All you need is...

Running is supposed to be so accessible, "all you need is a pair of shoes". WRONG!!! I'm sorting through my earthly possessions in an effort to keep a clear path to the kitchen and the loo. This is what you need*, minimum:

*your definition of "need" may well differ from mine!

Shoes:

Two pairs of favourite trainers so you can swap them occasionally, and always have a pair that's broken in properly. One lighter pair for speed training and whatnot. Vibrams - "need" is probably not the word, they make me look like a complete Zuckerberg but I feel like they're straightening out my toes! Flat shoes for just walking around, because the internet says that helps strengthen your arches - remember, you're ALWAYS training.

Clothes:
This is just the "technical" gear, long sleeve, short sleeve, vests, jackets, leggins, capris, shorts. You need several of each to cover all weather eventualities, and you probably want to be able to colour coordinate. Although the latter is made easy by sports retailers who only offer ladies' gear on the pink spectrum. I've given up on folding these, it's just not worth it! You also need a whole bunch of laundry detergent. You just do.

 Assorted Stuff:

Once the actual running is out of the way, you'll spend a whole lot of time (and money) on rehab and injury prevention. If you're a proper runner, your focus is on rehab (ka-ching!). Yoga mat, foam roller, stick (another form of roller), massage balls, weights, suspension trainer... I can't show you my library of inspirational and / or informative running books because they're on my kindle. Much like the person who buys the Harry Potter books with "adult" covers, I don't want people on the Tube to know I'm obsessed.




Community
This is the big one, really, and for once - no pun intended. Once I got over myself and started telling people that I run, they suddenly popped up everywhere declaring "me, too!". And approximately 99.9% of runners don't care one bit if you're slow or whatever, they only care that you're passionate about their "thing", too. It was like letting go and falling over backwards, and being caught by this amazing community of joggers, plodders, runners just waiting for you to join them.

Take it online
When I was just starting out, coming off a pretty serious walking routine while training for the Shine half marathon walk in 2013, I stumbled upon Couch to 5k. That was a great way for me to start running, because it felt manageable. But what was even greater: /r/c25k, the sub-reddit dedicated to the programme. These people are relentlessly encouraging, and they won't let you fail. From there, mosey on to runnit, the running sub, where runners of all ages, abilities and fitness levels congregate. Wondering if you should sign up for a race, if you can go the distance? Ask them, and the answer will always be a resounding "Yes, you can!" (Just don't ask them what shoes to buy - get fitted. Seriously.)

Run your park
First, there was sliced bread (or for those low-carb folks: bacon), then there was parkrun. This is a timed 5k happening in local parks across the land at 9am on Saturdays. The community vibe is amazing, everyone is truely welcome, whether you're looking for a PB or just hanging on by a thread to get 'round. I can't claim to be a regular, because first and foremost I am an owl, but have found it very helpful to get myself out there.

• New Year's Day, rather hung over, somehow managed to drag myself out of bed and to an accidental PB (probably fuelled by Chrismas sugar indulgence). Don't think I would have bothered without parkrun.
• A few weeks ago, I was in a real slump. A lady mentioned she was going to Mile End parkrun on our community website, and I just went ahead and invited myself along! Very challenging course (they'll tell you it's 4 hills - it's 8!), but the change of scenery and the fantastic atmosphere really boosted my confidence.
• Just last week, a colleague (let's call her BLT, after my favourite sandwich) got in touch to ask if I fancied joining her at Finsbury Park for a spot of parkrun tourism - she was going to volunteer as back runner. Did I ever! This gave me the kick I needed to get up early, jog up there, actually do a parkrun for once, and - after a lovely coffee and chat - head back home in the sunshine that is so rare in these parts. I tell you, this is the way to spend a Saturday.

See you in the Clubhouse
 At the core of my personal running community, there is the Clubhouse. On the face of it, it's just another facebook group. But really, it's so much more:

• A community of like minded women, all out there doing the best they can to improve their fitness and wellbeing, no matter what level.
• A place to share your successes and achievements, without worrying about jealousy or snide remarks.
• A place to talk about your insecurities and frustrations, and get advice from people who have been there.
• It's pretty much a training and parkrun matching site, full of potential running buddies.
• Race pictures galore! Also: running shoe and workout gear fashion show.
• A bunch of utter nutters who make you sign up for races you never thought you could tackle.
• The list is probably endless - join us and see for yourself!

The picture is from our 10mi training run in Hyde Park, another thing many of us never thought we could do - but we did it! Probably helped along by the fact that the pub was beckoning. The attitude really says it all: We're fit (or getting there), definitely fabulous, and we're coming to get you!!!

Epilogue
So there you have it. For me, the running community I discovered has been the most important thing that has helped me on the journey to becoming the semi-fit, tortoise-like jogger that I am, and to feel good about that. No matter what kind of runner you are, there is a community out there just waiting for you to join them. So go ahead, make a move! (But you definitely need some shoes, too.)