Running advice in plain language
Running Guides for Smarter Training.
Find the Answer, Then Run.
Start with the basics or jump directly to training, recovery, marathon planning, race travel, or ultra running. Each section gives you a shorter path to the guide you need.
Choose the section that matches today
- New runner basics and common terms
- Training effort, strength, and recovery
- Injury questions and support gear
- Marathon calendars, travel, and ultras
30+ practical guides · Free tools · Mobile friendly
Browse running guides by category
Start here
How to Use a Running Training Plan
A training plan is more useful when you understand what each day is trying to do. Learn how to handle easy runs, workouts, long runs, cutback weeks, missed days, and schedule changes.
Beginner running
Learn the basics without overcomplicating them
These are useful first reads for warming up, improving coordination, understanding running terms, or deciding whether a coach is a good fit.
DRILLS
Form and coordination
Form
Running Drills for Beginners
Simple drills that help with form, coordination, and feeling smoother on easy runs.
Warm up
How to Warm Up for a Run
What to do before an easy run, workout, or race so the first kilometre feels better.
Running terms
What Is a PR in Running?
Learn what a personal record means and how to chase one without making every run a test.
COACH
What to look for
Coaching
How to Choose an Online Running Coach
What to look for, what to ask, and which red flags to notice before hiring a coach.
Training fundamentals
Understand why the plan works
A schedule tells you what to run. These guides explain how hard it should feel, why training changes, and where strength and recovery fit.
Easy running
The 80/20 Running Rule
Why most weekly running should feel easy and how the harder work fits around it.
Training blocks
Base, Build, Peak, and Taper
See why a good plan changes as race day gets closer instead of repeating the same week.
Recovery
Recovery Days for Runners
Learn what counts as recovery and why easy days are part of the training.
Strength
Strength Training for Runners
Add simple strength work beside your running without turning it into a second sport.
Training effort
Heart Rate Zones vs Pace Zones
Choose when to follow heart rate, pace, or effort on easy days and harder workouts.
Injury and recovery
Know what to check when running starts to hurt
Start with the education guides. Use the gear pages when you need help comparing braces or insoles, not as a replacement for a medical assessment.
Injury overview
Common Injuries From Running
Understand common causes and what to check before blaming your shoes or training plan.
Ankle pain
Why Does My Ankle Hurt When Running?
Review common reasons an ankle hurts during or after a run and when to back off.
Support gear
Best Knee Braces for Running
Compare brace types, when extra support may help, and what a brace cannot fix alone.
Support gear
Best Ankle Braces for Running
Find support options for ankle instability, trail running, and returning to activity.
Foot support
Best Insoles for Running
Find options for a better shoe fit, more structure, or help with pressure points.
Updated race guides
Find a marathon and plan the trip
Use the regional calendars to build a shortlist. Then compare faster courses or open the Boston and CIM travel guides once your race is booked.
USA
Marathon calendar
United States
USA Marathon Calendar 2026 and 2027
Browse upcoming U.S. marathons by state, date, and time of year.
EUROPE
Marathon calendar
Europe
Europe Marathon Calendar 2026 and 2027
Explore marathon dates across Europe and narrow the list by country.
United Kingdom
UK Marathon Calendar 2026 and 2027
Find upcoming UK marathons without searching through several race sites.
Italy
Italy Marathon Calendar 2026 and 2027
Compare marathon dates and cities across Italy before choosing your trip.
Japan
Japan Marathon Calendar 2026 and 2027
Browse marathon dates across Japan and start narrowing down your race.
FAST
U.S. marathon courses
Fast courses
Fastest Marathons in the USA
Compare quick U.S. courses for a personal best or Boston qualifying attempt.
FAST
European marathon courses
Fast courses
Fastest Marathons in Europe
Find fast European courses for a personal best or Boston qualifying attempt.
Boston race weekend
Where to Stay for the Boston Marathon
Compare neighbourhoods, hotels, start transportation, and race weekend logistics.
CIM
Sacramento race weekend
CIM race weekend
Where to Stay for CIM
Choose a Sacramento hotel with the start buses, finish area, and race morning in mind.
Featured free tool
Marathon Countdown and Race Week Planner
Enter your race date once and get a dated checklist for training priorities, travel, pacing, fuel, packing, and race morning. It takes about two minutes and does not require an account.
- Dated countdown tasks
- Race week and packing help
- Pace and fuel reminders
Longer distances
Marathon and ultra running guides
Learn what changes as the distance grows, from training and pacing to race choice and the many shapes a marathon runner can take.
26.2
First marathon guide
First marathon
How to Train for Your First Marathon
Learn what to know before choosing a race, building mileage, and starting a plan.
Race day
What Is a Marathon Pacer?
See how pace groups work, when to run with one, and when to use your own plan.
Runner stories
A Marathon Runner’s Body
A useful reminder that there is no single body type that belongs at the start line.
Ultra running
Guide to Ultra Running
Learn what changes beyond the marathon, from training and pacing to food and gear.
Ultra distances
How Many Miles Is an Ultra Marathon?
Get the simple answer and compare common 50K, 50 mile, 100K, and 100 mile races.
Ultra distances
10 Ultra Running Influencers to Follow in 2026
Follow 10 ultrarunners and creators worth watching in 2026
Race ideas
Popular Ultra Marathons
Start here when you want a memorable ultra race to add to your list.
PACE
50K to 100 miles
Ultra pacing
Ultra Marathon Pace Chart
Compare pace and finish times for common ultra distances in miles or kilometres.
Off the clock
30 Funniest Running Memes
Sometimes you need a break from pace zones, mileage, and shoe specs. This is the lighter side of long runs, early mornings, and runner logic.
Running guide FAQ
Where should I go next?
Which running guide should a beginner read first?
Start with How to Use a Running Training Plan. It explains the purpose of easy runs, workouts, long runs, rest days, and missed days before you choose a schedule.
What is the difference between Running Guides and Training Plans?
Running Guides explain concepts such as pacing, recovery, injuries, and race preparation. The Training Plans hub gives you a weekly schedule for a specific race distance.
Where can I find an upcoming marathon?
Use the Marathon Finder for a quick shortlist. Use the regional calendars when you want to browse more races in the United States, Europe, the UK, Italy, or Japan.
Should I train by heart rate or pace?
Both can help. Pace is useful for workouts and race goals. Heart rate can help keep easy runs easy. Effort still matters when heat, hills, wind, or fatigue change the numbers.
What should I do after missing a race goal?
Use the Missed Goal Race Debrief before choosing another plan. It helps review the goal, training, pacing, fueling, recovery, conditions, and race execution.
Where are the running calculators?
The Runner’s Tool Kit includes calculators for pace, finish time, splits, heart rate zones, training zones, treadmill speed, run walk intervals, fuel, and clothing.