Q: In order to figure out your learning style, it is important to understand the difference between the types of learners. There are many books and websites that you can use to research the topic.Head to your local library and ask the reference librarian. Or ask the guidance counselor at your school for some information.  Most people acknowledge that there are 7 different learning styles that are common: visual, auditory, verbal, physical, logical, social, and solitary. People often associate with several of these styles. Ask the guidance counselor at your school for some information. This person should be familiar with all of the styles. After you do some research, start experimenting with different learning styles. It can be useful to try a new method of learning to figure out which one is your style. You can start with visual learning, which means that you learn by using pictures and other images.  Ask yourself if you rely on images to help you understand key topics. For example, when you are reading your Biology text, do you find the diagrams more helpful than the written content? Try adding more images into the topic you are learning. If you are studying for a history test, make a chart that illustrates the key topics. If this is helpful, you may be a visual learner. If you are a visual learner, you may find it easier to navigate using a map with markers rather than written directions. Aural, or auditory, means you learn effectively through sound and music. If you are not sure if this applies to you, spend some time adding sound to your study sessions. You could begin by reading select passages of your textbook out loud or listening to an audiobook to see if this helps you focus and understand the text.  If you need to hear something out loud in order to fully grasp the concept, you may be an auditory learner. Experiment by repeating key concepts to a classmate to see if hearing the material is useful to you. Do you find yourself talking while you read? That indicates auditory learning. Another clue that you are an auditory learner is if you often find yourself annoyed by pictures and the written word. During your next study session make up some rhymes to help you remember the material. For example, "President Carter would never barter with the Soviets." If this seems helpful, you are likely an auditory learner. Verbal learners are most comfortable with words, both spoken and written. If you are an avid reader, you are likely comfortable with verbal learning. Reading is one of the most effective ways for you to retain information.  Ask yourself if you are most comfortable listening to a spoken lecture or presentation. Verbal learners often resist group projects or activities. When you study, do you make written outlines of the material? This is an indication that verbal learning is your preference. Physical learning is another common type of learning style. Physical learners rely on their hands, sense of touch, and physical activity. Movement is key to retaining information for physical learners.  If the thought of sitting through a lecture makes you nervous, you might learn better through physical activity. Do you fidget a lot? That is another sign. To find out whether you are a physical learner, try adding some movement to your routine. Try standing up while reading. Use as many physical objects as possible. Try making flashcards so that you can physically flip through the information. Another learning style that you can experiment with is logical learning. Logical learners are puzzle solvers who prefer to use reasoning and systems to find answers. People who are good at math are often logical learners.  To determine whether you are a logical learner, try rearranging the way you think about material. Look at each individual part instead of just the whole picture. For example, if you are studying World War II, don't just think about who won the war. Spend time thinking about why and how. Making connections is one of the keys to logical learning. If it is your natural instinct to draw clear lines between different topics, you are likely a logical learner. Some people learn best when they are interacting with other people. Social learners learn best in groups or with at least one other person. If you prefer to work with others, you may be a social learner. Many social learners have siblings or grew up in a home with lots of other people.  Does the prospect of a group project make you excited? Do you dread studying by yourself? You likely lean towards social learning. To figure out whether social learning works for you, try forming a study group. Ask one or more classmates to join you after class to work through the material together. If other people often ask you for help with material, that is another indication that you are a social learner. People will notice that you like to discuss what you are learning. Another common type of learning style is known as solitary learning. Solitary learners work best independently. If you are most effective without the help of others, you may be partial to this style.  Do you enjoy spending time reflecting on a topic? That is an indication that you are a solitary learner. Instead of trying to just memorize information, solitary learners like to sit back and take time to think about each aspect of the content. Solitary learners often like to make plans ahead of time. They also typically make individual goals for most aspects of life.
A: Read about the different learning types. Try visual learning. Experiment with auditory learning. Learn through words. Use movement to learn. Investigate logic. Learn with others. Practice solitary learning.

Q: A big part of getting the most out of your runs is eating correctly.  The foods you eat will have an effect on how far you are able to run, your energy levels, and the recovery process.  Whenever you have a run coming up, try to keep some of these diet tips in mind to help you feel your best and run your hardest:  Foods with carbohydrates and protein are good choices. Try eating things like bread, pasta, and rice to get carbohydrates in your diet. Include things like meat, fish, and eggs to get enough protein. Before doing any physical activity, it's a good idea to warm up.  Warming up before running can help prevent injury and improve the quality of your run.  Keep some of these general tips in mind when warming up before a run.  Walk for at least 5 to 10 minutes before a run. Doing some light stretching before a run can help you warm up. It's a good idea to cool down as well.  Try walking for around 5 to 10 minutes after a run. Training too often or too much can increase the chances of injury.  Although you may enjoy running, taking a break between runs can help keep you safe.  Make sure that you are breaking up your running schedule to help keep you running strong.  It's recommend that you run every other day. You might try cross-training on days off.  For example, on days you don't run you may lift weights. Running requires maintenance.  If you take too much time off from running, you will find running more difficult when you come back to it.  It's a good idea to make a regular schedule for your runs and stick to it, allowing you to avoid losing your ability to run a mile without stopping.  Include rest days in your schedule to allow your body time to recover. It can be fun to continue increasing the distance you run to help keep your routine interesting. Although running can improve your health and fitness, it may also cause injury.  Injuries from running most commonly occur when a person pushes themselves too far, trains while injured, or over-trains.  If you ever feel any pain during your runs or after, consider taking a break or cutting down on the distance you are running.  Make sure to increase distance gradually.  Adding too much distance to your runs, without training for it, can cause injury. Make sure your shoes are a good fit and are suitable for running. Don't train while injured.  Ask your doctor for other exercises you can do while the affected area heals.
A:
Eat right. Warm up. Take breaks. Keep a routine. Stay safe and prevent injury.