Hello lovely running fiends, I hope you are all doing well?
So, I am in week 6 of my HM training plan (the race is on 15th Sept), and I must say, I am enjoying this training lark. It helps that I got made redundant from my job at the end of May, as I now have more time for running and cross training! Lovely. (Though I must start thinking about looking for another job soon, as lovely as this not working business is!)
My last long run was 14k, and I really enjoyed it, despite an unexpected pit stop for the loo half way around (first time THAT has happened, yikes.) My recovery times are improving too – no longer do I have stiff-leg syndrome after my long run, nor the need for a 3-hour nap. In part, I put this down to strength training. Yes, I have been strength training, me, the Strength Training Avoider of the Year 2018. I do a hard core Pilates class once a week, and have a 30 min strength regime that I do at home once or twice a week. Goodbye sore hip! Goodbye niggling lower back! It appears to have had a good effect.
I have also started taking Tailwind on my long runs, and I really like it. The one with caffeine gives a lovely little rocket boost for the last couple of km! I have been surprised at how I have been able to add a little bit of speed onto the last km or 2 of my long runs – but then I do start off as slowly as possible and build as the run goes on.
Still a long way to go, but I am really enjoying it so far, and for me, that's the main thing. (That, and not getting injured).
Happy running to you all.
Sadie-runs xxx
Written by
Sadie-runs
Half Marathon
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Well that's a lovely thing to say Hidden – thank you! I hope that your training goes well – I shall try to lead by good example! And post a bit more often. I was happy to find Tailwind – it is nice and gentle on the stomach and definitely gives a good boost! xxx
Hey Sadie - sounds like you are right on track! I'm on week 4 now (this week)…. I'll have to keep an eye out for the tailwind stuff (what is it? addin for water? tabs?) x
Oh exciting stuff! I am super keen to reach the 15km mark (next week with a bit of luck), as that will be the furthest I have ever run. (I have managed 14k once before). Tailwind comes in powder form, and you mix with water just like you would with an electrolyte tab. It has electrolytes in it, but crucially, it also has carbs – so maybe no need to "eat" on a long run. I shall try this out. But it has been good for 14k. If I need more I will supplement with Nakd bars – they have also proven to be good on my stomach whilst running. Enjoy your training and keep us posted! x
Amazing Sadie-runs , you have made fantastic progress since you graduated c25k...I'm sorry to hear of your redundancy but glad to hear you've been making the most of your time at home with all this running, you'll be reluctant to find another job I bet?!! Its a shame we're not closer I could join you on your runs...I'd have to give up half wayish though!! Honestly though, I often think of you and the encouragement you give when I'm out running....I cant wait for the report once your hm is done but in the meantime I shall just enjoy cheering you on as you hit your targets x
Aw, thank you Mummycav ! It's funny, as I love the industry I am in (erm, was in, soon going to be back in?!), and liked working – but now I haven't worked for 6 weeks, the thought of going back fills me with horror! I have really enjoyed not working…too much! I am filling my time beautifully. But, will need to find a new job within the next year (for financial reasons). I would love you to be my run buddy. I reckon we would have some right good chats whilst running, you and I! Lovely to see your recent progress too, Bev – love that you got to 10k again recently! Keep up the good work my lovely. xxx
Thank you Dexy5 😘. It's just lovely to have the time (and energy) to add in all these extra bits and bobs now. 12km is great – you'll have no problem getting to 16.1km! Good running is mostly about consistency of training, I think, and I know how committed you are! All the best! xxx
You're doing great 👍 the strength training is really paying off.
Sorry to hear about the redundancy but when one door closes another usually opens.
I generally avoid caffeinated drinks as it can give me headaches but I am tempted to try tailwind sometime. I'm kinda stuck on SiS Go in tropical still for now! 😁
Thanks GoGo_JoJo ! And if another door doesn't open, I will prise open a window. 😂
I also liked the Tailwind with no caffeine; to be honest, I was nervous about trying the one with caffeine, as I don't generally drink many caffeinated drinks. But it was okay, and I got a bit of extra whizz on!
You're coming along very well with your plan. Sorry to hear about the redundancy but it sounds like you're making the most of it and enjoying your newfound freedom, for the time being. I'm also a huge Tailwind fan, I usually do an equal mix of the lemon and berry for a yummy custom taste. I haven't tried the caffeinated versions yet. I order it in, so just order the big bag to be most cost effective for shipping costs. If I make it to the city to a run shop who stocks it, I may try some on the other flavours in the satchets.
