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

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

– threshold pace – is very demanding, and isn’t for beginners. Your body can’t work this close to its maximum every time you ask it to: there may be limiting factors such as dehydration, or not having recovered properly from your previous training sessions

-life runners – it is an invaluable resource if you're a beginner starting out on your running career, or looking to improve your performance and reach your full potential.With comprehensive chapters on training, equipment, nutrition, injury treatment

www.andrewheadingphotography.comThere are plenty of fit, accomplished runners who think that ultra-marathons (races beyond marathon distance) are something ‘other people’ do. Thirty-nine-year-old Jane Riley was one such runner, until the beginning of 2005, when she read an articl...

Ease into faster running with these introductory sessions:1. Easy fartlekFartlek, or speed play, is variable-paced running that emphasises creativity. During a 30-minute run, choose objects to run to – lamp-posts, trees, buildings, other runners, whatever. Make choices that mark...

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

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

number of short-distance races over the coming months."I’ve found both the beginner training articles and the INSPIRE virtual running club really motivational," he says, "and I love reading all the product reviews when I'm looking for new kit." Needham

of the club. A positive record or attracting beginners and juniors to trial the club then nurturing them through the ranks into regular members.You can nominate clubs for this award either via email or by posting your nomination(s) to the following address