Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2017 i Women's Fitness

She’s the Instagram fitness star with 567K followers and three best-selling books to her name. But what’s it really like being Clean Eating Alice? This month, we go behind the scenes with our super-fit cover star to learn about life as a fitness blogger. Turn to ‘All about Alice’ (page 52) to read the PT’s secrets and try her top summer-sculpting moves. There’s more shape-up inspiration from LA-based phenomenon the Tone It Up Girls. In ‘Get beach fit’ (page 94), they share a two-week workout plan that will prep you for the beach and beyond. Of course, feeling happy and body confident isn’t just about looking good. In ‘Life’s a beach!’ (page 62), three women whose lives revolve around the surf help you discover your inner goddess. Then banish summer…

‘We sold 20,000 bars before they arrived from the manufacturer’ ‘We want to be the world’s most well-known real-food brand’ ‘My five-year-old daughter, Grace, wakes me up at 7am and, while I’m preparing her breakfast, I make a bullet-proof coffee – black with a tablespoon of coconut oil and sometimes butter – that gives me an energy fix and keeps me going until lunch, before logging into my laptop to write my to-do list. ‘After dropping Grace at school, I drive 15 minutes to the office with my Staffie, Rio. We arrive around 9.15am, by which point all 22 staff and four other dogs are there and coffee is brewing. My mornings are packed with meetings such as discussing what we’ve sold with my sales and social media teams. The…

Boasting dairy-free and vegan ingredients, natural sweeteners and health-boosting functional ingredients, the latest frozen treats sound totally guilt-free at a glance. But are they really so nutritionally squeaky clean – and worth the extra cash they command? We’ve peered closely at the ingredients, and had a taste – all in the name of research, of course! Miiro Chocolate Hazelnut £2.49 for a 70ml stick; ocado.com  Per stick: 166 calories, 5.5g saturated fat, 11g sugars Think dairy-free (vegan) mini Magnums with the chocolate swapped for raw cacao and you’re correctly imagining what one of these tastes like (yummy!). Each one supplies just over a quarter of your daily recommended saturated fat limit (linked to raised cholesterol) – less than in a Mini Magnum. But the coconut sugar counts as…

BREAKFAST ‘I’ve been in Montpellier, France, since December to work with new coaches. I get up at 8.30am and training starts at 10am with decathlete Kevin Mayer and heptathlete Nana Djimou. On Mondays and Tuesdays, when I have two sessions in one day, breakfast is granola with semi-skimmed milk, SiS Whey Protein (£25 for 1kg; scienceinsport.com) and strawberries. From Wednesdays to Saturdays, when I have one session a day, I use SiS Whey Protein in a shake with strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and banana. Sunday’s my day off, so I’ll have eggs with salmon and avocado on toast, with fresh juice.’ LUNCH ‘I love eggs – so I do poached or scrambled and eat them with tomatoes, avocado and salmon. I have two or three eggs with a couple of slices…

This month we look at The Life Changing Magic of Tidying by Marie Kondo (Vermilion, £10.99) In a nutshell: Want to feel more confident, be more successful and have the motivation to create the life you want? Kondo advises clearing your clutter in one fell swoop (albeit one that can last six months) to reset your life. The book may be a little OCD for some, but her suggestion to mindfully appreciate your possessions before you let go of them eases the process and helps you tune into your deeper values. A nugget: ‘The question of what you want to own is the question of how you want to live your life.’…

‘You don’t have to be in yoga clothes, on a cushion in a silent room to practise mindfulness. You don’t even have to sit down or close your eyes’ With long, balmy days and beautiful, sunny destinations begging to be explored, summer seems the perfect time to recharge your batteries. However, this time of year can actually leave us feeling more frazzled than ever, thanks to an endless (and expensive) social calendar, packing woes, travel chaos and a house full of children, to name but a few reasons. In fact, in a survey by sterilising experts Milton, one in four parents admit to not even booking a holiday due to the stress of travelling with the kids. While a certain level of holiday-related stress is inevitable, it can have an…

