It’s the opening days of spring, and it’s officially time to get out your running sneakers.

Whether you’re a would-be beginner or a veteran runner, spring signals the start of many race calendars. Hopefully, winter has left us, but we still may get the occasional cold days and possibly even a snow day. We all remember those surprise Easter snowstorms well.

However, let’s stay positive and look forward to sunny days ahead.

In this week’s version of my Hitting the Road column, I’ll take a look at the opening step of a “Couch-to 5K” program, as well as a glance at some of the opening races in the greater area.

Lace Them Up ... If you’re interested in running your first 5K – a 3.1-mile race – you will need to start slow. Most of you may have trouble running a half mile or mile initially, while some of you may be able to do it without too much trouble. One important factor when you begin training is never to overexert yourself. It is very easy to pull a muscle that could sideline you for quite some time. Here are some tips for your first 5K:

• All About Pace - The run/walk method has been a highly effective method of allowing beginner runners to run farther than if they tried to run without stopping. It also can possibly make them run faster. In addition, it can also make running longer mentally easier because it can be broken into smaller intervals.

You can start with a one-minute run – at your pace - and a one-minute walk ratio. Try adding one minute to the run, but keep the one-minute walk. When you feel better about your physical state and feel more fit, you can add more minutes to your workout. Once you reach a five-minute run and a minute walk, you should reduce your walk by 30 seconds until you can run without walking.

• Take A Deep Breath - Breathing is a key to being a successful runner. You need to pace your breathing by developing an effective breathing pattern.

Your breathing can be developed by one or more of the following methods:

• Breathing from your diaphragm – You should breathe deeply from your abdomen, which will expand your diaphragm. This will allow greater lung capacity and oxygen intake; and nose and mouth; nasal breathing can help with improved oxygen intake and can provide a more relaxed state of mind. Mouth breathing can allow for a faster intake of oxygen.

Another method is pursed-lip breathing in which you would exhale slowly through pursed lips. This method can extend the exhalation phase, removing more carbon dioxide from the body.

Breathing is often taken for granted, but it is an integral part of your running.

On The Calendar ... As I previously mentioned, the race calendar will begin to take shape during the late spring. Although here are some events for the veteran runner as well as options for some other runners.

Jim Thorpe will hold its annual running festival the weekend of April 26 and 27. The weekend features a seven-miler, half marathon, and full marathon.

The half marathon will be held on the April 26 beginning at 8 a.m. It will be held at the same out-and-back course as last year. Participants will start in the Jim Thorpe train station parking lot and run the trail to Lehigh Gorge State Park.

On the following day, the full marathon will take place. It will be held on the D&L and Lehigh Gorge rail trails, which are smooth- and hard-packed gravel. The seven-miler will also take place on Sunday.

It is a great and picturesque race. The full marathon is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

For more information, check out the website, www.runjimthorpe.com, or runsignup.com.

One of the more popular runs in the greater Schuylkill County area is the Yuengling Light Lager Jogger 5K in Pottsville April 26. The race has typically sold out in the past, and at this writing, it was hall filled. It is a challenging race with hills, but there is the consolation of a Yuengling at the end.

It is a race that every runner should experience. Along with a pair of Yuenglings, a branded pint glass and t-shirt is included. For more information, check out the website, www.laggerjogger.com.

If you think you have a future runner or runners among your children, you may want to investigate the Lehigh Valley Healthy Kids Spring Running Series in Lehighton that will begin on April 13.

It is a five-week series that will be held at Lehighton’s BWC soccer fields. The categories and distances will be pre-K two- and three-year-olds, 75 yards; four-and-five-year-olds, 75 yards; kindergarten and first-grade, 1/4 mile; second- and third-grade, 1/2 mile; fourth- and fifth-grade, one mile; and sixth- to eighth-grade, one mile.

Dates of the races will be April 13, 27, May 4, 11, and 18. For more information, check out www.runsignup.com.

Phillies 5K ... If you’re running in the Phillies 5K this Sunday, please drop me an email and a picture. I would like to use your race-day story in an article next week.

Questions, questions ... If you have any questions about running, please email them. In addition, I would also welcome any running anecdotes from your trials. Please email them to tnsports@tnoline.com.

Remember, you’re never too young or never too old to begin running. It can be an easy way for you to get back in shape and also serve as an escape from your daily struggles.

Jeff Moeller has been an active and competitive runner, beginning his 43rd year on the roads. He has competed in five half marathons and countless 5k and 10k races. Moeller also has coached cross country and track teams on the middle school and high school levels.