Thanks dear Sask. I really am making the most of it! It is going to be hard going back to the old 9-5 again once I find another job, could happily go on like this forever. 😂 Hmmmm never thought of customising my own flavours! I started off with a mixed pack of single serving sachets - no clear fave flavour yet though!
Sounds like you're moving forward brilliantly, well done! I like tailwind for training runs, but I havent used it in an event because I prefer not to carry water if I can get away without and don't fancy stopping to mix it en route. In a race I tend to use the clif blok or gu chews - I loathed every gel I tried (not many!) - and take water at the water stations.
Thanks Linda. 😘 So far so good (keeping everything crossed!) I like Clif blocks too. But, I am such a thirsty runner, that taking on carbs in water appeals to me! I feel liberated since I got my hydration vest. 😁
Hi Sadie - good to hear that you are enjoying your running! 🙂 Really interesting to read that Pilates is helping - I am quite keen to take this up again myself. In the meantime, clams and bridges are definately helping me strengthen up, which in turn is helping my it band and knee.
Tailwind is also something I want to try as I build my distance up again, so good to hear another recommendation. Happy running! 🙂🏃🏽♀️
Hi Sandra! I enjoy it more now I feel stronger, I think. I have more confidence in my body to handle the long runs. And I love that I am still learning - never a dull moment! Clams and bridges are ace and easy to do at home. I like my class though as the teacher forces me to work harder 😓 Happy running to you too. 😁👍 x
I have to get some of this stuff🤪🤪!! I have managed to get up to 12k following the efforts of Dexy5 and Cheeky chipmunks. I have never thought about in run nutrition....Nice to see you back Sadie-runs and doing so well😊
It’s worth a try, Beachy. 😁 The funny thing with running fuel is that it can be so individual, so you just have to try different things out. I like Tailwind as it seems to give me what I need without having to eat during the run, which can be a bit of a faff. But I might change my tune when I get beyond 16k. Watch this space!
Well done on your 12k achievement! That is fab. 👏👏👏 Lovely to hear from you too!
Sounds like you’re flying Sadie, and if you’re in a good place with other things in life then the work will hopefully sort itself out when you’re ready.
I must try some tailwind. I just drink a lot of water on a HM run as I’ve got used to carrying a bottle now. I hate the gels, I jtook a granola bar today which was a bit dry! But someone on here had mentioned not leaving it too late to refuel, and that worked for me at 10km rather than my usual 14ish.
Thanks Colinsmith. 😊 It is all coming together quite well at the moment. Amazing what removing work stress can do for one’s running (though I don’t recommend redundancy to anyone! 😂).
Tailwind worth a try for sure. Also, have you tried Nakd bars? All natural ingredients, nuts and fruit and the like, but they are nice and soft, so slip down easily. I like those too. I have never tried gels and just don’t fancy them...Timing is also key - not sure I have got that nailed yet!
Strength training was on a “needs must” basis for me! I got fed up with various aches and niggles after long runs and now I have a race coming up, am totally paranoid about injury! 😱 It seems to be making a difference...I do feel stronger and more solid when I run now. Still hard work, mind, but I am coming to accept that! All worth it. 👍
Redundancy is the Patron Saint of Better Beginnings but don't leave it too long.
In terms of training, consistency and cross training are the royalty. I would never have got anywhere near marathon target had l not ploughed on throughout the winter, rain, frost or wind. Interestingly, l got closer to injuries through cross training than actual running, so be careful with what you do. If you don't push it too hard and take your time without pressure, you won't even notice how your distances are increasing without much strain on your body. As an ex-smoker who struggled through my first 90 seconds of running and suffered injuries for nearly half a year, to be able to run 42k and only feel a bit of stiffness in my shins the day after, l can safely say you'll run the distance and come through to the other side. Go for it!
Thanks mrrun 😀. With the job thing, it is a bit of a tough industry I am in (publishing) and there is not much out there for what I want to do – I am looking (casually) and will ramp up my game come end of August. This is the first (and maybe the only) chance I will ever get to have a little time out from working though, so I am making the most of it (whilst also feeling scared about whether I will find a job again – funny place to be in).
I am Mrs Cautious, generally, so no chance I will push it too hard, that's for sure! The cross training is all good, gentle stuff – a Pilates once a week, a swim, and some squats and clams etc. Not sure I would have found the time for all this when I was working, so every cloud, eh? Your running journey has inspired me – and your faith in me is heartening! Thanks buddy.
