Here are some of the websites I use most often to find information about the wonderful world of running:
Runner’s World Magazine provides useful information ranging from training tips to meal plans for runners. It is easy to navigate and allows the viewer to find information specific to his/her needs. Some of the websites unique characteristics are that it provides local race information, links to running stores near you, a guide on how to find the right shoe type for your body, and personalized training and nutrition plans.
This site is important to consider because it provides recommendations for nutrition and physical activity that have been scientifically tested by the United States Department of Agriculture. The recommended daily values of each food group are accessible as well as interactive tools to help its viewers improve their health. This site also has personalized plans available for its viewers.
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/
Injuries are common in any athlete and can be difficult to treat or even diagnose. This website allows the athlete to indicate on a model of a body where they are feeling pain or have concern about. After narrowing down the options, possible explanations are given for the reasons why the injury may have happened, how you can treat it, and how you can prevent it in the future. As always, please be aware that websites are not doctors and it is highly encouraged to visit a doctor to receive a full diagnosis of any injury.
It can be difficult to determine how far you run without running on a track or taking your car out and watching the mileage on the dashboard go up as you retrace the route you took (I’ve definitely done that before). This website makes it extremely easy to track the exact distance you run on any day. All you need to know is where your starting point was and you can take it from there. It’s easy to use and fun to find out just how far you really ran.
http://www.saltlakecitymarathon.com/
The Salt Lake City Marathon, Half Marathon, Bike Trail and 5K is a massively popular race that benefits cancer research. This is the race I am training for, so I visit this site often to learn about the race terrain, registration info, and much more. This site is a good example of most race sites that will become very familiar as you begin participating in such opportunities.
http://www.boulderrunningcompany.com/boulder/
Buying the right type of shoe is critical to injury-free, comfortable running. This is the company I have regularly bought my shoes from. However, it is very important to personally visit the store and try the shoes on before buying them. I do not recommend buying shoes online unless you have continually used a particular shoe or know exactly which shoe works for your body type.
Boulder Running Company has outstanding customer service with down-to-earth, experienced runners working there. They look at your feet to analyze the structure of your foot, find a shoe that compliments that structure, then video tape your feet as you run on a treadmill. By doing this, they can analyze the movement of your feet to see if the shoe is ideal for your body. Always try to find a store similar to this one to prevent unnecessary injury.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention is a governmental organization that is devoted to “protecting health and promoting quality of life through the prevention and control of disease, injury and disability.” Thousands of health topics can be researched through this site. It is a trustworthy source with credible information that has been tested and supported through data.
http://www.letsmove.gov/index.html
It is widely known that physical activity in children is continuously decreasing. The First Lady, Michelle Obama, has founded a campaign to encourage physical activity and healthy lifestyle changes among children. This site, particularly the pages focused on physical activity, describes the movement taking place to increase the number of children meeting the daily recommendations for physical activity.
http://www.runningintheusa.com/
Nearly every single race in the United States can be located from this site. If there is a specific date or state that you hope to run in, you can find it here. It directs you to the homepage for each race so you can learn the specifics about the race. Pictures from races sponsored by Champion (c) are also posted on this site.
There are hundreds of races that take place across the world for the benefit of quality causes. The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is one of the most well-known, emotionally connective races for a cause. This site is inspiring. many personal stories are shared and opportunities are made available to reach out to a world-wide community.
Rocky Mountain Running 
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