Its Marathon season! 

After this weekend's London Marathon you're probably feeling inspired and a little motivated! Most people will never run an actual marathon in their lives but we can all aspire to run!

Its free, its exhilarating and its totally satisfying! 

Running is my way of off-loading stress and getting geared up for the day. I love to get out first thing when the sun is shining and the birds are tweeting – it never fails to clear my head and set me up for the tasks ahead of me. 

 

Of course there are days when a coffee and long breakfast tempts me to stay indoors (and I may have caved once or twice…) but I think I’ve got to the point now where it’s become part of life and therefore part of me. My Nike trainers invariably live by the door, often caked in mud and whilst I couldn’t tell you how many miles they’ve done, I can tell you they have helped me find a wonderful sense of balance in life. When the going gets tough, go for a run and see how it puts everything in perspective and clears the mind because you can only be in the moment.

 

I ALWAYS work running into my client sessions in some shape or form. It compliments Pilates beautifully and has so many uplifting benefits for body and soul. Whether you’re new to running or about to hit the pavement for the first time, here are some reasons to get those trainers on and go for it:-

 

There are plenty of reasons to run.

 

I’ve outlined some of these above but there are of course, so many more. Things like boosting body confidence, raising endorphins and quite simply making you feel amazing and clearer! There’s also that little matter of burning fat. Running is one of the ultimate cardio hero’s and together with a healthy diet it’ll burn fat and help you on your way to hitting those fitness goals quickly and efficiently.

 

It’s free and available ANYTIME.

 

Rain or shine, running is free. From local park to streets, town centre to hill top – running can take you anywhere and is a great way to explore your home town and (once you build those miles up) further afield too. There’s also nothing quite like getting outside into the fresh air to boost those feel good vibes.

 

It teaches you not to quit.

 

Whether it’s aiming for the next goal, getting your miles down or training for an event – there is something special about running that keeps you focused and committed. In that sense, it is a great way to train our minds to be strong-willed (even if we’re not by nature) and work towards something meaningful and rewarding. Some of my clients find this is aided further by joining a running club or partnering up with a pal. Others find the mental stimulus they get from a solo run is enough to keep them going. (plus the fact that you're suddenly miles from home and you cant stop because you have to get home!)

Do what works best for you but don’t give up! 

Stream my running playlist from Soundcloud

 

You get to do it in style

 

There are so many choices now for supportive technical apparel – stuff that makes you look great as you pace through the park and keeps you cool and comfortable as you do it. I love the mental lift that comes from slipping on a high quality pair of leggings, its like becoming a character in a movie...today...Im a runner. Ha...there's also the that whole fusion of contemporary active wear that takes you from run to work to school run and back again. See some of my favorite recommended brands in my blog - Great kit to sweat it out in.

 

Get an App! 

An app tracks everything you do so becomes your little running Angel whispering in your ear even when you're not on the road. I use Map my Run but Im also tempted by Strava. Use which ever app works best for you. Map My Run sends me a weekly breakdown of what I've done which can boost your ego, or easily make you feel guilty. You can make friends, follow your fellow running buddies and use other peoples exiting routes if you're feeling uninspired. If you pay the small fee it all goes live enabling you to check your heart rate and 'run' with others as they do. 

 

It’s inspiring

 

To others? Maybe. To yourself? Most definitely. And that’s the important bit. Running gives you time to think, to clear your head, to come up with crazy, ambitious ideas and ultimately make you feel brilliant (especially important if you’ve been sat at a desk all day and just need to MOVE). Any run – whether it’s 1k or 20k – has the ability to instantly lift your mood and inspire you. And feeling inspired leads to confidence, belief in one self, an interest in the world and so on. 

I can't tell you how many times I've been out on a run, and I see people sometimes red faced and struggling and I just want to give them a huge thumbs up and yell "keep going...you're doing so well".  Its all inspiring! So do it and do it regularly! Trust me you won’t regret it...

Need help to get started?

My GETSETBODY beginner’s running plan breaks down goals week by week to help you hit your first 5k.

Join my tribe to make the most of the plan by adding the muscle activating follow me style videos to each week.

The idea is you have to run with 'form' and with the correct muscles, so join the Get SET Body membership to really make the most of the plan.