BE INSPIRED

Few running injuries are as common or as frustrating as shin splints. They often appear just as your training starts to go well, turning what was an enjoyable run into an uncomfortable experience. Many runners try to ignore the pain and hope it will disappear, but that approach usually makes the problem worse and can even lead to more serious injuries.

Runner's knee is one of the most common injuries affecting runners of all abilities. It can develop whether you're training for your first Couch to 5K, preparing for a half marathon or chasing a marathon personal best. If ignored, what starts as a mild ache can gradually become an injury that prevents you from running altogether.

When people think of destination marathons in the United States, races such as New York, Boston and Chicago usually spring to mind first. Yet tucked away in the warmth of southern Florida is one of the country's most enjoyable marathon experiences. The Miami Marathon combines ocean views, palm-lined streets, world-famous beaches and a vibrant Latin American culture to create an event unlike any other.

Obstacle races were one of the fastest-growing parts of the events industry during the early 2010s. New races appeared regularly, established brands expanded into new countries and thousands of people who had never considered entering a traditional running event were attracted by the promise of mud, teamwork and enormous obstacles.

Los Angeles is one of the most famous and fascinating cities on the planet, so you might expect its marathon to be at the top of every runner’s wish list. It passes through some of the best-known neighbourhoods in the world, starts at an iconic sporting venue and normally enjoys the kind of weather many runners can only dream about.

When you are fundraising for a charity run, one of the biggest challenges isn't persuading people to donate – it's making it as easy as possible for them to do it. Most people are more than happy to support a good cause, but if they have to search for your fundraising page or remember a web address, there's always a chance they'll put it off until later. Unfortunately, later often becomes never.

When you're running for charity, every donation matters. You spend months training, sharing your fundraising page and encouraging friends, family and colleagues to support your challenge, so it's only natural that you want every pound donated to have the biggest possible impact.

Few things can spoil an enjoyable run more quickly than a stitch. One minute you're running comfortably and the next you're dealing with a sharp pain in your side that makes every breath uncomfortable. While most runners experience a stitch at some point, it doesn't have to become a regular part of your training.

Ask any experienced marathon runner about their toughest race and there's a good chance they'll mention "hitting the wall". One minute you feel like you're running well and sticking to your plan. The next, every step becomes a struggle, your pace drops dramatically and even the finish line can seem impossibly far away.

If you've spent any time reading about running or watching training videos, you've probably come across the term running cadence. It's often mentioned alongside advice about improving your technique, running faster or reducing your risk of injury. Some runners even become fixated on achieving a specific number, believing it holds the secret to becoming more efficient.

When you first start running, most training plans are built around distance. You'll often see sessions described as a 5K run, an eight-mile long run or a 10-mile steady effort. However, many coaches prefer to prescribe training by time instead, asking runners to head out for 30, 45 or 90 minutes regardless of how far they cover.

Training for a running event can sometimes feel like a lonely experience, particularly during the longer runs when motivation starts to dip. Fundraising can be much the same. It is easy to run out of ideas, lose momentum or feel uncomfortable asking people to donate. That's why teaming up with another runner who is also raising money for charity can make such a difference.

One of the biggest concerns for anyone fundraising for charity is how often they should share their fundraising page. You want to raise as much money as possible for a worthwhile cause, but you probably don't want friends, family and colleagues to feel like they're being asked for money every time they open social media. As a result, many people don't promote their fundraising enough and end up raising far less than they could have done.

When you're looking for a quick snack before or after a run, cereal and muesli bars can seem like the perfect solution. They're convenient, easy to carry and available almost everywhere, making them a popular choice with runners of all abilities. However, not all bars are created equal, and choosing the wrong one at the wrong time can leave you feeling sluggish or even cause stomach problems during a run.

Saucony is one of the oldest and most respected names in running. Founded in Pennsylvania in 1898, the brand has spent well over a century developing footwear for runners, evolving from a small American shoe manufacturer into one of the leading specialists in the sport. Unlike some of its larger competitors, Saucony focuses heavily on running, and that dedication has earned it a loyal following among beginners, club runners and elite athletes alike.

Whether you're running your first 10K, half marathon or marathon, having a race strategy is just as important as following a good training plan. Months of preparation can quickly unravel if you get carried away in the excitement of race day or abandon the approach that has worked so well during training.

If you've spent any time reading about running training, you've probably come across the word fartlek. It's certainly one of the more unusual terms in running, and it's often enough to make beginners smile. Despite the funny name, fartlek training is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to improve your fitness.

One of the most common mistakes runners make is setting off too fast. It often feels comfortable during the first few minutes of a run, especially when you're full of energy, but that early burst of enthusiasm can quickly catch up with you. Before long your breathing becomes laboured, your legs begin to tire and what should have been an enjoyable run turns into a struggle.

One of the most successful companies in the world Nike was founded as recently as 1964 by Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight and was known initially as Blue Ribbon Sports. Seven years later it took on the name with which we are all now so familiar, being named after the Greek goddess of victory. It's one of the most successful companies in the world and it's safe to say that most of us have worn a pair of Nike shoes at some point in our lives. But what about their running shoes?

Signing up to run for charity is about much more than completing a race. Whether you're taking on your first 10K, a half marathon or one of the world's biggest marathons, you'll also be committing to raising money for a cause that matters to you. While many runners spend months following a carefully structured training plan, far fewer give the same attention to their fundraising.