STAY FIT ON THE BEACH ‘Dancing planks are a brilliant fat-burning, ab-toning, leg-burning, shoulder-sculpting move. Get into a high plank position and engage your abs. Lift your left leg, inhale and move your knee forwards into your chest as far as you can while pulling in your tummy. Exhale, stretch it back to your starting plank position and repeat on your right side.’ ‘WITH THE RIGHT APPROACH AND MENTAL ATTITUDE, THAT DREAM BIKINI BODY CAN BE YOURS’ ‘Ditch the excuses and have a Yes Year that involves moving more, eating better and trying new things in fitness – be it paddle boarding, a yoga class or signing up to your first 10K. Once you get the first glimpse of a result, it will motivate you to set higher goals and…

Someone wise once said, at 20, we have the health and appearance we inherited, at 50, we have the face and body we’ve created. Just as well, then, that new book The Midlife Kitchen (Mitchell Beazley, £25) can set you on the road to better health for your middle years. Written by Sam Rice, author of The Happy Eater, and Mimi Spencer of The Fast Diet fame, ‘midlife’ doesn’t have to mean waiting for the menopause before addressing any niggling health issues. Maybe you’ve already noticed a few grey hairs appearing, or perhaps you don’t metabolise alcohol as well as you did when you were younger. Either way, now’s the time to take action, say the authors. Rather than promising anti-ageing elixirs or claiming to have a magic-wand attitude to…

LA-based trainers Katrina Scott and Karena Dawn are best friends, workout buddies and business partners. The fitness duo are the brains behind Tone It Up, a fitness company that reaches over five million women worldwide. They've also built an empire of products, including Perfect Fit Protein, two activewear lines with Bandier (bandier.com), a beauty line and a 2017 multi-city American tour. Phew! It's safe to say that Katrina and Karena are a fitness force to be reckoned with. If there’s one thing the pair know lots about it’s how to get a bikini body (just check out their Bikini Series at toneitup.com if you don’t believe us). But getting fit before heading off on vacation isn’t enough – Katrina and Karena are here to make sure you keep your beach…

PROTEST PISTACHE £44.99; protest.eu ‘Protest is known for its affordable, design-led board wear and, in this respect, this surf suit does not disappoint. The gorgeous, rich design is a joy to wear and figure flattering. The exotic print extends across the back and the colour blocks add a sporty feel. While the fabric is not UV protective, the high neck and low-cut legs offer good coverage. Being tall, I found the suit comes up small – the arms are fairly short (the wrists don’t sit tight against the skin) and I felt slightly restricted across my chest, although the long zip offers flexibility here. With 80 per cent polymide and 20 per cent elastane, this is a good one for warmer waters. It comes in XXS to XXL.’ O’NEILL ACTIVE…

HSTAR LETTER GREAT OUTDOORS I enjoyed ‘Escape the gym’ (July issue). It encouraged me to take my workout outdoors and reap the benefits that fresh-air exercise can bring. First, my friends and I visited Go-Ape. Then I joined a running club and changed from an indoor circuit training class to an outdoor one. I’m seriously thinking about doing a Tough Mudder and have found an outdoor yoga class. I feel that exercising in nature will lift my mood and boost my self-esteem. And I’ve just discovered that a 15-minute walk outside at lunchtime to escape the office has re-energised me and restored any mental fatigue. Thanks Health & Fitness for a very motivational article! Karen Seville, Merseyside IN A SPIN Thank you for the ‘Supercharge your Spinning’ feature in the…

‘Walkers reported feeling happier and more confident when hiking outside’ OUTDOOR GYM Picnics, beach holidays, barbecues, camping – ahh, summer has arrived! And it’s surely a fact that everything is much easier now. Getting the kids dressed? Simple, without coats or hats to worry about. Waking up early for work? Much more tolerable now it’s light in the morning. Staying in shape? Even that’s effortless when the weather’s nice and your workout options are plentiful – surfing, canoeing, cycling or swimming, anyone? And science shows that outdoor exercise is a boon to the body too. Here’s all the inspiration you need to hit the green gym… 1. YOU’LL FIND IT EASIER Not only will you feel more motivated to exercise outside when the sun’s shining, but you’ll also perceive it…

SOUND BITE ‘I try to eat well, and everything I do is really just to make me feel my best.’ Lea Michele DO EAT DAIRY If you enjoy cream on your strawberries, relax… there’s now lots of evidence to show dairy fat has a neutral or even slightly protective effect on heart disease. Saturated fat is now known to be made up of over 30 different fatty acids, only some of which significantly raise cholesterol levels. Milk fat contains more of the fatty acid types that don’t elevate cholesterol, plus it contains heart-friendly potassium and calcium. Several large studies show no association between eating cheese and heart disease; and some large studies also show yoghurt consumption (including full-fat yoghurt) may protect you from type 2 diabetes. Great news. ON THE…

