Running a 5k takes preparation, strength and energy, and your prerace eating plan affects all three. In the weeks leading up to the race and immediately before the event, a correctly balanced prerace diet will lead you to your best performance.

Running speed is determined by two basic variables: stride length and frequency. Developing a longer running stride will increase speed in both sprints and long-distance runs. Stride length is determined by the force applied to propel the body forward.

Some kids just love to run, whether it's for sport or simply for fun. Running gives kids an opportunity to use up some of their virtually endless energy. There are some things parents can do to help their kids learn how to run faster.

Whether you're running short distance or long distance for track, speed is the answer to winning the race. Although you don't exert all your energy into sprints for long-distance races, your speed still needs to be faster than your competition. Practicing running fast doesn't help you get faster like most people think.

The top ten runners in the world hail from different countries, specialize in different races, and have a wide age range.

There are many traditional field day games that are fun for adults. Mix up the activities to include races, ball-based games and, if weather permits, water-based events. Plan activities that encourage friendly competition and are suitable for all physical levels.

Adopting running as a new hobby can have important benefits, including increased cardiovascular health and the potential to drop unwanted weight. Beginner runners might be unsure of how to track progress, especially if gains are small at the beginning.

Running hard undoubtedly comes with rewards, including increased muscular strength in the legs and improved stamina and endurance. Continually training hard without rest, though can lead to fatigue, illness and poor performance.

As a triple jumper, you must develop the feel and rhythm of the event to improve on your jump distance. You must learn to transition smoothly from the approach, to the hop phase and to the jump itself.

Increasing your sprinting speed begins with knowing how to sprint properly. The proper stance, takeoff and form help to propel your body toward the finish line without wasting energy. You might want to work with a running coach, or a qualified sprinter, to help perfect your running form.

Spikes gain most of their notoriety from track and field events as shoes that give runners extra traction. Different from the cleats commonly seen in sports such as soccer and football, spike shoes use removable metal or plastic spikes on the bases -- cleats typically have molded, permanent nodules on the bottoms.

Individual sports require a specific body composition and with running, different types of runners will benefit from different body types. The ideal body fat percentage for runners varies between sprinters and distance runners. Runners also need to be aware that becoming too lean has a negative effect on your health.