Behind the ‘Gram – Double Gold Winner at the European University Games, @Amy_In_Runderland

Wow, you’ve achieved so much at such a young age! Well done. Has joining a club helped motivate you back into running after a year’s break?

Yes! Whilst I never stopped running, not doing it competitively or as part of a club meant that I ended up running the same 2.7-mile loop solo for weeks on end, and my motivation seriously started to lack. I had to force myself out of the door and didn’t see any real progress.

I needed to switch it up so whilst studying for my PHD, I decided to join the athletics and cross-country team at Newcastle University. Being part of this running club has allowed me to not only feel close the community but of others, too. Due to the North Eastern Harrier league, which is all-inclusive for runners from beginner to elite, I’ve become acquainted with such a positive bunch of people. Everyone shares a mutual desire to not only progress their physical fitness but to help others with theirs, too. It’s the reason I love it so much.

As well as recommending running as a stress-reliever, what would you say to anyone thinking of taking up running (or jogging)?

Firstly, that today is a great day to start! Do you know what the best thing is about running? That all you need is a pair of trainers and to take the first step. The easiest way to start the first jog is to put your kit on and lace up your shoes without overthinking.

Even though the first run may feel like hard work, you will feel amazing when filled with endorphins afterwards. An important point to make is to not put pressure on yourself to go a certain speed or hit a certain distance when starting out. Do what you are able to do on that day and be happy with your achievement, enjoy taking in the new surroundings. You will find amazing places on your doorstep without knowing they existed.

I also cannot recommend joining a local running club enough. Running clubs are a great community that welcome all with open arms and lead to lifelong friendships. Before you know it, you will have beneficial effects that come with the territory including improved self-esteem, less stress, better sleep and improved health!

Photograph by Stuart Whitman

You're also an avid food prepper. Do you have any favourite recipes you'd like to share that would help give some energy pre-run, or as a cheeky treat post-run?

I love to make raw snacks weekly to provide quality recovery and fuel for training. Raw power-balls are a staple in my diet, and I have shared below my most recent recipe for lemon power-truffles coated in a dusting of 85% dark chocolate.

These treats are a perfect snack to eat pre or post session, or even as fuel during a long run.

Photograph by SAW Photography

Method

1. Place all dry ingredients apart from the chocolate into the food processor along with the juice of two lemons.
2. Blitz until the mixture forms one large ball
3. Roll in to 12 large or 24 small power-balls
4. Sprinkle cacao powder onto a plate or blitz dark chocolate then sprinkle on to a plate (I used 85% dark chocolate by Green and Blacks, although I love to use cacao powder too)
5. Roll power-balls in the chocolate and then place into the fridge for whenever a snack calls.

Potential swaps that can be made if wanted:

Dates —> dried apricots

Raisins —> any dried vine fruit

Pumpkin seeds —> sunflower seeds

Cashews —> nut of your choice

Chia seeds —> flax seeds