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This blog will examine the best ways to stay safe and injury free during those dreaded off-road hill climbs this summer.

If they can do it, anyone can. Virtual Runner looks at six of the most inspirational runners who have defied all odds.

Hi fellow Virtual Runners, just wanted to share my story with you. In 2010 I developed the most common abnormal heart rhythm, Atrial fibrillation – Initially, it was intermittent or Paraxysmal. I had always kept myself fit by running, rowing and cycling mainly, and was keen to maintain my fitness. I found that i could […]

In this blog we will look at a handful of fantastic running routes that will help you get in your exercise while capturing some stunning views along the way.

We look at the key things that you can do to keep running even in the summer heat.

Philippa Cates, Author of ‘The Marathon’ talks to Virtual Runner about the inspiration behind her book. I had never wanted to run a marathon (run 26.2 miles for goodness sake, that’s utter madness..) so of course when I got offered a place in the London Marathon 2017 with Diabetes UK I immediately said yes. That’s […]

How should you breathe when running? If your breathing technique is not correct it can often lead to greater running stress. We explore more in this blog.

This week we caught up with Virtual Runner member David Gearing for a quickfire question session on Virtual Runner and what it means to be part of the community. Want to take part next time? Please get in touch. When was your first Virtual Runner run and how did you get involved? My first Virtual […]

Virtual Runner member Luke began his running journey back in 2005 and since then has collected over 143 medals. We thought we would catch up with Luke to find out more. Luke runs with the Shelton Striders Running Club in Derby, which along with keeping him active, much like Virtual Running, promotes and supports good […]

Whether you’re worried about injuries, performance issues or a freak accident it can often be associated to a runner’s biggest fear. Maranoia.

With Winter in full swing and less daylight hours to squeeze in a run, it’s a timely reminder of the little things we can do to stay safe while we pound the pavement. Running in the dark can present some risks, not only due to the lower visibility, but for women especially, verbal abuse, harassment […]

Mark Widowson is probably the most inspiration man you’ve never heard of. He is Virtual Runner’s one and only wheelchair runner at the LIVE Event, proving the saying – ‘Where there’s a will there’s a way’. The East Midlands man recently completed the Virtual Runner 2km live event with his walking frame at the Becket […]

Mark Atkinson, Author of ‘Run Like Duck’ tells us more about his running and his writing: I started running by accident in 2011 when I realised I was gaining over a stone in weight with each of my wife’s pregnancies. With a couple of kids under two and my weight at least three over what […]

Emily Hitchens tells us her running story in her own inspiring words. I stumbled across Virtual Runner by accident one cold March evening back in 2017. I wasn’t in any way, shape or form a runner but gosh I loved the look of the medals. I spotted a Easter bunny medal and just had to […]

If you’re a beginner to Virtual Running as we all were at some point, you may ask what is Virtual Running? If this is something you have asked at some point than you’ve come to the right place. Here we look at all the information you could need about virtual running; whether it be how […]

Do you enjoy running? Of course, you do. Do you want to make the area you live cleaner and safer? Again of course you do. Have you heard of Plogging? Maybe not. Welcome to the future of multi-task exercise, this growing trend of plogging has captured the imagination of thousands around the world and might […]

We all love a cup of joe in the morning, to wake us up and get us ready for the day ahead. However, coffee, or more specifically caffeine, can affect people in both positive and negative ways, so it’s important to do your homework before adding it to your running diet. Coffee as we all […]

New Year resolutions are always very difficult to manage, you can start with the best of intentions, but things can be very difficult to stick to when life happens. Everything going on at home or work can sometimes push them to the back of your mind. Here we look at ways you can manage your […]

The dreaded plateau. It’s that all too common experience when you find yourself hitting brick walls in your training, unable to progress past a certain running speed or fitness level. It’s your body’s way of telling you that your current training regime has gotten you as far as it can and it’s time to change […]

These days there are gadgets that track your heart rate, sleep patterns, pace and even how much lactic acid is building up in your muscles. With all of this amazing technology out on the market it can be hard to know what is beneficial and what is little more than a flash gizmo. To save […]

It’s easy to lose your running mojo when it’s cold and wet outside, but there are ways to stay on track throughout the dark winter months. We’ve put together a handy winter running survival guide to get you through and to make sure the drop in temperature doesn’t equal a drop in fitness. Dress for […]

It’s expected that in becoming a parent, there are some things from your previous life you may have to sacrifice. Fortunately running doesn’t have to be one of them. It’s easier said than done finding time for a solo run, but there is a way you can take your little one with you. While you’re […]

