I've recently started running and I'm not sure if I'm ready to sign-up for a race/event, do you have any advice?

Don’t put pressure on yourself. Remember you’ve started running because it’s good for you and it’s supposed to be fun! No-one is expecting you to take on the Olympic 10,000 metres.

The fact is you don’t have to have reached a certain standard to enter your first race. And when you line up at the start your fellow runners won’t know if this is your first or 50th event. When you feel ready to race, you almost certainly are.

A lot of it is about your desire to challenge yourself over a certain distance. So make sure you are in the right frame of mind and believe in yourself.

Desire and motivation will get you to the start line – and with a proper training plan you’ll reach the finishing line in a good time too. It is important you believe in your preparation and training.

If you’re tackling a 5k for the first time you probably need to have eight to 10 weeks of running two or three times a week under your belt. A half-marathon is more likely to need six months of solid training.

If you’ve done that consistent training, have gone the distance at least once and are feeling fit and healthy, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t sign up for a competitive event. Trust in your training and yourself! Don’t get hung up on times or your place in the race. It’s your first event so your aim should be to cross the finishing line and enjoy every part of the experience.