Jogging: it's a great way to get fit, it's free and, however busy your schedule, you can fit it in as and when it suits you.

But it doesn't have to be a solitary experience. By joining a running club you can get plenty of advice and support as well as making new friends and you'll be introduced to new routes around the county, making your jogging more enjoyable. Most clubs also organise runs where you can compete - or just join in for fun.

You can try cross-country, on road, or a mixture of both (called multi-terrain). The distances will vary and you should try the shorter ones first. There are many local runs, which might be your stepping stone to ultimately trying either a half or full marathon. After all, Bedford clubs have a long and noble tradition of fostering international-class talent – and there are many more up-and-coming young athletes in training who will soon be ready to step into the running shoes of stars such as Paula Radcliffe and Liz Yelling.

And if that thought is a wee bit daunting, consider this: depending on your weight and exertion level you'll burn 100-200 extra calories (over and above your basic rate) in a half-hour session.

*If you have never run before you should check with your doctor first. It's best to take things slowly to begin with.

Click on the links below for more details about local clubs that will have all the information you need to start running safely and comfortably as well as qualified coaches to help you out of the starting blocks.

Also a great oppurtunity to see areas of Bedfordshire!