I’ve never thought of planking before. I knew about it and the benefits of doing it but didn’t think it would benefit me. I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Each day I’m getting stronger and stronger and I can feel the strength coming through as I’m running. The stronger my core gets, the stronger I can climb up hills, push through on the final stages of a marathon or simply drive forward of the flat. Here’s what I’ve been following throughout December.

Thank you to @holrunning, @Steeleybobs, @TheRealMelHeale, @MelindaHoward4, @runsfordad, @xinaevans and @TheRealMelHeale who’ve helped me through Planksmas. I definitely recommend it to any new or experienced runner, core strength is so key to becoming a better runner and I know realise that. It’s especially important as you get older.

I’m now on day 29, having planked for 2.45 seconds I’m starting to really feel the benefit. I ran my fastest Half Marathon last Saturday, 1hrs.37.33 smashing it by 20 seconds, I fully believe it was due to my planking.