It’s clear that more of us are out running these days! Whether you’re a long-time runner, or just getting started, running can bring tremendous physical and mental benefits. We’ve compiled some resources to help enrich and encourage your running journey.
Safety First!
- NPR offers guidelines for keeping yourself and others safe while running during the pandemic.
- Runners World lists important general rules for running safely on the roads.
The information provided by Scotch Plains Public Library and its employees does not imply medical recommendation, endorsement or approval. Information from these sources are intended for use as general information. All consumer health information should be reviewed with your health care professional for clarification about how this information may or may not apply to your unique clinical situation or overall health.
Informational Sites
Nearly all coaching sites promote fee-based resources and services. The ones listed here provide substantial amounts of their content for free, although you may need to provide an email in some cases.
Kinetic Revolution – James Dunne, a UK-based sports rehabilitation therapist and coach, provides comprehensive resources on technique, training, injury prevention and more. There is lots of free content, with many short videos and downloadable pdf guides.
The Balanced Runner – Jae Gruenke is a Feldenkrais Practitioner who focuses on making running feel easier and more enjoyable. Her site offers free audio lessons such as “Mobilizing Your Core to Run.” She’s also has a series of ‘Stuck at Home Running Form Tips’ on her YouTube channel.
(You can find more Feldenkrais-based balance and strength video lessons on local instructor Yasmin Ofek’s blog!)
Better Movement – author Todd Hargrove offers evidence-based articles about movement and pain. Topics include: pain science, the biomechanics of efficient movement, and common myths related to manual or movement therapies. Read How to Optimize Your Running Technique.
Running Communities
Even as group events and races are suspended, running clubs and online groups can still offer many of the benefits of community. Members connect often through Facebook groups and even Zoom meetings to share advice, offer encouragement, and provide connection with others who share your enthusiasm (or your pain!) Nearly all running clubs welcome all ages and all paces, and some are formed to encourage and address the concerns of particular populations.
- Running Clubs in New Jersey – this list provides a website link or other contact information for the many clubs in our state.
- Black Girls RUN! – created in 2009 to provide encouragement and resources to both new and veteran runners, and “to encourage African-American women to make fitness and healthy living a priority.”
- Black Men Run – formed to encourage health and wellness among African American men by promoting a culture of running/jogging to stay fit resulting. “From first timers to advanced runners, we strive to promote increased fitness through a culture of running.”
- Achilles International – founded in 1983 as the Achilles Track Club, this group provides athletes with disabilities with a community of support. Able-bodied volunteers and disabled runners, including wounded military personnel, veterans, and kids, come together to train in an environment of support and community.
Podcasts
Keeping Track – Three Olympians (Alysia Montano, Molly Huddle and Roisin McGettigan) host conversations about race, motherhood, women in coaching, and more.
The Real Science of Sport -sports scientist Professor Ross Tucker and journalist Mike Finch break down the myths, practices and controversies from the sporting world. Running-related topics have included recovery science, Nike’s controversial shoes, misinformation on weight and performance, and more.
The Way of the Runner – award-winning author Adharanand Finn interviews an eclectic mix of runners “to try to uncover what it really is that gets us out there running around in big, pointless circles. And why we love it so much.”
Read about Running
Runner and reader Seth Cayley’s Books about Running site has a compilation of his many entertaining running book reviews!
Read current and past issues of Runners World and other fitness and health magazines on Flipster!