Finding time, and confidence, to start running can feel daunting, especially if you don’t see yourself as “sporty”. University of Edinburgh Sport Learn to Run programme is designed to change that, offering a supportive, welcoming pathway into running for staff and students across the University. For Aidan, an early-40s scientist working at the University, Learn to Run was about making a positive change.A lot of my work is desk or lab based and I’m not super active. I wanted to do something for my physical health, and I liked the accountability of having a group and a coach.Delivered over 10 weeks, the programme gently builds participants towards running for 30 minutes or completing a 5K, whichever comes first. For run lead Shona, the focus is as much on confidence as fitness.It’s about helping people believe their bodies are ready to go that extra minute each week. The progress is totally manageable, it’s the mindset that matters.Like many participants, Aidan worried about slowing others down. Instead, he found a group moving forward together.Everyone was at the same level as me, so we got better each week together.Support doesn’t stop at the sessions themselves. Participants stay connected through a Teams chat, sharing advice, encouragement and even organising extra runs together. Confidence grew with every milestone, from running for more than 10 minutes to showing up on days when motivation was low.It would’ve been easy to quit if I was on my own, but Shona reminded me that just moving was the goal. I finished the session and felt so much better afterwards.Beyond physical fitness, Aidan has noticed improvements in stress, focus and wellbeing, benefits that spill into both work and hobbies.If work’s stressful, I can go for a run and know I’ve achieved something that day.For Shona, seeing participants grow, and support one another, is what makes coaching so rewarding.You can see the confidence in their smiles by the end of the programme. It’s not just about running, it’s about belonging.And for anyone thinking running “isn’t for them”?If a 43-year-old scientist can do it, so can you. The steps are small, and they’re all doable.Learn to Run continues to help members of the University community take their first steps, and often many more, towards a more active, confident and connected life. Find out more about the Learn to Run programme here This article was published on 2025-12-15
