So you think you can’t race? Think again.

Phobia: I’m too slow.
Fact: In 2005, the median women’s time for a 5K race was 32 mins, 26 secs—just under 10.5 minutes per mile, or about 5.75 mph.

Phobia: I’m too old.
Fact: As of 2005, the average age of female runners was 33.8 for 5Ks, 34.8 for 10Ks, and 36 for marathons. What’s more, 44 percent of marathon runners (both sexes) were older than 40.

Phobia: I’ll look funny if I can’t run the entire way.
Fact: 85 percent of people who finish a 10K-plus race walk some, says running coach Jeff Galloway, author of Running Until You’re 100.