-walk for best progress More Follow a smart schedule MoreStay motivated: set a target More Avoid injury: warm up, cool down, stretch MoreOr see the Runner’s World BIG Beginners' Index for more articles.

woollen ski hat to retain heat. Sunblock, sunglasses, a cap and white clothing make sense on hot days.DON’T run in worn-out shoes, or in shoes that are designed for other sports.DON’T attempt to train through an athletic injury. Little aches and pains can

. Running works just like the tortoise-and-hare race. It rewards the patient (with weight loss, steady progress, less stress, more energy and a host of health benefits) and penalizes the overeager (with injuries, burnout and the like). This isn’t a sport

runners back on the trails. Our readers have thousands of injuries-worth of experience - but on a sensible note, there's no substitute for getting an injury professionally looked at."Best to see a qualified physio if you have a sports problem, just in case

At the last count, 132,000 runners had posted 1.6 million messages between them on the Runner's World forum. That's a ton of useful tips!Our readers already helped us pick out some of the best threads (or 'conversations'). Now we've gone a step