Elle Linton is a UK fitness professional and entrepreneur who loves to cycle, sweat and run.
Photo by @dhamshere
1 - When Did You Start Running?
During my school years, I was always a runner but more of a sprinter. I lost the love for movement as a teenager, but I distinctly remember taking up running when encouraged by a colleague in my early twenties, sometime around 2010, maybe even earlier.
I started with running on a treadmill in our work gym, then moved onto 5km women only events.
2 - What Is Your Favourite Race?
It's hard to pick one outright favourite race, but in this moment, I'm gonna say Brighton Half Marathon where I got my current Half Marathon PB.
It was the culmination of consistent training and running with friends, chatting the whole way around that I took about 25 minutes off my previous time and really realised what was possible for me.
3 - What Motivates You To Run?
I enjoy the fact that really and truly, you don't need much to go out and just run. You can strip it back to just picking yourself up and getting outdoors without the need for technology, fancy shoes or kit.
Running can serve as whatever you need at that time, to be your 'me time', to be your time to focus or your opportunity to really push and challenge yourself.
I also enjoy and am motivated by everything else that comes with running; the inspirational journeys and stories, the social and community aspect and being something that you can develop and improve in (if that's what you want to do).
4 - What Is Your Favourite Go To Session?
I'm a notorious runner re-starter so my fav go to session is week one of Couch to 5k, with 60 second intervals of running.
When I'm fitter, I use it as a speed session and when I'm returning to running I use it as a benchmark for where I'm at.
5 - Are You Currently Working Towards A Race Or Have A Goal In Mind?
This year, I've decided to make a comeback to the half marathon distance so my goal race is Royal Parks Half Marathon in October.
I'm not 100% sure if I'm just aiming to finish or if I'm gonna be going for a PB. I think I will make a decision closer to the time.
My ultimate goal though, is just to find some consistency in my own training and get back to a place where running isn't hard work.
6 - What Is Your Favourite Race That You Look Forward To Every Year?
Over the last few years, I've been taking the months as they come so there isn't one race I do on repeat annually.
I feel like the only event I commit to is a weekly parkrun when I can make it. It's like a good baseline to test how your training is going and is accessible no matter where you are in your running journey.
In previous years, Hackney Half was definitely an event I looked forward to taking part in each year, and the years I didn't run, I volunteered.
7 - If You Could Only Choose One Pair Of Trainers To Train In, What Is Your Weapon Of Choice?
I'm a massive fan of Adidas Ultraboost. I remember when the first iteration launched and I loved those. They were the shoes that carried me through many a race and now, I'm still loving the 2022 version.
I love a shoe that feels like your'e running on clouds, whilst propelling you forwards and although I've found a couple of shoes that have a similar feel, I know I can trust Ultraboost.
8 - Are You A Fan Of Super Shoes For Racing?
I'd say I'm always curious but I'm not 100% sure what place super shoes have for non professional athletes.
I'm a massive fan of technology and innovation in sport though, and enjoy trying out products which are made for the more 'average' runner, at more reasonable price points.
I've tested a couple pairs of shoes with carbon plates and although I've felt the difference, I've also had bigger gains from shoes without them.
So, I'm not convinced, but I'm openminded.
9 - One Tip Every Runner Should Know About?
Recovery is where you make the gains from training. Taking a rest day isn't a sin, and active recovery (i.e stretching, foam rolling, yoga walking etc) is a game changer.
You'll get back to training harder quicker than if you don't take the time to dial it down and also reduce your risk of injury so you can continue to run, longer.
10 - One Running Product You Couldn’t Live Without?
Currently loving my Shokz headphones; they're perfect for running alone or in groups as you can still keep aware of what's going on in your surroundings, for safety reasons.
Find out more Elle
You can follow Elle on Instagram and check out her blog Keep It SimpElle to access 7 days of FREE on-demand workouts.