Welcome back to another installment of Running Rambles!

Throughout the year, we will be providing information on how to run your first 5K as well as training for a fall marathon during the summer months.

As always, we welcome your feedback on any topics dealing with running. With spring finally unraveling its wrappings, the running calendar in the Lehigh Valley and beyond will continue to provide a more complete schedule. We'll provide you with information about races in our greater distribution area.

START YOUR 5K

Within the next few weeks, we'll provide you with some tips to run your first 5K. Here are some initial thoughts about how to approach your first race:

Check with your doctor: Even though you believe are in decent shape, it doesn't hurt to check with your doctor before beginning any extended exercise regimen. Even veteran runners often check with their doctor before undertaking a race of a new length. As a precaution, it is better to be safe than sorry.

Overcome mental hurdles: It is common to have a lack of confidence before you begin running especially if you haven't engaged in an exercise program. Feeling out of shape or to slow is usually the hardest part to getting started. First-time runners also can be very cautious of their appearance in front of veteran runners. However, don't worry. All of us have been there at one point.

Everyone's different: Runners come from all walks of life and in all shapes and sizes. Don't be afraid to join the crowd and run at your pace. Speed, confidence, and endurance will develop over time.

Keep a support system: Whether it is a friend, a family member, or a fellow runner, a supporter can be an invaluable asset. Having a running partner or being able to talk to someone about your activity definitely can keep the running flames alive, notably for your psychological needs. Running is more of a mental than physical sport. Even though you are out there alone, you still need to keep support bonds.

In the next few weeks, we will build on these points.

WHERE TO RUN

Here are some races in our Lehigh Valley Press distribution area. If you want to list a race, please submit your information to the newspaper.

Saturday, May 2

Ÿ Kids Peace Family Fun Mud Run, Orchard Hills campus, Orefield. Race time is 11 a.m. For more information, check their website, www.kidspeace.org/mudrun

Wednesday, May 6

Ÿ Lehigh Valley Road Runners (LVRR) Summer Series. This is a weekly free race hosted by the club at the Lehigh Parkway. For more information, www.lvrr.org

Saturday, May 16

Ÿ Hope 5K, Lehigh University. This race will benefit both the BASD and EASD PTAs. For more information, www.bloom.edu

Ÿ Lehigh Valley Road Runners Kids Series. The race is open to children ages 3-14 as of May 16 and time is 8:30 a.m. For more information, www.lvrr.org

Ÿ Also, the LVRR host nightly group runs with various lengths throughout the Lehigh Valley. For more information, check the website.

Please feel free to submit any thoughts, idea, suggestions, or races.

Good luck and … never stop running!

Jeff Moeller is a regular contributor and has been running since 1980.