WELLBEING
EAT FIT WITH PAULA
She’s a legend in the marathon world. Now Paula Radcliffe is on a mission to get us all active - even if we’ve never run before
COMPILED BY KATE LOCKETT. PHOTO: CAMERA PRESS
She’s regarded as Britain’s greatest female distance runner, winning both the New York and London marathons three times and holding the women’s marathon world record for an outstanding 16 years.
Now Paula Radcliffe is on a mission to keep the nation moving and has partnered with plant-based margarine brand Flora for its Get Towns Active initiative, “inspiring the nation to be happy and healthy - despite the strange year we are having”, she says.
Research by the brand found lockdown has seen many of us turn to outdoor exercise and healthy eating as a way to cope - 22% of us became more active and more than a third go on at least one run a week. Time at home and a slower pace of living also allowed us to take a look at our diets and 23% of people now eat more fruit and vegetables, while 22% cut back on takeaways in a bid to be healthier.
Here, the former Olympian, mum to Isla, 13, and ten-year-old Raphael with her husband and former coach Gary Lough, shares how she handled lockdown fitness, her mindfulness and why dark chocolate is essential…