When searching for information about running, people generally have to look at one book for nutrition, use one site to map a run, and then look at an article in a magazine to find out about the newest shoes available on the market. Finding sources for all these aspects of running can be a hassle, which is what A Runner's Ally fixes. Therefore, our goal with this website is to provide both a brief answer to most questions as well as a link or citation for more detailed information on those subjects if the reader needs it. The sources, as a result, will consist mostly of science journals and websites devoted to specific aspects of a runner’s regimen rather than more general running sites.
Included Information
A Runner's Ally serves as a compilation of resources that runners of all types, whether training for serious races or simply trying to become more fit, often look for. There are pages for topics such as nutrition, training plans, and advice on shoe types. The website also provides links to other resources like mapping running routes and using pace calculators. In addition, for those looking for new findings and new products in the running world, there is a section devoted to technology and current research. All of this information is organized in such a manner that the reader can absorb it in a few different ways: he can read it all at once, find a specific section—raceday nutrition, for example—and read just that to get the information needed, or check the site occasionally to catch up on everything new in the world of running.
Changing Aspects
Because new ideas and advancements
come out on a regular basis, portions of this project will need revision from
time to time. When new shoe materials are
put on the market or more research is done regarding stretching, actionable information on the site
will have to be updated.
It is hard to predict exactly what will come in the near future for running, but certainly there will be new research and technology that runners need to know about.
Inclusion of Personal Experience
In most pages on this site, we will
also reference personal experience—not only ours but also that of other runners passed on to us.
Readers are welcome to send in any advice, stories, or lessons that they
would like to share, all of which we will post as well. This will give a
friendlier, and perhaps more real, feel to the site that will invite more
runners to read and contribute. To ensure the readers will get valuable information,
a final source we might include will be coaches and college athletes. For any
area lacking a solid resource, we may turn to the coaches of the Stanford
Track and Field or Cross Country teams to include the advice they give their
runners.
Finding Partners
If readership increases, a portion
of the site could be dedicated to helping people find actual running partners.
Although many may not need someone to run with in person, it is often helpful
to connect with someone of a similar ability in sharing workout plans, race
times, and stories. With social networking increasing in popularity, many
runners will turn to a site that offers them services like this.
Conclusion
Being a broad source of
information requires input from many sources. Running draws on experience,
science, and feel, all of which must be included for being successful.
A Runner's Ally uses these
aspects in striving to provide honest, accurate information that helps all
runners whenever they need it.