It’s our fifth birthday in November here at Virtual Runner and to celebrate our half-decade we asked our community of dedicated runners what makes virtual running so special and, if you’re new to Virtual Runner, why you should give it a go. 1. It gets you off the couch We’ve all been there, battling the […]

Andrea Allen tells us of her running journey and what it has meant to her. Here in her own words. Like many people, I got into running through the C25K app. I consider myself a very confident person generally, but I must confess when it came to exercise I was out of my comfort zone. […]

You should count yourself lucky if you’re among the fortunate few who have managed to escape injury so far in your running exploits. It happens to the best of us, whether it’s a sprained ankle or something more serious, and there’s nothing more frustrating than being forced off your feet and seeing your hard-earned fitness […]

Kerstine Herbert, physiotherapist of KH Physiotherapy has written some top tips for those of you interested in taking up running.  So, you’ve decided to try running? Welcome to the crazy world that will change your life. I’m a super keen runner and have covered everything from a mile to 95 so nothing phases me. I’m […]

Claire tells us in her own words about her running journey, how it helped her shift some weight and what kept her motivated. But when I started I hated it. I told myself I was OK with my weight, I was a size 22. I needed an operation and was told there would be added […]

The right nutrition can mean the difference between an energised stride and a laboured plod, but food is often treated as an afterthought for many runners. What you put in your mouth the night before, the morning of, during and even after your run has the potential to seriously impact your performance. So, if you […]

Sarah Avery lost weight, found running and used Virtual Runner to help motivate herself to continue. Sarah in her own words tells us of her journey. After losing almost 9 stones in weight I discovered running and it became a new found hobby of mine. starting at the beginning of 2018, I discovered Virtual Runner […]

Whether you’re a seasoned runner or lacing up your trainers for the very first time, the big 26.2 mile mark can be a daunting prospect. It’s a bucket list favourite but one that goes unticked by so many for one reason or another. Virtual Runner is here to make sure you get to cross the […]

Andrea Knight was looking for something to help motivate her to keep running. In her own words, Andrea explained why the 100km a month challenge has been a game changer for her. Having never been a runner, last summer I completed the Couch to 5K app in the autumn, completed my first 5km race at […]

You are pounding away and on for a PB when the dreaded stitch bites and sometimes, there can be no pain like it. We’ve created the Virtual Runner top tips to get rid of a stitch when running and smash those PBs. What Causes A Stitch When Running? Stitches can afflict runners of all abilities, […]

There are several benefits to long slow distance running: from strengthening muscles, to training your respiratory system and more. It’s time to mix them up with your sprints. The Benefits of Long Slow Distance Runs Whether you’re new to running or are a seasoned professional, it can be difficult building up the stamina required for […]

For more advanced runners who can comfortably run for a distance, the focus is often on improving the pace at which they can hit those targets. But as a beginner runner, you’re probably focused on running further or for a longer time – to making it up to that 2k, 5k or 10k milestone. How […]

Many people start exercising, and particularly running, to shed some pounds. As running is so accessible – any one can do it, at any time, for free – it’s one of the go-to methods for people looking to lose weight. But does it work? Running can certainly boost both your physical and mental health, but […]

Running isn’t just about your physical attributes. It’s also about ensuring you have the required mental strength and toughness. Along the way I’ve had lots of ups and downs, ranging from personal best performances to major injuries, and there has been plenty happening outside of the running trainers too! It’s a known fact that life […]

Running is all about personal taste. Some prefer solo missions. For others, especially those low in confidence or a little self-conscious, it takes two to train. There are plenty of upsides to having a running buddy. Here are the top Virtual Runner reasons for turning training into a social occasion! Stay safe When I’m training, […]

We all have periods in our lives where we exercise more than at other times. Perhaps you’re feeling extra-motivated to get in shape for a holiday, or maybe you’ve signed up for a half marathon to raise money for a chosen charity. But once we’ve completed that challenge, it can be easy to lose the […]

The dictionary definition of interval – a break from an activity – may mislead you into thinking this type of training is all about putting your feet up! Sadly, that’s for rest days, but you’ll at least be pleased to know there are plenty of breaks within a typical workout! Interval training is all about […]

So you’ve taken the plunge and committed to a walking/running challenge, be it to fundraise, lose weight or achieve personal goals. But how are you going to reach your virtual finish line, especially if you’re attempting to walk, jog or run further than ever before? It’s all in the planning. The best advice I can […]