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issue 136 || April 2021

We couldn’t have done it without…

issue 136 || April 2021

HEADLINES

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

NEW GEAR

Everything you need to ace it this spring

Fuel for running if I have low blood sugar?

How to find the right foods or nutrition products if you have low blood sugar

HEALTH

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

Catherine Foster

The brand marketing director of the Great Run Company has running in her blood

FUEL

After some soporific vibes? We’ve got advice on what food and drink will help you get you a good night’s sleep and snacks that take care of your tum

Your specialist subject

Laura Fountain is a mother, a running coach, a personal

CLINIC

Running is good for the bones, but don’t overload them. Bone stress injuries are usually low grade but need to be managed to prevent worse problems down the line

Merthyr Mawr sand dunes

World champion Helen Jenkins loves a run that’s closer to home in Wales

Are fitness apps as effective as training with people in a group?

It’s not just lockdowns that curb your opportunity to run and train with other people; many of us are pushed for time so slot in exercise when we can. Will fitness apps be just as effective at keeping your training on track as a running group?

“It was either going to work and I’d pull something off, or I was going to die and drag my arse to the finish line”

Got an opening for a new hero in your life? Meet Carla Molinaro, awesome adventure runner who recently represented GB in an attempt to break the world record time for running 100K

making strides

Women’s experience with running has come a long way, but more needs to be done to ensure that we can continue to secure our place in the sporting spotlight. We examine the history - and the future - of women, running, and the marathon

Decathlon trail running backpack

Hydration packs are a 2021 essential, whether you run trails or you’re taking on a virtual race. We go under the skin of our go-to pack

Running with asthma

You’d think that running and breathing difficulties were uneasy bedfellows but, with careful management, you can control your asthma without giving up your run fix

Asthma attacks

Phone, keys, gel… and inhaler! Make your reliever inhaler part of your run kit and follow these tips for safe running

My story

Beki Cadd discovered that running has helped her lung capacity

Asthma essentials

If you’re a runner who has asthma, following some simple steps will help to keep you safe:

How to avoid runners’ trots

Gastric distress is no laughing matter; the threat of needing the loo while out and about can be a dealbreaker for runners. Here’s how to manage symptoms and run without worry

Running mates

This month, you tell us about running while visually impaired, the lovely stories of how you met your running buddy, and we find out about the support you get from your running club

Your questions answered

How to protect your joints when running, tips for those with type 2 diabetes and mental tricks to help avoid a DNF. Plus how to overcome a fear of coming last

RACE

Still a mix of real and virtual races as we ease out of lockdown (hopefully) and into summer. Choose from a variety of distances and vibes, from 300K (yes, 300K!) to a one-mile fun run. It doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you’re out there doing it and having fun

The Modern Olympic Games

As the world waits to see whether the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will go ahead this summer - even with its proposed toolbox of measures to remain Covid 19 safe - we take a look at this iconic four-yearly celebration of sport, and how women’s running has evolved on its global stage

WHAT’S NEXT?

Training up to 5K is a milestone, both physically and mentally. More oft en than not, it’s a runner’s first challenge and for many it’s the hardest. It’s oft en the first part of a long love affair with running, but what do you do once you’ve bust the ribbon on your 5K finish line?

ULTIMATE MARATHON PLANS

As we know all too well, the year ticks by at an alarming rate, so now’s the best time to start thinking about autumn marathon training. These two easy-to-follow plans will minimise injury risk and maximise your chance of marathon glory

Lucy Gossage

Lucy is a doctor and athlete, with 13 professional Ironman distance triathlon victories under her belt

ESSENTIAL KIT

Grab a new pair of spring runners

ONE HIIT WONDER

You’ve heard good things about HIIT but you don’t know where to start? Fear not, time-pushed runners, here’s our guide to high-intensity sessions

Your own HIIT session

The following HIIT session from 30 Day Breakaway takes just 21 to 34 minutes. “You’ll feel it from head to toe,” says Idalis

Balance training for runners

The importance of balance training is oft en overlooked by runners, but improving your balance will help you run faster by minimising the energy you expend on balancing, and reduce your chance of injuries

Running and low back pain

Back pain in runners is likely to stem from weak muscles in the lower back and core

Jodie Stimpson

Commonwealth Games champion Jodie did her first triathlon aged eight! Her goals may have changed these days, but her love of sport hasn’t