Every day, people are reaching their get-up-or-give-up moments and resolving to change. And they're realizing that running is the simplest, cheapest, and most effective way to lose weight, gain confidence, and relieve stress. For newcomers, the obstacles are fierce. There are fears of pain and embarrassment. There are schedules jam-packed with stressful jobs, long commutes, endless meetings, and sticky-fingered toddlers.

The Runner's World Big Book of Running for Beginners provides all the information neophytes need to take their first steps, as well as inspiration for staying motivated. The book presents readers with tips for smart nutrition and injury prevention that enable beginning runners to achieve gradual progress (by gearing up for a 30-minute run, a 5-K, or even a 5-miler). Above all, it shows newbies just how fun and rewarding the sport can be, thanks to the help of several "real runner" testimonials.

Jennifer Van Allen is special projects editor at Runner's World. She lives in Bryn Mawr, PA.

Bart Yasso is the author of My Life on the Run and chief running officer at Runner's World. He lives in Bethlehem, PA.

Amby Burfoot , Runner's World editor at large and winner of the 1968 Boston Marathon, has run more than 105,000 lifetime miles (and counting). He lives in Emmaus, PA.

Pamela Nisevich Bede, RD, CSSD, is a sports nutrition expert and co-owner of Swim, Bike, Run, Eat!, LLV, a nutrition consulting firm. She lives in Dayton, OH.