Whether you're a new runner trying to establish a running habit or a seasoned veteran training for a race, it's totally normal to worry about things like not being able to run or not reaching your goals. But rather than letting your fears make you give up on running, here are some ways you can manage them.

Fear: "People are judging me." Some people don't want to run in public because they're worried about people seeing them and making judgments. But remember that you're doing something that's healthy and good for you - who cares what others think? Wearing the right clothes for running may make you feel more comfortable when running in public. For women, it's especially important to wear the right sports bra . Keep at it -- many runners find that the more they run in public, the more comfortable they feel getting out there.

Fear: "I'm afraid I'm going to have to start walking." Don't discount the power of a walking break! Some runners mistakenly think of walking during a run as "giving up". Walking can actually be beneficial for runners as part of an overall run/walk strategy for completing races or long runs, or as a cross-training activity in between running days.

Fear: "I'm not going to finish or achieve my goal." Don't think about the past negative experiences, like a bad training run, that are contributing to your fears. Focus on the positive. Remember runs when you felt really strong back, or reflect on how far you've come with your running.

Fear: "I'm going to get injured." This is a legitimate fear since, yes, some runners do get injured (and re-injured). But there's a lot you can to prevent injuries, such as avoiding doing too much too soon, getting fitted for the right running shoes, and following other simple injury prevention steps.

What's your biggest fear about running? Or are you totally relaxed about running? Take the poll and share your comments below.

More:

• Common Racing Fears
• Tips for Staying Motivated to Run
• Mental Tips for Racing

I've been guilty of "assuming the worst" when I have a running-related injury. I feel some pain in my shin and think, "Oh, no -- a stress fracture!" Thankfully, I'm usually just overreacting and the injury disappears on its own or with some self-treatment. But how do you know when your running injury warrants attention from a medical professional?

Most running injuries respond well to R.I.C.E treatment: Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, and take about two weeks to heal. It's time to visit a sports medicine professional if your pain lasts longer than that, or if you have any of the following symptoms:

• pain radiating to another area of the body
• severe pain in a joint or bone
• injury is very painful to the touch
• significant swelling at the injured area
• difficulty moving the injured part
• numbness, tingling or weakness at the injury site

More About Running Injuries:

One way you know you're a runner is when you actually don't mind using a portable toilet (porta-potty) and you have at times even been excited to see one. But there are plenty of runners who dread using a porta-potty or maybe still haven't attempted to use one at a race. If you fall into one of those categories, here are some tips for dealing with porta-potties:

Be prepared with your own supplies. Porta-potties usually start out fully-stocked with plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitizer, but they inevitably run out.  Bring your own toilet paper and a small bottle of hand sanitizer, so you're prepared, just in case. You'll be able to check your extra supplies in your race bag at the start (or you could always leave them in a porta-potty for the next runners).

Don't forget to lock the door. To avoid getting caught with your pants (or shorts) down, turn around and lock the door, as soon as you step into the porta-potty. If other runners see that a porta-potty door is unlocked, they'll try to open it without knocking first.

Use the hover method. Many women have already mastered the art of hovering, or not fully sitting on the toilet seat, when using public bathrooms. I don't know if it's because of pre-race nerves or poor lighting, but people tend to have worse aim in porta-potties at races. So, if ever you wanted to start hovering over the toilet seat, now's a good time to give it a try. Most porta-potties don't have those sanitary toilet seat covers.

Hang onto the handle. Most porta-potties have a handle on the back of the door that you can hold onto. This will help you keep your balance when using the hover method (see above).

Get more tips for using porta-potties.

More:

• How to Prevent Runner's Trots
• Avoid Stopping to Urinate During Long Runs
• Common Fears About Running Races
• Embarrassing Running Problems

_{Photo by Michael Blann}

Mother's Day is right around the corner and running or walking a race is a fun and healthy way to spend the day. Check out active.com's list of Mother's Day runs and walks around the U.S. Many of them include kids' races, so your little ones can join in the fun. If the list doesn't include one in your area, search their site to find one near you.

If you and your mom are running or walking your first race, here are some tips for beginners:

• Tips for Your First Road Race
• Road Race Etiquette Tips

More:

• Best Jogging Strollers
• Gift Ideas for Runner Moms
• How Parents Can Find Time to Run