The Holme Run

Today I ran a 10k at the ATW Nottingham Holme Run 🏃‍♂️. 

My time was 1:06:18, which is a new PB for me at this distance! 🎉

But… it wasn’t my best race. 😓 My heart rate stayed high the entire time (average 177 😳), and my performance condition was below baseline. Over the past week, my HRV, training readiness, and body battery were all in the rock bottom ⚠️, my sleep was poor 😴, and my watch kept telling me I was “strained” ☹️.

I felt drained, so I listened to my body and skipped training on Friday. 💪 I had an active day and my body battery was only at 7% – definitely not the best state for a workout! 🔋 Thankfully, after a solid night’s sleep 🛏️, my HRV returned to normal, and my body battery recharged to 81% (up from 31% earlier this week!). 🔋✨ I’m glad I gave myself the rest I needed.

Sometimes, recovery is just as important as training! 🧘‍♂️💥

#10k #PB #HolmeRun #RunnersLife #ListenToYourBody #RestAndRecover #TrainingJourney #HeartRate #PerformanceCondition #HealthAndFitness #RunningCommunity #Runner #RestDay #MentalToughness #UltraAmbition #StrongerEveryDay #FitnessJourney #RaceDayVibes #holmerun@eventsatw

Monday: The Long Run Struggle and the Power of Recovery 🏃‍♂️💪

 Mondays are always long run days for me. After a fun weekend away, I started the day already feeling exhausted. The day started off busy, with a delivery of materials for our house renovation 🚚. Then a morning of wallpaper stripping 🧽, followed by a well-needed lunch 🍽️.

         

Despite my fatigue, I laced up my shoes and set off for my afternoon run 👟. The sun was shining 🌞, and the weather was perfect for a long, steady pace run. But as the miles ticked by, I couldn’t ignore the lack of energy in my legs and the heaviness in my body. I knew something was off.

By 4pm, my Garmin did what it does best: it gave me a reality check ⏱️. My body battery was a 5%! The message was clear - today wasn't about pushing harder; it was time to embrace recovery 🛀.

Progress isn’t just about the grind—it’s about knowing when to rest, recharge, and listen to our bodies 💡. For me, Monday turned into a reminder that recovery is just as important as the run itself. Time to focus on restoration and ready myself for the next challenge 💯.

#LongRun #RunLife #RecoveryTime #ListenToYourBody #RestAndRecover #RunnerLife #FitJourney #HouseRenovation #PostRunRecovery #BodyBattery #RestIsKey #RecoveryMode #StayActive #RunningCommunity #FitnessMotivation #MindfulRunning #RunAndRecover #UltraAmbition

It starts with the feet

There is lots of free information on YouTube and the internet, I don't know how we all managed before the world wide web.

I've read so many articles and watched a lot of videos which show exercises and stretches to deal with my snapping hip and weak glutes. It's easy to become overwhelmed and end up reading and watching but not actually doing what is necessary.

Another useful snippet I picked up somewhere was to look at my feet. After all if the foundations aren't good then the rest of the structure is always going to be a problem!

I do have quite low arches, they aren't flat, but definitely low. It has caused me problems in the past when doing long walks and I solved it by putting insoles in my walking boots. It never occurred to me to change the insoles in my running shoes. Looking at my current, well used, pair of running shoes, there is definite wear to the outside edge which is more pronounced on my snapping hip and injured side.

So I've invested in a pair of RunPro Currex Dynamic Insoles. The box claims they will enhance recovery, reduce injuries and increase performance.

I've also enlisted the help of a personal trainer at the gym. After discussing what I need, she is going to put together a programme for me. I need the accountability and structure to make me do it. I'm very much a facts and figures person and need to see steady measurable progress. I'm hoping this will be a big help and fill a gap in my training.

I have now started doing a little bit of running and can do so without any pain. So I'm building back up slowly - I started with 1 min, then 2, then 4, 8, 16 etc.