How would you like to find useful running information on the Internet without someone trying to sell you something? The American Running Association's Web site has only one purpose--to help all runners train smarter, become fitter, and avoid unnecessary overuse injuries. "Our goal has always been to provide the runner with an abundance of sound information, and the Internet has greatly helped to expand our efforts," says Susan Kalish, executive director of The American Running Association.

At www.americanrunning.org, you'll find hundreds of articles grouped into categories addressing such topics as fluids and nutrition; injuries and sports medicine; shoes, apparel, and equipment; sports psychology; and training and performance. In the injury section alone, there are more than 100 articles covering a variety of ailments and overuse injuries. "What's more, our plans for the future are to add even more articles and interactive features for the runner," says Kalish.

In addition to scanning articles, visitors to the site can find a running doctor in their area, submit information to the Running Shoe Database to find running shoes to meet their needs, and request participation in the Exercise Across America motivational challenge. Or they can view a sample of the association's monthly newsletter, Running & FitNews, and a variety of educational brochures.

Founded in 1968 by the former Surgeon General of the U.S. Air Force, Richard L. Bohannon, M.D., The American Running Fitness Association is a nonprofit, educational organization dedicated to encouraging more people to run and be fit. Together, with its Board of Directors and Editorial Board, the association disseminates reliable information on proper training techniques, good nutrition, and injury prevention and treatment. Among the 42 Board Members are medical leaders Kenneth Cooper, M.D., and Randy Eichner, M.D.; respected runners, Jack Daniels, Ph.D., Jeff Galloway, Bob Glover, Pete Pfitzinger, Bill Rodgers, and Priscilla Welch.