me up? RACING FOR BEGINNERS10K - how to train for one?5K to 10K - the 10K schedules look complex…First race - will I

's a motivator, perhaps more so than anything else in running. A race gives you a reason to train, to eat correctly, to lose a few pounds, to get fit, to get fast. Best of all, if you can run (or run/walk) for 30 minutes, you can complete a 5K race

do you need to train a week to see improvement? Our panel of five beginners reveal how they took their first tentative steps - and how to pick up the pace.Getting StartedIf you're already quite active you could head out for a slowish run straight away