PERFORMANCE
www.runnersweb.co.uk to find your nearest one. There are still ways of running semi-socially if you live out in the sticks or work strange hours though:
www.tribesports.com is an online community of fitness fans where users can join various tribes (including running tribes), set and take challenges and follow one another’s progress. And for the more romantically inclined, there are various websites designed for active singletons to meet potential beaus or belles. See
www.fitness-singles.com.
❤ STAY CONNECTED If you can get over the initial embarrassment of exposing yourself when exhausted, sweaty and dehydrated, running with your partner can be a valuable and bonding experience. Entering and training for a race together can give you both something to aim for, and a good excuse to spend time together, away from the phone, television and the internet! When I first started running with my partner, I was determined to show no pain and always be a little bit in front, but in time I began to admit when I was struggling and we started to keep each other going when our legs were giving up. Losing one’s pride and showing vulnerability can be a valuable experience and strengthen any relationship; I found running together helped to facilitate that process.
❤ CONGRATULATIONS As everybody who’s done it, or ever known anyone who’s done it will agree, planning a wedding (as joyous as it might be) can be very stressful. During the run-up (excuse the pun) to a wedding, things can become overwhelming, but ensuring you get out running will not only help you get in shape for the big day but also reduce anxiety. Arabella Neville-Rolfe, 32, got
married in July 2010. She says: “Planning a wedding and all that comes with it can be really demanding. Obviously I wanted to look great for the day so upped my running in the months preceding my wedding, which helped but the best thing was that running relaxed me when things got too much. Without it I’m sure there would have been a lot more arguments!”
❤ DE-STRESS There’s nothing like that flushed-out (in a good way) feeling after a run; the stress seems to drip off you with the
20 n
www.runningfreemag.co.uk
“lots of people take up running to help them stay afloat during tricky times”
sweat. Many people use running as a way of channeling negative energy towards something positive. Lindsay Smith, 29, lives in London and is currently doing a PHd. She says: “Running changes your mood and that’s addictive. You can run away from things in your mind, or you can charge towards them. You can escape and be anything for that time. Plug into the Eye of the Tiger and before you know it you have reincarnated Rocky Balboa in yourself.” Emma Clarke, 35, is a housewife and mother living in Chamonix. She says: “Running helps keeps me sane. It’s my time with no children, or nagging, just me and my iPod. When my children were babies, running was the only time I had to myself. It enabled me to deal with the stress of a baby.”
❤ ANYTIME ANY PLACE Perhaps the best thing of all about running is that, as long as you have a decent pair of trainers and some sports gear (and, for ladies, a good sports bra), you can do it wherever you are in the world. You can match it to suit your mood – take it easy if you’re feeling fragile, or go harder if you’re feeling good – it will almost always make you feel better and, the best thing of all, just like Running Free Magazine, it is completely free. There are also lots of great resources to help you keep track of your runs and chat to other runners, which won’t cost you a penny. See ❤
www.runningfreemag.com ❤
www.mapmyrun.com ❤
www.runningdiary.co.uk ❤
www.therunningbug.co.uk ❤
www.running4women.co.uk
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