“The most common mistake people make is running too fast”—an expert coach explains how to ease back into running after time off

Woman in a grey vest and leggings running outside with trees behind her. the shot is cropped at her hips with a side-on view. .

It’s been a while since I dusted off my running shoes. Call me a fairweather runner if you like, but I doubt I’m the only one lacing up now the days are longer and the sun is brighter.

That said, with a half marathon looming, and having spoken to running coach James Stirling—aka London Fitness Guy—on his expert strategies for getting race-ready, I won’t be rushing my return back to race pace.