How to Start Running and Stay Injury-Free

Running is one of the most accessible forms of exercise, offering benefits that extend far beyond cardiovascular fitness. In this episode of Health Matters, host Courtney Allison speaks with Dr. Morgan Busko, a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia and a competitive triathlete, about the physical and mental rewards of running. Dr. Busko explains why strength training is a critical foundation for runners and discusses how exercises that target the core and gluteal muscles can improve stability and help prevent injuries. She also breaks down the differences between dynamic warmups and static stretching, explaining how proper preparation can support healthier training. The conversation covers practical strategies for runners at every level, from walk-run programs for beginners to training plans for race day. Dr. Busko shares advice on gradually increasing mileage, building endurance safely, and avoiding common training mistakes that can lead to injury. Finally, she discusses the important roles sleep, nutrition, hydration, and recovery play in athletic performance, debunks the myth that running causes arthritis, and offers encouragement for anyone looking to start or return to running. Chapters 00:00 – Why Running Is Good for Body and Mind The physical and mental health benefits of running and why runners keep coming back 03:00 – Getting Started and Building Strength How to return to running after a break, why strength training matters, and exercises that help prevent injuries 06:20 – Training Smarter and Avoiding Injury Dynamic warmups, walk-run programs, race preparation, and common training mistakes 10:00 – Recovery, Fueling, and Running for the Long Term Sleep, nutrition, hydration, injury warning signs, and the myth that running causes arthritis – and tips to enjoy the sport Key Topics Covered Running Running for beginners Sports medicine Running and mental health Cardiovascular health Strength training for runners Injury prevention Core strength Glute strength Dynamic warmups Static stretching Race training Marathon training 5K training Walk-run method Running recovery Sleep and athletic performance Sports nutrition Hydration for runners Energy gels Running motivation Running injuries Arthritis and running Sports performance Healthy exercise habits Key Takeaway Running can improve cardiovascular health, strengthen the body, reduce stress, and support overall well-being, but success starts with a thoughtful approach. Building strength, progressing gradually, prioritizing recovery, and listening to your body can help prevent injuries and make running a sustainable, rewarding part of a healthy lifestyle. Doctor Bio Morgan Busko, MD is a sports medicine physician at NewYork-Presbyterian and Columbia specializing in the non-operative treatment of chronic and acute musculoskeletal injuries and conditions in adult and pediatric patients. She has a particular interest in endurance athletes, running and overuse injuries, and injury prevention. After completing a residency in Internal Medicine at New York University, where she also received her Medical Degree, Dr. Busko completed a Sports Medicine Fellowship at Wake Forest University. She received her B.S. in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy at Duke University, where she competed in Cross-Country and Track & Field. Dr. Busko is an active endurance athlete who has competed in the Hawaii Ironman World Championship five times, finishing amongst the top triathletes in the world. She finds great reward in helping athletes return to sport safely while facilitating an athlete's ability to reach their optimal athletic performance. She hopes that her passion for exercise as medicine will be contagious to her patients and everyone around her.