Runners take a relaxed approach

Taking it easy on a Sunday morning usually means a leisurely breakfast and reading the papers, but for six Anyone Can Run athletes, it means a relaxed 10-mile run around the Blickling Spring Half Marathon route in 1°C temperatures.

MAKING STRIDES: Members of the Anyone Can Run group at Blickling.

Five of those runners will be taking part in the Blickling Half-Marathon on March 16, while one will be venturing further afield to race in the Brighton Half-Marathon. They are all training using the 80/20 endurance method.

Anyone Can Run group coach Annette Marsh said: “The science behind this method, developed for elite runners, is proven: run 80% of your training at an easy pace and 20% at a hard pace.

“The benefits for all runners are substantial – improvements come faster, the varied training is more enjoyable and it leads to fewer injuries, enabling athletes to experience the rewards sooner and suffer less from fatigue during and after workouts.”

The runners say they are benefiting from this approach. For Louise, the difference with the method is clear. She said: “My fitness has improved so much; I never would have been able to run five times a week before.”

While Roger said: “I used to just go out and run, usually fast, which left me carrying that tiredness into the next run. Now, I can choose a long, easy-paced run or a quicker, speedier interval session. “Both are demanding in different ways, but my running is much more enjoyable than before.”

If you are interested in joining Anyone Can Run and trying out the 80/20 method for yourself, contact Annette on 07802 935966.