Intern inspired to start running

What made you want to work at Women’s Running magazine?

As a journalism student, the chance to work at a magazine and experience a working publishing environment is a chance you jump at. Being interested in women’s lifestyle magazines and looking to take up running myself, Women’s Running seemed like an ideal choice and a great opportunity to put me in the right direction in both my career and my fitness.

How have you found the experience?

The experience has been very interesting and insightful; you can never really understand the dynamics behind a magazine until you are in the office experiencing it yourself. I’ve had a behind-the-scenes peek at what life will hopefully be like in the future and what roles contribute to the creation of a magazine, and I am very thankful for that.

What have you learned?

I have learnt a lot – there are a lot of details you wouldn’t even think about, so picking up a magazine and reading through it will be a different experience from now on. I have also learned how to wake up at ridiculously early o’clock and be productive throughout the day, which is always a plus!

Are the Women’s Running team all running nutcases?

With all the exercise and office hours combined, you have to allow for a few moments of zaniness! But it has helped make my time here more enjoyable; the team all made me feel very welcome.

How sporty are you personally?

I have never been particularly athletically gifted, so motivating myself in my exercising and fitness has always been a struggle. That’s why running seems like a great alternative as it accommodates all abilities, as opposed to sports which requires talent, which unfortunately I am missing!

How has working on Women’s Running magazine affected your interest in running?

Definitely. Having been writing and educating myself about running, and being surrounded by people who are regular and enthusiastic runners, I definitely feel encouraged to get my trainers back on and take to the ground – after all, I have no excuse! Gym memberships seem somewhat ludicrous when you can just get friendly with the fresh air at no cost at all.

What would your ideal run be?

An ideal run for me would be my first long-distance race, as I think the feeling of satisfaction and achievement would be incredible, particularly when raising money for a charity close to your heart, which is another incentive for me to get running.

Who is the most inspirational fit female celebrity in your view?

I think Paula Radcliffe is an absolute inspiration, and while we will never clock up the miles that she has, we can all learn a lot from her. She’s been through a lot of disappointment and criticism, and if we think it’s hard if we didn’t reach the running time we wanted, we can have comfort knowing that the whole of the British population won’t witness it and moan about it for the next week!

What was the highlight of your time working on Women’s Running?

Getting to research and write news articles and being rewarded with them being put on the website for the readers was really gratifying – the feeling of having your own work published is something I hope I get used to.

Did it meet your expectations?

I really wasn’t sure what to expect to be honest, as I have never worked on a magazine before. All I hoped is that everyone would be nice – which I was very lucky with! It’s made me have high expectations for the next magazine I work at.

What advice would you offer to a woman who wants to start running?

I would just tell her what I am simply telling myself – don’t expect too much of yourself to begin with, as you will be no Usain Bolt on your first run – or ever, for that matter! If you’re feeling unconfident about going it alone, recruit a running buddy who will dedicate themselves as much as you will. Not only will it make the minutes pass quicker, but having someone else relying on you will be that extra motivation to keep at it.