Jen Van Allen, Runner's World

Jen Van Allen

Runner's World

Maine, United States

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Recent:
  • Unknown
Past:
  • Runner's World

Past articles by Jen:

7 Secrets for Making a Comeback

It happens to so many runners, and in all likelihood it’s happened to you: You start running. You push your body faster, farther, and start to dream about PRs, six-pack abs, and pairs of skinny jeans. Suddenly, you see possibilities that you never had the courage to dream about. Then WHAM! Something stops you right in your tracks. You get hurt. You get busy. You get tired or burned out. And suddenly… → Read More

Your Prerace Checklist

With all the hope and hard work that you’ve invested in your goal event, you want to arrive at the starting line feeling calm, healthy, and ready to run your best. Here are a few reminders to keep you on track in the critical days and hours before the starting gun fires, and to help you recover after you cross the finish line. The Week Before the Race → Read More

6 Ways Running Improves Your Health

Running is not only great for the soul but good for your health. → Read More

Proper Running Form

Running mechanics are determined by strength and flexibility. → Read More

How to Measure Your Effort

From the high-tech to no-tech, it's easy to gauge your effort and the fitness gains you’re racking up. → Read More

A Guide to Common Running Terms

A dictionary of running terms for beginners. → Read More

Tools for Beginners

Training LogUse our free online training log to record details about your workouts, track your progress, and gain confidence from all that you’ve accomplished. BMR CalculatorCalculate your basal metabolic rate (BMR) to figure out how many calories your body requires at rest. → Read More

Be Your Own Cheerleader

Regular exercise is supposed to relieve stress. So why can it sometimes feel so stressful? No matter how fit or fast we get, we’re all vulnerable to fear, doubt, and insecurity when we venture out in our running gear. → Read More

Making Running A Habit

After a few weeks of running, you'll begin to believe that there's something to this “runner’s high” thing. Feel-good brain chemicals—like dopamine and endocannabinoids—will be released while you’re on the road, and you’ll feel so proud of what you accomplished that it will take more discipline to rest than to work out. → Read More

Should I Go For a Run or See the Doctor?

A five-step guide to knowing when to see the doctor. → Read More

How to Avoid Common Midrun Mishaps

These common problems don’t have to derail your workout. Here’s how to handle them. Chafing Before you go, apply Vaseline, adhesive bandages, or sports lubricants like BodyGlide to areas that are prone to chafing. Lip balm is easy to carry and neater than Vaseline, and it can ease the rubbing that leads to chafing. Muscle Cramp → Read More

Running in the Heat

Walking or running through the summer doesn't have to leave you feeling wilted. Here's everything you need to know. → Read More

Track Running Dos and Don'ts

Don't be intimidated but there are some simple rules of the track to follow. → Read More

Where Should I Run?

Running builds bone and muscle strength. In order to prevent injury—and burnout—it’s a good idea to map out a few safe, scenic, and traffic-free routes that you feel comfortable on in various weather conditions and different times of day. But what’s best—treadmill, track, sidewalks, grass, or trails? Here’s a quick primer on the pros and cons of different running surfaces. → Read More

Overview: How to Run Faster

Want to run faster? If you can complete up to 5 or 6 miles, you’re ready to boost your speed and your cardiovascular fitness. → Read More

Overview: How to Run for 60 Minutes

Do you want to build your endurance? Once you’re able to run 30 minutes without walk breaks, you’re ready to reach for your next goal: a one-hour run. → Read More

Overview: How to Run Nonstop for 30 Minutes

If you're already running, here's how to eliminate walk breaks. → Read More

Overview: How to Start Running

Are you already in the habit of regular exercise? Want to add running to your routine? You’re ready to run if you’ve spent at least two weeks walking or doing some other form of exercise (like using a stationary bike or an elliptical trainer) on a regular basis – roughly 30 minutes per day, four or five days per week. (If you're not there yet, go to How to Start Walking.) → Read More

Good Racing Goals

Tell another runner you've got an upcoming race, and chances are he'll respond by asking, "What time are you aiming for?" Runners tend to measure success by the minute. But focusing your sights only on time can set you up for failure, says Patti Finke, coach of Team Oregon. Miss your mark after all your hard training, "and it's such a downer, you may end up quitting." → Read More