In this article, various well-knownpeople talk about running. They are asked how they got into it, where they go and if they have any advice.

Malcolm Gladwell - author

Isabel Hardman - political commentator

Jenni Falconer - TV presenter

Alastair Campbell - writer, broadcaster and former political strategist

Charlie Dark - DJ and poet

Paul Sinton-Hewitt - Founder of Parkrun

Sophie Raworth - BBC newsreader

Denise Lewis - BBC presenter

Sadiq Khan - London mayor

Michel Roux Jr - chef

How they got started

Some say that they started because they were piling on the poundsand weren’t able to zip upa dress. Alistair Campbell admits that it was his sons’ naggingthat got him started. Charlie Dark said that he suffered from bouts of depressionand running became a good antidote. In a similar vein, Paul Sinton-Hewitt says that he was in a bad way and it was his way outof a downward spiral. Sadiq Khan said that he started running when he was asked to do the London marathon and although he tried to get off the hook, he realised that he couldn’t decline when he heard about all the people that the charity helps. He then got bitten by the bug.

Why they do it

They all run because they enjoy it in one way or another. Malcome Gladwell admits that he dreads running upsteephills but halfway throughhe starts getting into itand he absolutely loves the sense of accomplishmentyou feel after. Isabel Hardman is driven by the benefit she feels to her mental health. If she doesn’t run, she notices a massive dip. Others say that it clears your head, is a form of meditation,pureescapismand that it stops you from getting burnt out. Sophie Raworth says it’s both an addiction and a way of life. She says that the fact she’s fitter than she’s ever been is incredibly empowering. Alistair Campbell says that he has his best ideas (I agree!) and he manages to text himself while running so that he doesn’t have to stop and jot them down!

What tips they have

Malcome Gladwell recommends landing on your forefootand Isabel advises us to use blister tape. Jenni Falconer tells us that she counts every right step and that keeps her focussed - a 5K is about 3,200 paces! Alistair Campbell says it’s best to heedadvice and stretch after a run. Sadiq Khan admits that he was smugafter his first run but then the pain he felt the day after was awfulbecause he had missed outstretching. The feeling that we should be able to run can play havocwith our minds so we are advised to start slowly and not to worry if we’re gasping for breathat first. Paul Sinton-Hewitt says that running can sometimes feel like a choreso it’s important to enjoy it. You can do this by slowing down, being at one with natureor running with others.

Headphones or clear air

Isabel made me laugh when she said she listens to a show on radio 4 and she run faster because she gets annoyedwith the things people say! Alistair Campbell admits that he uses sellotapeto keep the headphones in because they always fall outand Sophie Raworth prefers to go without as she finds the peace therapeutic.

Their running heroes

They all have many different heroes that they are inspired by. Paula Radcliff’s name pops upa few times and Denise Lewis said, for her, she embodiesrunning.

Their favourite places to run

They mentioned places all over the world - through cities, in deep countryside or by the sea. Charlie Dark says that running over Brooklyn Bridge In New York or along the South Bank in London at night is so scenic. Michel Roux says that the views from a French coastal path take his breath awayand he loves the challenge of ducking undertrees and running along the twists and turnsof the path.