For week 2, add 5 minutes to your total time, so that you are exercising for 15 minutes. Your goal for this week is to run for a solid 5 minutes, so start your run, look at your watch and try to run without stopping for 5 minutes. Remember, you are going to exercise for 15 minutes, and ideally run a good part of that time, so feel free to take walk breaks, bu aim for a 5 minute uninterrupted stretch within that 15 minute block.

Week 3, and we are moving up to 20 minutes. Keep your uninterrupted 5 minute block in there, and maybe add a minute or two, but only if you are comfortable. Make sure to get your 20 minutes in at least 3 times this week.

Week 4 we stay at 20 minutes, but run for 10 minutes uninterrupted. If you are consistently feeling out of breath, slow down a little bit. Too many people start out to fast, without realizing it and cheat their body's out of a longer, sustained workout.

Week 5, almost there! Run 25 minutes, running at least 10 minutes at a time. You are probably starting to get into a groove, where you settle into your run and "coast" for a while. That is what you are looking for. Run as much as you are comfortable, but do not hesitate to walk if you feel like you need a break.

Week 6, the countdown is on. Run 30 minutes 3 days this week, running as much of each run as you can. Do not get caught up in minutes or numbers, instead think about how your body feels and how much you have changed in the last 6 weeks. Relax and enjoy yourself and get ready for the Big Day.

Now that the hard part is over, it is time to get ready for the race! Let the weather dictate what you wear, although you do not want to race in anything brand new. Make sure that you have ran in anything you wear at least once before, this goes without saying for shoes, but also includes shorts tops, sports bras (for the females) and even, or perhaps especially, socks. Nothing can ruin your first race experience quicker than something chafing, rubbing or causing a blister.