Frequently Asked Questions

I have done my best to create a Web site that anticipates and satisfies your needs. With that goal in mind, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions. If you do not find an answer to your question here, contact me at 832 285 8037 or alan@beginning-running.com.

How do I know if I can run?
You may be concerned about whether your health will allow to run safely. Of course, as with any exercise program, you need to check with your doctor first -- he may know of a medical condition that prevents you from exercising strenuously.
Otherwise, if you can walk unassisted, you can run! Take it from me, a 75-year-old three-times cancer survivor with one kidney and emphysema.

Will I like it?
You are the only one who can answer that, and then only after you have tried it. You will either love it or hate it. If, after giving it a fair trial, you hate it, then stop! Find something else. But if you love it, you will have found a new joy that will last you the rest of your active life. And the bonus is that your active life is likely to be longer than it would have been. What more could you ask?

Will you spam me?
Absolutely not. Before you hear from me, you will need to confirm that you really want the newsletter. And every time you get one, you'll have the chance to cancel it. Also, I will never reveal your name or e-mail address to any third party without your express permission.

What do your members say?
I have received lots of compliments on the service. Here is one:

  Keep Up the Wonderful Job ...
   Hi Alan!

   It's Kit May here saying Your site and emails I have seen are
   GREAT!!! Keep up the wonderful job with educating me on this
   subject. That's the intention, right? ...to keep people like me,
   in the know about learning how to run, safely and effectively.
      Wooo Hoo!!

   Well done! Keep them coming! and Thank you for creating a
   wonderful service!

   "Kit"

Can I contact you with questions?
Certainly. In fact, I encourage you to do just that. If your question is general enough, I would like to include it on my Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page or in a newsletter. Without giving away your personal information, of course.

Is there a forum where I can contact other runners?
Yes. You can join here:

View my page on Beginning Running

Are there any other requirements?
Yes. From time to time I may ask you to answer a survey to see whether I am giving you what you need. These short surveys are part of my plan for continuous improvement, and are completely voluntary. In other words, only respond if you want to.

Can you help me with anything else for my running?
Yes. I shall give you some sites you can go to for additional help or for purchases. These will be sites that I personally recommend based on almost nineteen years of running experience. I include some sites that will give me a commission on your purchases. That will not affect your cost, but it helps me to pay the cost of building and maintaining this service.

Can you show me something to help me decide?
Why not? Click here to download an example of the material you will get as a member of this group.