This course is appropriate for beginning, intermediate, and advanced runners and offers a variety of training schedules for each. In addition to reviewing the fundamental principles of fitness, students learn about goals and motivation, levels of training, running mechanics, safety and injury prevention, appropriate attire, running in the elements, good nutrition and hydration, and effective cross-training. While this course focuses mainly on running for fun and fitness, it also briefly explores the realm of competitive racing. Students conduct fitness assessments and participate in weekly physical activity.
The following equipment may be helpful.
Technical Requirements
A PDF reader and a word-processing program are required for this course. It is also
recommended that you have either a Flash player or MP4 player.
Unit 1: Getting Started
In this section you will be learning how to complete a Fitness Assessment. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
In this section you will learn the fundamentals of starting a running program. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
In this section you will learn more about keeping a running log and how to choose an appropriate training plan. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
Unit 2: Running Mechanics
In this section you will be reviewing some basic exercise principles and technique. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
This section discusses the proper running form as well as the exercise principles. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
This section discusses heart rate training zones. By the end of this section, you should be able to do the following:
Unit 3: Safety & Equipment
This section focuses on safety rules and guidelines as well as illness and injury prevention. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
This section outlines the rules and guidelines for running in the heat and cold. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
This section focuses on running shoes and other running equipment. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
Unit 4: The Running Scene
This section outlines the physical, mental, and emotional benefits of running. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
This section focuses on speed training. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
In this section you will learn more about competitive running. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
Unit 5: Total Wellness
This section discusses proper nutrition and diet for runners. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
This section discusses the benefits of cross-training. By the end of this section you should be able to do the following:
Unit 6: Post Assessment
Congratulations! This is the last unit and section in the course. In this section you will be completing a Post Assessment and analyzing your progress throughout the course.