I have been a runner for the last four years. I have run early in the morning and late at night. I’ve run in the sunshine, rain, wind and snow.  I’ve run in 14 different cities around the world. I’ve raced through the streets of London at midnight and earlier this year I completed the iconic London Marathon!

Running is a constant challenge. Running can never be conquered. Running will change your life.

1. PATIENCE
   I am not naturally a patient person, but running has taught me a lot about patience. When I first started running, I ran for 2 miles. I felt frustrated that it was so hard! Eventually that 2 mile route got easier, as I got fitter, faster and stronger. It didn’t happen overnight but every single run counts, I know that if I’m patient and consistent, it will pay off.
2. INSPIRE
   You’ll feel inspired and you will inspire others. I found out that I had a place in the London Marathon in January this year. Initially, I felt terrified, but I also felt inspired. It was a huge challenge for me both physically and mentally. I was inspired by other peoples stories and their reasons for running. I documented and shared my journey all the way to the finish line, in the hope that I could inspire other women to realise that if I can do it, then so can they.
3. COMMUNITY
   I’ve said this so many times, running people are the BEST! They are friendly, supportive, encouraging and inclusive. I am a part of a community both online and IRL. We are all different ages, abilities, sizes etc, it really doesn’t matter. Running is universal, everyone can be a runner! Being a part of this community means so much to me and it’s all thanks to running.
4. CONFIDENCE
   When you strive to achieve something, you work hard for it and you earn it! It gives you a huge sense of achievement and boosts your confidence. At mile 19 of that marathon, I literally ran straight over my self doubt! Knowing that I can do something today that once I couldn’t, really makes me believe that I can do anything that I put my mind to.
5. PRIORITY
   Our priorities constantly change due to whatever is happening at that time, in our lives. One thing that I believe should always be a priority, is health. I am very fortunate and grateful that I am able to move my body each day. I never want to take my bodies strength and health for granted. I make running a priority because I am so lucky that I can.
6. SLEEP
   Ah there is nothing like the joy of sleep, especially the night after a long run! If you have trouble sleeping, running could really be a game changer for you. When I know that I’m running early in the morning, I’m more disciplined about going to bed earlier too. Sleep deprivation has a huge impact on our health and has been proven to shorten your life! Aim for 7/8 hours each night.
7. FAILURE
   Failing is an inevitable part of life and we all need to find our own way to deal with failure. Running has taught me that somedays I will fail. What you do afterwards is what will determine who you are. Unfortunately for many people, the fear of failing holds them back from even trying. If you’re afraid to try running, then just remember, it doesn’t matter how far you go, or how fast you run, you are still a runner. If you failed yesterday, get back out there again today.
8. EXPLORE
   My favourite way to explore a new city, is on foot. Wherever we’re going on holiday, I will always pack my trainers and shorts. It’s amazing to run through a city early in the morning, it feels like the whole world is asleep and you have the whole city to yourself. Entering races is also a great way to explore a city. Running has taken me to countries that I never would have been to otherwise.
9. CHALLENGE
   Running will make you challenge you physically but more importantly, running will change your attitude, your expectations and your limits.
10. FREEDOM
    Running gives you freedom! Time on your own with your own thoughts. Free from distraction, work, stress, and noise. You can run whenever and wherever you want to. There are no rules.

Running is AWESOME !!

Don’t just take my word for it, here are some quotes from women that have inspired me to run. I asked them, how has running changed your life?

Robin Arzon @robinnyc
‘Running has taught me that I have survived 100% of my worst days’
Laura Murray @murraylaura
‘Running has made me believe in myself. I had no idea that I could run a marathon, but I had to believe that I could… and without trying I never would have known what I was capable of.’
Lavia Nielsen @laviai
‘I love the thrill I get when I push my body to the limit and the feeling of flying when I am the fastest I’ve ever felt. Running has made me feel alive!’
Charlie Watson @therunnerbeans
‘Running has helped me to address my own mental health issues as well as raise money to support others with theirs. Running makes me proud, it makes me happy and gives me a drive and determination that transcends into other areas of my life.’