Running tips, fitness insights, and stories from a UK social enterprise focused on gamified fitness
The deepest pieces - useful regardless of where you are with running or with us.
Social enterprise meets fitness: why a CIC, why now
The thinking behind building Are You Faster as a Community Interest Company instead of a standard startup. Profit-with-purpose, the ICO, and what changes when your stakeholders are the community.
parkrun and the alternative-app landscape
A clear-headed look at where parkrun shines, where the gaps are, and how AYF fits alongside (not against) the UK's most-loved fitness institution.
The technology behind GPS-paced racing
How we get sub-second pacing accuracy from a phone GPS, why most "running apps" don't, and what live-race rendering really takes under the hood.
Running and mental health: what the evidence actually says
The science of why running helps, where it doesn't, and the dose-response curve nobody talks about. Honest, sourced, no wellness-industry hype.
Building a running community that supports mental health
Practical patterns we've seen work at running clubs, charities and community groups - and a few that don't.
Charity-led running, fundraising, and the long tail
The economics of running-based fundraising in the UK, and how partnerships keep momentum past the launch week.
Community-health partnerships that actually move metrics
A walkthrough of what makes a community partnership stick versus what makes it a logo on a slide deck.
5K training plan: the version that doesn't burn you out
A plan built around recovery as the active ingredient, not the inconvenience. Goal-flexible.
Marathon prep, told straight
The questions you should be answering 18, 12, 6 and 1 week out. Less plan-pasting, more decision-making.
London running routes worth the detour
Eight routes our team uses regularly, the time of day they shine, and what to wear.
Guide to community health partnerships in the UK for. Collaborative approaches between organizations, local authorities, and health services to promote community wellbeing through running.
Read More →Complete marathon preparation guide for UK runners in. 16-20 week training plans, nutrition strategies, mental preparation, and race-specific advice for major UK marathons.
Read More →Complete guide to integrating running into UK school PE curricula for. Curriculum development, teacher training, and assessment strategies for school running programs.
Read More →Complete guide to trail and fell running in the UK for. Mountain running techniques, navigation skills, equipment choices, and iconic UK trails and fells for adventurous runners.
Read More →Complete guide to implementing workplace running programs in the UK for. Employee wellness benefits, program design, and strategies for successful corporate fitness initiatives.
Read More →Complete guide to running with children in the UK for. Age-appropriate activities, family training plans, and tips for making running fun for kids and parents together.
Read More →Complete guide to charity running and fundraising in the UK for. Discover effective strategies, successful campaigns, and how to combine fitness with charitable impact.
Read More →Comprehensive guide to ultra running in the UK for. From 50-mile trail races to multi-day challenges, discover training, nutrition, and mental strategies for long-distance running success.
Read More →Comprehensive injury prevention guide for UK runners in. Learn evidence-based strategies to avoid common running injuries, from proper form to strength training and recovery techniques.
Read More →Complete winter running guide for UK conditions in. Master cold weather training, safety in darkness, and seasonal motivation strategies for maintaining fitness through winter months.
Read More →Comprehensive guide to joining UK running clubs in. From local groups to national federations, discover how to find your perfect running community and the benefits of group running.
Read More →Complete nutrition guide for UK runners in. From pre-run fueling to post-run recovery, discover evidence-based nutrition strategies for optimal running performance and health.
Read More →Complete 8-week 5K training plan for UK runners. Structured program for beginners to intermediate runners, including rest days, speed work, and injury prevention tips.
Read More →Comprehensive UK guide to choosing running shoes. From assessing your foot type to understanding cushioning systems, find the perfect running shoes for your needs and budget.
Read More →Discover London's best running routes for. From Royal Parks to canal paths, explore scenic and accessible routes for all fitness levels across the UK's capital city.
Read More →Expert guidance for runners over 50 in the UK. Age-appropriate training, injury prevention, strength building, and community support for mature athletes starting or continuing their running journey.
Read More →Discover how UK running communities are becoming more accessible and inclusive in. From disability sports initiatives to universal design, explore the push for equitable participation.
Read More →Discover diverse running scenes across the UK in. From England's infrastructure investments to Scotland's community festivals, explore how each region champions local runners.
Read More →Discover how running communities provide crucial mental health support across the UK. From homelessness charities to corporate partnerships, explore the community power of running in.
Read More →Discover how Community Interest Companies are proving purpose and profit can coexist. From neurodivergent employment to zero-waste catering, explore the social enterprise revolution.
Read More →Discover how UK running has transformed from solitary pursuits to inclusive community triumphs. From radical run clubs to mental health advocacy, explore the running revolution.
Read More →Learn how Are You Faster CIC combines profitable business with clear community benefit. Our social enterprise model explained.
Read More →Discover the science behind running and mental health. Learn how gamified fitness apps reduce stress, anxiety, and depression while building sustainable wellbeing habits. Evidence-based advice from Are You Faster CIC.
Read More →Discover GPS running apps with virtual opponents, timed challenges, and motivation features. Free apps for iOS & Android in the UK to keep you motivated on solo runs.
Read More →Discover the technology behind GPS running apps. Learn how real-time location tracking, pace calculation, distance measurement, and gamification work together to create immersive fitness experiences. Technical guide from Are You Faster UK.
Read More →Struggling with running motivation? Discover evidence-based gamification strategies that make fitness addictive. Learn how virtual opponents, achievements, and psychology-backed techniques transform boring runs into epic adventures. UK running motivation guide.
Read More →Download Are You Faster today and experience the future of fitness gaming. Free on iOS and Android.