Running is just about the best form of exercise (if your knees and back can take it) for so many reasons. It's cheap, you can do it anywhere, it burns major calories, and tones your thighs and bum beautifully. But sticking to the straight and narrow on all your runs can mean you're selling yourself short. To make your runs more effective, you need to mix it up. Vary your workout with one of these Read more

Spring is almost here, and if you're itching to get off of the treadmill, warm temperatures mean outdoor runs. But, since Spring often equals showers, an outdoor run could be nearly thwarted by weather. Don't be afraid of the rain — with a few simple adjustments to your normal routine you'll be on your way to a great run, elements and all. Do not wear cotton. While comfortable, cotton shirts, Read more

Punxsutawney Phil may have predicted an early Spring, but if you've been stuck running on a treadmill all Winter, you're probably counting the days until the snow melts and you can run outdoors. Depending what part of the country you live in, there may be a solid month standing between you and an outdoor run, so you still have to play nicely with the treadmill, no matter how much you loathe its Read more

It seems simple enough, but sometimes you just forget, or put it off, or just don't pay attention to your toenails entirely. Problem is, too-long toenails can wreak havoc on a runner's feet, whether you're heading out on a three-mile jog or running a marathon. I'm not talking full-on pedicure either (though, how wonderfully indulgent are they?) — I'm talking making sure they're short enough to Read more

I can tout the benefits of running hills until I am blue in the face, but it won't make running those ascents any easier. One thing that does, though, is focusing on your arms. As you're trudging up a hill, don't focus on your feet, but on the steady rhythm of your arms. Your feet will follow the pace set by your arms. I learned this little trick from the shoe expert at my local running store — Read more

If you run like a bounding deer on a treadmill, but as soon as you hit the road outside, you feel more like a stumbling, out of breath snail, here's a tip for building your strength and stamina. When you're running on a treadmill, raise the incline. Even a slight increase will make a huge difference. Since the treadmill belt makes running easier by propelling your feet, the incline will add more Read more

Many runners suffer from repetitive stress injuries, because they run the same way all the time. You can help prevent pain by varying your steps throughout your run. Here are some ways to change up your feet while running: Shorten your stride and take baby steps. Lengthen your stride and take giant steps. Lift your knees high up to your chest with each step. Run in a zigzag. Skip. Run sideways, Read more