We hang out with Caroline Mead

We couldn’t have done it without…

ISSUE 161 || MAY 2023

THE TEAM

SENIOR EDITOR Esther Newman SENIOR ART EDITOR Alex

Hello!

ISSUE 161 || MAY 2023

JASMIN PARIS SECOND WOMAN TO START FOUR LOOPS OF BARKLEY MARATHONS

The people, campaigns, research and updates making an impact in our running community this month

WORLD ATHLETICS PROMOTES GENDER EQUALITY

Leading with the news that the World Athletics

This month’s amazing runners

Eilish McColgan: It’s another month, another record for

This month we love...

CLAROLSEBOPURE £12.95, CLAROL.CO.UK Banish post-workout blemishes with

NEW GEAR

Got the blues? Get in the pink! We celebrate two tones that will never get old

Look after my menstrual cycle if I’m a vegan runner?

Your menstrual cycle can be impacted by any lifestyle change, whether that be diet, sleep or exercise. Whether you’re a vegan runner, or take part in Veganuary every year, it’s wise to understand how changing your diet could impact your health

HEALTH

The latest nutrition, beauty and health headlines. Because running doesn’t end at your feet

Georgia Tindley

Mountain and trail runner Georgia is a firm believer in the mental, as well as physical, benefits of being outside

FUEL

The latest nutrition to nourish your body and fuel your running

Trusting in the magic of race day

Laura Fountain is a running coach, a personal

This month’s wise women

YOU HAVE THE POWER: FIND YOURSTRENGTH AND BELIEVEYOU

INJURY CLINIC Ankle strength

We are diving into the world of ankles in this injury clinic. For all elements of running – as well as general life and ageing – strong ankles will set you up for success

MY BEST RACE

Kona Ironman World Championships, 2022

Should I invest in a pair of barefoot running shoes, and will they help my running?

Some runners love to run in barefoot shoes, others have had less positive experiences. Is it worth trying this type of shoe – and what should you expect when you make the change?

TALES FROM THE POD

Holly and Esther put the Paris Half Marathon 2023 through its paces alongside a 50-person strong Pod Squad. It was a truly epic experience, and one we can’t wait to do all over again. Question is: where next?

Laura Potter

Laura Potter is a keen runner from the Lake District. Having found a love for the trails, her racing dreams were dashed when she was diagnosed with a heart condition. But it didn't mean the end of her running

RUN TOGETHER

Whether you’re looking to join a weekly run group, thrash out some sprints at the track or take part in an epic adventure, doing it in a women-only group can be more supportive, safe, fun and rewarding

WHY SHOULD I JOIN?

10 reasons why joining a group can boost your happiness in ways you’d never expect!

Running mates

Because we run better together

Not every race failure is a negative

Injury forced biomedical science student Andrea Corthorn, 46, from Staffordshire, to pull out of her first ultra, but it led to something positive and exciting

JESMOND JOGGERS

Whether beginner or elite, everybody trains together on club nights at this friendly Newcastle upon Tyne running group

Your questions answered

Fun ways to spice up your runs, protein bars on the cheap, time on feet and beating anaemia Compiled by: Lisa Jackson

RACE

We take on some of the most epic races out there, because we want you to do the same!

DIARY

Smells like team spirit in bloom… our crop of summer and autumn races feature all sorts of distances and entry options, including plenty of team-entry events. Whether you grab your gang or go solo is up to you… we’ll see you on the start line!

SOPHIE HAHN, MBE

Sophie, who runs in the T38 sprints, has won so many global gold medals she is now one of our most successful female athletes – and she’s just 26 years old!

BEGINNERS’ GUIDE TO TRAIL RUNNING

You’ve heard about all the benefits of running off-road, and it seems so appealing when you see the pictures of women running up hills, but the idea of choosing footpath over pavement can also be a bit scary. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered

THE KIT

To get started with trail running, you won’t need to buy much specific kit as, for the most part, your normal running gear will do fine. At first, the main difference is going to be the shoes you wear

THE BEGINNER TRAIL RACE PLAN

We are mad for the trails! Evenings are longer, temperatures milder and there are so many wildflowers to spot on route. There’s never been a better time to train for your first off-road race…

Montana Hull

Ultrarunner, Welsh mountaineer and Team Montane ambassador, Montana is happiest on her long runs in Snowdonia

KIT

Shoes || Clothes || Tech

ESSENTIAL KIT

Putting your next trainers through their paces

ESSENTIAL TOPS

Zips, drawstrings, hoods or high necks. Whatever you prefer, there’s a top out there for you

GROUP TEST TEES

It’s officially t-shirt weather!

ESSENTIAL LEGGINGS

You can go out and run in them but if you want, you can just curl up on the sofa and watch telly. We won’t tell on you

ESSENTIAL SHORTS

Make the most of the summer!

Long-distance TEST

Rachel Ifans loves these babies but the capri season is a short one

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

We’re all about the long sunny days out, for which you’ll need adequate comfort, storage and protection

3 of the best apps

Technology can make fitness more affordable and accessible too

RACE AGAINST TIME

It’s all about working smarter, not longer, in order to get the most out of your training time

Stability ball workout

A stability ball is a brilliant addition to

Downward facing dog

Perfect form YOGA POSES FOR RUNNERS

HOW TO BE BRAVE

Many of us don’t realise how much bravery we need in order to get through each day of our lives – never more so when we race, or even just go for a run. Increase your confidence and your courage with these simple techniques

Alzheimer’s Society

alzheimers.org.uk/running

Spring SALE

womensrunning.co.uk/spring

asics

AJBell

GREATRUN.ORG

HOKA

SPORTSSHOES.COM

SportsShoes

SportsShoes.com

FLANCI activewear

www.flanciactivewear.co.uk

the trussell trust

justgiving.com/page/anthemstophunger

Forestry England

VECTIN

Women’s Runing

womensrunning.co.uk/onthego

Women’s Running

womensrunning.co.uk

Contours Holidays

WWW.CONTOURSRUN.CO.UK

Jabra GN

Jabra.co.uk

Women’s Running PODCAST

womensrunning.co.uk/pod patreon.com/womensrunning

Yeo Valley ORGANIC

yeogotthis.co.uk

Women’s Running

WOMENSRUNNING.CO.UK/JOINUS

GOLD COLLAGEN