Running/jogging forum member newrunner08 writes: "I'm in good shape. I walk 5 km. a day, swim an additional 2 km. in the summer and often bike ride on the weekends. But I am having the hardest time running! It seems like my body just doesn't move that way! Does it get easier? Does anyone have any tips for me?"

Share your tips and see how other runners respond in our discussion.

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When I talk to new runners who are thinking about running their first race, I hear a lot of the same fears and anxieties. The most common one is, "I'm going to finish last!" I've even heard this declaration from several runners about the same race, which is always amusing. (You can't ALL finish last!)

Feeling nervous and anxious about running a race is completely normal, but you shouldn't let it hold you back from experiencing the thrill and satisfaction you get from setting a goal, working hard to achieve it, and completing it.

So check out the most common fears about running races, and find out what you can do to get over them and take the plunge into road racing.

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Maintaining a regular running schedule is hard enough, but throw in some parties, shopping, food preparation, out-of-town guests, and other holiday craziness, and it may seem near impossible to find time for runs. It also doesn't help that the cold weather in many parts of the U.S. makes for less-than-desirable outdoor running conditions. If you're anticipating a busy holiday season (and who isn't?), start practicing some of these strategies so you'll keep running through the holiday season.

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With the huge growth in marathon running popularity over the past decade, getting into the biggest marathons in the U.S. isn't easy. The most popular ones sell out immediately or offer lotteries, which can be extremely competitive. For example, nearly 55,000 people got rejected from the New York City marathon's lottery this past year.

A recent article from Bloomberg News explains that the New York Road Runners organization, coordinators of the New York City marathon, are contemplating selling "permanent marathon entries". The concept would be similar to "lifetime season tickets" offered by some professional sports teams.

Although they're not saying how much the licenses would cost, organizers say that the money raised would help them to increase awareness of the sport and offer more opportunities to runners.

Personally, I was disappointed to hear that the Road Runners is considering this idea. Right now, there are several guaranteed ways to get into the New York marathon, without relying on luck. U.S. runners can either run in nine Road Runners races the prior year; participate in one of the race's official charity programs; gain automatic entry as a 15-year race veteran; be denied entry the three previous years; or run a competitive qualifying time. International runners can get automatic entry by purchasing a "marathon package'' through Road Runners' travel partners.

So if someone really wants to run New York, with some dedication and patience, they'll get in eventually. And, as anyone who has trained for a marathon knows, they'll need that kind of commitment during their training. I also think that the difficulty in getting into New York is part of the reason why it's such a thrill for runners when they finally make it there. So I don't think it would be fair to simply hand over numbers to people who can afford what I'm sure will be a high price for a lifetime number. And since the amount of spots in the race will always be limited, selling lifetime entries will take spots away from those runners who can't afford them and want to gain entry either through luck or hard work.

What do you think? Are lifetime marathon licenses a good idea? Share your thoughts in the comments section.

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• Running Your First Marathon
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