Even if you've been running for years, you still might be making one of the 12 common running mistakes. Here's how to fix them.

“The Simpsons” writer Joel Cohen — who has made a career writing about donuts — joins LIVESTRONG.COM editor Erin Mosbaugh to talk about marathons and fartleks.

You just ran 13.1 miles — what are you going to do next? The answer: recover. The recovery period after a half marathon is just as important as the preparation, and the week following the big race can be extremely important to your overall health.

You think running is straightforward. Just put one foot in front of the other, then repeat quickly -- right? Not so fast. As anyone who’s laced up can attest, running is simple only until you actually start doing it. Once you hit the road or hop on a treadmill, questions begin to pop up: How long should I go?

Running provides an effective and intense workout that increases your lower body strength, benefits your cardiovascular health and helps you achieve or maintain a healthy weight.

Whether you are a novice runner or are already accustomed to running for fun or fitness, you can improve your speed, endurance and enjoyment by increasing your cardio respiratory endurance.

A marathon training program is designed to prepare your mind and body for race day and includes a variety of running workouts. These workouts range from long, slow distance, recovery runs, tempo runs and speed workouts.

The 13.1 miles of a half marathon is enough of a challenge without the added complication of improper running gear. Consider the factors that affect your clothing and gear choices on race day.

The feeling of elation runners experience when crossing the finish line of a marathon can quickly be replaced by the sluggish, run-down feeling they endure in the hours and days following the event.

Even for the most accomplished world-class runners, marathon training cycles still challenge the body physically and mentally. Weeks of high-mileage running and hours spent on roads and trails on long runs can produce tired legs and sore muscles and joints.

The half-marathon is 13.1 miles and is typically accompanied by a specific training program. Runners may use a program that calls for four to six workouts per week, but there are times when you can only run three days per week.

Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned veteran, five months gives you plenty of prep time to train for and complete a full marathon. Before even considering a 26.2-mile race, develop a base of running three to four days per week for six months or longer.