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Runner training
More than 2 million students worldwide

Runner training

Take your running to the next level with a complete training system built on exercise science and real-world race experience. From biomechanics and pacing to nutrition and injury prevention, every aspect of your performance is covered. Whether you're chasing your first 5K or targeting a marathon PR, this course gives you the tools to train smarter and race faster.

Dedika for businesses

What you'll learn:

You will learn how to assess your current fitness, set measurable goals, and build a training plan that progresses safely over time. The course covers running form, cadence, and stride mechanics so you can move more efficiently and reduce injury risk. You will understand how to fuel and hydrate for training days and race day, and how to manage recovery so your body adapts and improves. Advanced topics include VO2 max intervals, lactate threshold training, and multi-week periodisation. You will also develop mental toughness strategies and race-day execution skills that hold up under pressure.

How you study in practice Runner training

How you practise Runner training

For businesses looking to train their team

With Dedika for businesses, the course includes exercises and examples tailored to your own business and the way your company needs.

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Course content

8 Chapters • 40 LessonsDuration between 4 and 360 hours (you decide)

Chapter 1See details

Foundations of Running and Fitness

  • Lesson 1 • Essential Running Gear and Equipment

    Reviews footwear selection, apparel, and basic accessories critical for safe training. Proper gear reduces injury risk and improves comfort.

  • Lesson 2 • Building Healthy Running Habits

    Establishes daily routines that support consistent training, including sleep, hydration, and scheduling. Habits form the behavioural foundation for long-term progress.

  • Lesson 3 • Understanding Running Physiology

    Covers how muscles, joints, and the cardiovascular system function during running. Establishes the biological framework for all subsequent training decisions.

  • Lesson 4 • Goal Setting for Runners

    Teaches structured goal-setting frameworks tailored to running performance. Connects personal motivation to measurable training targets.

  • Lesson 5 • Assessing Your Current Fitness Level

    Introduces standardised self-assessment tools to measure endurance, strength, and flexibility. Results inform personalised training baselines.

Chapter 2See details

Running Form and Biomechanics

  • Lesson 1 • Arm Swing and Upper Body Mechanics

    Details proper arm drive, hand position, and elbow angle to complement leg movement. Upper body mechanics directly influence running efficiency.

  • Lesson 2 • Cadence and Stride Length

    Teaches the relationship between step rate and stride length for optimal speed and economy. Adjustments reduce overstriding and impact forces.

  • Lesson 3 • Foot Strike Patterns

    Analyses heel, midfoot, and forefoot strike mechanics and their impact on efficiency. Runners learn to identify and adjust their natural strike pattern.

  • Lesson 4 • Gait Analysis and Self-Correction

    Introduces video-based and observational gait analysis methods. Runners use feedback loops to self-correct form deficiencies over time.

  • Lesson 5 • Posture and Body Alignment

    Examines optimal head, shoulder, and torso positioning during running. Correct alignment reduces energy waste and musculoskeletal strain.

Chapter 3See details

Training Principles and Programme Design

  • Lesson 1 • Training Load and Volume Management

    Defines weekly mileage, intensity distribution, and load metrics. Proper volume management prevents overtraining and supports consistent gains.

  • Lesson 2 • Rest, Recovery, and Adaptation

    Explains the physiological role of rest days, easy weeks, and active recovery. Recovery is positioned as a training stimulus, not an absence of training.

  • Lesson 3 • Types of Running Workouts

    Introduces easy runs, tempo runs, intervals, and long runs as distinct training stimuli. Each workout type targets specific physiological adaptations.

  • Lesson 4 • Periodisation for Runners

    Teaches macro-, meso-, and microcycle planning to peak performance at target events. Periodisation structures training phases for optimal race readiness.

  • Lesson 5 • Core Principles of Athletic Training

    Covers overload, specificity, progression, and reversibility as applied to running. These principles govern every effective training decision.

Chapter 4See details

Pacing Strategies and Race Execution

  • Lesson 1 • Post-Race Recovery and Analysis

    Guides structured cool-down, nutrition replenishment, and performance review after racing. Post-race analysis informs future training and race planning.

  • Lesson 2 • Pacing Strategies by Race Distance

    Covers even-split, negative-split, and positive-split strategies for 5K through marathon distances. Distance-specific tactics prevent early burnout and late-race collapse.

  • Lesson 3 • Managing Race Conditions

    Teaches pace adjustments for heat, humidity, wind, and elevation. Environmental awareness prevents performance loss and heat-related illness.

  • Lesson 4 • Understanding Pace and Effort

    Distinguishes between pace-based and effort-based running using heart rate and perceived exertion. Runners calibrate internal and external feedback for accurate pacing.

  • Lesson 5 • Race-Day Preparation and Warm-Up

    Details pre-race routines including nutrition timing, dynamic warm-up, and mental preparation. Consistent pre-race protocols reduce variability in performance.

Chapter 5See details

Nutrition and Hydration for Runners

  • Lesson 1 • Pre-Run and Post-Run Nutrition

    Covers meal timing, food choices, and portion sizes before and after training sessions. Proper timing maximises energy availability and accelerates recovery.

