As many of you may know, Anniston is about to host the 2009 Road Runners Club of America's National 5K Championship. The Woodstock 5K (3.1 miles) is a great opportunity for our area to shine and to show our stuff.

We can expect up to 1,000 runners coming from near and far to win prize money and be involved. If you have never run a 5K race, listen up: You can do this.

I know what you are thinking. Is she crazy? There is not a 5K rulebook that says you have to run a 5K. You can run or walk.

Between now and Aug. 1, at 7:30 a.m., you can train to run and/or walk this event so you can witness the energy and electricity that will happen that morning.

If you are ready to challenge yourself to get moving and you want the Woodstock to be your first race, here are a few tips to make a successful day of it.

Really it is best to have 4-8 weeks for a non-runner to properly train to run an event such as the Woodstock. But if you have the mindset that you are going to go out, have fun and do your best, then it will be OK! You will not be alone. You will see that many people walk and run.

• If you have never run at all, the best way to get moving is to find a course that you know is approximately three miles and start slowly by walking. When you are ready, try running from stop sign to stop sign, or block to block. Set attainable goals for you can reach.

• Try this workout two or three times a week, making sure you take a day off in between workouts. Each week, try to increase distance. Try running two blocks instead of one block or five minutes instead of three. Whatever you were able to do the week before, try increasing it in the next week.

Don't forget how important hydration is. It is extremely hot right now, so drink up before, during and after exercise.

• Keep plugging along for the weeks you have left until the Woodstock race, while increasing your distance little by little each week. Before you know it, you will have covered a mile, running the whole time. Invest a few bucks in a watch so you can time your runs. That will let you see improvement.

• On race day, make sure you do not try anything new. If you are used to eating a certain meal before you run or if you are one of those people who prefer not to eat much, keep to your regular habit.

Also do not wear new shoes you haven't broken in or socks that you haven't tried out. The last thing you want after your big debut in running is a big blister.

• Now you are ready to go. Remember to pace yourself. Whatever you do, do not go to the front of this pack unless you want to be trampled. The folks in the front are setting records and blazing trails. Pace yourself, and take it easy.

Believe it or not this can be really fun. You will share a real sense of accomplishment, have bragging rights at work, and do your body a favor. It is OK to walk when you feel like it. This is your workout! Do it in your own time. See you there, and good luck!

Registration fees for the Woodstock 5K go up to $30 Wednesday. Sign up at www.woodstock5k.com.