The Runner’s Guide to London is essentially what is says on the tin, a detailed guidebook for knowing where to run in the capital.
In doing so its aim is to tackle runners or beginners who just simply don’t like to run, and encourage them with the great outdoors.
“There is no way around it, running does involve an element of pain,” confesses Runner’s Guide author Hayden Shearman.
“Chaffing, jiggling, exhaustion, cold, heat, injuries, blisters, even losing toe nails—running certainly has it’s downsides and you can see why only 5.5 per cent of Londoners run regularly.”
As a running coach who has guided hundreds of new runners to their goals, Hayden argues, that you can’t say you truly don’t like running until:
- You’ve run somewhere incredibly beautiful.
- You’ve run with great company.
“Thankfully, London has plenty of both. It has world-class running terrain and a wonderful running community. I wrote this book in order to connect people to these two great resources.”
Hayden challenges people to put their hate of running to the test with the 3:3:2 challenge (3 days, 3 weeks, 2 goals).
“Commit to running three times per week for three weeks. Don’t worry about the distance or the speed; in fact leave your watch at home. Just worry about achieving either or both goals of running somewhere beautiful or with company.”
Hayden explains, “For the Londoner, this might involve a Monday morning run-walk through Regent’s Park with a short venture along the canal and up Primrose Hill, then a Wednesday lunchtime jog with a friend along the Thames Path, and capped off with a Saturday morning parkrun at Bushy Park, taking part in one of London’s truly iconic social running experiences.”
“Three weeks like this of exploration and connection through running, and, far from being a dislike, running soon becomes a vehicle for enjoying your city and for forging friendships.”
The Runner’s Guide to London features over 120 running routes across London’s 32 boroughs. It includes maps, alluring photos and training tips, as well as a how-to for connecting oneself into the richly diverse London running community.
The book is available in all major bookstores from 1 July 2015 and available online now: http://www.runnersguidetolondon.co.uk
