You've been jogging a few months, maybe even a few years. You started out doing a mile or two now and then, but now you run longer and longer distances at least three or four times a week. You've made the commitment that sets a "runner" apart from a "jogger."

So what do you do next?

Maybe it's time to try running a race.

Racing is fun! It gives you goals to work toward and an opportunity to meet other runners. Racing gives you something to brag about at work and to your family and friends. It gives you incentive to run more miles, as well as new places to run, new sights to see.

Running races also gives you confidence, as you set goals for yourself and then meet or exceed them.

Who knows, you may find out you have special talent you didn't even know you had!

So how do you start?

Every weekend in the Washington area, there's at least one race going on somewhere - often two or more per weekend in the fall and spring. They're considered the prime racing seasons because runners can avoid the chill of winter and the oppressive heat of summer.

Most running stores have all sorts of pamphlets lying around advertising races being held in the next few months.

The Washington Running Report has a list of upcoming races in each issue, as do The Washington Post and Washington Times "Weekend" sections to a much lesser extent.

For your first race, it's best to choose something short, maybe a 3-mile or 5-kilometer (3.1 mile) 8-kilometer (5 mile) race. Pick a distance you're sure you can handle. Many races conducted by the Capital Running Company have a short fun run in addition to their main race for people who don't want to run as far or are just starting racing.

You may want to make the race a family event by picking one with lots of perks. Some races cultivate a carnival atmosphere, featuring balloons, musical entertainment, clowns, a variety of food and drinks, and even fun runs for the kids.

If you're nervous about the distance you're aspiring to do, remember the cardinal rule of road-racing - your body has the ability to race triple the distance you can normally run comfortable. So even if you think you can't do it, you probably can.

Another maximum to keep in mind - they say athletic achievement is 95 percent inspiration and five percent perspiration. In other words, it's all in your mind. If you will yourself to do it, you WILL do it. So don't try to emulate the Olympic champions in your first race. Just try to finish. That's achievement enough, the first time out. And enjoy your new avocation as a road racer!