The ELLE Running Club launched a year ago. 2013 was all about starting out, finding our feet, discovering what type of running we loved (short distances, speed work, or not running at all). While some team members have found other forms of exercise some of us have realised this year that we love running. So much so, that for 2014 we're working towards some goals we never thought we would ever accomplish like running a marathon, an ultra and even Tough Mudder.
We want you to join us on our journey. Below you'll find profiles of each of the ELLE runners - find a runner you identify with and why not sign up for the race they're working towards this year too? We'll be sharing training plans, advice, tips and moral support along the way right here on the Running channel. And we want you to share with us your advice on Twitter @ELLEUKrunning because we're all in this together.
Here's to 2014, the year when you can do anything you set your mind to...
Lorraine Candy, editor in chief
Running Personality: Steady, even paced, slightly red-faced
Favourite run: Along the cliffs in north Cornwall from Pentire point onwards
Training for: Semi Marathon de Paris, March then Tough Mudder (yes, really), April
Mantra: Breath Relax Think
Miette L. Johnson, art director
Running Personality: Whisky-drinking, long-distance nighthawk
Favourite run: Waterside in big cities (Bilbao, Paris, New York)
Training for: The Copenhagen Marathon, May
Mantra: Get it done
Amy Lawrenson, senior beauty writer
Running Personality: dedicated; pretty obsessed
Favourite run: Along any coastline on a sunny Sunday
Training for: The Virgin Money London Marathon, April
Mantra: Less thinking, more running.
Christina Simone, workflow director
Running Personality: I prefer speed over distance
Favourite run: Brooklyn Promenade at dawn
Training for: a 45-minute 10K
Mantra: Pain is temporary.
Debbie Morgan, editorial business manager
Running Personality: All or Nothing
Favourite run: First thing in the morning along the river
Training for: Royal Parks Foundation Ultra, October
Mantra: No pain, no gain
Georgia Simmonds, features assistant
Running Personality: erratic but enthusiastic.
Favourite run: running home from work through London town.
Training for: We Own the Night, May
Mantra: 'Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.' Borrowed from Haruki Murakami.
Gillian Brett, pa to the editor / editorial assistant
Running Personality: Confession: I'm a cardio dodger. I prefer classes like Ten Pilates and Barry's Bootcamp - that has to change.
Favourite run: At home in Dublin on the promenade alongside the Irish Sea
Training for: Semi Marathon de Paris, March
Mantra: In the words of Ma$e: Breathe, stretch, shake.
Claire Sibbick, junior sub editor
Running Personality: Bit reluctant; ultimately enthusiastic
Favourite run: Weekends in Regent's Park
Training for: A Race for Life 10K
Mantra: Think how much you can eat when you're done
