| Why run? Running is one of the most accessible and simple forms of exercise you can do. You can run anywhere, at any time and it doesn't require any expensive equipment, just a good pair of trainers! You can run as a far as you like and as fast as you like, run alone or with friends, in a park or in the city centre, it’s up to you!  Is it good for me? Running is great for your health and fitness, helping to tone muscles, burn fat and improve your stamina. Frequent running has been shown to significantly reduce various medical conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure. There is also research to show that running helps your mental and emotional state, reducing stress and depression and raising your self-esteem. Running makes you feel good inside and out! How does it compare with other sports? One of the great things about running is that you’ll see quick results in your ability and fitness. You might not be able to run a mile when you start, but if you stick with it and run regularly then you’ll soon be running several miles! Running is fantastic for your heart and lungs. At a very rough average it burns around 100 calories per mile. Can you give me some tips about how to get into running?
Here are some general tips, courtesy of Champion marathon runner, Liz Yelling, from her new book The Woman’s Guide to Running. All tips listed here are applicable to both men and women: Start slowly with short runs, try 15-40mins (depending on your ability) at first  and walk when you need to Try to run-walk regularly – 3-5 sessions per week and build up your time/distance progressively Try to set regular running times – first thing in the morning, at lunch or after work, this will help you to keep it going Remember that a little running is better than nothing so if you are short of time or cannot run for very long, don’t be deterred just do what you can Get yourself a good pair of trainers, look for a specialist retailer who can offer a comprehensive trainer fitting services for runners Utilise your local resources, if there is a park or grassland near your home/workplace, get out there and use it, running outside in the sunshine makes you feel great! Avoid running in areas where you don’t feel safe and make sure someone knows you are going and how long you will be Training with others is a great idea, it will help keep you motivated and make it a more social pastime If you run alone, take a mobile phone and some ID and know where you are going
| 
