Whether you want to reap the health benefits of running or prep for a 5K or half marathon, it can be challenging to dive into a running routine. Check out this guide on how to run for beginners – 5 running programs that work—to jumpstart your goals.

It doesn’t matter why you’re hitting the track or road—running can be a healthy way to lose weight and boost physical fitness. It can also be a fantastic way to achieve real health benefits. In fact, the Mayo Clinic reviewed dozens of studies that examined the impact of running on physical health [1]. It found that running as few as six miles each week offers numerous gotta-love health benefits. Regular running: