More women are running, says "Running USA," which is good news for us girls. But it's also good news for the sport in general. Running is on the rise, thanks in part to women, charitable race events and running clubs. Though the 5K, at 3.1 miles, is still the most popular road race, the half-marathon is quickly becoming a favorite among runners.

It's pretty easy to see why. Running a 5K is an accomplishment, sure, but running a half-marathon will get you major bragging rights. It's a pretty motivating long-term goal. But while it requires training -- usually 10 weeks -- it's not as big of a commitment as a marathon. "It's a challenge, and you have to train, but it doesn't take up a crazy amount of your weekends," runner Staci Bafford recently told the "Baltimore Sun."

A half-marathon, at 13.1 miles, is also safer for the first-time racer, I think. Amateur runners might not be ready for the physical and mental challenge of a marathon their first time out. Better, I think, to start with a 5K and work your way up.

Why not challenge yourself to a race this spring? It doesn't have to be a half-marathon, of course. In fact, there's a run, walk or bike race out there for people of every fitness level. Keep your eye out for local events, or check out one of these race finders to locate an event that will inspire you:

• Runner's World Race Finder
• Running in the U.S.A. (includes trail runs, too)
• The American Triathlon Calendar
• Rick Thiessen | Finding the Starting Line of Your First Bicycle Race
• Charity Mile -- for short distance charity events
• American Volkssport Association