Nell McAndrew - Nell McAndrews Guide to Running: Everything you Need to Know to Train, Race and More

NOTE

While every effort has been made to ensure that the content of this book is as technically accurate and as sound as possible, neither the author nor the publishers can accept responsibility for any injury or loss sustained as a result of the use of this material.

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This electronic edition published in 2015 by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

First published 2015

Nell McAndrew and Lucy Waterlow, 2015

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ISBN: 978-1-4729-0575-8

ePDF: 978-1-4729-0842-1

ePub: 978-1-4729-0841-4

Acknowledgements

Cover photograph Eddie Macdonald

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CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to my guide to running. Whether youre reading this because you want to learn how to get started or like me youre always looking for tips on how to get faster, I hope it helps you achieve your goals.

Running is my passion, its more than just a hobby. As a busy mum of two, its my stress relief and my favourite way to unwind. Ive always loved the feeling exercise gives me. It makes me feel alive, energised and more confident. It also means I enjoy my food more and I dont feel guilty about having treats like chocolate!

Exercise has become a way of life for me and I couldnt live without it. Growing up in Leeds, Yorkshire, I was always sporty. At school I was on the netball team and tried karate for a while. I loved being active and trying new things but I was never particularly good at, or interested in, running at this time. Like many people, I think not being great at running whilst at school made me reluctant to try it when I was older. So instead throughout my twenties when I was working as a model, I kept fit at the gym and did workouts like those seen on my Peak Energy fitness DVDs. I would run on the treadmill or go for the odd run around the park, but it wasnt until I signed up for the London Marathon in 2004 (more on that later in the book) that I started to take running more seriously and I havent looked back. It turns out I was much better at it than I thought! I was 30 then and ran my marathon personal best (PB) time of 2 hours 54 minutes when I was 38. I achieved all my other PBs that year too (18 minutes 43 seconds for 5k, 29 minutes 21 seconds for 5 miles, 36 minutes 54 seconds for 10k, and 1 hour 21 minutes for the half marathon). So it just goes to show, its never too late to start or to improve. Im now in my forties and I still believe I can run faster. I love the challenge of pushing myself to see what I can do.