Trail running is where nature and fitness meet. As a species, humans evolved to run on softer, natural trails.

Whether you’re relatively new to the sport or have decades of experience, everyone wants to improve running speed in competitions and beat their personal best. We can’t all be Usain Bolt, but we can incorporate different kinds of exercise to increase our overall times, whether running for fun or in a race.

  Whether you are a complete beginner about to kick-start a lifestyle change, a weekend jogger looking to spice up your routine, or the star of your local running club, choosing a running route should be the first port of call before lacing up your running shoes. Here are some important tips to help you put together the right running route – no matter your level of experience, ability, or ultimate goals – so that you can make the most of your time putting foot to earth.

People run for all kinds of reasons. For some, it’s to relieve stress; for others, it’s to build up their endurance to compete in long-haul races like marathons.

Treadmill running is certainly not everyone’s favourite thing to do, but it does provide an excellent alternative for runners when the weather is less than appealing, and for gym goers who want to incorporate some cardio into their workout routines. In this guide, we share with you some essential treadmill running tips so you can enjoy an effective, safe and productive workout, whatever the weather.

Whether you’re an experienced runner looking to take your performance to the next level or a complete novice searching for camaraderie and a little extra motivation, joining a running club could provide the impetus you need. In this guide, we’ll explain how to join a running club, discuss a few of the benefits of running club membership and help you find local free running clubs in your area.

Learning how to pace a run is one of the most difficult and important skills to develop as you progress in your running career. Even experienced runners can be prone to starting off too quickly, or letting their competitive instincts get the better of them by trying to keep pace with someone who’s far too fast.

As you become more experienced at running, it’s natural to want to find ways to improve your running pace. This means you cover more ground in the same amount of time, boost your overall fitness, and can expect to get better times in races if you are training for them.

When you’re heading out on a trail run, whether it’s on one of your local trails, in the hills and mountains or through a forest, there are a number of essentials you’d be wise to take. All of your trail-running kit must be comfortable and lightweight so as not to inhibit your performance, but it should also be fit for purpose and up to the job.

Race preparation for runners is super important for ensuring you get the most out of your run. By preparing, both physically and mentally, your body will be ready for the demands of the race, and you’ll also feel much more confident going into the competition than if you haven’t done the proper groundwork.

Whether you’ve just signed up for a cross-country race, have started orienteering or simply want to break away from your current routine and try a new challenge off-road, you’re going to want to find the best trail-running shoes for your sport. Running on trails is a drastically different proposition to running on a treadmill or unvarying tarmac road – your feet must constantly navigate changing terrain and slippery, loose or uneven surfaces.

Running injuries are the bane of any runner’s life. If you – or someone you know – has experienced any of the long list of possible running injuries out there, you’ll know how frustrating they can be.

It’s a scenario most runners have experienced before at some time in their career: After training long and hard for a particular race or goal, you suffer a twinge that turns into a full-blown injury and all your hard work is undone. Injuries are part and parcel of running, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

  Running is widely considered to be the best form of aerobic conditioning for tennis, not just because of the cardio and endurance benefits but also due to the improvements it can bring in the speed and footwork of players. In fact, top tennis players have been taking to the running tracks and roads to further their performance for years.

Running is one of the most popular ways to keep fit and stay mobile, so we have put together our ‘how to start running for beginners’ guide to motivate you to get out there and help you get the most from your routine. All the greatest runners started somewhere and we hope these helpful tips will give you the confidence to give it a go.