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Running focus

Running is a great way to get fit and one of the best ways to stay motivated is to enter a race. For example, each year BUPA sponsors three major running events - the Great South Run, the Great North Run and the Great Caledonian Run - all of which provide the ideal opportunity to get fit and to raise money for charity.
About the BUPA-sponsored Great Runs

But nobody should attempt a running event without preparing both physically and mentally. Below, Mark Holroyd and Andy Ellis guide you through the whole process: from assessing your fitness to a training plan tailored to your needs.

Beginner's training guide for a 5km fun run
Whether you want to tackle a 5Km fun run or are looking to get fit so that you can then tackle a bigger race, this training guide has all you need to get you started.
Beginner's training guide for a 10km run
If you've decided to enter a 10km run (for example the Feetbeat run), our training guide will help you to reach the finish line.
Beginner's training guide for a half marathon
Getting ready for a half marathon? Let our pre-training and training guides get you ready for the big day.
Let your heart do the talking
One of the best ways to train is to follow your heart - quite literally. Technology has moved on so much that you can now use a cheap heart rate monitor to allow you to train at your very best all the time, every time. Read on to see how you can gain from listening to your heart.
How fit are you?
Before you can get down to the nitty gritty of training for a race, you need to know which training plan will suit you. Mark Holroyd's simple test will help you to find your fitness level and help you to choose the best plan for you.
Novice runner's training guide
This training plan will help all those who are new to running to reach the finishing line on the big day.
Intermediate runner's guide for a half marathon
This training plan will help all those runners who want to improve their running ability and beat their previous race time.
Running kit - the right shoes
One of the great things about running is that you don't need a load of specialist gear to get started. The only essential equipment is a pair of trainers and this article looks at how to find the right pair for you.
Running kit - the right clothes
It may be tempting to use your new running hobby as an excuse to rush out and buy all the latest (and often expensive) gear. But you don't always need to - here's a guide to what you really need and why.
Running technique
Running technique is a topic that few runners pay particular attention to, however it is essential for economical running and minimising the chance of injury. In this article Mark Holroyd outlines good form while running
Exercise-induced muscle cramps
Exercise-induced muscle cramps are painful spasms that occur during or immediately after activity. They may well cause an athlete to temporarily stop what they are doing, but cramps generally have no serious long-term consequences. In this article BUPA explores how to avoid them and what to do if they occur.