When I mention to people that I run, they look at me like I’m some kind of amazing machine.

I do a 10k before work, and my work colleagues are floored.

I get comments like ‘you must be really fit’ or ‘I can’t run’.

This is where I start to get on my pedestal and start preaching.

You can be a runner, too!

I was never a runner until about 2 years ago. In school, I was rubbish at sport and didn’t really like it. I’ve had bouts of going to the gym but never anything consistently.

I never thought I’d be able to run more than 10 minutes without stopping. I never really cared to.

Then when I moved house, it was summer. There were a lot of runners and cyclists on the streets around me so I decided to give it a go.

My first run, I ran 5k. I stopped and walked every time I felt too tired.

When I ran again, I focused on going a mile without stopping. Pretty soon, I was easily doing a mile without stopping. I made sure I was running at an easy pace that I’d be able to keep you. You should be breathing heavily but still be able to hold a conversation. If you can’t, you’re going too fast.

I read something that really stuck with me to keep me pushing through.

Basically, when you start running and you’re not used to it. Your brain panics a little. It’s all mental.

Start thinking of your different body parts and seeing how the feel. How do your legs feel? They’re hurting a bit but not too bad. How do your arms feel? Fine. How is your chest and breathing?

When you break it down like that, you can see that you can keep going a little longer.

After a few weeks, I was running 5 miles and I even ran 10 miles after about two months of running!

So if you think you’re not a runner, try again. All you need is a pair of trainers!

Here’s some things to think about if you want to give running a go:

• If you want to use an app like Couch to 5k, just make sure it works for you. Everyone is different and some people might find it too easy or too hard.
• Map out a route that’s about 2-3 miles long. Run at a comfortable pace and allow yourself to stop when you need to.
• Aim to run longer than your previous runs. If you ran for 4 minutes before stopping, aim for 5 minutes next time.
• Get a running app like MapMyRun to see your times.
• Base your progress on comparing your previous runs – not comparing yourself against other people!
• If you’re embarrassed about having to stop and people seeing you – just remember they don’t know how far you’ve ran! You could be on mile 20 for all they know.
• People don’t really care what you look like.
• Have fun!