All runners have different builds. There are runners with thick legs and there are runners who are rail thin. Your thighs will not get bigger simply from adding running into your exercise routine. You can achieve the look you desire by following the appropriate running program.

The effect a couple of smoke-filled lungs have on a runner is probably pretty clear. However, the effects of chewing tobacco, often referred to as "smokeless tobacco," may not be as obvious. Whether you're a casual or serious runner there are short- and long0term risks associated with chewing tobacco.

The reason many people love to run is understandable. It benefits your heart, lungs and muscles. There's a rush of adrenalin -- hormones that prepare the body for physical action -- and a release of endorphins -- the body's natural pain killers.

Riding a bike does not help you to run faster. This is primarily because of differences in the way your muscles are used in biking and running as well as the specific patterns of movement required for each activity. In order to become a faster runner, you have to train by running.

Following a specific routine before you head out to jog each time keeps you safe and reduces your risk of injury. Jogging when unprepared may make you more susceptible to environmental threats, such as inclement weather or people who present a threat to your safety.

Sprinters are a prime example of how important nutrition is for performance. To compete at the highest level, they need their nutrition to be on point so they have enough energy to stick to a demanding training schedule, yet they don't eat so much they gain body fat, which can affect performance.

Regular exercise reduces the risk of many chronic health conditions, including obesity and heart disease.

Sprinting seems like a simple exercise on the surface, but when you dig a little deeper, you find that it's the little things that separate the fastest runners in the world from the competition.

If you enjoy running, or want to get involved in a sport that offers individual and team challenges plus many health benefits, running track may be the perfect solution.

Jogging in place can be an effective way to burn calories, helping you to lose weight. It's easier to do than jogging outside or on a treadmill, and the fact that you can do it inside — away from the heat in summer and the cold in winter — can help you stick to this as an exercise routine.

Track and field is a sport that combines various running and throwing activities, with each event requiring specific physical skills. The 400-meter sprint, for example, requires a combination of speed, strength, power and endurance to maximize your performance.

One of the benefits of running is its minimal equipment requirements; a good pair of shoes, some support and you're off for a good workout. But the shoes are a critical piece of equipment. They're costly and improper shoes contribute to injury. Avoid wearing your running shoes while not running.