Entering a race will focus your training efforts, keep you motivated and give you huge sense of achievement when you cross the finish line. Set yourself different types of targets, for example:Outcome goal:  if it's your first race, this could be simply

training log...and keep it up all year! Plot your improvement over 2010, and just think how proud you'll be when you look back in December.A training log is unbeatable for motivation – it'll help you focus on long-term goals, and you'll notice

, bustling and a fab first race for beginners. Join entrants from Manchester and all over the north-west in a sea of runners on a flat road route around Manchester’s vibrant city centre. If you’re used to training to music, the entertainment along the route

socially afterwards, the more experienced runners can impart an awful lot of knowledge to beginners, the little tips that wouldn't come out in a training talk."Just good friendsFor those bitten by the training-camp bug, it can be addictive – RW forumite Ian

I started training for my 750m swim leg with a dangerous level of confidence. I had weekly swimming lessons throughout my childhood, topped off with lifesaving training (mostly swimming around in pyjamas staging elaborate 'rescues' of my clubmates

, offering jelly babies, orange slices, drinks and even beer to the annual invasion of runners."This is such a great event and the support from the spectators is fantastic. The buzz of the whole event seems just the thing to get any beginners hooked

a record number of absolute beginners. The Zurich adventure all started a year ago with a call for new shipmates to join the Pirates on their 2009 voyage to Ironman Switzerland (IMCH). Since then, the plucky IM virgins who heeded the call – and a

or race, make sure your legs are ready for the challenge with ankle-strengthening cross-training (hill-walking for example) and leg-specific exercises.Finally...Enjoy yourself! Don't get hung up on how fast or how far you're running - instead, take

to the stunning sand dunes. 8. Race the Train 14 Where: Gwynedd When: August 15This year marks 26 years of continuing success for the madcap idea of a band of runners racing the Talyllyn Railway on its journey to Abergynolwyn and back. Following

Stadium, this classic road race promises a thrilling atmosphere and crowds of spectators, while offering runners a circular route that's fast, flat and friendly to both beginners and hard-boiled PB hunters.GDF Suez Leeds Half-Marathon (West Yorkshire