Runners rejoice: We’re recognizing National Running Day with more than a jog around the block. Here are 34 top stories to offer inspiration, help prevent injury, and even make us faster.

The Starting Line

The Ultimate Runner’s Guide (Infographic) Looking to hit the road (or trail)? Our Ultimate Runner’s Guide has all the necessary info to keep you going strong, from warm-ups and racing tips to equipment and training. 

30 Convincing Reasons to Start Running Now We Know: Running can be tougher than it seems. Luckily, we’ve got 30 kick-butt reasons to get off that couch and out the door. 

I Want To… Run a 5K! Running isn't for everyone, but with this beginner-friendly program, that 5K finish line is well within reach.

How to Breathe for Every Type of Exercise Breathing may seem like a no-brainer, but when it comes time for exercise, technique is everything. Find out the best way to breathe for every physical activity from running to basketball to strength training.

Know Before You Go: Mud Runs Sliding through mud slicks, hopping over hay bales, and running for miles? Not for the faint of heart, mud runs are a serious full-body workout.

Interval Training for Newbies Slow and steady doesn’t always win the race. Three Greatist Team members and one of our Experts joined forces to test out programs for interval newbies and veterans alike.

The Ultimate Guide to Running Lingo Everyone know runners are a little, well, different. So it's no surprise they have a language all their own. Read on to learn the difference between a PR and a BQ, and just what the heck a fartlek is!

Proper Running Technique in 30 Seconds [Video] Rediscover the joy of proper running technique in this instructional short.

Hitting the roads

The Complete Guide to Interval Training [Infographic] The complete guide to interval training: targeting maximum fat loss through high-intensity interval training (HIIT).

25 Ways to Run Faster Now Feel the need for speed? Here are 25 ways to run faster this year and earn that new PR. Ready, set, go!

The Most Common Running Injuries and How to Avoid Them Are you a runner? Yes. Have you been injured? Probably. Learn about the most common running injuries and how to help stop them in their tracks (or trails).

I Want To… Run a Half-Marathon Conquered the 5K and looking for a new challenge? Read on for a foolproof plan to tackle the 13.1-mile distance and have fun doing it. Half-marathon, here we come!

5 Tips for a Stress-Free Marathon Marathons are hard, but how you prepare the day-of is just as important as the run itself. Here are 5 ways to make sure you perform your best from running coach Jason Fitzgerald.

My Minute-by-Minute Interval Workout Greatist’s own founder shares his favorite interval run workout, minute-by-minute (or sprint by sprint).

Barefoot Running, From Brooklyn to Berkeley What does it feel like to ditch the kicks and join the barefoot running craze? See how Greatist’s fitness editor fared on her first barefoot adventure.

Up, Up, and Away: The 35^th Annual Empire State Building Run-up Greatist contributing writer Emily Milam challenged herself (and gravity) in the 35th Empire State Building Run-up. Read on for her journey scaling one of the world's most famous landmarks.

5 Fun Winter Treadmill Workouts Learn to love (or at least like) the treadmill this winter! We’re giving the often-dreaded gym machine another spin with these fun, certifiably not boring workouts.

Christopher Brisley Can Run 100 Miles Hardship hasn’t stopped this ex-Royal Navy. From completing 100-mile runs to motivating thousands to get active themselves, we talked to Christopher Brisley about his own fitness, health, and happiness.

Why All Runners Should Strength Train What’s the key to staying injury-free? Guest contributor Jason Fitzgerald breaks down why strength training is so important for runners today.

Eat, Run, Repeat: The New York Hot Dog Challenge Greatist's Editorial Director David Tao tells the tale of competing in the inaugural New York Hot Dog Challenge, a race covering 2.5 miles and lots and lots of hot dogs.

Tech Spotlight: RunKeeper The Runkeeper smart phone application lets users track their outdoor workout activities in more ways than one.

You Asked, We Answered

Can I Be Allergic to Running? Peanuts, pollen, and puppies are common allergy triggers. But can running also be cause for concern? Read on before running to the allergist.

Can Too Much Cardio Hurt My Heart? When it comes to cardio, is going the distance always a good thing? Find out if those extra miles may actually be doing more harm than good in the long run.

Could Running at Night Make You Faster? Some things go bump in the night, but is your running tempo one of them? Read on to find out if the sensation of running faster at night is real — or all in our heads.

Is Walking as Good a Workout as Running? Sure, lap for lap, running burns more calories than walking, but there are plenty of benefits to taking it slow. Read on to find out which pace is the best fit for you.

How Often Should I Replace My Running Shoes? Those old running shoes won't last forever. Learn how to spot the signs that it's time for a new pair.

Does the Runner’s High Exist? Running does wonders for the body and mind. And for years, runners have been claiming a sense of elation akin to an actual high. But does this mysterious sensation really exist?

Is Distance Running Good For You? Less is more, but does that apply to running too? Find out if logging all those miles does more harm than help.

Should I Do a Cooldown After Cardio? Contrary to popular belief, recent research suggests cool-downs after cardio might not help reduce soreness or speed recovery. But they can still be effective in keeping post-workout wooziness in check.

How Often Should I Do Interval Training? Interval training might cut time and burn calories, but diving right in might not be the best bet. Learn how to incorporate interval training into any workout program, from beginners to fitness pros.

Ask an Expert: Which Should I Do First, Cardio or Strength Training? Does it matter if we hit the squat rack before or after the roads? We headed to our expert network to find out!

The “Fat-Burning” Zone…Fact or Fiction? Can reaching our fat-burning zone be as easy as a push of the button?

Ask An Expert: Should I Run On an Incline On the Treadmill? That level belt cut may not cut it. Find out if we need to put the treadmill on an angle in order to get in a good workout.

Do Calorie Monitors Really Work? If the treadmill says it, it has to be true, right? Not so fast. Calorie trackers may not always be as accurate as you’d think.

Ready to sign up for a reace? Then check out these awesome infographics:
How to Run Your Best 5K (Ever)
How to Run Your Best Half-Marathon (Ever)

What motivates you to hit the roads? Tell us below!