#FrugalFridays – FREE Learning Resources for Runners

Happy Friday! Congratulations on making it through another week 🙂


Can you believe that tomorrow is the last day in February? Unbelievable how quickly this year is flying by but that’s kind of a good thing since I’m ready for springtime weather. 

No really. Just apologize, PLEASE!

I don’t know who pissed off Elsa, but this winter weather has been more brutal than usual. I’m used to winter weather since I’ve lived in the New England/Tri-State area since birth, but what I can never get used to is negative degree temperatures! Okay enough rambling!


I still consider myself a relatively new runner. I really only got more serious about training and running races last year, so I’m constantly looking for ways to improve my training runs, nutrition, etc.  Throughout the last year, I’ve discovered some great (free) resources that runners can use to gain additional knowledge.

Local Running Groups


I am lucky enough to have a Fleet Feet store in my city. They hold weekly fun runs 3 days a week. These runs are free and are usually 3-5 miles. I’ve discovered that talking with other runners can be a great source of information. Runners often meet up to eat after the runs and this is a great time to bring up a running issue and to get different perspectives and information from other runners. Best of all, you might even make a friend in the process! Also don’t forget to ask the staff questions as well because they are eager to help and have a lot of knowledge about running!

Online Webinars


I found out about the Running2Live website through the National Black Marathoners Association Facebook group. The website hosts free online webinars for runners of specific topics. I attended one of these webinars at the end of last year and it was fabulous. Also the presentation slides are sent to you via email after the webinar. I just signed up for their webinar in March which will focus on optimizing nutrition and fueling for workouts and racing. 

Public Library


This may seem like an obvious choice, but because we are exposed to technology every day, we often forget about our public libraries. I’ve found a few books and DVDs that I plan on checking out in the near future. Also so many libraries have their database online so you can save time by visiting their website, reserving the books/dvds, and then picking them up the next day. Also I’m lucky that my local library has a small bookshop where I can purchase greatly discounted books, CDs and DVDs. Although not free, I’ve picked up a cookbook and a running (fiction) book from this bookshop for $2 each.

REI Classes


REI is a store that specializes in quality outdoor gear for casual wear and sports/fitness. Recently I found out that they offer classes at some of their stores around the country. Luckily the running classes are free (some of the other classes have fees). The “Refresh Your Run” course is for all level runners and focuses on running form, strength building exercises, training tips, injury prevention, etc. I’ll definitely sign up for this free class once I find a date that works with my schedule!


Running Magazine Websites


Don’t forget to sign up for emails from your favorite running magazines – Runner’s World, Running Times, Women’s Running Magazine – just to name a few. You’ll get daily emails containing tons of useful information, daily motivational quotes, information on races around the country and possible access to free training plans. 


I hope this information is helpful and that you’ll be able to use some of these resources in the immediate future.


I’m sure there are many more free resources available to runners. If you have any, please feel free to leave a comment!