Welcome to the Newbie Runner's Wiki!

A list of FAQs for Newbies initially created by the folks at CoolRunning and then added to and edited by folks all over. This is a dynamic and growing list; for the people, by the people. Anyone can edit the pages here to add ideas and opinions; just use the "edit this page" button above and the password "newbie". There are some directions on style and formatting at the bottom of the page.

What makes this work is the variety of opinions posted. You think a topic's information is wrong? Add your opinion!

Newbie Topics:

About the running Forums

• What are all these Forum Abbreviations?
• Where are the Running Forums?
• How do I Post a Picture? 

General Running

• Am I a runner? What's the difference between Running and Jogging?
• What are standard Track Dimensions?
• Can you define some Running Terms?
• Should I be worried about safety?
• Tell me about Running Surfaces. Should I avoid concrete?
• Does it ever get easier?

Training

• What about "master" or Boomer Runners?
• How fast should I do my training runs? What's your Pace Advice?
• Should I track my Time or Distance? And how do I know how far I ran?
• Where are some good Training Plans?
• Where should I keep my Training Log?
• What is the difference between treadmill and outdoor running? The Moving Belt
• Running Form
• Breathing Technique
• Running With Dogs
• Morning Running
• What is that smell of ammonia in my clothing and sweat?
• Who Fartleked?
• Is the elliptical machine a good running replacement?
• Should I taper??

Nutrition and Health

• Drinking While Running
• How much should I drink or when do I need Water On Long Runs? What about Gu and Sports Drinks?
• How much Weight Loss can I expect from running?
• How do I load carbs?
• Why do I get headaches after my runs?
• I'm feeling lousy, should I run sick?
• Where can I read about Food and Eating?
• Bowel Issues - Eek!
• What should I do when my nose runs?

Weather

• Cold Weather Running
• Running on Ice or Snow?
• Hot Weather Running
• Running in the Dark
• Running in the Rain

Equipment

• Which are the best Running Shoes? How long do they last? How do I tie them?
• Sports Bras
• Wicking Shirts and other clothing
• Gadgets - GPS, Heart Rate Monitors, etc
• My clothes have lost that "daisy fresh" feeling. What to do with smelly clothes.
• To headphone or not to headphone? That is the question.
• How do I put my name on my shirt??

Etiquette

• General running etiquette Running Do's and Don'ts
• Racing Etiquette Racing Do's and Don'ts
• Runners do that? We're not polite company
• Track etiquette

Controversy

• What's with all of the fuss about Taking Walking Breaks?
• So should I Stretch or what?!

Injury and Prevention

• Shin Splints - The bane of Newbies.
• Dealing with Chafing and Bloody Nipples
• Preventing Injury
• Ice Baths - You want me to do WHAT?
• Treating Injuries - RICE and other goodies.
• Is It Supposed To Hurt?
• What's deep water running about?
• Losing Toenails
• Returning from injury
• Plantar Fasciitis

Racing

• How should I approach my First Race?
• Is a 5k a good race distance for a newbie?
• Alright then, what about a 10k for a newbie?
• I want to run a marathon. Am I Ready?
• How should I approach my First Marathon?
• Info on Specific Races
• What's the deal with Timing Chips? (And how are races timed without them?)

Triathlons/Multi-Sport

• Can I Tri?
• What should I bring to my race?
• Multi-sport Lingo

Non-Runners

• How do I get someone to run? Spreading the word.
• How do I counter those dumb things that are said about my running? No, your uterus won't fall out

Resources

• Great Running Websites