Kic’s Laura Henshaw Shares Her Running Tips for Keeping Momentum Going After a Race

Some people have an expectation of what a runner should look like. But wellness brand Kic is trying to dispel those preconceptions, encouraging people to let go of limiting ideas about who running is for.

“Social media can make it seem like there is a specific runner’s body,” says co-founder Laura Henshaw. “If you are able to run, and you have a body, you have a runner’s body.”

This was one of the topics she and her team talked about at Beyond the Finish Line, a community event thrown with New Balance on August 9. It was a celebration of running, routines and inclusivity, coinciding with the recent launch of the Fuelcell Rebel v5 sneakers.

The event began with a warm-up run, before guests gathered at Bondi Pavilion’s Glory Days for a breakfast smoothie. Afterwards, participants were invited to a panel discussion with presenter and commentator Marlee Silva, author and empowerment coach Allira Potter, and Kic trainer Sami Rose.

It was also an opportunity for attendees to share their own experiences and insights. Henshaw shares that one guest in the crowd had been building up to her first marathon. “She started being able to walk-slash-run three kilometers, and following our Kicrun programs, built up to 42 kilometres,” Henshaw says. “It was a reminder of how much we are capable of when we let go of limiting beliefs.”

Ahead of a big race – like a marathon, half-marathon, fun run or even just a casual run with friends – it’s easy to build momentum. Henshaw was recently gearing up for the London Marathon, but pressed pause on the goal after finding out she was expecting her first child.

“Having a goal like the marathon to work towards was a really great way to continue building my endurance, pace and distance,” Henshaw says. “Runs now are slower, shorter and less frequent – and that’s totally okay. It’s been a reminder that movement looks different in different seasons of life.”

Post-race, however, the key to a long-term commitment to running really comes down to enjoyment. “Sustainable wellness is all about building routines that are achievable, and the best way to do that is by finding what makes you feel good,” she says. “The movement you continue to do is the movement that you love.”

If you’ve already been off the track for a while, but want to get back to it, her advice is simple: just start. “Starting can be the hardest part of running,” she says. “Kicrun programs make those first steps feel less overwhelming and [guides] runners through their journey with a plan that’s achievable and supportive.”

It’s an approach that ties seamlessly into New Balance’s ethos, Run Your Way: if you run, you’re a runner - however you chose to do it. “[New Balance] continue to innovate through both support and style,” Henshaw says. “They are truly leading the way when it comes to running within the space.”

Keen to keep that running momentum going post-race? Henshaw shares her top three tips.

The first: “It’s all about scheduling time for movement – life is busy, so for some people, actually blocking time in their calendar is what works best,” she explains.

She also says, “Your runs don’t have to be all or nothing. A short jog or a longer run at a slower pace is great – you don’t need to chase a personal best every time. Run for your mood.”

And finally, Henshaw suggests switching things up if you find yourself in a run-rut. “Try a new route, run with a friend, or listen to a fresh podcast to keep things interesting. And don’t be afraid to explore other forms of movement too.”

This article is produced by Broadsheet in partnership with New Balance.