There are several things you can do to help you prepare for a running challenge and make the whole experience enjoyable and fun – just like it says in the name.

Run with a friend  

Training with someone else gives you more motivation and extra enjoyment. It’s also a great chance to have a chat! Things like alternating who is the pace-setter can also really increase your progress. 

Log your training  

Track your progress on your smartwatch or by keeping a diary of your training. Keeping a record of the route, date and duration, and noting how you felt, can show you how much you’re improving. 

Stay hydrated  

It’s very important to stay hydrated when doing any exercise to prevent injury or illness. Make sure you carry a water bottle with you, sipping little and often. 

Warm up before you start 

Warming up before you walk will help to prevent injuries. You can access some simple warming up exercises on the NHS at How to warm up before exercising.

Training

There are some great training programmes online. Why not try the NHS’s Couch to 5k, which is a great place to start.