The HUGEST of congratulations to all the Joy Runners who crossed the (London & Manchester) marathon finish lines yesterday. You should be super proud!

I hope the celebrations are still going strong.

It was also a beautiful week to run the ‘Spring’ Joy Runs theme. Thanks to everybody who did so. Your run pics gave us cherry blossom, fields in bloom, lush forests, tranquil trails, and lots more.

This week we’re leaning into the inner calm of a relaxing run by water.

This Week’s Theme: River Runs 🌊

Running by bodies of water has always been a personal joy of mine.

My all-time favourite local run route is a loop of the River Ouse up and around York. It’s a meandering and largely-unknown 10k route that follows the bends of the river, crosses a couple of brings, and offers a slice of peaceful country life in the city. Calming, car-free and somehow slightly different every time I run it. A real happy place.

Running near water is famously good for body and mind. Benefits of “blue space” include increased happiness, a soothing soundscape, a clear path to follow, and a restorative effect on the mind. Riversides also provide unique opportunities for connection with nature, the odds of encounters with wildlife much higher. I’ve been stopped in my tracks by kingfishers, deer, and even otters in the past year.

I’m excited to see where your river runs take you.

As always, don’t forget to tag us in your run pics on Instagram, tagging in Joy Runs! 📸

We’ll always re-share your snaps.

Article: The Joy of Rest Days & Recovery Runs

Miles make the runner. But they can also undo them.

That’s why recovery runs and rest days should be incorporated into every training plan, especially after a big race week.

It’s important to factor in rest days and easy runs when you are healthy, or you will be taking forced rest days when injured.

In this article, we’ll explore why adequate rest and recovery are key to both peak performance and maintaining a lifelong love of running. We’ll also sell the virtues of taking it easy after a big run, being kind to yourself with Joy Runs, and some examples of rest day frequency.

Here’s How Joy Runs Works

• A new theme is revealed every Monday

• You have all week to run it

• Share a pic and reflections on Instagram, tagging in Joy Runs

• Grow in the company of other runners

Happy running 💛

Joy Runs x

PS. Bag one of the last Joy Runs t-shirts before they sell-out!