We couldn’t have done it without…

Emma Kirk-Odunubi Emma is a sports scientist

Women's Running

THE TEAM SENIOR EDITOR Esther Newman

Hello!

issue 182 || FEBRUARY 2025

HEADLINES

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

NEW GEAR

This month’s newest launches… all designed to keep your running habit on track whatever the season

GET FIT & STAY FIT IN MY 50s?

Maintaining fitness becomes increasingly important as you go through life, particularly when you reach your 50s

HEALTH

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

Sam Quek

In 2016, Sam Quek became a household name as part of the women’s GB team that made history by bringing home an Olympic gold in hockey

A BIT OF LOO QUEUE ETIQUETTE

LIFE COACH Laura Fountain is a running coach,

INJURY CLINIC

10 exercises to get strong

HALF MARATHON

GOTHENBURG

The nervous queue to cross the start line... The pistol sounds... Are races an integral part of being a runner?

Some of us love them, some of us loathe them, but let’s get this settled once and for all… To be considered a real runner, do you need take part in races?

SHE TOLD ME TO WALK THIS WAY

Trail running

“Running has broken my heart but built me up stronger time and time again; it’s a constant reminder that peaks and valleys are ultrarunning and life”

Lucy Bartholomew

TALES FROM THE POD

Esther and Holly have a similar goal with their spring running; they both want to smash the marathon distance

“Disabled runners are simply runners, no matter how they participate in a race ”

Disability redefined

ARE YOU DRINKING ENOUGH ?

Too much water? Not enough electrolytes? We take a deep dive into the hotly contested area of hydration

Running mates

Because we run better together

We hang out with Gemma Boothroyds

Gemma lives in London and Vancouver

THE BUGGY RUNNERS

Bungay Black Dog running club now has a group designed to help parents and carers stay fit – even when life is busy

THE EXPERTS

Dawn Nunes is an ultrarunner and 100-mile finisher

Your questions answered

Downhill running tips, becoming a 261 Fearless coach, and solo running holidays. Plus, quirky parkrun challenges

TRAIL ESCAPE MARATHON

Esther took on this meandering point-to-point 26-miler last October as a birthday treat

THE GEORGE MUNDAY 10K

A run that takes place on Remembrance Sunday each year, this 10K ticked all the boxes for Laura Fountain. Good value, quiet roads, a local atmosphere and plenty of snacks at the end

DIARY

We’ve got race distances from 5K to 100K

Catherine Ndereba

She’s one of the greatest female marathon runners of all time, and also a key part of Kenya’s roll call of most accomplished and cherished athletes

THE 1O BIGGEST MISTAKES MADE BY NEW RUNNERS

Starting a running journey is exciting, but new runners often make mistakes that can lead to injuries, frustration or burnout. Here are some of the most common pitfalls to watch out for and avoid, to help you along the way

LAST-MINUTE HALF MARATHON PLAN

As runners, we are always planning ahead and being hyper-organised with our training (cough, cough). But in case of hairy moments where you’ve found yourself short on time before a big race, let this plan hold your hand over the line

Nicola Bamford

A busy mum to two young children, Nicola recently rediscovered her own identity and passion for running

kit

Shoes || Clothes || Tech

ESSENTIAL KIT

Putting your next trainers through their paces

ESSENTIAL SOCKS

People get quite territorial about sock brands, but if you haven’t found your ride-or-die yet, here’s a few to consider

ESSENTIAL GILETS

There’s a very real danger with a gilet; once you put it on in November, you won’t take it off until May

ESSENTIAL ACCESSORIES

Whether you’re after night runs, online cross training or souped-up run data and GPS, we have the gadgets for you

ESSENTIAL ENERGY BARS & DRINKS

To avoid hitting The Wall, you’ll need one of these…

ESSENTIAL TECH

It’s an Apple hat trick this issue, but will these new products hit the back of the net?

TEST

Laura is in it for the long haul with this Soar top layer

GROUP TEST SHORTS & LEGGINGS

Unleash your legs on the world. Or don’t. It’s really up to you

Let’s go HASHING

Welcome to the drinking club with a running problem

JOINT STRENGTH

Exercises to protect and strengthen your joints Workout created by: Anne-Marie Lategan

STANDING TOE RAISES

Shin splints are an overuse injury caused by repetitive stress on the shinbone and the muscles in your lower leg. Here’s a move that can prevent further stress to the area