Ben Parker

Ben has spent 6+ years as a professional running coach, helping everyone from beginner runners to elite athletes. Ben is also a certified England Athletics Coach, IRONMAN Coach, Personal Trainer and Pilates Instructor as well as being one of the founders of Runna.

Latest Article

Triathlon race.
April 15, 2026

Hitting The Wall In A Marathon: What It Is And How To Get Through It

Your legs stop working, your brain goes foggy and the finish line feels impossibly far away. Here's the science behind hitting the wall, why it happens and exactly what to do when it does.

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All Articles

Man resting in the mountains.
April 14, 2026

Taper Madness: Why You Feel Terrible Before Your Best Race

Heavy legs, phantom injuries, zero energy and a creeping sense of doom. Welcome to taper madness, the completely normal phenomenon that convinces runners they are falling apart right before they have the race of their lives.

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Busy tube rush.
April 14, 2026

How To Fit Marathon Training Into A Busy Life

Between work, family, social life and everything else, finding time to train for a marathon can feel impossible. Here's how to make it work without losing your mind.

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Weight lifting.
April 14, 2026

How to Balance Running and Strength Training to Build Leg Muscle Without Hurting Your Running

Want stronger legs but worried about wrecking your runs? Here's exactly how to make both work together.

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Women walking.
March 31, 2026

The Japanese Walking Method

The fun, unexpected way to become a better runner

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New York City.
March 20, 2026

New York Marathon Qualifying Times

Your Guide to the 2026 New York City Marathon: How to Qualify, train, and earn your bib.

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Runner with mountain scenery
March 12, 2026

What is Runner’s High

The surprising science behind the feeling that keeps runners coming back

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Marathon runners in black and white film photography.
March 5, 2026

The Fastest Marathon Times Ever: Pushing the Limits of Human Endurance

Meet the athletes who ran the fastest marathon times ever recorded.

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Runners in a marathon race.
March 5, 2026

5 of the Fastest Marathons in the World to Chase Your Next PB

What are the fastest marathon courses in the world and why do they produce record times?

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A bowl with yogurt, blueberries, and granola mix.
February 28, 2026

What to eat before running: 25 foods and drinks to fuel your runs

Whether you’re planning to do a regular mid-week workout, a long run, or a race, what you eat beforehand is key to achieving top performance.

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Soles of running shoes visible mid-stride.
February 16, 2026

Best Running Shoes for Flat Feet (2026 Guide)

Everything You Need to Know About Running With Flat Feet.

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Man running up a sand peak.
February 16, 2026

Best Running Underwear for Men 2026

Best Underwear for Running Men 2026: Top Picks for Comfort, Support & Chafe-Free Miles

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Runner climbing trails.
February 5, 2026

The Best Stability Running Shoes in 2026

Finding the right running shoes can be a total game-changer. Not just for comfort, but for performance and staying injury-free.

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A man running.
January 30, 2026

The Best Running Shorts for Men in 2026

A pair for every type of run.

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Runners racing towards the camera.
January 22, 2026

The Best Marathon Shoes of 2026

Best shoes for running a marathon in 2026: How to choose the right pair for you.

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Man using a massage gun.
January 8, 2026

The Best Massage Guns for Post-Run Recovery in 2026

Looking to buy a massage gun for recovery? Here are the best massage guns for runners in 2026

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A group of people running a 5K race
November 13, 2025

The Best 5Ks in the World

Looking for your next 5K race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic 5Ks in the world to find the perfect event.

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A group of people running a 10km race
November 13, 2025

The Best 10Ks in the World

Looking for your next 10K race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic 10Ks in the world to find the perfect event.

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A group of people running a 5K race
November 13, 2025

The Best 5Ks in the US

Looking for your next 5K race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic 5Ks in the US to find the perfect event.

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A group of people running a race
November 13, 2025

The Best 10Ks in the US

Looking for your next 10K race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic 10Ks in the US to find the perfect event.

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A group of people at a 5k race
November 13, 2025

The Best 5Ks in the UK

Looking for your next 5K race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic 5Ks in the UK to find the perfect event.

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A group of people running a 10K race
November 12, 2025

The Best 10Ks in the UK

Looking for your next 10K race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic 10Ks in the UK to find the perfect event.

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A group of people running a half marathon race
November 11, 2025

The Best Half Marathons in the World

Looking for your next half marathon race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic half marathons in the world to find the perfect event.

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A group of people running a marathon
November 11, 2025

The Best Marathons in the World

Looking for your next marathon? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic marathons in the world to find the perfect event.

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A group of people running a marathon
November 11, 2025

The Best Marathons in the UK

Looking for your next marathon? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic marathons in the UK to find the perfect event.

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A group of people running a half marathon
November 11, 2025

The Best Half Marathons in the UK

Looking for your next half marathon race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic half marathons in the UK to find the perfect event.

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man holding Hoka trainers
May 7, 2025

The Best Hoka Running Shoes in 2025

Discover the best HOKA running shoes in 2025 for training, racing, stability, max cushion, and trail. Reviewed by runners, for runners.

