We couldn’t have done it without…

ISSUE 158 || FEBRUARY 2023

THE TEAM

EDITOR Esther Newman SENIOR ART EDITOR Alex Duce

Hello!

ISSUE 158 // FEBRUARY 2023

SIX FOR SUPER SEX

Running has diverse benefits, but this one’s a new one on us. New research shows that our running and sex lives are more linked than we thought…

NEW GEAR

Beautiful kit to keep you stylish, warm and motivated whatever you’re training for

Use cold therapy to help with muscle soreness and repair?

Whether you call it cryotherapy, the Wim Hof method, or cold water therapy, you’ve probably heard that immersing yourself in cold water can have huge benefits for runners. Let’s dive in…

Sarah Donaghy

Sarah, a primary school teacher from Hampshire, is the co-founder of the Food Bank Run movement

FUEL

THE BEST… HEALTHY SWEET TREAT

New starts and happy memories

Laura Fountain is a running coach, a personal trainer, a marathon runner and the author of The Lazy Runner and Tricurious. Follow Laura @lazygirlrunning

INJURY CLINIC Adductor strain

Emma Kirk-Odunubi explains how to recognise, treat and prevent adductor strains, which are common for runners and – left unchecked – can turn into a niggly chronic problem

MY BEST RACE

Peak District Boundary Catharine Crossley, from Macclesfield, is

Back pain can feel debilitating. If you’re suffering, what’s the best way to tackle this issue to keep your training on track?

Are traditional exercises and stretching best for your back health, or are alternative therapies such as CBD products just as beneficial if you’re struggling with back pain?

GEARING UP FOR TRAILS

Trail expert and long-distance runner Sabrina knows that the right kit can make the difference between a DNF and a good day out when it comes to varied terrain and weather conditions

Running mates

Because we run better together

RUNNING AFTER A LIVER TRANSPLANT

Louise Prashad, 29, a volunteer coordinator in Leeds,

POTTERS TROTTERS

This women-only club in Stoke-on-Trent is as much about laughter as it is about running

We hang out with Bronwen Lafferty

Bronwen, 42, is a specialist nurse from Deal, in Kent

Your questions answered

Top tips for wannabe vegans, racing abroad know-how and how to avoid tripping up on the trails. Plus the lowdown on blister management

LOCH NESS MARATHON

Anna Harding faced her demons as she ran this undulating 26-miler, but it was the monstrous climb at mile 19 that really tested her resolve. Nessie was nowhere to be seen but the beauty of this Scottish run was enough to steal her heart…

MARATONINA DEL VINO CITTA DI MARSALA

Callie Foster ran a half marathon in the historic wine city of Marsala

DIARY

Running can take you all round the world,

BETTY ROBINSON

At just 16 years of age, Elizabeth Robinson, from Chicago, became the first woman to receive an Olympic gold medal for track and field

IT TOOK A VERY LONG TIME FOR ME TO BE ABLE TO COME OUT MY FRONT DOOR AND START RUNNING

Rahema

THE 1928 OLYMPICS SCANDAL

It’s 1928. The starting pistol fires in the women’s 800m final… what happens next shapes the course of women’s sport for decades to come

WINNER AND RUNNER-UP

Two world-class champions were denied glory they deserved at the 1928 Olympics

NEW MUM MUST-HAVES

If you’re just about to have a baby, or you’re already firmly in that fourth trimester with all the joys and challenges that it brings, we’ve got just the right kit to boost your recovery and get you looking forward to lacing up again

TALES FROM THE POD

Esther and Holly host the Women’s Running Podcast where they talk about reality TV, failing at Veganuary, and – occasionally – running. In the first of a new monthly column they talk about their running histories and hopes for 2023

How to... run a marathon

Only a tiny percentage of the population ever run a marathon and it’s a momentous thing to undertake. Whether you just have an urge, or are well on the way with your training plan, getting trustworthy advice is a minefield. Fret not, our Q&A guide tells you all you need to know about training, fuelling and – most importantly – enjoying those 26.2 miles

RUNYOUR FIRST (OR YOUR BEST) 10K

Whatever level of runner you are, a 10K race is a great challenge to focus on. If you’ve never run 10K before, just completing the distance will be a great achievement. For more experienced runners who have tried all the distances over the years, it offers an opportunity to focus back on speed rather than miles, and get those fast twitch muscles working again

Sara Willhoit

Sara, a landscape architect living near the Welsh boarders, loves to explore wild, remote, and testing environments

ESSENTIAL KIT

NEW RELEASE SHOES

ESSENTIAL SHORTS

Legs out. Sorry, what? Is that even possible? We’re going out early with our shorts game in 2023…

ESSENTIAL BRAS

The right support for the right workout

Long-distance TEST

Louise rates this range for safety

GROUP TEST WINTER LAYERS

From hoodies to fleeces, down jackets to gilets, we’ll put a fire in your belly

ESSENTIAL WINTER ADVENTURES

We’re all about the four seasons when it comes to outdoor life

3 of the best apps

Technology can make fitness more affordable and accessible too

ESSENTIAL WATCHES

A trio of sports watches at three different price points and in three different designs…

ESSENTIAL WINTER ACCESSORIES

Winter must-haves to keep you warm and safe at affordable prices

The High Life

You may have heard of altitude training and, while it’s not hard to guess what it is, you may wonder who does it and why. And more importantly, whether you should get in on the action…

Leg and core strength

Building strength needn’t require lots of kit or a costly gym membership. Floor space and good form is enough

Triangular pose {Utthita Trikonasana}

The triangular pose is a standing pose that stretches your full body while focusing on your inner thighs, hips and hamstrings. It helps to improve your balance, stretch and lengthen your spine, and stimulate your digestive system

Are you over-training?

The training plan says yes but the body

Lily Rice

Lily juggles working full time from home with two children and a dog, so her meals need to be speedy and filling