Ever want to run a half marathon? Or even a 5K?

Well, it can be done for an inexperienced or experienced runner. For the former, you would need a solid three months, and for the latter it can be accomplished in eight weeks.

A few days ago, I completed a half marathon, the second at Walt Disney World. Despite my 42 years at hitting the roads, it still was a challenge, and I completed every mile without stopping. It was my fifth half marathon along with countless 5K and 10K races through the years.

My nephew — Perkasie native Colin Babin — ran his first full marathon in the Sunshine state with me the following day.

Fortunately, though, you can also run your first 5K within a month or six weeks.

In this inaugural periodic “Hitting the Road,” runner’s column, I’ll take a look at some early races on the greater Lehigh Valley area calendar, as well as some initial tips and thoughts to help you hit the trails for 2025.

Get Off The Couch ... For a beginner with little running experience, most experts recommend training for a 5K race for at least eight weeks to ensure preparation and avoid injuries.

In future columns, I will provide some tips about 5Ks, but there are plenty of “Couch to 5K” programs out there. They all can be very effective and get you on your way.

Set The Alarm ... If you run a half marathon or marathon at Disney’s “Marathon Weekend,” you know getting to bed the night before your race is vital. Shuttle buses from the resorts leave as early as 2:30 a.m. for a roughly 4:30- 5 a.m. start. It simply is about keeping all of the Disney parks open the same day of the race.

Most marathons will begin at 9 a.m., and they allow plenty of time to get up early and travel to your site. For most races, you can arrive 45 minutes before a race, which gives you plenty of time to get yourself ready.

Still, some runners like to arrive even earlier, and actually do some light jogs before a race. This stage is a runner’s prerogative. It will vary from person to person.

If you’re wanting to run on your own, it’s always better to run early in the morning. Some runners take their workout in the late afternoon or early evening after work, but then their body is already somewhat fatigued.

Eat a bowl of instant oatmeal, or a bagel with a banana before you start your run.

Stretch It Out ... Stretching is a pivotal element to running. When I was in my 20s and 30s, I would do minimal stretching and still be able to crank out a run. As I got older, I realized how important stretching can be. You can do more long-range flexibility with stretching, and you also have less of a risk of pulling a calf muscle or hamstring.

Here are some basic stretches that you can do to begin running, and also some that are fairly common for any run. (You should keep each exercise for a solid 30 seconds. Just counting to 30 isn’t always a true mark. The best source is a timer from your phone):

• Side lunge: Stand with a wide stance and step one foot out wide.

• Hip flexor stretch: Lie on your back, extend your legs, hug one knee into your chest, and hold for 10 seconds.

• Butt kick: Stand with your feet hip-width apart, squeeze your hamstring to bring your heel to your glute, and then return your foot to the floor.

• Leg behind you: Stand upright, pull your leg behind you with your hand, tuck your pelvis, and pull your shin toward your thigh.

• Hamstring stretch: Lie on the floor, pull one leg toward you, or bend your upper knee toward your chest.

It’s All Up Here ... If you’re thinking about starting your own running career, it’s truly about properly going through the initial steps to begin — and keeping a positive mental approach to it.

Before you begin, check with an experienced runner, a fitness coach, or an online program. You need to speed walk first, or start with a very light jog to build yourself along the way. However, you may realize that running may be your hidden talent, and you may be ready to begin sooner that you expected.

Proper stretching also is a big key, and again, those can be found through the above-mentioned outlets.

Along with stretching, running is a mental game. If you take the proper steps to train and follow a strict and paced regiment, your body can endure a 3-mile to a 13-mile run.

It always comes down to you keeping a proper and focused mental approach, and you will get through any run. You need to not have a defeatist attitude and push yourself through it even if you believe you are tired.

The lone reason you shouldn’t be able to finish a run is your body signaling that something is wrong, that you didn’t stretch properly.

Your body is a machine that takes care of itself, and it can complete any type of run if it is addressed with the proper care.

Looking back at my recent race, I began to “hit the wall” at mile 11, but I knew I had to keep pushing myself. It was all about pushing myself through it.

For runners, it is all about the mental game.

On The Calendar ... Unfortunately, the Lehigh Valley and Schuylkill County areas aren’t areas — at least yet — for a multitude of a heavy calendar of races.

In the spring, however, there will be more on the dockets.

Here are some that you can already look to investigate:

Feb. 2: Ice Scraper 5K – This is one of two races next month at the Lehigh Valley Road Runners’ Clubhouse at 1696 Park Avenue in Allentown, sponsored by the Lehigh Valley Road Runners (LVRR). This is the final of a three-race series, and it is a freebie — yes, no cost — with a 10 a.m. start.

Feb. 8: Cupid Chase 5K – It’s at Steel Stacks in Bethlehem, and any race in that area is usually one that will give you a good workout. Cost is $50 and includes a T-shirt.

Feb. 9: Super Bowl 10K Trot – This is the second of the two-parter in February by the LVRR. Cost is $50, and it includes a T-shirt. Registration is through Feb. 8 at midnight and there will be no Race Day Registration. Shirts are not guaranteed after Jan. 30.

I have run this race in the past, and it’s a challenging one. If you’re an experienced run, you likely would like it. If you’re a beginner, it will be a tough one.

Phillies’ Run ... A favorite of mine is the annual Phillies’ 5K, this time on March 22 at 9 a.m. The run is around the streets surrounding the Bank and the Linc and through the Navy Yard. For $55, it also is a great deal that includes a running shirt and a ticket voucher for two seats to selected Phillies’ early April games.

If you’re interested, sign-up quickly. The registration opened Jan. 13, and it quickly sells out.

Your Side Of The Story ... My plan is for this column to be an interactive one.

I would welcome the chance to offer any advice from my experiences, as well as refer to experts in the field to help you along your journey. Also, I want to hear about your experiences and will publish them.

Feel free to email: send you responses to tnsports@tnonline.com