Even if you've never considered yourself capable of participating in a race, you'll be ready to go by the end of this program. Created exclusively for Shape by competitive marathon runner and sports therapist Phil Wharton, co-author of The Whartons' Cardio-Fitness Book (Three Rivers Press, 2001), The Whartons' Strength Book (Times Books, 1999) and The Whartons' Stretch Book (Times Books, 1996), the 12-week program packs two workouts into one.

Three weekly walk/run plans will build your cardio endurance to ensure a race-ready body. The bonus? You'll boost confidence by setting small goals and progressively achieving them.

With this easy-to-follow program, you'll burn significant calories, see an incredible boost in your energy, reduce your risk for disease and, best of all, feel great about yourself.