How to Start Running: Galloway Method

I have come to love running but must admit it took me a long time to really warm up to the sport. It's truly the most convenient workout — lace up your sneakers and go — and running burns serious calories. Training programs, like the Galloway method, that mix running with walking will help all you potential runners achieve success with less chance of injury.

Running coach Jeff Galloway's philosophy is to run injury free, no matter the distance, by alternating running with walking. His training plans are low mileage, consist of running three days a week, and he strongly encourages cross training — cycling, elliptical, water running, basically anything that doesn't pound your joints. The plans start with larger portions of walking than running, and Galloway urges runners to take it slow. You can check out his training plans for all distances here. If your get fit goal is to start running, find a 5K race near you that is four months away, then follow Galloway's 5K plan.