Journalism Overview
I have been writing for national media about health and fitness for more than two decades, becoming one of the UK's leading experts. I now also write about nature and the environment, with a particular focus on the human-nature relationship. My work has appeared regularly in The Guardian, The Financial Times, BBC Countryfile and Runner's World magazine.
“Sam is an outstanding journalist.
Her knowledge of, and passion for, her subject are second to none.”
Is Your injury real?
RUNNERS WORLD
The new pain science is set to revolutionise the way we view and respond to running injuries, says Sam Murphy.
My Favourite Run
runners world
Even when I'm miles away, I'm sometimes seized by a visceral yearning to be running alongside this Devon river.
The State of Nature
runners world
As outdoor enthusiasts, it's time to view nature as more than just a pretty backdrop to our runs.
In troubling times, running is reduced to its essence
runners world
In these uncertain, troubling times, running is the one constant.
World's Best Running Spots
Mandarin Oriental
From city to summit, beach to desert, these six runs prove that the world is best viewed at about 10km per hour – depending on your pace.
Why rest is not best
Runners World
It seems rest isn't best when you're struck by injury. Here's why the smart move is to keep on moving.
Running and Writing
Runners World
Sam Murphy reflects on how working up a sweat can also fire up the imagination.
Run with Jess
Vitality
We spoke to Olympic gold medallist and three-times world heptathlon champion, Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill about the Vitality Running World Cup (she’ll be captaining Team UK) – and how anyone (yes, even you!) can sign up to follow her lead…
A runner's best friend
RUNNER'S WORLD
Sam Murphy and her terrier discover why a dog can be the best running buddy a woman can have...
12 lifestyle tweaks for runners
RUNNER'S WORLD
How small changes to your everyday routine can mean big improvements in your running.
Is your heart a ticking time bomb?
RUNNER'S WORLD
Sam Murphy investigates whether running can spell trouble for your heart.
Is heel striking the enemy of good form?
THE GUARDIAN
Heel striking has had a bad press, blamed by many for a tendency to cause injury. But is forefoot running always best? Sam Murphy sifts the evidence...
Waiting to inhale:
how to breathe during exercise
THE GUARDIAN
Many runners are obsessed with breathing patterns, but is there an optimum way to take in oxygen while you exercise? Sam Murphy investigates.
Running away from depression
THE GUARDIAN
Sam Murphy put on her trainers to find out how a Kent-based running group fights depression and anxiety with running.
Dare to bare: the truth about barefoot running
RUNNER'S WORLD
Is the key to better running really what you wear – or don’t wear – on your feet? Sam Murphy strips off her shoes to find out.
The Magic Mile
runner's world
How fast are you over a mile? Upping your pace and stamina over the distance will benefit your 5K, 10K and half-marathon times – and give you a kick that will leave the opposition gasping. Sam Murphy offers training advice and an 8-week programme to get you mile fit...
Saddle up
runner's world
Sam Murphy went to Cyclefit to discover how finding the right saddle can make all the difference to performance
A month of meditation
runner's world
It's been said that meditating can make you a better runner. Runner's World's Sam Murphy put it to the test.
Perfect 10
runner's world
Want to run a 10K in under 60, 50 or 40 minutes? Sam Murphy has the running plans for you.
Thirst for knowledge
runner's world
Sam Murphy wonders why so many runners find the new drinking guidelines so hard to swallow.
always take the weather with you
runner's world
Sam Murphy finds there's a silver lining to running in all weathers.
all aboard
Financial Times weekend
"I'd had visions of myself snoozing on the deck, fingers trailing in the water. But paddling a 16ft canoe with a fox terrier on board makes life rather more complicated."
Sam Murphy, her husband Jeff and dog Sidney test themselves on a canoe ride down the River Wye.
![sea_kayaking].jpg](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ab4d250266c07926cb2da39/1524570370301-2F5NZ6STRN15O0C0P3BF/sea_kayaking%5D.jpg)
All at sea
financial times weekend
"We're heading out to the Inner Sound - an inland passage with an abundance of marine life - before setting up camp on a secluded coral beach".
Sam Murphy goes sea kayaking in Scotland.
peak performance
financial times weekend
Sam Murphy almost loses heart on an epic ascent in the Swiss Alps.
I rode all night
financial times weekend
Sam Murphy lights up for the unique Dunwich Dynamo 100-mile night ride.
Team Spirit
runner's world
A 24-hour relay race teaches Sam Murphy that a team is greater than the sum of its parts.
I Swam the Thames
financial times weekend
Sam Murphy takes the plunge into the sweet Thames.
no limits
runner's world
Can Muscle Activation Technique (MAT) help Sam Murphy reach new running heights?
the road to happiness
runner's world
Regular running can combat depression, banish anxiety and boost
self-esteem. Sam Murphy finds out how and why running can put a smile on your face.
way to go
runner's world
Sam Murphy finds out that not all mental maps are created equal...
om your marks
financial times weekend
Can years of running be balanced out by yoga? Sam Murphy strikes a pose to find out.