The shorter, gloomy days of autumn and winter may not seem an obvious time to take up running. But marathon record-breaker Paula Radcliffe believes there has never been a better time to start.
With the country facing increasing lockdown restrictions, and Covid cases growing, the long-distance athlete is on a mission to get the UK moving. “Many people turn to running for the physical benefits, but running is also good for mental health,” says Paula, 46. “It helps you cope when the world’s turned on its head.” She adds that running is also the perfect antidote to that winter slump when cold, dark evenings mean you’re more likely to want to stay at home tucked up on the sofa eating comfort food.