RUN STRONG
LIVE BIG
PLAY

A woman with a backpack standing on a dirt trail overlooking a colorful seaside village with boats in the harbor, tall cliffs, and a castle on a rocky promontory, with the ocean in the background.

I'm Claire. I'm a runner, PT, run leader and lifelong learner who still loves how exciting it is to discover somewhere new on foot.

I've been running for years, on roads and trails, and I've learnt that getting older doesn't mean you have to stop doing the things you love. It probably means you need to get a bit smarter about how you train.

Play Running is where I bring together running, strength, adventure and everything I'm learning along the way.

Resources

Start running

This is your friendly guide to starting running at 50 and beyond. Find simple, confidence-building advice for beginners and returners, including pacing, breathing, run-walk strategies, motivation and injury-free tips for older women who want to start running. Everything here is designed to help you feel capable, supported and ready to take your first steps.

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Blog
Planned DNF
Trail running, Running, Journey
Planned DNF
Trail running, Running, Journey
Read more →
Trail running, Running, Journey
Cows on the trail
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows
Cows on the trail
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows

Let me start by saying: I know I’m supposed to be the brave, outdoorsy, seasoned trail runner who charges through fields like some sort of bounding goat. But the truth is– I am weirdly afraid of cows.

Read more →
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows
London Marathon 2025
Races, Running
London Marathon 2025
Races, Running

The London Marathon is… well, it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. It’s beautiful. It’s noisy. It’s relentless and joyful and emotional and overwhelming in the best possible way.

Read more →
Races, Running

Trail Running

Discover the joy of trail running for beginners, especially women in midlife who want adventure without intimidation. Learn how to start trail running safely, what kit you actually need, how to build confidence on uneven terrain, and the best beginner-friendly trails to explore. This is your gateway to trail running at 50 and loving every muddy step.

Read More
Blog
Planned DNF
Trail running, Running, Journey
Planned DNF
Trail running, Running, Journey
Read more →
Trail running, Running, Journey
Cows on the trail
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows
Cows on the trail
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows

Let me start by saying: I know I’m supposed to be the brave, outdoorsy, seasoned trail runner who charges through fields like some sort of bounding goat. But the truth is– I am weirdly afraid of cows.

Read more →
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows
Post-race blues
Races, Running, Trail running
Post-race blues
Races, Running, Trail running

Post-race blues are real, and they can hit hard. One minute, you're flying high, buzzing from the race, telling anyone who will listen about every detail of the route, the checkpoints, the annoying hills at miles 10/12/18/25… and then – BAM! – it’s like someone’s yanked the rug out from under you.

Read more →
Races, Running, Trail running

Strength for runners

Everything you need to build strong, resilient legs with strength training for runners over 50. Find quick at-home workouts, mobility routines, glute and hip strengthening, balance work, and simple progressions that fit busy lives. These sessions help female runners stay injury-resistant, improve power and enjoy every run.

Read More
Blog
London Marathon 2025
Races, Running
London Marathon 2025
Races, Running

The London Marathon is… well, it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. It’s beautiful. It’s noisy. It’s relentless and joyful and emotional and overwhelming in the best possible way.

Read more →
Races, Running
Post-race blues
Races, Running, Trail running
Post-race blues
Races, Running, Trail running

Post-race blues are real, and they can hit hard. One minute, you're flying high, buzzing from the race, telling anyone who will listen about every detail of the route, the checkpoints, the annoying hills at miles 10/12/18/25… and then – BAM! – it’s like someone’s yanked the rug out from under you.

Read more →
Races, Running, Trail running
Arc of Attrition 2025
Races, Reviews, Trail running
Arc of Attrition 2025
Races, Reviews, Trail running

Arc of Attrition by UTMB 25, 2025. You were epic.

Read more →
Races, Reviews, Trail running

Races

Running events are one of my favourite things, so this is your go-to guide for all things event-related, from your first 5k parkrun to the London Marathon and those wonderfully wild 24-hour relays.

Read More
Blog
London Marathon 2025
Races, Running
London Marathon 2025
Races, Running

The London Marathon is… well, it’s hard to explain unless you’ve been there. It’s beautiful. It’s noisy. It’s relentless and joyful and emotional and overwhelming in the best possible way.

Read more →
Races, Running
Post-race blues
Races, Running, Trail running
Post-race blues
Races, Running, Trail running

Post-race blues are real, and they can hit hard. One minute, you're flying high, buzzing from the race, telling anyone who will listen about every detail of the route, the checkpoints, the annoying hills at miles 10/12/18/25… and then – BAM! – it’s like someone’s yanked the rug out from under you.

Read more →
Races, Running, Trail running
Arc of Attrition 2025
Races, Reviews, Trail running
Arc of Attrition 2025
Races, Reviews, Trail running

Arc of Attrition by UTMB 25, 2025. You were epic.

Read more →
Races, Reviews, Trail running

My running journey

Follow my honest midlife running journey, including marathon training, ultras, setbacks, lessons and breakthroughs. This section offers relatable insight into running in your 40s and 50s, showing the real path behind every finish-line photo and offering encouragement for anyone chasing their next big goal.

Read More
Blog
Planned DNF
Trail running, Running, Journey
Planned DNF
Trail running, Running, Journey
Read more →
Trail running, Running, Journey
Cows on the trail
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows
Cows on the trail
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows

Let me start by saying: I know I’m supposed to be the brave, outdoorsy, seasoned trail runner who charges through fields like some sort of bounding goat. But the truth is– I am weirdly afraid of cows.

Read more →
Trail running, Running, Livestock, Cows
Post-race blues
Races, Running, Trail running
Post-race blues
Races, Running, Trail running

Post-race blues are real, and they can hit hard. One minute, you're flying high, buzzing from the race, telling anyone who will listen about every detail of the route, the checkpoints, the annoying hills at miles 10/12/18/25… and then – BAM! – it’s like someone’s yanked the rug out from under you.

Read more →
Races, Running, Trail running