Entering a race will focus your training efforts, keep you motivated and give you huge sense of achievement when you cross the finish line. Set yourself different types of targets, for example:Outcome goal:  if it's your first race, this could be simply

the most daunting, so take a minute to check out our BIG Beginners’ Index before you bound out the door – it’s packed with get-started tips, motivational advice and an essential kit checklist too.Don’t be tempted to run as far as you can, as fast as you can

training log...and keep it up all year! Plot your improvement over 2010, and just think how proud you'll be when you look back in December.A training log is unbeatable for motivation – it'll help you focus on long-term goals, and you'll notice

This week's problem is one that many runners will recognise: How do you cope with being a "beginner" again after injury?"I used to be a half-decent runner. I've run seven marathons with a PB of 3:36, and loads of half marathons and 10Ks

,000 expert tips on nutrition, motivation, training and more.Whether you're a complete beginner or already have your sights set on a PB, this 300-page book can help you train and run better. The Complete Guide to Running is divided into 10 key chapters

socially afterwards, the more experienced runners can impart an awful lot of knowledge to beginners, the little tips that wouldn't come out in a training talk."Just good friendsFor those bitten by the training-camp bug, it can be addictive – RW forumite Ian

repeats at a consistent pace, "but in the final rep, run to the limit of your ability", says Walker. "This will teach you to overcome discomfort."  Old Routine: Train hard, then quit running altogetherFresh Approach: Cultivate consistencyBeginners

finishing medal, a course PB or an aim to finish the swim leg faster than last year, for example.Achievable: Set goals which are within the realms of your physical abilities and the amount you can train - outlandish goals often lead to a lack of motivation

-gone. With hundreds of clubs catering for the multifarious runners up and down the country, there's literally something for everyone, from beginner fun-runners to serious pace-setters. Indeed, it's possible to join a running club without ever racing, without being

pivotal role in the local community, perhaps demonstrated by a commitment to race organisation in the area, training programmes or other social events. It has an outstanding record of race success in relation to the size of the club