I've heard from a lot of women who are following the Her Times 5K training plan that we outlined in the last issue of Her Times. If I remember correctly, those who are following the plan should be up to running about 10 minutes at a time now.

Some new runners tell me they can't imagine running a full 30 minutes without walking (but, then, they also say then never thought they would be able to run 10 minutes either and...they're doing it!). But, I want you to know that walking breaks are perfectly acceptable -- even when you are a full-fledged runner.

To be completely honest with you, the only time I do an entire run without taking a walking break is when I race. Every single "run" that I do (when I'm not wearing a number and crossing a finish line with a big clock) involves a few short walking breaks. Sometimes I just really like the song on the radio and I want to sing (which is really hard to do when you're running), sometimes I'm just hot and irritated & I'm sick of running and I just want to walk for a bit, sometimes I want to slow down and appreciate the scenery and sometimes I just feel like walking.

That's OK.

Being a runner doesn't mean you must run every single step of your workout. YOU define what it means to YOU to be a runner -- and that's all that matters. I know there are die-hard runners that wouldn't dream of walking except during a warm-up or cool-down, but for me, walking is just part of my run and I enjoy the occasional break.

So, to those of you who say you couldn't imagine running 30 minutes or more at a time, I say -- you don't have to. It's all up to you. That's what is so great about running -- it's completely adjustable to your lifestyle, athletic ability and personal preference.

Go ahead -- slow down & smell the flowers, or pet a dog, or examine a road-killed snake or belt out Sting's "Roxanne," it's your run and you should do whatever makes it more enjoyable for you.