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. My work has appeared regularly in The Guardian, The Financial Times and Runner's World magazine, where I write the monthly Murphy's Lore column. My background in magazine journalism combined with my first class honours degree in sport and exercise science enable me to write engaging, accessible copy and commercial content with authority and insight. Get in touch to discuss your needs or see some of my work below.
“Sam is an outstanding journalist.
Her knowledge of, and passion for, her subject are second to none.”
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...
Guts for glory
RUNNER'S WORLD
How taking care of your gut microbiome can help you stay healthy and may even help you run faster...
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://static1.squarespace.com/static/5ab4d250266c07926cb2da39/t/5adf190203ce64714c932321/1524570375457/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.