It could be you want to lose weight. Or your exercise routine has grown stale and you want to jump-start things with a new activity. Maybe you're returning to the sport after several years.
Whatever your reason for wanting to start running, you're far from alone. An increasing number of people are lacing up their running shoes and pounding pavement or taking to the trails. Races in particular are attracting an ever-growing number of participants, according to the 2011 National Runner Survey...

