Beginners
By Christine Luff, About.com Guide
Whether you want to run for health, fitness, weight loss, competition, or fun, you'll need to learn the basics about running. Get started with these running resources, including advice on how to run, beginner training schedules, nutrition, and injury prevention tips.
- Getting Started
- How to Run
- How to Run/Walk
- Running for Weight Loss
- Nutrition and Hydration
- Race Training Schedules for Beginners
- Road Racing Advice for Beginners
- Outdoor Running
- Treadmill Running
- Injury Prevention
- Injuries and Illnesses
- Group Running
- Running Videos
- Running Motivation
- Running Humor
- Running Quotes
Getting Started
Learn the basics about getting started with running and staying motivated to keep at it.
- Absolute Beginners' Guide to Running
- 14 Things Every New Runner Should Know
- What Is Running?
- 10 Great Reasons to Run
- Get Medical Clearance for Running
- How to Buy the Right Running Shoes
- What Should I Wear When Running?
- How to Find the Perfect Sports Bra
- Get the Proper Socks for Running
- 7 Running Essentials
- How to Get Over Fear of Running in Public
- Where Should I Run?
- Basic Rules for Running Etiquette
- Rules for Running on a Track
- Tips for Treadmill Running
- Stay Motivated to Run
- How to Start Running Again
- What's the Best Time of Day to Run?
How to Run
Learn what you need to know to get started with running, including proper form, technique, breathing, and staying motivated.
- How to Warm Up and Cool Down
- How to Breathe While Running
- How Fast Should I Run?
- Tips for Proper Running Form
- Safety Tips for Running
- Basic 8-Week Plan to Start Running
- 30-Day Quick Start Guide for Beginner Runners
- 4-Week Program to Run 1 Mile
- 4-Week Program to Run 2 Miles
- Get in Shape With Running
- How to Run Hills Properly
- 10 Common Running Mistakes
- Video: Proper Running Form
- E-Course: 3 Weeks to a 30-Minute Running Habit
- When Does Running Get Easier?
- How Can I Boost My Confidence About Running?
- Should I Hire a Running Coach?
How to Run/Walk
Many beginners get started with running by doing the run/walk method. Get tips and training schedules for run/walking.
- Beginners' Guide to Run/Walk
- How to Do the Run/Walk Method
- E-Course: 3 Weeks to a 30-Minute Running Habit
- 8-Week Run/Walk Schedule to Build Distance
- Run/Walk 5K Training Schedule
- Run/Walk 10K Training Schedule
- Run/Walk Half Marathon Training Schedule
- Run/Walk Marathon Training Schedule
- Tips for Your Walk Breaks While Run/Walking
- Can I Walk During My Runs?
- How Can I Measure My Run/Walk Intervals?
Running for Weight Loss
Many new runners start running because they want to lose weight. Get tips and advice for maximum weight loss through healthy eating and exercise.
- Tips for Running and Weight Loss
- Can Running Help Me Lose Weight?
- 7 Habits of Skinny Runners
- Why Am I Not Losing Weight?
- How to Control Your Portion Sizes
- How Can I Not Feel Hungry All the Time?
- How Many Miles Should I Run to Lose Weight?
- More Healthy Weight Loss Tips for Runners
- Why Am I Gaining Weight During Training?
- Can I Burn Fat By Running?
- Can Running Help Me Lose Belly Fat?
- Ways to Boost Your Metabolism
- Break Through Your Weight Loss Plateau
- Tips for Cravings Control
- Avoid Common Weight Loss Mistakes
- Secrets to Lasting Weight Loss
- How to Avoid Mindless Eating
- Share Your Weight Loss Tips
- Running and Weight Loss Success Stories
- How to Avoid Post-Marathon Weight Gain
Nutrition and Hydration
A runner's diet is important not for only maintaining good health, but also to promote peak performance. Whether you're trying to lose weight, training for a race, or running for fitness, get advice on what to eat and drink.
- Should I Eat Before a Run?
- Best and Worst Pre-Run Foods
- Nutrition and Hydration Guide for Long Distance Running
- 5 Smart Eating Rules for Runners
- Healthy Snacks for Runners
- Diet and Nutrition for Runners
- How Can I Avoid Stopping to Use the Bathroom During Runs?
- Do Runners Need to Take Supplements?
- Hydration Needs for Runners
- Can I Get Cramps from Drinking Water?
- How to Determine Your Daily Calorie Needs
- Best Foods for Runners
- Can I Drink Coffee Before Running?
- Common Sports Nutrition Mistakes
- Do I Need to Hydrate With Sports Drinks?
- Why Do I Feel Nauseous at the End of a Run?
- What If I Don't Have Time to Eat Before Running?
Race Training Schedules for Beginners
After you've been running for a little while, you might want to run your first road race. Get training schedules for road races, from 5Ks to marathons.
- Beginner 5K Training Schedule
- Email-Course: Run Your First 5K
- 4-Week Beginner 5K Training Schedule
- Advanced Beginner 5K Training Schedule
- Beginner 5-mile or 8K Training Schedule
- Beginner 10K Training Schedule
- E-Course: Run Your First 10K
- Advanced Beginner 10K Training Schedule
- Beginner Half-Marathon Training Schedule
- E-mail Course: Run Your First Half Marathon
- Beginner Marathon Training Schedule
Road Racing Advice for Beginners
Get tips on training for and running races, from 5Ks to marathons.
- Tips for Your First Road Race
- All About Training for and Running a 5K Race
- All About Training for and Running a 10K Race
- All About Training for and Running a Half Marathon
- All About Training for a Marathon
- Road Race Etiquette Tips
- Common Racing Mistakes to Avoid
- Can I Listen to Music During a Race?
- How to Predict Race Times
- Common Racing Fears
- Should I Eat Before a Race?
