It all starts with the first step, and if your New Year / New You goals include running a marathon, signing up for the Fort Lauderdale A1A 5K over Presidents Day weekend, is a great start.

But can you really run 3.1 miles? Are you really resolved to your resolution?  Don’t throw in the towel yet. It is definitely possible to celebrate at the finish line of your first 5K in just six weeks - and here's how.

1. Buddy Up!
First, if you haven’t exercised in a while or you have any health problems, get your doctor’s go-ahead to lace up your running shoes. Then phone a friend.

“Training for and competing in an event like a 5K is more fun when you have a run partner,” said Randy Accetta, director of coaching education for the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA). Plus, you’re more likely to stick with your training if you have someone else to work out with.

If you can’t convince a buddy to join you, search online for running clubs in your area (the RRCA maintains a list) or check with the local specialty running store to see if they know of anyone just starting out who needs a running partner.

2. Get the Right Gear.
Before you pound the pavement, invest in a good pair of running shoes. “Visit a store that specializes in running shoes, not a sporting goods store,” said Accetta. “The experts there know how to find the best fit for your foot and stride.”

Expect to spend upwards of $80 for this critical piece of gear. But once your feet are taken care of, the rest of your shopping list — socks, moisture-wicking shirts and shorts, a well-fitted sports bra — will be relatively inexpensive.

3. Start Slow and Steady.
Make “walk, don’t run” your mantra when first starting out, said former long-distance track Olympian Jeff Galloway, author of "Running: Getting Started." Do a combination of running and walking when you begin training.

Depending on your fitness level, you can start running for just 10 seconds and then walk for the remainder of a minute, until you complete your daily training assignment. If you’re up to it, you can alternate running for two minutes and walking for one. As you grow stronger, walk less and run more. You may work up to running for your full workout; you may still do some combination of walking and running, even on race day. However you get there, the goal is to make it across the finish line.

4. Use a Training Schedule.
This condensed training program is designed to have you 5K-ready in six weeks. During the hectic work week, the focus is on getting in some running time every other day, in minutes, not miles. On Saturday, concentrate on covering more ground, regardless of how long it takes. Take a rest day on Sunday. (If you change your schedule, just rest the day after the longest training session.)

On non-running days, Galloway recommends doing exercises that won’t fatigue your calf muscles, such as walking, swimming, cycling, rowing or upper-body strength training.

Six-week schedule to train for a 5K

• Week 1: Tuesday (10 minutes); Thursday (13 minutes); Saturday (1 mile, however long it takes to finish)
• Week 2: Tuesday (16 minutes); Thursday (19 minutes); Saturday (2 miles)
• Week 3: Tuesday (19 minutes); Thursday (22 minutes); Saturday (2.5 miles)
• Week 4: Tuesday (22 minutes); Thursday (25 minutes); Saturday (3 miles)
• Week 5: Tuesday (25 minutes); Thursday (28 minutes); Saturday (3. 5 miles)
• Week 6: Tuesday (20 minutes); Thursday (30 minutes); ... And then race day!

5. Prepare for the Big Day!
On the day of the event, give yourself plenty of time to find parking, register and use the restroom. Finish eating at least 30 minutes before the start time.

“You want some carbohydrates, but not too much fat or protein,” said Accetta. Try half of a whole-wheat bagel, oatmeal or a banana. Your diet leading up to the 5K shouldn’t change much, and there’s no reason to load up on carbs the night before.

Depending on your preference and the day’s weather, you can carry a water bottle with you or rehydrate after you reach the finish line. As you’re trekking along, take in the views and soak up the energy from other runners and walkers. High-five your running partner or your cheering family and friends as you cross the finish line — you deserve to celebrate!

Apps to Help you Train:

• Map My Run: Find running routes anywhere, map your run and track your pace and distance. Free on iTunes and Google Play.
• Nike+ Running: Tracks your pace, distance traveled, calories burned, and maps out the route you’ve completed. Free on iTunes and Google Play.
• Runkeeper: Tracks distance, pace and time of runs/walks. Free on iTunes and Google Play.
• 5K Runmeter: Features a 5K run/walk training program for beginners, as well as training plans for your next challenge: a 10K or half-marathon. Free on iTunes.
• Tempo Magic Pro: Allows you to adjust a song’s tempo on your iPod player to match your run stride. $4.99 on iTunes.

A version of this article originally appeared on iVillage.