HOT-SMOKED SALMON, WATERCRESS AND DILL POTATO CAKES Serves 4 200g Désirée potatoes, scrubbed 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp dill, finely chopped Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper TO SERVE: 100g hot-smoked salmon 2 large handfuls of watercress 1 lemon, quartered 1 Using a vegetable peeler, shave the potatoes into long ribbons. Pop them in a bowl, season with a pinch of salt and stir well. Gather up the potato ribbons and squeeze out any excess water. Discard the water, return the potatoes to the bowl along with the black pepper and dill and stir well. 2 Heat the oil in a large frying pan over a medium to high heat. Divide the potato ribbon pile into four, and, using a round pastry cutter as a guide, create four circular…

Ultrasun Overnight Summer Skin Recovery Mask (£38 for 50 ml; ultrasun.com) If you’ve overdone the sun, apply this soothing mask to your face, neck and décolletage before bed, and the slow-releasing hyaluronic acid and brown algae actives will work overnight to rehydrate parched skin and prevent skin Institut Esthederm Micellar After Sun Shower Gel (£18 for 200ml; spacenk.com) Heading for a night out after the beach? This deliciously scented shower gel will remove sunscreen, salt, sand and chlorine. Free from sulphates and silicones, the soothing cleanser reinforces the skin’s barrier and calms redness. SOLAIT Moisturising After Sun Face Lotion (£2.49 for 50ml; superdrug) Specially formulated with aloe vera and cucumber juice to cool, soothe and nourish sun-exposed skin for 24 hours. Helps to prevent peeling, while vitamin E protects from…

UNHEALTHY GLOW? It’s the season for having a bit of colour, but some dermatologists are still hesitant to recommend self-tanning lotions. One study by the FDA (US Food and Drug Administration) found 11 per cent of DHA (the pigment-producing molecule) goes beyond the surface to reach skin cells in the dermis and epidermis with effects still unknown. The risk of free-radical damage on skin was highlighted by another study. For now, choose a self-tanner without DHA: Tropic Shimmering Body Oil (£28 for 150ml; tropicskincare.com) contains organic coconut oil infused with golden shimmer, while Jurlique Sunless Tanner (£24 for 150ml; jurlique.co.uk) leaves a natural glow. CELEBRITY CORNER ‘I’m obsessed with Leonor Greyl Masque Quintessence for Madonna’s hair! It moisturises, reconstructs and nourishes.’ Andy LeCompte, Madonna’s stylist 3 of the best… WATER-RESISTANT…

“I WANT TO MAKE PEOPLE SEE THERE’S A DIFFERENT, HEALTHY WAY TO DO THINGS. HELPING PEOPLE CHANGE THEIR LIVES MAKES ME HAPPY. I’M SO GRATEFUL TO LOVE WHAT I DO” Curled up on a sofa in the studio where she’s just been photographed for this month’s H&F cover story, 24-year-old Alice Liveing radiates good health. Her flawless skin, shiny hair and megawatt smile top off a spectacularly honed physique that’s clad in Lululemon leggings and a Triumph Lingerie crop top. Take a brief glance at her Instagram account, with 567,000 followers and counting and it’s clear that Clean Eating Alice, as she’s known to her fans, has a lot to smile about. Between regular posts featuring her beautifully constructed healthy meals and photos showing the diminutive fitness star (she’s 5ft…

Q. HOW DO YOU FIND THE PERFECT SWIMWEAR? ‘Play to your strengths – concentrate on the parts of your body you like. When I design swimsuits, I focus on three main areas: lifting and sculpting the bust with padded or moulded cups; minimising tummies and nipping in waists with support and contouring; and showcasing the derrière by considering the rise of the leg and the amount of coverage – less material can be more flattering. Also, go for non-shiny fabrics: matt, such as the neoprene I use, helps give the illusion of tautness, while shiny materials create unflattering shadows. The ‘hero’ piece from my collection is The Lara swimsuit (£174; alexandramiro.com), as it encompasses all these things’. Q. WHAT’S THE SECRET TO LOOKING GREAT IN BEACH PHOTOS? ‘On your first…

