The NYC Marathon is in early November, and the real training starts way before the 16-week plan. Here's exactly when to start, whether you're brand new or already running.

The lottery is not the only way into the NYC Marathon. Here is every route I know, how each one works, and how to train once you're in.

You don't need a lab or an expensive test to track real fitness gains. Here's what VO2 max is, how BALG's free calculator estimates it, and why we treat every test as a check-in, not a final exam.

VO2 max gets thrown around a lot in running circles, usually in a way that makes it sound like something only elite athletes get to have, or like a scary verdict on your fitness. It's neither. It's just a number that tells you something useful about how efficiently your body uses oxygen during hard effort.

Two runners doing the exact same workout in the exact same heat can lose very different amounts of fluid. Here's how to find your actual number, for free, in about five minutes.

Water alone won't cut it on race day. Here's Coach Kelly's honest breakdown of the electrolyte and sports drinks actually worth packing — sodium content, formats, and when to reach for the big salty guns.

You don't need to know the 'right' plan before you start. You need to know where you actually are right now. Here's how to figure that out.

Blisters aren't a badge of honor, they're a sock problem. Here's the real science of why they happen and a no-nonsense roundup of the socks that actually solve it.

Once your long run crosses 90 minutes, 'just bring a water bottle' stops cutting it. Here's Coach Kelly's real roundup of the handhelds, belts, and vests worth your money.

Gels, chews, or a jug of high-carb sludge — we broke down real, currently-sold race fuel by carbs, caffeine, and how your stomach will actually feel about it.

The largest half marathon in the country runs from Prospect Park to the Coney Island boardwalk, and it ends with a hot dog. Here's your whole game plan, gang.

You qualified. Now let's talk logistics. Here's Coach Kelly's full guide to running Boston — where to stay at the Boston Marathon, how to get to the starting line of the Boston Marathon, and everything in between.

Big Sur is the most beautiful marathon in the country and also one of the hardest to pull off logistically. No cars at the start, no lodging for miles, and a hill named Hurricane Point. Here's your honest, no-fluff guide.

Tiaras, castles, and 13.1 miles through Walt Disney World. Here's Coach Kelly's full guide to the Princess Half — hotels, character stops, costume rules, and how to actually enjoy every minute of it.

Endurance isn't about willpower — it's about mitochondria, capillaries, and time. Here's the science, a 12-week progression that won't wreck you, and how your Running Plan handles the math so you don't have to.

Fueling isn't one-size-fits-all, and guessing is how bonks and GI distress happen mid-run. Here's the actual math we teach inside BALG training journals, and the tool that personalizes it to you.

Confused about running shoe fit? Learn exactly how tight (or loose) your running shoes should be and avoid the most common fitting mistakes runners make.

Wondering if running shoes work for walking? Learn the differences between running and walking shoes, plus how to choose the right footwear for your goals.

Half marathon race strategy: Learn how to pace a half marathon with 3 proven strategies that work for every runner. From PR attempts to joyful finishes, find the pacing approach that fits your goals.

Running isn't just about physical fitness—it's a powerful tool for mental health backed by neuroscience and psychology. When you combine the brain-changing benefits of running with proven sports psychology and CBT principles, you create real, lasting change. Learn how to use running intentionally to build self-efficacy, practice mindfulness, reframe negative thoughts, and develop mental resilience. From mastery experiences that boost confidence to behavioral activation that fights depression, running offers a science-backed path to a stronger mind. Plus, get actionable strategies you can implement on your next run to turn every mile into an opportunity for mental growth.

Curious how running changes your body? Discover the real transformations—from stronger bones to better sleep—that have nothing to do with your size.