Running your own business can be stressful and all-consuming. This has certainly been the case over the last three years; its been a rollercoaster and unpredictable to say the least. However, one of my big constants during this time has been my running. I loved sport at school, and played in all the teams, but I was never a long-distance runner! I tried and failed many times over the years to become a 'runner', but I just couldn't get through that barrier where it became a consistent and enjoyable activity. Thankfully though, I kept coming back to it and finally I was able to get to that joyous point!

Time to switch off

I now run every other morning, whatever the weather for between 30-60 minutes. It has become engrained in my day to day life regardless of where we are, including if we're on holiday, outrageous I know! I have been known to run in the snow at Center Parcs, in gailforce winds and rain in Lyme Regis and along beaches in Devon and Cornwall and the South of France. I even managed a run the morning of my Dads funeral which I have no doubt helped me get through the day and the last nine months. It's the one time I'm totally alone and can completely switch off.

Most of my runs are on trails so I spend a lot of time looking at the ground to make sure I don't fall over or run on something I shouldn't. Sometimes I may use the time to mull over a work or personal life dilemma, but mostly I'm completely in the running zone and focused on where I'm going. I often get home and wonder what I was thinking about for the last hour and more often than not its blank, heaven!

The great outdoors

I'm lucky enough to live in the beautiful Surrey Hills with stunning scenery around most corners. Whether it's the perfect natural colour combo, stumbling across some wildlife or being in awe of the big open spaces or rolling hills, I'm always being inspired by something. I've got a thing about trees on their own, I find them rather magical and there is one along a route I go that always brings me joy. I see it change during the seasons and it's wonderful. I know the time I spend outdoors every other day enables me to power on at work and keeps me motivated. I also know it's where my creative mind can wander, some of my best ideas were born on a muddy trail! It really is my space to create!!

I run for both the physical and mental benefits; the endorphins, to get my heart pumping, to release stress and for the peace and quiet. It's funny because lots of people like running with others, but I'm really happy on my own. For me, it's the only time I properly get to be alone without other distractions and I relish this time. Having said this, I do occasionally drag Edith and Maggie out and even John!

Getting started

I'm no running expert, but I thought it might be helpful for those thinking about giving it a go to see what's helped me get started and continue!

• Slow and steady wins the race! Don't go too far too soon. Start slowly and build it up. Couch to 5k is a great place to start.
• Find the time of day that works for you. I run in the morning because that's when I feel most motivated/energised and it fits in more with work and the kids.
• If you can invest in one piece of kit, definitely make it trainers. Not having the right footwear could lead to injuries which are just a bore. There are some great running shops out there that can look at your feet and how you walk/run so as to recommend the best shoe for you.
• You might find it helpful to have a goal to work towards, for example an organised run.
• Once you feel more confident you could try a park run. This is also a great way to meet other people if you prefer running with others.
• Download an app on your phone like Strava that can record your distance and time. It's a great motivator.
• I listen to music when I'm running because it helps me up those hills and when the energy is waning. Why not try a podcast or revel in the silence!
• Listen to your body. If you don't feel right or something niggles, rest. I find this quite hard but I know that if I push it the recovery will only be longer.

Give it a go!

Running really has been quite transformative for me. It's given me headspace when I've needed it, the chance to think creatively without distractions and provided an outlet for all my frustrations and worries. It's the one time I can totally switch off from the daily stresses of running my own business, it acts like a reset button every other day.

If you are thinking about giving it a go all I would say is, just do it. Try and stick with it and push through those runs where you don't feel you're getting anywhere and believe in the power of exercise and the great outdoors. I promise you won't regret it!

I share lots of my running photos on Instagram so do head over to my personal account or Blue Ticking keep up to date!