‘AS A MUM I WANTED TO BE PRESENT FOR MY KIDS AND FULL OF ENERGY, SO I CUT REFINED SUGAR OUT OF MY DIET’ From presenting a TV show at the tender age of 15 to becoming Radio 1’s first permanent female chart show DJ, Fearne Cotton has an impressive list of credentials to her name: currently a team captain on Celebrity Juice, she has also hosted many other programmes, including The Xtra Factor and Top of the Pops plus several shows on Radio 1 and 2. Add to this her impressive social media output (with 7 million followers, she’s one of the world’s top 250 most-influential Tweeters – @Fearnecotton), her new DJ agency Noisy Kitchen, becoming the ambassador for mental health charity Mind in February and authoring two books…

MIDAS TOUCH Roxy Pop Surf Light Neo Crop Top, £45, and Leggings, £65; roxy-uk.co.uk IN THE BAG Ashiana The Baby Bucket Bag, £39; simplybeach.com HAPPY FEET Reef Escape Lux Print Flip Flops, £23.99; surfdome.com CIRCLE IN THE SAND Beach Lulu Atlantis Round Towel, £55; amara.com SPORTY SUNNIES Reverie sunglasses, from £110; uk.oakley.com SUNSET STRIP Figleaves Lima Underwired Halter Bikini Top, £28, and Brazilian Brief, £16; figleaves.com PEACHY KEEN O’Neill Essential Boardshort, £29.99; oneill.com WE LOVE Made from light neoprene fabric with built-in UV protection, this combo lets you transition from water sports to beach games.…

We’re impressed by the natural ingredients and essential oils in the new range of Walden Natural Perfumes from Amarya – the company behind Balm Balm, Oils of Heaven and Beauty Brews. The five luxurious scents are named after sections of Walden, the meditation and simple-living handbook by Henry David Thoreau. 'We felt customers were turning away from mass produced fragrances made by industrial processes with chemical ingredients,' says Sonia White, Amarya MD, ‘so we decided to create our own range.’ Why not spray on A Little Star-Dust? Its sumptuous perfume of ylang ylang, iris and jasmine are ideal to put you in the mood for a romantic dinner. Or for a daytime scent, try Castles In The Air with its fresh blend of citrus with tropical flowers. Both cost £40…

Ramp up the nutrients in your dishes with the following blends from The Midlife Kitchen . Make them in advance so you have them to hand when needed. Midlife LSA: This homemade mix catapults omega-3s, protein, minerals, vitamin E and fibre into your recipes. Use LSA (a 3-2-1 ration of linseeds, sunflower seeds and almonds) in bakes, smoothies, porridge or yoghurt. Using a spice mill, finely grind 6 tbsp linseeds seeds, 4 tbsp sunflower seeds and 2 tbsp almonds. Can be kept in the fridge for up to two months. Midlife sesame seasoning: Help your heart with this ‘semi-salt’. Blend 10 tsp black (or white) sesame seeds until lightly crushed, then combine with 1 tsp salt. Store in an airtight jar. Sprinkle on dark green salads, French…

CURTSY LUNGE Do 15 reps per side, 30 total Tones your booty, core, and quads. Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart (A). Lunge your right leg behind you and to the left (B). Push off your front foot to return to the start. PUSH-UP Do 15 reps Tones your triceps and chest. Begin in a high plank position with your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and core engaged (A). Bend at the elbows and lower your chest towards the ground until your arms make a 90° angle (B). Extend your arms to return to the starting position. LEG LIFT Do 15 reps Tones your lower abs and your hip flexors. Lie on your back with your feet together and hands under your bottom to protect your back.…

From CrossFit to Insanity, the number of HIIT classes has proliferated in the last five years. Here are the latest workouts to whet your fitness appetite. F45 Hailing from Australia, F45 (short for Functional 45) is the latest cult workout to hit the UK. Expect 45 minutes of fast-paced cardio and resistance work; f45training.co.uk. STRONG BY ZUMBA This HIIT-inspired workout from the US matches bodyweight training to the tempo of music to produce a high-intensity rhythmic workout. Try it now at strongbyzumba.com. METABOLIC LONDON Designed for athletes, this new studio founded by ex-pro hockey player, Lawrence Hannah, promises no-frills workouts. The signature class combines HIIT and strength work. Check out metaboliclondon.com.…

