WORDS: HANNAH EBELTHITE. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
PART ONE RUNNING
PERHAPS YOU’VE TOYED with having a go but worry you’re too unfit/overweight/ old/tired/busy (delete as appropriate). Maybe you used to run but it’s been a while and you’ve lost your confidence. Maybe you’re thinking about it for the first time. Well, you’re in the right place for some reassurance. Anyone can run – unless you’ve been advised not to by your doctor – it’s just a case of gathering pace slowly and persevering. The biggest challenge facing most people is getting over the mental barriers and believing you can have a go. ‘Running is an inclusive activity,’ says Jenny O’Brien, marketing and campaigns manager for England Athletics. ‘It doesn’t matter about your age, size, fitness or experience. Running changes lives.’