EDITOR’S LETTER

THIS ISSUE HAS PROVIDED my new favourite quote about the benefits of running. I’ll keep it handy – alongwith research that shows runners have stronger knees than nonrunners – for those occasions when I meet a particularly sceptical naysayer. ‘If you could put the effects into a pill, it[ running] would be a multi billion-dollar pharmaceutical company,’ says anthropologist Drdavid Raichlen. Being a runner is a proven way to addyears to your life, as our feature on page 48 explains. It’s a potent example of how our sport can help you go beyond your limits.

On page 42, we explain howto break through the barriers standing between you and your goals, whether that’s losingweight, keeping motivated or staying injury-free. ‘Monster’march is also the time when those of uswho are training for spring marathons have to tackle the toughestweeks of the schedule–and, as part of our mission marathon campaign, our three challengers– Lily, Jo andpaul – are aiming to set new personal bests nextmonth. To check on their progress, turn to page 80 or search #missionmarathon on Instagram.

The bark ley marathon sis also about pushing people to their limits – but in themost extreme way. This brutal 100-mile trail race across the Appalachian mountains in theushas been completedby only 15 runners in its 22-year history. To find outwhy, check out the feature on page 34. And then strike it fromyour bucket list.