Hi Sadie👋, you sound so much more positive about making these distances now, which is lovely. I have been Awol a bit too, and may have missed some of your runs, but you seem so strong and capable, ( always have been) and I think you are beginning to believe you will run that HM.
Building up your strengh and taking care in the heat. I'm excited for you!
Oh Jan, I have been wondering where you were and hope that you are well? Missed you my friend. xx
I suppose I am starting to feel a little more confident – I don't want to get cocky though, as pride does come before a fall they say! 😂 So, I shall just start every long run gently, and be positive. It's all just one step at a time, right?
Long run tomorrow and it will be another warm day – so that's me up at 5:30am!
Hi Sadie! You’re on the right track that’s for certain. 🏃♀️😀 How exciting that you have a HM entered to aim for. Can’t wait to hear how you get on. And the obligatory bling pic of course! 🏅
I’m glad the strength training is paying off. It’s something I’m rather lax about.
I’m in a similar position to you training wise, except I have a happy spanner in my works as regards doing a HM in September as our daughter is having our first grandchild that month. ❤️ I’d like to find one in November, as I’m running the GSR in October. Look how far we’ve come! 😀🏃♀️👍💪
Thanks for the Tailwind recommendation. It sounds just the ticket for flagging legs. My lungs can run forever, but my legs tire around 9k every long run I do. They could with do a boost, so I’ll give it a try. 😀
Oh congratulations on your impending grandchild, Cheeky! That's lovely news. You will be the fittest granny ever! I didn't realise that you were running the GSR – how exciting! It is meant to be a lovely event. And lots of time to train for it too. I wish you all the best for that and cannot wait to hear how you get on. 😊
I'm the same – lungs cope admirably, legs flag. I must say, the strength training seems to be helping a bit with that, and the Tailwind is a welcome boost! I have also started some mini carb loading, making sure that I eat well and plentifully the day before my long run. Just trying lots of different tweaks to see what works, mostly!
Sorry about the redundancy, Sadie, and best wishes finding something else when you're ready. Your running sounds as though it's going really well though. Thanks for the recommendation about Tailwind. I haven't tried that yet - I tend to take SiS and Clif bloks, but I might try the caffeinated version of Tailwind and see what happens!
Thanks Annie. x I have to say, I am so glad I had my running whilst going through the whole redundancy process, it helped with the stress no end. And now I am not working, it gives me something else to focus on and be proud of until I do find another job. I think I first heard about Tailwind from Sqkr (thanks Sqkr!) and it works very well for me; nice and gentle on the stomach too. x
Well done Sadie. Sounds like you are really focussed on your running. I have been made redundant more than once. Got so much done in the garden and enjoyed a whole month of Wimbledon. I'm sure you'll find soemthing else when the time is right.
Thanks so much, Whatsapp . Nice, reassuring comments like this help, as I have been having wobbles about not working. I simultaneously feel guilty whilst knowing I need this break, and then worry about whether I will be able to find something right! Running has helped me no end – having a goal of an HM to prepare for, and giving me a little pride in myself too, after feeling a little low. It's great. 🙂
Sadie-runs my lovely running buddy, you are doing brilliantly, and are a true inspiration to me. I'm so pleased to hear how you're getting on. I'm really encouraged to hear how well the strength training is going for you. I'm at the very early stages of my journey in that regard, so it gives me hope.
The tailwind thing sounds interesting too, when I get back up in the distances again, I'll be needing that
Thanks dear buddy 316neil ! You know I always try to lead the way for you! I have a niggling feeling that strengthening may see the end of your leg woes, you know? So keep at it, and I am sure that you will see results. The reason I have this feeling? Well, we both have (or had in my case!) very sedentary jobs, and on top of that you spend a lot of time in your car. Our bodies, although they have adapted well to running, were not very strong, through years of inactivity and sitting. Then we expect everything to cope when we start putting extra strain on it with running?! Something has to give. I have been strength training for just a month now, and already feeling the benefits.
I will be watching your progress with interest and delight! Just be consistent and keep up that strength work. You will definitely be able to get back up to distance again, my friend.
I know you're right Sadie, thank you for your support on this, it's invaluable. Now, stop making me hijack your post, go on girl, you have an HM to train for!!!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
I was happy to find Tailwind – it is nice and gentle on the stomach and definitely gives a good boost! xxx
Slowest, toughest 5K in a long time 🙄
Hello again, “ A little tentative wave 👋”.
Virtual London Marathon training week 9 run 3 - long run
marathon long run - pace?
HUHM race report and post-race follow up.