Start Running

Practical advice for people who want to begin running as a hobby. Articles cover health checks, training approaches, safety considerations and fitting running into daily life.

Countryside Safety Code
Countryside Safety Code
Running in the countryside brings different hazards than city streets, from unpredictable weather to rocky terrain and obstacles.
Different Training Routines
Different Training Routines
Whether you're jogging casually or training for races, here's how to match your workout routine to your fitness goals.
Don't Be Too Ambitious
Don't Be Too Ambitious
Pushing too hard too fast as a new runner leads to injury, focus on steady progress instead of jumping into ambitious goals.
Get Checked Out by Your Doctor
Get Checked Out by Your Doctor
Before starting a new fitness routine, get a medical check-up to make sure your body is ready for exercise.
Get the Whole Family Up to Speed
Get the Whole Family Up to Speed
The London Marathon's new Mini Marathon gives kids aged 11-17 a chance to run the final three miles alongside adults, making fitness a fun family activity.
Is It a Good Idea to Take My Dog for a Jog?
Is It a Good Idea to Take My Dog for a Jog?
Jogging with your dog can solve the problem of fitting exercise into a busy schedule while keeping your pet active and healthy.
Jogging with Strollers Keeps Parents Fit
Jogging with Strollers Keeps Parents Fit
Parents can get back to running by using a jogging stroller, combining fitness goals with childcare on a realistic schedule.
Joining a Running Club
Joining a Running Club
Find a running club in your area and join a community of runners who'll keep you motivated and help you stick with your training.
Running and the Daily Routine
Running and the Daily Routine
How to fit running into a busy work and family schedule by building it into your daily commute.
Running Solo vs. Finding a Partner
Running Solo vs. Finding a Partner
Running with a partner keeps you accountable when motivation drops, while solo running lets you set your own pace and schedule.
Stretching Exercises and Why They Are Vital
Stretching Exercises and Why They Are Vital
Stretching before you run prevents injuries to your muscles and tendons by preparing your body for the demands of speed.
Summer Running Tips
Summer Running Tips
Keep your summer running safe by staying hydrated, easing your pace and timing runs for cooler parts of the day.
The Benefits of Running
The Benefits of Running
Running improves your heart, lungs, and blood pressure while lowering your risk of diabetes and heart disease.
Walk Before You Run
Walk Before You Run
Starting an exercise routine after years away requires patience and proper preparation, not jumping straight into running.
Why Start Running?
Why Start Running?
Running is free, natural, and burns calories faster than most other exercises, so here's why you should start.