Lisa Jackson - Running Made Easy: Updated edition of the bestselling running book

RUNNING
MADE EASY

Lisa Jackson & Susie Whalley

WHAT READERS HAVE TO SAY ABOUT
RUNNING MADE EASY

Thanks so much for getting me outside and running. Since buying your book Ive gone from half-heartedly doing 20 minutes on the treadmill to doing two half-marathons!

Carole Parkhouse, York

Running Made Easy is a FANTASTIC, FABULOUS, EASY, COMPELLING, MOTIVATIONAL, COLOURFUL and ENJOYABLE book. Im an exercise professional so Ive read countless fitness books, but none is as friendly, accurate and worthwhile as yours. Take it from a professional, you will buy this book, use it, write all over it, buy another one, give it to a friend, pick it up again and reread it, then buy another one for another friend!

Anna Snook, director of Degrees of Fitness, Berkshire/Buckinghamshire

I love the format: its modern, exciting and filled with practical advice and information thats fun to read and, most importantly, easy to apply.

Bridget Robinson, Canada

As a non-runner I bought this in the hope of feeling inspired I wasnt disappointed. The book has loads of tips and advice to get started, and has structured plans that can be used to train for a variety of distances. Ive lost over a stone following the advice in this book and am now a regular runner.

Amazon review by jodeshep

Ive gone from couch potato to total running enthusiast and had a total life change in just eight weeks.

Katy Ryan, Northamptonshire

I have been considering taking up running for many years, but was never sure how to start. I originally borrowed this book from my local library and found it to be such an inspiration with many hints and tips on how to get started I decided to buy my own copy. I keep it at my bedside and always refer to it if Im feeling slightly less motivated etc. I am now into my eighth week of running and have never felt better.

Amazon review by Tracey Roberts

You have achieved the impossible getting me to stick to an exercise programme week after week after week! I have enjoyed every second, even when it was tough.

Kate Banks, Oxford

A brilliant book for anyone about to start running, it is so inspirational with lots of success stories from all kinds of people who now love running.

Sharon Freedman, Glasgow

The training programme was broken into incredibly simple and absolutely achievable steps, even by a first-time, apprehensive runner like me! Its kept me running confidently and best of all, Im enjoying it.

Angie Govender, South Africa

Thanks so much for a great book. Your writing style is accessible and funny, and your motivational stories are priceless.

Gabrielle Watt, Australia

A big thank you for the continued common sense, inspiration from all your contributors and the encouragement your book has offered.

Alysoun Sturt-Scobie, France

CONTENTS

Weve written our book Running Made Easy because were bursting to tell you about the joys of running and the in-love-with-life way it can make you feel. Turn the page to find out how we got hooked and how we can help you do the same ...

Think of the slowest runner you know then think twice as slow!

Im a late-onset runner. For 30 years I simply detested exercise. Then, in June 1998, I was blown away by the electrifying atmosphere of a 5K (3 mile) race that Id been cajoled into doing. Soon afterwards, I entered the Great North Run, at that time the worlds biggest half-marathon, and again was bowled over by the thrill of having dared to run that far. Six months later, I completed the London Marathon and from then on, I was well and truly hooked.

Ive since run 48 other marathons and two 56-mile/90K ultramarathons in dream destinations such as Jerusalem, Hong Kong, Stockholm, New York, Paris and Athens. My ultimate goal? Joining the 100 Marathon Club.

I wish Id known about the ecstasy of running the feeling of flushed wellbeing I get after a training run I begged myself not to have to do, but did anyway; the incomparable feeling of crossing the finish line in a race, having used up every last ounce of willpower to get there. I wish Id known about the friends Id make. If Id known these things, Id most definitely have started running at 20 not 30!

Before writing this book, I had no idea how many people out there felt just as intimidated as I did about taking up running, believing, erroneously, that it simply wasnt suitable for tortoise types like us. So when emails flooded in from readers who said our book had given them bagloads of confidence and generally made them fall in love with life again, I was deeply moved. This has inspired me to gain a coaching qualification from British Athletics and train as a clinical hypnotherapist, which has meant Ive been privileged to be able to continue to help others change their lives for good. I have also spent the past three years running and writing about marathons in the UK and abroad in my capacity as the worlds slowest marathon correspondent for Womens Running magazine. Having come last in no fewer than three marathons, Im uniquely placed to encourage other runners to ditch their need for speed, don a fancy-dress outfit and run a marathon just for the heck of it!

Once fairly sprightly and competitive now, with two children and less youthful energy, its a bit more middle aged!

My earliest memories of running are of trotting off down country lanes with my dad to fetch the morning baguette on family holidays in France. Even aged eight, with little legs that could barely keep up, I was desperate to become a runner like him. At school I loved sports days, and every April Id watch the London Marathon with tears in my eyes, dreaming of taking part.

My ambitions were shelved at university (too much time at the bar!), so when I decided to start training for the marathon aged 25, it felt pretty tough. But I did it, loved it, and amazingly its now 15 years down the line and Ive run a total of six marathons and heaps of other races since. Being a runner has become a really big part of who I am and I wouldnt change that for the world.

Rounding the corner to run up The Mall towards the finish line of my first London Marathon, holding hands with my great friend Louise. With the crowd cheering us on, and the finish line in sight, knowing we were going to make it was just the most fantastic feeling in the world. Another is crossing the finish line of the Windsor Half Marathon, hand in hand with my lovely sons. Its the longest distance Ive run since becoming a mum, and Stanley and Alf were proud to join me on the home straight and run the last 50m together.