Smooth Radio presenter Jenni Falconer, 44, is a keen runner and has been an advocate for the past time for the past 25 years. She has now spoken candidly about her health condition Raynaud’s disease, which some believe can be made worse by exercising in the cold.
The TV and radio presenter, who also has her own podcast called RunPod, revealed she was first diagnosed as a teenager but has found ways to cope.
Raynaud’s disease affects your blood circulation when you’re cold, anxious and stressed, which means your fingers or toes may change colour, according to the NHS.
Jenni explained: “I just got bright white fingers one day and really cold hands.
“It was when I was a teenager but you just have to look out for it.”
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She is the face and voice of the app which is ideal for people who need assistance to get started with running or established runners who want to improve their mileage, speed or distance.
Users of the app – which launched earlier last month – will have Jenni support in training sessions, encouraging you to progress through your run and providing tips to improve your training.
Speaking about the benefits of the app, the presenter said: “This running app will help anyone. During lockdown, I know a lot of people were tempted to start running but didn’t know how to start.
“If you haven’t run before it can be quite daunting doing that first run. So this app Start 2 Run, will be brilliant to help you. It will guide you through your first 5k.
“There is a 16-week programme that will help you to do your first 5k.”
She continued: “Or maybe you did your first 5k during lockdown and you want to improve on your speed or time, or you can do a 5k park-run. But then if you want to go beyond a 5k, there are programmes for 7.5k, 10k, or a half-marathon.”
The app also has a unique feature which allows you to listen to music or podcasts including Jenni ’s RunPod.
Jenni is a coach on Start 2 Run App, which is available from the App Store and costs £2.99 per month or £24.99 for a yearly subscription.