Running Training

You're running or biking, but you're quickly running out of steam. Then suddenly — BAM — you get a rush of energy. What's going on?

By Maria Trimarchi

Long-distance running is inherently challenging and requires strength and endurance. Try running a 26.2-mile race backward, and you've added even more challenges to the feat!

By Laurie L. Dove

Barefoot running continues to be debated among runners, but what if you want just a little protection for your tootsies? Scope out your options and find out about barefoot running shoes.

By Nathan Chandler & Craig Haggit

You've got your running shorts on, your music playlist queued up, your water bottle filled to the brim -- it's time for a run, right? What's that, no shoes? A small but dedicated group of runners choose to train without footwear. Is barefoot running safe?

By Tristin Hopper

So, you're thinking about running a 5K race. If you've never run one before, those 5 kilometers might seem incredibly daunting. But countless others have done it before, and just a little bit of advice can help you get off of the couch and through the finish line.

By Meghan E. Smith

You bit the bullet. You took the plunge. You signed up for a marathon. Whether it's your first, or your 50th, you've got several months of training ahead of you. Even if you've done it before (perhaps especially if you've done it before!), marathon training can be daunting.

By Gerlinda Grimes

For many runners, finishing the 10K is a true landmark. It designates a dramatic improvement over the beginner-length 5K and represents some serious distance. So how do you become race-ready in just a few short months?

By Michael Franco

We've all read about the positive health benefits of running. But despite articles, statistics and a pair of shoes right by the door, it's hard for some people to get going. There are a few tricks dedicated runners keep up their sleeves in order to stay focused, and they might work for you, too.

By Michael Franco

Even though we know running is a healthy activity, it's still easy to resist. Luckily, seasoned runners have a bunch of tools for maintaining the inspiration to run.

By Nathan Chandler & Sara Novak

Proper running form not only helps you comfortably boost your speed and endurance -- it also helps you prevent injuries. What does bad form look like, and how you can avoid it?

By Lance Looper

Gone are the days that strength training was only for bodybuilding. Buff, macho men "maxing out" on free weights have been replaced with health nuts lifting weights to stay fit. But does strength training actually help your heart and lungs?

By Sara Novak

Running exercises more than just your legs. If your stomach muscles aren't in shape, you won't be able to set your best pace. What kinds of exercises will help you strengthen those abs?

By Nathan Chandler

You've mastered the 10K, now you're ready to compete. But running to complete the race is different from running to win it. How do you change your training habits to help you compete?

By Josh Briggs

Out of fear, need for food or fun, humans have been loping long distances since the beginning of time. But we still need to train for a 5K. How's it done?

By Nicholas Gerbis

The same material that boings bungee jumpers from bridges is used by runners to increase muscle strength. How will this type of resistance training improve your running performance?

By Debra Ronca

If you easily get bored with workouts, the variety involved in circuit training may appeal to you. What exercises are used in circuit training to spice up the routine?

By Victoria Vogt

Late-night infomercials advertising ab-strengthening rockers, loungers and workout DVDs insist that all you need are six-pack abs. But core strength training for runners goes beyond sculpting a washboard stomach. What can a strong core do for you?

By Victoria Vogt

What goes up must come down. Chances are, if you run uphill in training, your finish times in races will come down. Why is hill training so effective?

By Brian Boone

First-time and even experienced marathon runners know it all too well: the feeling that hits around mile 20 when your legs begin to give way and you feel as if you would die if you moved another step. What's going on here, and what can you do to avoid it?

By Kevin P. Allen

If you run 15 to 40 miles per week, you're an intermediate runner. If you'd like to increase your speed for your next 5K, how should you train?

By Meredith Bower

Interval training mixes up high- and low-intensity exercises to help boost stamina. How is alternating speeds better for your body than working out at a continuous pace?

By Thorin Klosowski

Crossing your lactate threshold during a race can cause you to feel exhausted and decrease your pace. So how do you increase your lactate threshold in training?

By Melissa Sandoval

If you're a runner, that doesn't mean you get out of exercising your legs -- strong leg muscles are especially important for runners. How do leg workouts help improve strength and stamina?

By John Kelly

Runners normally train by, well, running. You need strong legs and lungs to run well, but what about your back, chest and abs? Pilates strengthens those areas and improves endurance as well. Just one workout a week will make a huge difference.

By Ed Grabianowski

If you're looking for an extra edge in your sport, plyometrics may be the answer. But what, exactly, is it and how do you do it?

By Brian Boone