No, the great thing about running is you don’t have to wear lots of expensive gear. You can wear just about anything, as long as it’s comfortable, allows you to move freely and is made from lightweight, breathable materials. Typically in the warmer weather, I always suggest wearing a T-shirt or a running top with a pair of loose-fitting shorts, and for the colder months something like a long-sleeved thermal top or light hooded top with a pair of leggings.

I always talk about how running doesn’t require a lot of expensive gear. However, there is one exception to that rule, and that’s when it comes to buying a pair of running shoes. A good pair of running shoes will make all the difference to your running and protect your feet, so it’s well worth spending a little bit of money on a good pair. 

But, before you dash out and buy a pair, it’s essential to consider what kind of runner you are and where you like to run. If you’re a roadrunner, you’ll require more cushioning to provide you with as much shock absorption as possible, minimising the risk of injury. 

For long-distance running, you’re going to need much more cushioning and bounce, whereas for shorter runs, look for something lighter and minimal. Finally, if you’re a trail runner, you’ll want something with a tougher sole and a heightened grip, for this, you’re going to need a specialised trail running shoe.

The majority of sports experts suggest you change your running shoes every 500 to 750 kilometres, which is equal to about four to six months for somebody who averages around 35 kilometres a day. Brooks, one of the leading running shoe brands, recommends that you replace their lighter-weight or minimalist designs every 400 to 500 kilometres.

However, you need to remember that the rate at which shoes wear down varies drastically for every person, so 500 to 750 kilometres might not be correct for everyone. For example, someone who runs on very rough terrain or hot asphalt might find that their shoes wear down quicker than someone who runs on smooth, shaded trails.

As a rule of thumb, you should always check your shoes and look for any visible cracks and creases in the soles and see how cushioned they feel; if they’ve lost some of their soft bounce and they’re looking a bit tired or worse for wear, then it’s probably time to call it a day and invest in a new pair.

You’re not alone, but don’t worry, as you get older, the kilos have a way of glueing themselves to your stomach. But in one study of more than 100,000 runners, those who ran 35 or more miles per week gained less weight in their bellies throughout their mid-life years than those who ran less than nine.

He’s not wrong, the runner’s high is real: mounting research, shows that when we run, our brains pump out endocannabinoids, cannabis-like molecules that keep runners happy—and hooked.

No, running is the perfect excuse to eat carbs and not just whole grain “healthy” carbs. According to recently published research, we’re talking refined pasta, white bread, and cookies. Simple, fast-acting carbohydrates are a runner’s best fuel, and by strategically increasing your intake, it can help you run better, and recover faster.

Running doesn’t damage your knees, in-fact it does the exact opposite. Varies professional studies have shown that because running increases the flow of nutrients to the cartilage in your knee while also strengthening the joint’s ligaments, running (even marathoning) decreases the risk of knee osteoarthritis.

Absolutely not. Contrary to what you might think, every run is different; you can mix it up in so many ways, from running hills, or swapping between road and cross country, you can run with mates, or join a running club, you can even take your dog along. Whatever way you want to run, it’s never dull.

It’s really not that difficult if you can arrange your day and run for just 30 minutes every morning you’ll see a significant improvement in your sleep quality as well as in your mood and your concentration levels throughout the day. So you’ll actually perform better at work and get a good night’s sleep, now doesn’t that sound like a positive idea?

Gyms are great, particularly if you’re into strength training with free weights and workout machines. But, if you want to get out in the fresh air and exercise every muscle in your body. Increase your Vitamin D intake, burn off twice the calories, you would do in the gym. Stimulate your immune system to help fight off a cold before it has a chance to take hold. Eat plenty of carbs, strengthen your heart while lowering your resting heart rate, blood pressure, and cholesterol. Plus keep your eyes healthy while reaching your goals, you might want to think outside the gym sometimes.