Photo: Getty Images

Did you just train for -- and compete in -- your first 5K, 10K, marathon, triathlon or other fitness feat? We want to share your story with the world! Let us know why you decided to train, how you did it and what it felt like to cross that (mental or physical) finish line. Send us an e-mail at successstories [AT] thatsfit [DOT] com.

Fall is a popular time for charity walks and runs. There are several Susan G. Komen marathons scheduled to benefit breast cancer research. The Alzheimer Foundation has Memory Walks scheduled around the country. Step Out Walk to Fight Diabetes has many fall events. And that's just naming a few!

Participating in a charity walk or run is a great way to get in shape. You have all the traditional perks of training for an event, plus you have the added motivation that your actions are a benefit to a worthy cause.

If you're planning to sign up for a charity walk or run, it's time to start training. You can consult a personal trainer for a customized training program. Or, check out the web site for your charity race. Many, such as the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, have training programs designed for their participants.

My sister's friend is training for a half-marathon in February. She wants my sister and me to do it too. So my sister drove up my driveway the other day, called me on my cell phone, and beckoned me to her car window where she handed me this Hal Higdon 12-week training plan intended to prep me for conquering 13 miles, all in one shot. This is the same me who has only ever run as many as five miles at one time. My long runs lately are three miles. Hal's training schedule features three miles as a short run. I'm not sure about all of this. Either is my sister.

Runner's World calls the half-marathon the hottest race distance out there, perfect for newer racers like me who have maybe finished a few 5K or 10 K events (I've run three 5Ks, doing another on October 4). The half offers a worthy-yet-doable challenge without the training and racing grind of the marathon, say the running experts.

Doable. Sure it's doable. I have enough confidence in my abilities to know I can complete a half-marathon if I really set my mind to it. But do I want to? That's the question. Do I want to train harder than I do now to maintain my average level of fitness? Do I want to put a squeeze on my work and family schedule? Do I want to accomplish a physical feat I've never before attempted. Lots to think about. Gotta give Hal's program some thought -- and this Runner's World plan too (a nine-week commitment). Then, I guess I'll make the call.

Source

When I run, I generally run alone. Sometimes I'll bring my dog, and occasionally a friend will join me, but far more often than not, it's just me. And I'm not complaining -- in fact, that's the way I like it.

However, one of the things I love about running is the feeling of community. Any time I go for a run, I know there's someone else out there, someone who's facing the same challenges I am, someone who will push through to the end of that last mile (and if they can do it, so can I). There's so much support for runners, both in local club form and online. And then, of course, there's the feeling of being a part of an actual race.

Nike is capitalizing on that feeling by promoting the Nike+ Human Race. Rather than just running with people who join a race in your area, you have the option to run a 10k on the same day as thousands of other people all across the globe. Races are set for cities around the world, from New York to Madrid to Shanghai, or you can join in on a run by yourself with the Nike+ gear. Of course, you could just go for run on August 31st and know that you're joining runners the world over -- it's up to you!

Source