So called “running break”!

[Sadie-runs]

Hello lovely running fiends 👹

So, I am taking the opportunity to have a wee break from running while on hols in Edinburgh. Have worked hard and been training hard for a while, so figured it would do my legs good. But my legs are saying “Break, what break?!” as they are just not used to the hills! Have been doing lots of walks (in order to maintain fitness); today was a 6 miler in the lovely undulating Pentland Hills. My. Poor. Calf muscles. They are screaming! What to do? Have not brought my trusty massage wand! Eeeeep.

Looking forward to running on my return; much easier than this hiking lark. 😂😂😂

Sadie-runs xxx

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

That’s what I thought in the Lake District Sadie. Hill walking seems to use muscles in a completely different way.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

In a completely different and painful way! 😬

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

You can massage your calves yourself Sadie (or ask someone nicely to do it for you 😏) or use a tennis ball. Lovely photo 🙂

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

I am now on the hunt for a tennis ball - great idea, thanks Princess! x

[Sqkr]

Oo is that Torduff Water? 😀

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Sqkr]

It sure is, Sqkr! You know the area? Have you run around it?! I saw a few runners, felt a bit jealous, but knew this southern softie would not be able to handle the inclines!

[Sqkr in reply to Sadie-runs]

I did! I've only ventured out that way the one time as it's a long run to get there, but it's really lovely so I'll definitely be back that way again before long 😊

Here was my post about it, should you feel inspired to do it in your running shoes next time!

healthunlocked.com/marathon...

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Sqkr]

Wow! What a fantastic run. Beautiful write up too - you are a great story teller (do you write for a living? If you don’t you should! That piece could be straight out of RW magazine.) Such a loooong run. We took the bus from Leith to Bonaly, so a bit lazy. Water of Leith looks an appealing place to run, and is just by my parents-in-laws house, so next year I am definitely going to bring my kit and try that route. I know this running break is doing wonders for my body, but my brain is still saying run Sadie, run! x

[Sqkr in reply to Sadie-runs]

Heh thank you, but no—my job is just pictures really! That's probably why I get a bit verbose. The words need to come out or I'll explode 💣

The water of leith is a lovely run, you get the full spectrum of things to look at. And if you start at the Leith end you can finish at the Dean Village and get a lovely cake in Stockbridge 😊

Ps I am variously from Oxford/Canterbury/Brighton, albeit with some well hidden tartan genes, so am regularly reminded I'm about as soft and southern as you can get 😂

[Hidden]

Hey dearest Sadie, I’m very impressed with all that walking, you go girl!! You’ll be glad to get back to running though, I bet. Take it easy yeah, don’t break yourself! I would write more but I’m up early for a run

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks lovely Neil! The walking has felt so much easier than last year when I was here, before I started running. Going to take it easy today and do lots of stretching. Of course, it is also hacking down with rain in Edinburgh today. ☔️☔️☔️ xxx

[Hidden in reply to Sadie-runs]

You're further north than I am, do you realise that?? I'm glad you're taking it easy though. It'll do you good. Enjoy the rest of your holiday, and relax for goodness sake, OK?

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Yup. Having daily nosebleeds as a result. 😂

[Fishypieface Graduate10]

Gorgeous view! Heel dips and a very s-l-o-w forward bend into a very long downward dog to really stretch out your calves and thighs. Works for me at the gym - after my own feeble attempts on the cross trainer. Having said that, using the cross trainer instead of running for the last 4 months seems to have got me in shape for the Lake District recently. Doesn't seem to take that much effort to make a difference either (which is handy!).

Have a lovely hols xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Fishypieface]

Good call, dear FPF, will do a few downward dogs today. 🐕 Have been heel dipping like a woman posessed but so far to little effect. 😕

I am SO impressed with you keeping up the ole fitness on the cross trainer. And that will definitely keep you fit until you can run again. Good work, lovely lady. xxx

[Fishypieface Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Oh no, well I think the only answer then is to abandon the hills and stay in the pub! 🍻Medicinal purposes, beer helps overworked muscles (said no one, but it’s worth a shot!). Rest up xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Fishypieface]

But whisky 🥃 is a great pain reliever, and in my head, an anti inflammatory. 😁 No walking today (too dreich) and tomorrow, and a wee run planned for Friday when I am back on the flats of London yay! xxx

[Fabulous450 Graduate10]

Wow Sadie! That’s some view. I’m not surprised the legs said run!! Well done with the hiking!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽❤️

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fab! My eyes have been treated to much beauty in Edinburgh. But I am looking forward to returning to the flats of London! 😂 x

