Running is challenging. But you don’t have to run to get in a good workout. The key is to just move more. There are many ways to make that fun.

The Second Annual Peanut Fest 5K/Run/5K Walk/1 Mile Walk is scheduled for Sept. 29 at Constant’s Wharf before the Peanut Fest Parade. It provides a great, free opportunity to enjoy being active with fellow Suffolkians and to help kick off the new Healthy People/Healthy Suffolk Program.

It is important to stay active, and just walking is a great way to start.

I work to incorporate cycling, walking, Zumba, yoga, weights and many other exercises into my weekly routine. I have also added running to the mix.

My husband got me started running. I have never — and I mean never — been a runner. I hated running, was bad at it and always was picked last in physical education when I was growing up. I wasn’t even interested in the idea of running.

Last October, my husband signed up for his first 5K in years. We were both starting a journey to better health and weight loss. He had already lost about 30 pounds and I had shaved off a few pounds. He started running more and more. He competed in a few more 5Ks and decided he wanted to do longer races. I got sucked in.

At first, all I did was walk, and then I worked in a few bursts of running. Over time I got faster and I was actually doing more running than walking. Now we are much healthier, and I am preparing for my first 10K.

Running is a great cardio workout and burns a lot of calories. For me, it has provided a sense of accomplishment. I set a goal, and I met it. My goals have ranged from running to the next mailbox to running races. Starting out small is key.

Peanut Fest 5K is a great opportunity for those who are new to running or those who want to start a walking routine. The free event is not officially timed. The goal is to get Suffolk moving while having fun. The 3.1-mile race begins and ends at Constant’s Wharf, 110 E. Constance Road. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m., followed by a brief warm-up at 7:15 a.m. and the run/walk beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Prizes will be drawn for participants following completion of events. To register by Sept. 26, contact the Suffolk Partnership for a Healthy Community and Suffolk Parks and Recreation at info@suffolkpartnership.org or www.facebook.com/healthysuffolk.

You can run just about anywhere, but Suffolk provides some great opportunities for runners. There are several local running groups and many races in Hampton Roads. Among them are Cornerstone Striders, Tidewater Striders and the local group of Black Girls RUN. For more information on these groups, visit www.meetup.com/Suffolk-Area-Runners, www.tidewaterstriders.com or www.facebook.com/BlackGirlsRUN.