Katy Kennedy, PhD

Katy Kennedy, PhD is a psychologist and researcher whose PhD at the University of Surrey focused on how people experience emotions during exercise — and how improving those experiences can help more people become active for good. Her research included studying beginner running groups, developing and testing the Walk Jog Smile podcast programme for new runners, and comparing it against Couch to 5K.

Katy has also lectured in sport and exercise psychology at the Open University, teaching topics including group dynamics, social psychology, and research methods. A runner and adventure racer herself, Katy brings both scientific rigour and first-hand understanding of what it takes to go from non-runner to runner.