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Briliant! Well, an incline will no doubt look like a breeze on your runs for a while! 😁😍❤️

[Jelon]

Great photo enjoy your running break! 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Jelon]

Cheers Jelon! It has been lovely so far. x

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

Hi Sadie!! A rest is good. I had a week off a couple of weeks ago and didn’t really affect my runs. Walking will keep them fit. Enjoy your time off. 🥃 xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thanks Ripcurly dear. 😘 I feel like I need a rest from the walking now though! Knackered! xx

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Go get yourself a massage. 😍

[quirkybee]

Aww, have a lovely break and give your legs a rest from running for a few days, it will do no harm. Enjoy your break away and the lovely walks to be had there too 😊 xxx

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to quirkybee]

Thank you my lovely QB. 😘 xx

[MadDave]

I like doing hills too but it does take it out on your calves. If possible try to alternate your runs do not every run is up a hill until they get stronger. And of course, slow it down and take little steps. A protein shake after a run will help build up those calves 💪

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to MadDave]

I do need to work on my calves, that’s for sure. I now do 2 mins of calf raises every time I brush my teeth now. 😁

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

I’m going to do that!!! 🤪

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Lift for 2 seconds, lower, repeat until teeth are squeaky clean. Easy way to squeeze in extra strength training throughout your day! 😂

[sarah65 Graduate10]

Great photo - looks beautiful! I’m feeling your pain in anticipation! I’m starting my running break tomorrow with a week in Snowdonia. Have some great walks planned followed by some hearty meals to keep us going. Expecting legs to be wrecked at the end of it (last time I was hobbling around like an old(er) lady). It is a great test for me of how much my fitness has improved. I well remember the days Before C25K when I really couldn’t manage walking up the hills without lots of stops to the point where I felt embarrassed at my poor level of fitness. When I was there in May it was a completely different story - such a great buzz!! Enjoy the rest of your break and hope your poor calves recover soon 😊

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to sarah65]

I was the same, Sarah! I was in Edinburgh this time last year, and had to stop walking to “take in the views” many times on long walks! I did well yesterday, but am a bit stiff and creaky today. 😱 I guess hiking is a very different discipline! Enjoy your time in beautiful Snowdonia. Both the hiking and the eating! 😁 xxx

[sarah65 Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Stop walking to “take in the views” made me laugh out loud!! So familiar !!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Give them a good old rub Sadie-runs ...and a soak in the bath...and maybe a bit of massage from OH?? I’m glad you’re still posting though, it’d be strange without you..your running will be waiting for you when you get home...enjoy the rest of your break xx

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Bonjour Bev!

OH gave me a good calf massage this afternoon and it has helped. But still, looking forward to returning home to my torture device, otherwise known as my massage wand, tomorrow!

Oh, and nothing keeps me away from this lovely forum. Got to keep my eye 👁 on you lovely lot!

Planning a wee welcome home 3 or 4K on Friday, and a long one on Sunday - my birthday gift to myself! 😂

Hope all is well with you my lovely! xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

I knew you’d be dipping in to make sure we’re all still on track!! A calf massage by OH sounds nice 😉 . A birthday run, I feel another 10k coming on?? All the best babies were born in August 😘 😆 ! All’s well here, I feel a bit behind, well a lot behind actually, but being on holiday has messed up my running routine as birthday celebrations, drinking, eating & general nautiness has taken over so early morning running has been out of the question most of the time but as you know I have done the best I can...we move up towards Paris on Sat, that’s a long 7 hour drive..couple of days in disneyland, couple of days doing the touristy thing & a couple of days shopping then Home on the 2nd...and back to reality/normality and cooler running, phew...I will miss the sun here, I’m the colour of well done toast, but it will be nice to run in comfortable heat back in Yorkshire xxx

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

Superb. Fantastic views. Mixing it up is so good for you.

Water bottle can be an excellent stand in for wand. 👍😉

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Great tip, thanks jo-jo! I used a water bottle last night, and this morning my calf muscles feel so much better!

The hill walking has been such a lovely change of pace, but I am looking forward to getting back to running this weekend. 😁

[Sarakc Graduate10]

Hope you’re having a lovely holiday in Edinburgh! I’m not far from there just a little further south in Dunbar! 😀

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Sarakc]

I am thanks, Sara! I love Edinburgh so much. Did not realise you were so close in Dunbar! You lucky thing. I do love 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Scotland. ❤️ xx

[Sarakc Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Oh that’s great!! I love it here! Only been here 4 years! (Originally from N.Ireland) but I’ve moved around a bit! Always wanted to live by the sea so it’s just perfect! 😀