waste time wandering around the gym, wondering what to do next," says Kravitz. "Know what you want to accomplish before you even walk through the door.Ease into itBeginners often try to do too much, too soon and too hard. This can lead to muscle soreness

of 2005, when she read an article in Runner’s World about ultra-running, and decided to give it a try.“I followed the RW training programme exactly,” she says. Six months later, she successfully completed the Compton Downland Challenge, a 40-mile race

realistic goals to post-race recovery. Avoiding InjuryDon’t let that niggle become an injury – build mileage gradually, train on forgiving surfaces, and wear the right shoes.Beginner's RunningThe real basics - choosing shoes and kit, the best walk

friends or the staff at local running stores about which races are the most fun for a beginner - these are the ones that attract runners of all abilities and a large crowd of cheering supporters.When I race, everyone seems faster than meThere will always

and prevention, and a whole section dedicated to schedules for 10K, half-marathon and marathon races, the Guide to Running is full of practical advice that really works. If you want to make the most of your running, this Guide could be all you need.Available from

not.2. Stopwatch fartlekAfter 10 minutes on a 30-minute run, begin alternating 15 seconds quick, 45 seconds easy, 15 seconds quick, and so on, until you’ve done five or six faster segments. Some sports watches can be set to beep every minute

with 10-15 minutes of easy running before picking up the pace. Combine that with stretching for optimum results.5. Don’t start too fastBeginners usually err on the speedy side of speedwork. Hold it steady, and don’t run so fast that your breathing

The Magic MileThe 7 Key Ingredients of Mile Training A Beginner's Guide to Mile RacesFast ForwardStrong and LongOur best mile schedulesThe Go-Fast Mile PlanThe 'Treat Me Gently' MileThe Solid MileThe Murderous MileThe Alternative RW Mile Schedule

Thursday Easy 20-30 minutes. Consider running at same time as race start if possible to allow body clock and rhythms to adjust Friday Rest Saturday Easy 15-20 minutes with last five mins at race pace. You may feel sluggish

reaching four sets of 10 minutes by the last few weeks of your plan.1 x race-pace practice run, for example 10-15 minutes easy, 20-30 minutes at race pace, 10-15 minutes easy. This could start as a 30 minute run with 10 minutes in the middle at race pace