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A group of people running a half marathon
March 17, 2025

15 of the Best Half Marathons in the USA

Looking for your next half marathon race? Check out our top picks for the 15 most epic half marathons in the US to find the perfect event.

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A guy running in a park.
March 4, 2025

What’s a Recovery Run? Run Easy to Get Faster

Do you need recovery runs in your training program, and how do you do them exactly? Find out all you need to know about recovery & easy runs.

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Peanut butter and banana spread.
March 4, 2025

What to Eat Before a Half Marathon: Fueling Tips, Top 20 Foods, and More

Fuel smarter for your half marathon with top nutrition tips, race-day meals, and hydration strategies to boost performance.

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Marathon runner on city street with direction sign.
November 15, 2024

The ultimate marathon checklist: Everything you need for race day

Getting ready for your next marathon race? Make sure you pack everything you need for a successful race – and an enjoyable post-race experience.

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Woman running outdoors on a road near the coast.
September 26, 2024

How to run faster and longer: Top 20 tips for every runner

Whether you're training for a major race or just want to level up your running game because your performance has slowed, learning how to run a faster mile and extend your running distance can be super rewarding.

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Group of happy runners in the rain on the streets of London
July 12, 2024

25 Powerful Reasons To Start Running Now

Now is the time to start running, and this is why:

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Two runners on an easy run in London
July 5, 2024

Everything You Need To Know About Embracing Your Easy Runs

Welcome to the secret to running success... easy runs.

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Runner standing on a smart treadmill
June 21, 2024

The Runner's Guide To Getting More Out of The Treadmill

It's time to level up your treadmill game...

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Ben Parker running a triathlon
June 7, 2024

Everything You Need To Know For Your First Triathlon

Get up to speed on your first triathlon with these tips...

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Runners using a massage gun after a race
May 17, 2024

Your Guide to The Most Common Running Injuries (And How To Avoid Them)

Remember: it's better to prevent than aid...

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Josh Patterson during his final marathon for One 4 Million challenge
May 10, 2024

The Runner's Guide to Tapering Before Your Marathon

Nailing the final preparations before marathon day...

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Woman stretching her legs on a running track
April 26, 2024

The Ultimate Guide To Running on Heavy Legs

Understanding your body and listening to it is essential for becoming a better runner.

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Runner sat on the Boston waterfront
April 19, 2024

Entering The Epic Quest for Boston Marathon Qualification

Time to dive into the complicated (yet intriguing) world of the Boston Marathon Qualification

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Runner on treadmill
March 29, 2024

The (Almost) Secret Benefits of Running on a Treadmill

There’s something exhilarating about the sound of shoes pounding against the pavement with every stride and the technicality required to take on the trails. It’s challenging, thrilling, different every time and full of little surprises that add to each experience. But there’s a lot to be celebrated when you step into the world of indoor running, where the treadmill reigns supreme.

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People in black t-shirts talking.
May 17, 2023

8 Post-Run Snacks That Will Seriously Improve Your Recovery

Runnas, it’s time to talk about the magic of post-run snacks and how they can seriously level up your recovery game.

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A group of people running.
May 3, 2023

Test Yourself at the 9 Best Triathlons in the World

Are you ready to push your limits and embark on a journey that will test your endurance, strength and mental fortitude? Well, you’ve landed in the right place because nothing is going to check your mettle more than a triathlon. Designed to bring the ultimate challenge to some of the most breathtaking places on the planet, these three-discipline races are not for the faint of heart, but for those seeking the ultimate thrill and an unmatched sense of accomplishment.

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A group of people walking on a dirt path.
April 12, 2023

10 Trail Running Tips For Complete Beginners in 2026

Time to get down and dirty on the trails with these top tips.

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A group of people running.
March 30, 2023

How To Pace A Half Marathon

A half marathon can be tricky to pace. Runna is here to help!

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A person drinking water.
March 30, 2023

Pacing a 10k: Top tips + a pacing strategy

Runna are here to provide you some top tips on pacing a 10k.

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A group of people running through a forest.
March 30, 2023

Pacing a 5k

Pacing is an important factor of running a 5k. Here are our top-tips to help you get that PB!

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A woman running and smiling.
March 1, 2023

11 Beginner Mistakes To Avoid When You Start Running

Runna is here providing the top tips to avoid when you start running!

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Woman celebrating at the end of her first race.
May 4, 2022

14 Tips Every Runner Needs To Know Before Their First Race

From getting to grips with your gear to being a master of the water station, here are 14 tips to make sure your first ever race is a mega-success.

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A woman drinking water.
April 6, 2022

9 Tips To Improve Your Post-Marathon Recovery

After months of training and a marathon medal on your neck, it’s time to give yourself a little TLC.

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A person running on a road.
March 9, 2022

7 Common Running Mistakes - And How To Avoid Them

Looking to optimise your running? Here are the 7 most common running mistakes and Runna's tips on how to avoid them.

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A runner warming up.
February 23, 2022

How To Get Back Into Running After a Long Break

It can be tough to get restarted following a break, read on for advice on kickstarting your running habits with Runna.

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