Two young runners, a man and a woman, stretch together before a run to minimize injury

The Basics: Tips & Tricks for Preventing Injury & Maximizing Recovery

When it comes to running, there’s nothing more important than preventing injury. While running is generally a healthy and safe activity, just like with everything, there are some risks. Nipping the problems that may arise in the bud and safely continuing your training is what allows you to keep making consistent progress towards your goals. ... More
Silhouettes of two runners, a woman and a man, running on a beach by the ocean after sunset, enjoying the health benefits of running

How Running Affects Your Health, Sleep, and Mood: A Transformation Guide for New Runners

My first ever (voluntary) run was more or less an accident. I was in the gorgeous redwoods of coastal California. After a busy day full of work and schoolwork, I headed to the woods for some peace and quiet. I didn't know back then that people ran on trails. I didn't know that ultramarathons existed. About halfway through my walk, my lungs ... More
A view of the Presidio Tunnel Tops and the Bay with blue skies above

Presidio Tunnel Tops and Field Station | SFM Ambassador Scott Benbow’s City Guide

The Presidio Tunnel Tops, a park at the 4.5-mile mark of the San Francisco Marathon, opened to the public in 2022 and has become a popular destination. On a clear day, the views of the Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the Marin Headlands are breathtaking. On a cloudy, cold, or rainy day, Tunnel Tops provides fascinating indoor activities for ... More
Three young women running on a trail in the late afternoon. Stick with your goals.

Keep Going! 10 Ways to Stay Motivated & Continue Your Fitness Journey Past January

January is almost over. Its fresh-start energy has come and gone, and you might notice the gym getting quieter. Those packed fitness classes? Not so packed anymore. Your local track? A little lonelier than in the first week or two of 2025. It's a familiar story—the enthusiasm often dwindles as winter drags on. Here's the good news—your ... More
San Francisco Runners

How to Return to Running after the Winter Break in 6 Simple Steps

Returning to running after the holiday season can feel like going on a mountain run in flip-flops. The festive period brings joy, celebrations, and often a break from our regular running routines. This pause is natural—your body and mind need and deserve the rest. After all, even bears hibernate, and like most things in nature, they enter a ... More

The Elusive Runner’s High: What is It and How to Catch It?

When I don't feel like getting out there on a cold, windy, rainy night after a full day's work, I always say that the miles won't run themselves. Well, when you're experiencing the runner's high, that's exactly what they do. It's that sweet spot during a run when everything just clicks; your body feels light, pain melts away, and you're ... More
A woman celebrates her run on the Great Wall of China, one of the running destinations.

Hottest Running Destinations for 2025

Destination races are a great way to see the world, offering a unique opportunity to combine running and travel. Sometimes, signing up for a race can even help you finally make those plans and book those flights. If you're still unsure about your 2025 travel plans, here are 12 hand-picked running destinations eagerly awaiting your arrival! ... More
A runner is running across and away from a 2025 sign on a road, running towards the rising sun, starting work on his New Year Goals

Run Your Best Year Yet: Inspiration, Goal-Setting & Strategies for 2025 Success

Happy (almost) New Year! We hope that you're going to enjoy the celebrations because soon, it’ll be time to start training again. After the Holidays and, hopefully, lots of good-quality rest and recovery, you might be ready to head out of the door once more. January 1 is also the prime time for New Year resolutions; what will your 2025 look ... More
A Santa is running on a treadmill during Christmas. Goals.

How to Keep Your Running Goals on Track During the Holidays

The winter holidays are a time for family, gratitude, and indulgence, but it can also be a challenging period for runners who are trying to maintain their workout routines and diet goals. With packed schedules, travel, colder weather, and an abundance of rich food, it’s easy to see how running goals could take a backseat, whether you ... More
A woman with a dog is running on a foggy morning down a country lane, managing her chronic illness with exercise.

Running with a Chronic Illness Ep. 2: The Mental Games We (Need to) Play

Three years ago, I was in the middle of my Saturday long run. The sun was shining and I'd just met a guy in flip flops riding his bike through the middle of nowhere to go swimming in a little pond in the woods. He had given me an apple and a few encouraging words before he rode off. All in all, it was a perfect day, a perfect meeting, and ... More