Did you watch the London Marathon on Sunday and feel inspired to take on a running challenge of your own? The London Marathon is more than just a marathon, it’s a celebration of human spirit, determination, and community. Every year, thousands of runners from all walks of life take to the streets of London, each with their own unique story and motivation for taking part. This year, in line with our Women and Girls Like Us: A Year in Sport campaign, we want to use those stories to inspire women and girls across Essex to lace up their running shoes and start their own running journeys.
Running offers a host of benefits for our mind, body and soul. Moving on two feet is a fantastic way to improve cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles and maintain a healthy weight and is a full-body workout that can be tailored to any ability. The mental health impact of running is equally as important, helping to reduce stress, improve our mood and boost self-esteem. The sense of accomplishment and dopamine release that running can help you achieve, can also be incredibly empowering.
Emma, Active Essex’s very own marathon superstar recently took on the Brighton Marathon and explained that at the start of her running journey; “I didn’t expect it to have such an impact on me nor that I would find such a drive for it. However, my small runs soon progressed to me signing up to a 10km, then a half marathon, a 20-mile race, and a full marathon. This is not at all how I envisaged my running journey to go, but it sure did give me a sense of drive, accountability, and pride completing further distances and being outside.”
It can often be easier said than done when it comes to running. Many people set it as a new year’s resolution or are inspired by someone or something they have seen online, however don’t necessarily know where to start. It’s not as simple as donning your running shoes and then being able to run a marathon or non-stop for hours, as much as we wish it was!
From online resources, local events and even virtual challenges, there are plenty of ways to make getting into running easier. The first thing is to set a goal, as the thought of a marathon and how to get there can be very scary. Start small, choosing a local 5km/10km event that you can work towards and build up to. Being too ambitious from the get-go is often one of the main reasons that people don’t start running before they’ve even begun.
With its gentle mix of walking and running, led by the voice of one of your TV favourites or online personalities, Couch to 5K is perfect for beginners. You’ll start with short bursts of running, gradually building up your stamina until you can run a full 5 kilometres without breaking a sweat. Plus, with only three workouts a week, it’s easy to fit into even the busiest schedule.
“I had always enjoyed running when I was at school, however as I got older, I fell out of the habit. Fast track to January this year and I decided to put my running trainers back on and downloaded the Couch to 5k app to get me started. At first, even running for a couple of minutes felt tough, but the more frequently I began to run, the easier it got and soon I was building up my distance and pace. I’ve found that running isn’t just a physical challenge, but a mental one too, and nothing is better than the feeling you get at the end of a run!” Grace, Couch to 5k user
Running clubs are also a great way to introduce yourself to running! Across Essex, there are loads of different running groups that you can join at any stage of your journey. With groups tailored to all abilities, running with others is a great way to meet new people and get active without focusing too much on the actual running at hand, with some also offering the added motivation of a sweet treat and coffee or a cold beverage at a local pub afterwards. If weekends/evenings aren’t feasible for you, why not encourage your colleagues to create your own running club at work? At Active Essex we encourage colleagues a couple of times a month to come into the office and head out for a run at lunch time at talking pace, to enable conversation with those around us. Going for a run at lunch also contributes to better productivity, helping avoid the afternoon dip. Ahead of her marathon, Emma joined a local running group “to help my motivation and prevent the loneliness on long runs.”
We know that when it comes to running there are barriers to overcome, which can often seem difficult. Finding the time to get outdoors can prove challenging, but even short runs can be beneficial. Getting outdoors for half an hour before or after work or even during your lunch break can help develop your running ability. Safety is another challenge that can often present itself as a barrier to getting active, especially for women. Ways in which you can overcome this include running in well-lit and populated areas or even with friends or others in a running group. Remember, it’s perfectly normal to feel self-doubt along the way, but every runner has to start somewhere, so celebrate your progress no matter how small or the milestone. After all of her hard work and preparation, Emma’s marathon day was here…
“I woke up at 6 am, had my oats, got ready, pinned my number on, and walked to the start line. The energy was incredible. I was in wave 8, so I had time to soak in the atmosphere, stretch, and reflect on why I was doing the race—in memory of my dad. The hard work was done; this was my ‘lap of honour.’ The pride, apprehension, and drive at the start line were unmatched. As the countdown began, I thought, ‘this is it; I’m running a marathon.’ Throughout the course, my name was called, there were bands, performers, high fives, and a supportive atmosphere. Seeing family and friends gave me the pick-me-up I needed. It was warm, and running across the Brighton seafront, I had amazing views. Towards the end, it got harder, but I was glad I paced myself well. My battery died 6 miles to the finish line, which was a struggle, but I focused on the finish line. The final stretch was filled with cheering, and as I crossed the finish line, I was beaming with pride—I had done it.”
The journey of running, as shared by some members of our team, shows the power of sport and physical activity. Whether it’s the thrill of completing a marathon or the satisfaction of conquering the Couch to 5K challenge, running offers a unique blend of both physical and mental benefits that can inspire and empower women and girls across Essex.
As part of the Active Essex Women and Girls Like Us: A Year in Sport campaign, we encourage everyone to take that first step towards their own running journey, with the campaign being dedicated to celebrating and promoting the stories of women and girls who have embraced sport, showcasing their achievements and the positive impact it has had on their lives. Remember, every runner starts somewhere, and every step forward is a step towards a healthier, happier you.
For more information and to get involved, visit the Active Essex Women and Girls Like Us: A Year in Sport campaign website here.