Q What’s the best way to run downhill? I’m not sure I’m doing it as efficiently as I could. A To run downhill well, you need to let gravity be your friend. That way, the natural increase in speed you experience from the gradient comes at no additional energy ‘cost’ and has you careering past your opponents! One study found running down a 5.8º slope increased runners’ speed by seven per cent – though on steeper hills, the pace boost diminished. Why? Because once the gradient in the study was too steep, the runners’ potential speed gains were offset by a deterioration in technique. You can tweak your technique, however. Two of the most common errors are leaning back (so your centre of gravity is behind your legs) and overstriding…

SKULLCANDY CRUSHER HEADPHONES £129.99; skullcandy.co.uk Immerse yourself in music with these when jogging and gym-going. For quicker runs, try the new sweat-resistant Method Wireless Sport earbuds (£49.99). ON CLOUDFLASH £160; on-running.com If it’s high speed you’re after, look no further than the latest Cloudflash racing shoes from running brand On. Flexible and with On’s signature CloudTec soles, these trainers will propel you off the ground. STANCE RUN SOCKS £15; runnersneed.com Bold socks are in vogue. Rock the trend in a pair from the Stance RUN collection. Moisture-wicking and seamless, they’re perfect for striding in, with reinforced toes and heels plus arch support, too.…

‘I was always sporty, and when I was younger, I swam competitively. But it was really difficult moving from Poland to Northern Ireland when I was 14, especially going to school not speaking English and having no friends at the most important time of your life when you’re building your identity. I was bullied and my self esteem suffered. That’s when I started Judo. I’d never done martial arts before, but it sparked my interest as a means to feel strong, independent and healthy. Joining the gym and taking part in different sports made me realise that it’s not just about the movement; it’s much more about both mental and physical health. Judo helped me go from being really depressed and unhappy with myself to shifting my focus into gaining…

MATCHA BOOSTER For centuries, Buddhist monks used matcha (green tea powder) to promote calmness and concentration, and now Bloom Teas has enhanced its Mindpower Matcha with Siberian ginseng and ginger root for a spicy twist that’s suitable for vegans. £16.99 for 30g; Holland & Barrett, Ocado, Amazon. VITAMIN TRACKER We all need daily amounts of vitamins and minerals, but it’s hard to know when we have the right amount. Vitamin tracker Vitastiq 2 lets you keep track of 26 vitamins and minerals in your body and works with an easy-to-use app to help you maintain a fit lifestyle. Get yours for only £112, at vitastiq.com. VITAMINS ON THE GO VÖOST is a vibrant Australian-born company taking up residence in the UK. The premium vitamin brand offers specifically formulated, delicious vitamins…

HEISMAN SHUFFLE Time: 30 seconds Works: Quads, hamstrings, calves, glutes and core Stand with your feet hip-width apart, elbows bent, arms close to your body. Hop on your left foot, bringing your right knee towards chest as you drive your left arm forward, right arm back like a sprinter. Quickly hop onto your right foot, reversing the motion. SQUATS WITH ARMS OVERHEAD Time: 30 seconds Works: Quads, hamstrings, glutes, shoulders and core Stand with your feet hip-width apart and arms above your head with your palms facing (A). Keeping your arms up, bend both knees and shift your hips back as though you’re sitting in a chair (B). Use your glutes to return to standing and repeat. Do as many as you can in 30 seconds. GLUTE BRIDGE AND PULSE…

Mor Moroccan Spiced Pork, Cauliflower and Chickpea Sausages £2.50 for 6 (40g); Tesco There’s around 2g less saturated fat per sausage than in most premium brands, and more fibre. Heck Chicken Italia Sausages £3 for 10 chipolatas (340g); from supermarkets These are very low in saturated fat as they’re made with chicken. Basil, roasted tomato and mozzarella give a good flavour. Marks & Spencer Outdoor Bred Skinny Sausages £3.20 for 6 (400g); M&S The gluten-free crumb (with chickpea, rice and corn flours), is the key to the succulence of these low-fat sausages. Quorn Chef’s Selection Best of British Sausages £2.50 for 4 (240g); Tesco A posher Quorn sausage, these have a better texture and taste great with organic ketchup and caramelised onions.…

