Have you noticed that you have gained a few extra pounds recently? Have you been getting tired just walking up a flight of stairs? Have you been thinking about starting an exercise routine that will be good for your health and go at your own pace? If the answers to these questions is yes, we have a great solution ��� running!

The Benefits of Running

Running is a great cardiovascular exercise that involves all muscle groups of the body. Running is also an exercise that you can do at your own pace at a time that is convenient for you. Whether you are looking for an easy jog in the morning or evening, or if you would like to train for your first 5K race, running is a great healthy solution.

Getting Started

To get started, all you need is some comfortable running clothes and a good pair of running shoes. The shoes need to offer support from the rigors of running, and be comfortable to wear. As for what to wear, it depends on the weather conditions. For warm and dry weather, a tee-shirt and shorts should do the trick. If it is a little cooler, a long sleeve tee-shirt and long-legged running pants might be appropriate. And, for rainy weather, you could wear a rain resident top and pants, and even a hat to keep the rain out of your eyes.

To get started in running for exercise and health, it is important to do everything in moderation. Don't expect to be able to run a marathon after only a couple of days of running. This type of exercise trains the body for additional distances by repetition. So, start out with a distance that you are comfortable with, but still challenges you a bit. Continue at that distance for a set time, while looking to improve the time it takes to cover that distance. Increase your distance and reduce your time at a pace you are comfortable with. Whether you increase the distance each week, every other week or each month, the improvement in your overall health will be noticeable.

Resources for Health and Fitness

• Fitness Basics ��� Informative WebMD article which provides guidance on running for fitness and health.
• A Guide to Running ��� A helpful article from Fitness Magazine which lists suggestions on how to get started on a running program.
• Running Tips ��� Helpful web page which provides new runners information on how to get started.
• Running Tips for Beginners ��� Information to help beginning runners get started with running.
• Running and Jogging Benefits ��� This article from medicinenet.com offers information on the health benefits of running.
• Health Benefits ��� This informative article gives readers an overview of the health benefits from beginning to run.
• How to Start Running ��� Useful article which informs new runners how to begin to run for exercise.
• Exercise Tips ��� Article which lists several helpful tips on how to run for exercise.
• Quick Guide for Beginners ��� Helpful article that provides new runners with needed running information.
• Running Basics for Beginners ��� Web article which lists helpful hints on starting a running program.
• Running 101 ��� This article is from a respected running website which provides basic tips for new runners.
• Stretches for Runners ��� Helpful article with suggestions for stretches that runners should do before running.
• Beginner Tips ��� Information on stretching and other topics of interest for beginners.
• Running Injury Prevention ��� This useful article from the University of Illinois offers information on how stretching can prevent injury.
• Beginning Running Plan ��� Suggested new runner plan that utilizes speed and strength workouts.
• Fitness Program ��� Web page which lists information on starting a running program including a ten week running plan.
• Mayo Clinic Program ��� A plan from the Mayo Clinic that outlines a seven week program that will lead to running a 5K.
• Beginner Running Program ��� This article offers a suggested plan for motivated individuals.
• Avoiding Common Running Injuries ��� Medical information for runners informing them how to avoid running injuries.
• Foot Injuries in Runners ��� A Rice University article which discusses typical foot injuries that occur with runners.
• Running Injury Prevention ��� Publication which provides a vast amount of information on preventing injury and how they are rehabilitated.
• Running Injuries ��� Helpful article that describes many typical injuries for runners.
• Identifying Running Injuries ��� Information on how to identify common running injuries.
• Tips on Running Your First Race ��� This article from Readers Digest lists ten tips to prepare for your first race.
• Race Preparation Tips ��� Useful article which lists several tips on preparing for a running race.
• Preparing for a 5K ��� Information and advice on how you should prepare for your first 5K race.
• Running Your First 5K ��� A guide for new runners that gives advice from start to finish about running a race.
• Running Resources ��� Helpful page of information and resources from the Greater Boston Track Club.
• Runners Resources ��� Collection of resources about a wide range of running topics.
• New Running Resources ��� Resourceful page of information helpful to new runners.