  • Lesson 2 • Hydration Science and Sweat Rate

    Explains fluid balance, electrolyte loss, and sweat rate calculation for personalised hydration. Dehydration and overhydration both impair performance and safety.

  • Lesson 3 • Fueling During Long Runs and Races

    Teaches mid-run fueling with gels, chews, and real food for efforts exceeding 60 minutes. Consistent fueling prevents glycogen depletion and performance decline.

  • Lesson 4 • Body Composition and Weight Management

    Addresses healthy weight management for runners without compromising performance or health. Sustainable approaches avoid the risks of relative energy deficiency.

  • Lesson 5 • Macronutrient Fundamentals for Runners

    Explains the roles of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in running performance. Macronutrient balance directly affects energy levels and muscle repair.

Chapter 6See details

Injury Prevention and Management

  • Lesson 1 • Strength Training for Injury Prevention

    Identifies key muscle groups—glutes, hips, calves, and core—that protect runners from injury. Targeted strength work corrects imbalances that cause overuse injuries.

  • Lesson 2 • Common Running Injuries Overview

    Surveys runner's knee, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, IT band syndrome, and stress fractures. Understanding injury mechanisms enables early recognition and intervention.

  • Lesson 3 • Warm-Up and Cool-Down Protocols

    Establishes dynamic warm-up and static cool-down routines that prepare and restore tissues. Consistent protocols significantly reduce acute injury risk.

  • Lesson 4 • Recognising and Responding to Pain

    Teaches the difference between training discomfort and injury pain using a pain scale framework. Early response decisions prevent minor issues from becoming chronic injuries.

  • Lesson 5 • Return-to-Run After Injury

    Provides a structured return-to-run protocol with progressive mileage and monitoring checkpoints. Safe return prevents re-injury and rebuilds confidence.

Chapter 7See details

Speed Development and Advanced Workouts

  • Lesson 1 • Integrating Speed Into Training Plans

    Teaches how to sequence speed sessions within weekly and mesocycle structures without overtraining. Proper integration maximises adaptation while managing fatigue.

  • Lesson 2 • VO2 Max Interval Training

    Covers high-intensity intervals at VO2 max pace to expand aerobic ceiling. These sessions produce the greatest gains in maximal oxygen uptake.

  • Lesson 3 • Lactate Threshold Training

    Explains lactate threshold physiology and how tempo runs raise the threshold pace. Higher threshold pace directly translates to faster race performances.

  • Lesson 4 • Track Workouts and Structured Sessions

    Designs track-based workouts including ladders, pyramids, and repetitions for precision training. Track surfaces and measured distances enable accurate pace control.

  • Lesson 5 • Speed and Strides Development

    Introduces strides, hill sprints, and short speed repetitions to develop neuromuscular power. Speed work improves running economy at all paces.

Chapter 8See details

Long-Term Athletic Development and Racing

  • Lesson 1 • Race Selection and Calendar Planning

    Guides strategic selection of A, B, and C races across a season for optimal performance. Race hierarchy prevents overracing and focuses peak efforts.

  • Lesson 2 • Performance Monitoring and Data Analysis

    Introduces key performance indicators, training load metrics, and wearable data interpretation. Data-driven decisions replace guesswork in advanced training management.

  • Lesson 3 • Annual Training Plan Architecture

    Designs a full-year training calendar with base, build, peak, and transition phases. Annual planning aligns training cycles with target race dates.

  • Lesson 4 • Coaching Yourself and Seeking Guidance

    Develops self-coaching skills while identifying when professional coaching adds value. Runners build autonomy and know when to seek expert support.

  • Lesson 5 • Athlete Longevity and Sustainable Training

    Addresses training age, injury history, and lifestyle factors that affect long-term running health. Sustainable practices extend competitive careers and lifelong fitness.

Certification

Your valid completion certificate

This course is for you:

  • Recreational runners: keen to move beyond casual jogging towards structured racing.

  • Office professionals: seeking a disciplined athletic outlet that fits busy schedules.

  • Fitness enthusiasts: ready to shift focus from general workouts to running-specific performance.

  • First-time racers: preparing for their debut 5K, 10K, or half-marathon event.

  • Returning runners: rebuilding after injury and wanting a safer, smarter approach.

  • Aspiring run coaches: building foundational knowledge before guiding others in training.

What our students say

Your lessons are perfect. I purchased the one-year package and finally have the opportunity to follow various topics of interest without needing to change platforms... I'm grateful for everything you do, I've already recommended you to other people...
Giulio Carlo
Giulio CarloDigital Marketing Student
I like how the lessons are straight to the point and how I can change chapters and skip content I don't need.
Mariana Ferres
Mariana FerresPhotography Student
I like the content and the way videos are presented and transcribed, which speeds up the process!
Luciana Alvarenga
Luciana AlvarengaNail Design Student
The platform is fast and simple to use. The diversity of content and complementary videos really help with learning.
André Felipe
André FelipePrompt Engineering Student

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