‘Cherries are one of the best sources of skin-friendly anthocyanins’ SKIN BOOSTERS It’s peak cherry season, which makes me very happy as I love these luscious purple-red fruits. Cherries are one of the best sources of anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that’s been shown to suppress inflammation and stabilise collagen, making them a top skin-friendly fruit. One study showed that anthocyanins helped alleviate photoageing as well as helping protect human skin from collagen degradation after being exposed to UVB radiation. Of course, eating cherries isn’t a substitute for a good skincare regime and wearing sunscreen, but they’re a delicious way to give your complexion a boost from the inside out. I like the super-dark and juicy Bing variety – they’re delicious as a snack on their own, thrown into a…

Perform as many reps as stated, taking 15 seconds’ rest between each move. Repeat the whole circuit 3 to 4 times. ALICE’S TOP SUMMER BODY-SCULPTING MOVES Single-leg Romanian deadlift Holding a kettlebell in both hands, place your weight on your left foot and rest your right toes behind you (A). Keeping your back straight, hinge forward until you feel a pull in your hamstrings (B).Then drive your hips through and come back up to standing. Repeat 10 times on each leg. Eccentric push-up Either from your knees or from a high plank position (A), lower your body down slowly, taking four seconds to reach the depth of your push-up (B), then drive up fast to full arm extension. Repeat 10 times. Goblet squats Holding a kettlebell in a cupped position…

MY SURF ESSENTIALS ‘I need kit that allows me to perform to my best. The Roxy POP Surf collection has taken women’s surfing gear to the next level (everything used to be black and a shrunken version of the men’s gear), and its wetsuits and bikinis are super rad, stylish, and critically, have UV protection.’ ‘EVERYONE SHOULD TRY SURFING’ ‘It makes you feel so energised and happy and, whether you’re catching your first-ever wave or you’re a seasoned pro, that feeling stays the same. As a workout, it’s second to none because it develops strength, power, endurance, better balance and agility, plus it allows a connection to nature that’s beautiful. I’m 30, am surfing more than ever in my life, and have never, ever, felt stronger, fitter and more powerful…

H&F's art director Lucy Pinto What? Floating in a pod of Epsom Salts water; £65 for 60 minutes. Where? The Float Spa, Hove, East Sussex (thefloatspa.co.uk) ‘As I often have trouble sleeping, I was keen to try floatation, where both your body and mind relax and your body absorbs magnesium from the salts. The mineral is essential for helping regulate blood pressure, keeping bones strong, relaxing muscles, calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety. It sounded just what I needed. ‘On entering, I was given a glass of chilled cucumber water while the therapist explained floatation to me. In the peace of the pod, your body lowers the stress hormone cortisol and your brain releases feel-good dopamine and endorphins. Your muscles, joints, and bones rest, your mind becomes still and…

1. DB FLYES BENEFITS: The DB flye will shape and develop your chest muscles. Doing it on an incline bench means you target the upper part of your chest. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and lie on an incline bench that’s set to an angle of no more than 30°. Extend your arms, keeping a slight bend at your elbows (A). Rotate your wrists so the palms of your hands are facing you. Slowly lower your arms out to the sides, keeping them extended, and rotating your wrists until your palms are facing each other (B). As you exhale, start to bring the dumbbells back up to the starting position by reversing the motion and rotating your hands so your pinky fingers are next to each other again. BACK…

BURPEE DO 15 REPS Tones your core, chest, triceps, bottom and quads and raises your heart rate. Stand with your feet together, knees bent. Jump into the air as high as you can and land softly back on your feet (A). Lower into a plank position by planting your hands down and kicking your feet back (B). Lower down into a push-up. Jump you feet back towards your hands and land standing with your knees bent (C), ready to jump again. SKATER DO 15 REPS PER SIDE, 30 TOTAL Raises your heart rate and tones your bottom, core, and quads. Stand tall with your feet together. Hop your right leg out to your right side and lunge your left leg behind you and to the right, so you land in…

1. HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN INTO FITNESS? ‘At school, I didn’t think I was a sporty person because I felt flat-footed when running and was useless at team sports, but I’ve embraced fitness as an adult. I didn’t learn to swim until I was 10 years old, but once I joined a club, I progressed quickly to county level. Swimming is still really important to me as it’s the one activity that helps clear my head. I also do weights with a personal trainer once a week to target specific areas such as my arms – I don’t want bingo wings – and I run all the time.’ 2. WHEN DID YOU MAKE THE TRANSITION TO RUNNING? ‘I was asked to do the Great North Run three years ago. Initially,…