Five ways to help you start running

It can sometimes feel as if there are a lot of things in the way to start running - such as not having enough time or having no nearby facilities. But remember, developing a habit will only take around three weeks and the hardest part is getting started.

Running with other like-minded people can be motivational and inspiring. Many running clubs offer beginner or a social groups, which welcome everyone no matter their experience level.

Make sure to make a Google search to check what’s available in your area. For more support, England Athletics and Scottish Athletics have jogging groups with trained leaders who lead every session.

Even on days or at times when your gym is closed, you can always go for a run. Or if you find a gym membership costly, which a lot of them are these days, remember that going for a run is completely free! Running is a very demanding activity which uses a lot of energy, so it’s great if you want to get fit and lose weight.

You don’t have to run fast to benefit from running. Go at a pace where you can breathe comfortably and could hold a conversation with someone.

There are now hundreds of Parkruns across the UK that occur every Saturday. There may be one in your local park. It’s a free, weekly, timed 5k that welcomes everyone, regardless of ability. You can even take your dog or push young children in a buggy. In England the runs start at 9am. In Scotland, they start at 9.30am.

A quick post on a local Facebook page asking people to meet you at a nearby coffee shop can spark a community. You can be sure that other people will turn up, even if it is just for the coffee and cake afterwards!