Things I wish I’d known before I started running at 40

When I first started running at 40, I honestly didn’t think I’d stick with it.I was a busy wife and mum, someone who had struggled with weight for years — and definitely not someone who grew up doing sport or going to the gym.

My first ever run (mostly walking) basically comprised two-miles of feeling like my lungs were going to explode wondering why people did this for fun. However I persisted, and after I’d learnt to breathe properly, started to look forward to lacing up my trainers and getting some fresh air. It became my “active me” time - space for reflection, creativity and to decompress. As I had just turned 40, I set myself the target of running Nottingham Robin Hood Half Marathon later that year. I loved the whole experience of training and competing in an event…so I decided to keep on running!

My First Race Day!

Running a marathon (let alone an ultra) was never on my bucket list. But I told myself that if I could run a half marathon, I could probably run and train for one. This philosophy has taken me on a journey of fitness challenges over the last 10 years and resulted in me making the decision to make a career shift into the health and fitness industry to support others to do the same. 

Here are the things I wish I could go back and tell that 40-year-old version of me:

You Have to Love the Journey

• You have to put in the hard yards, balancing training with a full-time job and being a mum is all about choices. I normally train early in the morning so I can spend evenings and weekends having quality time with family and friends. 

• Have a plan / weekly schedule that works around the family routines and stick to it. I always have a bit of flexibility - the British weather and life in general has a habit of last minute changes! 

  
  

Strength Training is Your Secret Weapon

• As It moved into marathon running, I realised that lifting would help me run stronger and reduce the risk of injury. If you’re 40+, this is especially true.

• I’ve learnt that I need to take a whole body approach - a strong core and upper body is key for good running form and have added stretching and mobility into my weekly gym routines. 

The Right Socks Make a World of Difference

• Everyone is obsessed with trainers but the wrong sock choice and not looking after your feet will ruin the race day experience (as will any form of chaffing).  I use a mix of toe and merino wool socks combined with Two-Toms blister shield and neoprene inner socks which have saved my feet in some pretty extreme conditions. 

Food is Fuel

• After years watching the scales I had to learn to eat properly to fuel my body for the intensity of training. Carbs are my friend around hard training sessions and protein is essential for muscle growth. & repair. 

• As I’ve moved into menopause I’ve benefited from the good eating habits I’ve built which I’m sure has reduced my symptoms and certainly lowered the risk of chronic health conditions such as cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis associated with ageing. 

Sleep Quality = Performance Quality 

• Prioritise Rest days and quality sleep. They’re an essential part of training especially for women in midlife. I know if I sleep poorly my training suffers for the next few days, I’m mentally not in the right place to push myself and my nutrition goes out of the window. 

Running Has Given Me Renewed Confidence as a Woman in my 40s and 50s

• At the beginning I doubted myself on every run. Over time, those tiny wins built belief and that took me further than I ever imagined.  I’m stronger, more resilient and it’s taught me my body can do amazing things.

• It’s given the whole of the family the confidence to try new things together from tough mudders to paragliding.

I Didn’t Realise the Positive Impact I've Had on Other People

• I love that my sons have grown up watching my commitment to training and feeling that comes from crossing the finishing line. It’s inspired them to work hard to be the best they can be.  

• I also didn’t realise how many people I’d inspired until I did Marathon des Sables - I was overwhelmed by the amount of people who obsessively tracked my journey across the desert and my story has inspired others to challenge themselves and signup for fitness events.

You Can Reinvent Yourself at Any Age

• From someone who had never exercised to someone who has run marathons, ultramarathons, Hyrox and Tough Mudder. I am living proof that 40 is not too late. Not only have I transformed my own health but my life has been enriched by the incredible people I’ve met on my journey and the friendships I’ve made.

Celebrating my 50th - Marathon des Sables

 If you’re thinking of starting now why not have a go - what have you got to lose?

I promise you, the version of you in 6 months will be grateful that you tried.

👉 If you need support to get started, build confidence or train for something bigger, pop me a message.  I’d love to help you.