View source for Running

[[File:Running Man Kyle Cassidy.jpg|thumb|A man running in a park in Chicago.]]
[[File:2-year-old-jogging(2).gif|thumb|Jogging of two-year-old boy.]]
[[File:Wirkkala 1952.jpg|thumb|Tapio Wirkkala: Stamp for the Helsinki Olympics, 1952. (running)]]
[[File:Police running in North Point lockdown  area 20210128.gif|thumb|The man police with the chases the with a man in the [[China]]]]
[[File:Naruto Run.gif|thumb|This man the running away the street corner]]
'''Running''' is the way in which people or animals travel quickly on their feet. It is a method of [[Terrestrial locomotion|travelling on land]]. It is different to [[walking]] in that both feet are regularly off the ground at the same time.<ref name="Bie">Biewener, A. A. (2003) "[https://books.google.com/books?id=yMaN9pk8QJAC Animal Locomotion]" Oxford University Press, USA. {{ISBN|978-0-19-850022-3}}</ref> Different terms are used to refer to running according to the [[speed]]: [[jogging]] is slow, and [[sprint]]ing is running fast.

Running is a popular form of [[exercise]]. It is also one of the oldest forms of [[sport]]. The exercise is known to be good for health; it helps [[breathing]] and [[heartbeat]], and burns any spare [[calories]]. Running keeps a person fit and active. It also relieves [[Stress (medicine)|stress]]. Running makes a person [[thirst]]y, so it is important to drink [[water]] when running.

== Benefits of running ==
* [[Physical fitness|Fitness]] – From wanting to lose weight to trying to fight disease and aging, there are lots of health benefits to running.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/28/AR2008012801873.html | title = Exercise Could Slow Aging Of Body, Study Suggests | author = Rob Stein | newspaper = [[The Washington Post]] | date = 29 January 2008 }}</ref>
* [[Mental health]] – Whether to help depression or find some time to think, there are large mental benefits to running as well.<ref>{{Cite news | url = http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/11/04/phys-ed-why-doesnt-exercise-lead-to-weight-loss/ | title = Phys Ed: Why Doesn't Exercise Lead to Weight Loss? | date = 4 November 2009 | author = Gretchen Reynolds | work = [[The New York Times]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|author=Barton, J.; Pretty, J.|year=2010|title=What is the Best Dose of Nature and Green Exercise for Improving Mental Health? A Multi-Study Analysis|journal=Environmental Science & Technology|volume=44|issue=10|pages=3947–3955|doi=10.1021/es903183r|pmid=20337470|bibcode=2010EnST...44.3947B|s2cid=1443095 }}
</ref>
* Running is also fun and does not need special equipment to do it. When running, the [[muscle]]s, [[lung]]s, [[brain]], [[heart]] and other [[Organ (anatomy)|organs]] get better.
* Running is often used as cross-training for many sports, especially ones that require sustained endurance.

== Ways to avoid injuries ==
Running injuries are quite common among runners. 
Many running [[injury|injuries]] can be reduced through proper training, wearing of the correct gear and awareness of the running [[environment]].
=== Physical ===
* Before going on a long run, do not forget to have a five-minute warm-up and some [[stretching]] exercises.
* After going on a long run, do not forget to have ten-minutes of cool-down with some [[stretching]] exercises.
* In the short term, try running on a flat [[surface]]. In the long term coaches recommend cross-country running.
* Running in a way to reduce loading on legs. One method is to use a treadmill, the better is to run in minimal shoes. These allow the runner's feet to feel the ground and so not inadvertently overload the foot/ankle. Over-cushioned shoes prevent the foot from feeling what it is doing and can also damage ones shins and knees.  This topic has been very controversial.  There are countless coaches, runners, and scientists who argue that minimal shoes are a main culprit in injuries in runners.  They highly recommend shoes that offer stability and cushioning.  Many runners with injuries have found that switching to cushioned shoes has improved/cured them of their injuries.<!-- Source? -->

=== Environmental ===
* In hot climates, it is better to run in the morning. This will help to reduce fatigue and heat stress.
* Do not run when pollution levels are high.
* Run in the shade if possible, wear sunglasses, apply [[sunscreen]] and try to avoid direct sun rays.
* Too much clothing can produce sweating, which causes the body to lose heat quickly. Dress in layers. Wear the correct footwear.
* When running in cold weather wear hat, gloves and clothing that covers your neck.

==Racing==
[[File:Berlin marathon.jpg|thumb|Runners in the [[Berlin Marathon]] in 2007]]
Running is a part of many forms of competitive [[racing]]. Most running races test speed, [[wikt:endurance|endurance]] or both. [[Track and field athletics|Track and field]] races are usually divided into [[sprint]]s, [[Middle distance race|middle-distance races]] and [[Long distance race|long-distance races]]. Races held off the track may be called [[cross-country race]]s. A [[marathon]] is run over 42&nbsp;kilometres.

Footraces have probably existed for most of human history. They were an important part of the [[ancient Olympic Games]].

==References==
{{reflist}}

==Other websites==
{{wiktionary|running}}
{{commons cat-inline}}
* {{dmoz|Sports/Running/}}

[[Category:Running| ]]
[[Category:Animal locomotion]]