- How to Deal With Crowds at Races
- How to Have a Strong Race Finish
- Mental Tips for Running Races
- How to Deal With Pre-Race Jitters
- Tips for Using Porta-Potties at Races
- How to Pick the Right Race to Run
- Should I Run the Day Before a Race?
- How to Take Water from Hydration Stops
- Starting Line Tips for Marathons and Other Races
Outdoor Running
Get tips and advice for running outside in all kinds of conditions.
- Tips for Running in Hot Weather
- Beach Running Tips
- Tips for Running in Cold Weather
- Safety Tips for Running Outside
- 8 Steps to Enjoying Cold Weather Running
- Tips for Running in the Rain
- Running in the Dark Tips
- Keep Your Feet Warm During Cold Weather Runs
- Trail Running Tips
- What's the Best Running Surface?
- How to Dress for Winter Running
- Which Side of the Road Should I Run On?
- Tips for Running Alone
- Do I Burn More Calories Running Outside?
- How to Make Winter Runs More Comfortable
- Tips for Running on Snow and Ice
- Map Your Runs
- 7 Ways to Find Running Routes When Traveling
- Can I Wear Road Running Shoes When Running on Trails?
Treadmill Running
Get tips and motivation for running on the treadmill.
- Beat Treadmill Boredom
- Treadmill Running Benefits
- Tips for Treadmill Running
- Video: How to Run on a Treadmill
- Common Treadmill Running Mistakes
- Can I Train for a Race on a Treadmill?
- Do I Burn More Calories Running on a Treadmill or Outside?
- What Incline Should I Run on the Treadmill?
- Treadmill vs. Outside Running
- Treadmill Hill Workout
- Treadmill Fartlek Workout
- Treadmill Pyramid Interval Workout
- Are Calorie Counts on Treadmills Accurate?
- Which Treadmill Should I Buy?
Injury Prevention
Beginner runners are often worried about reaggravating an old injury or getting a new running injury. Here's advice on how to prevent running injuries.
- How to Prevent Running Injuries
- 7 Steps for Running Injury Prevention
- How to Prevent Shin Splints
- Do Runners Need Rest Days?
- Products to Prevent and Treat Blisters
- Signs Your Running Shoes Need to Be Replaced
- Injury Prevention Tools
- Products to Prevent and Treat Chafing
- Video: Stretches for Runners
- How to Avoid Overtraining
Injuries and Illnesses
Find out how to treat common running injuries and ailments.
- Common Running Injuries
- Why Does My Foot Go Numb When Running?
- When to See a Doctor for Running Injuries
- Why Are My Fingers and Toes Swollen After Running?
- Common Runners' Foot Problems
- How to Get Rid of Side Stitches
- What If I Have to Take a Break from Running?
- Common Overuse Running Injuries
- Is It Normal to Feel Pain When Running?
- How to Self-Treat Running Injuries
- Should I Use Ice or Heat on my Running Injury?
- When Can I Run Through Pain?
- Can I Run With a Cold?
- Running With Seasonal Allergies
- Embarrassing Running Problems
- How to Deal With Muscle Soreness After Running
- How to Avoid and Treat Muscle Cramps
- The Emotional Side of Running Injuries
- How to Recover from a Hard Race or Run
- How Can I Avoid Headaches After Running?
Group Running
Running with a group can help you improve your running and stay motivated. Get advice for group running.
- How to Find Running Partners
- Benefits of Group Running
- How to Behave During Group Running
- 9 Ways to Help Beginner Runners
- How to Find a Running Group
- Tips for Running With Your Significant Other
- How to Find Romance Through Running
- Tips for Running a Race With a Running Partner
- How to Be a Friendly Runner
- How to Leave a Partner During a Race
- 5 Ways to Be a More Social Runner
Running Videos
Check out these short running-related videos to help improve your running.
- Proper Running Form
- Ab Workouts for Runners
- How to Get Rid of Side Stitches
- Stretches for Runners
- How to Run on a Treadmill
- How to Ice a Running Injury
- How to Prep for a 5K
- How to Choose Running Shoes
- How to Treat Shin Splints
- Safety Tips for Running
- What to Do on the Day of Your Half Marathon
- What to Eat After a Run
- Tips for Where to Run
- Tips for Putting Together a Running Music Playlist
- How to Do the Run/Walk Method
- How to Stay Motivated While Running
- Should You Eat Before a Run?
- Top Excuses for Not Running and How to Beat Them
- Best and Worst Pre-Run Foods
Running Motivation
Maintaining your motivation to run can sometimes be harder than the runs themselves. Get advice and inspiration on how to stay motivated to keep running.
- 6 Tips for Busy Runners
- How Parents Can Find Time to Run
- Beat Your Excuses for Not Running
- Tips to Get Motivated to Run
- 10 Great Reasons to Run
- 8 Steps to a Successful Running Habit
- Get Out of Your Running Rut
- 7 Ways to Sneak in Running Time
- Beat Boredom on the Treadmill
- How to Avoid Running Burnout
- 5 Ways to Boost Your Mood While Running
- How to Recover from a Bad Run
- When Will I Feel a Runner's High?
- Tips for Running in the Morning
- How to Make Running a Priority
- Tips for Running Alone
- How to Set SMART Running Goals
- Ideas for Running Resolutions
- Tips for Mentoring New Runners
- Tips for Running While Traveling
Running Humor
Get some laughs with funny stories, quotes, and jokes about running and runners.
- You Know You're a Runner When...
- Funny Running Quotes
- Funny Marathon Spectator Signs
- You Know You're Marathon Tapering When...
Running Quotes
Reading running quotes can help you stay motivated to keep running and push yourself harder. Check out these collections of running quotes for some inspiration.
