It's almost the beginning of a New Year and it just wouldn't feel right from a fitness writer's standpoint if the topic of getting in shape being one of the most common New Year's Resolutions wasn't addressed. If you are hoping that as the ball drops and the ringing in of 2010 will bring you fitter, healthier, losing extra weight, and achieving fitness related goals then you should listen up. The best way to sticking to any resolution is to set a concrete goal and plan how you are going to be getting there. Having what you want to achieve written in black in white is much better at keeping you motivated when you'd rather pass on that workout or trip to the gym.

For 2010 if you dream of starting a real running training program and completing a 5k race (or any distance for that matter!) you can follow along here. Each week I will be putting up a training schedule to follow along with tips throughout the week as to different training ideas, techniques, and other tips to get you fitter and running a personal best time. Whether you've never run a step in your life, have been plodding along in a bit of a fitness rut, are looking for a new challenge, or are a runner who used to be more diligent but have had a lapse in lacing up those running shoes, you can get back on track. (Pun intended)

The training program will be coming out soon starting for the upcoming Monday and before then you can be thinking about what goals you want to achieve. Look ahead a few weeks or months for a fun local race you can point towards as that will make the miles seem more important and keep you committed to your training schedule. Also make sure you've got the proper running shoes and running clothes so you'll be all ready to get out there and start pounding the pavement...or the treadmill!

Get set to get fit with Week 1 of the running training program!