New year, new you - it’s a phrase we hear a lot. From doing more exercise to eating less chocolate, January is packed with resolutions, goals and expectations. We kicked off 2020 by chatting to RunFitMum co-founder Sasha Cowley for her take on why it's the year to start running - whether you’re a complete beginner, dusting off your trainers after a break or looking for some motivation to chase away the post-holiday blues. 

“Ultimately, I run because it makes me happy,” says Sasha: “No matter my mood, a run always makes me feel better. If I’m going to do anything on a cold, rainy morning, then it needs to make me feel amazing!”

Based on the beautiful Surrey/Hampshire border, Sasha can often be found exploring new trails in the forest just a stone’s throw away from her family home. “Getting outside, breathing in the fresh air and seeing the seasons unfold is really restorative," she says: "Running gives you the opportunity to appreciate your surroundings.”

Regular exercise has long been proven to have a wide range of physical benefits, from increased bone density to improved cardiovascular fitness - something Sasha is grateful for. “I’m a mum to 2 energetic young children,” she says, with a smile: “Being able to dash around after them is important - having the energy to keep up with them makes my life more enjoyable as well!”

If you’re planning on getting back into running for 2020, Sasha recommends taking things slowly. “It can be tempting at this time of year to go out too hard and too fast, but it takes time for your body to adjust to running,” she says: “Our skeletons take longer to adjust than our muscles do, so it’s important to build things up. You want to be a runner for the long term, not just a few weeks.”

And what if you’re looking to try something new for 2020? “Running in a group gives you real accountability,” says Sasha: “RunFitMum is a RunTogethergroup, which you can use to find people to run with. There’s a sense of camaraderie - you share highs and lows with each other and the support is wonderful.” 

As our conversation draws to a close, Sasha looks ahead to what 2020 has in store for her. “I’m looking forward to pacing my sister around her first half marathon and tackling the Berlin Marathon for the first time - there’s a lot going on, and a whole lot more to look forward to!”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. #ForTheLoveOfTheRun