Summer Training Is Tough

My coaching specialism is primarily based on career progression, but as a client, you need to be taking a broader view on how best to succeed.

Building layers of toughness, resilience and stamina all apply, hence why I am including my marathon preparation when I talk about the coaching opportunities I provide. I would not be expecting you to commit to running a marathon but finding ways to build greater resistance to the challenges we face in life are key, and for me, running is one of my escapes which I also use to build a better mindset, so I can approach whatever comes at me in the best possible way.

This last week, Monday morning was a lot cooler when compared to the previous week, and with the forecast predicting more comfortable days and nights, it would be a good opportunity for getting some extra miles in.

Now with 5 weeks complete and with over 140 miles in the legs, and over 23 hours spent running, recovery needs to be something which is at the forefront of my plans.

This isn’t just about putting your feet up when you get the chance, but it is about how to restore all the fluids and energy which is getting burnt up while you are training. This has started to be concern for me this last week.

As I have already mentioned, during week 4, the UK had one of its hottest weeks on record and there was no escape. I have been alcohol free for 200 days at the end of week 5, and since making this change, I have commented on how my general hydration levels have been so much higher since going alcohol-free, but I really struggled on my Sunday long run last weekend and bailed out at 9 miles. It was around 9am and I had pretty much emptied my hydration bag. It wasn’t worth pushing through for another 7 miles or so which could cause greater harm for the following weeks. The rest of the day was spend rehydrating myself, which was pretty much the case on the Saturday after a parkrun.

The Sunday run for week 5 was 16 miles but was really tough, again I drank plenty, used energy blocks to try and help keep me going, but for the final 4 miles I felt drained

I am putting it down to the summer, it was still warm and us Brits are just not equipped for these conditions!

So while I have already mentioned that since going alcohol free my hydration levels have generally much better, I also noted that I have been able to go running on consecutive days. This was something which I thought was a thing of the past for me. Previously, I would either be de-hydrated, or my legs will have been too tired to run on the second day, and if I pushed it too much, there would be an injury just round the corner.

Even looking back at week 4, when it got really hot, I managed to run Friday, Saturday and Sunday which pretty good going given the hot conditions.

So there two key changes which I have noticed this year when it comes to running;

1. Hydration levels more manageable (although last week was a challenge)
2. Being able to run on consecutive days

Fair to say I have also started to get quicker, and without giving it the kiss of death, I have managed my body quite well, I have had a few niggles but they have passed quickly, is this another benefit of going alcohol-free?

Other than eliminating alcohol, I haven’t had to do much else in my daily routine. So where I am at now to how I was 12 months ago, is a rather good swap if you ask me.

I still need to be doing more when it comes to how I refuel myself, that is one area which I haven’t give much attention. For this year, it was all about going alcohol free, at the start of the journey, running a marathon wasn’t in my thinking, but the positive energy I now find myself having, is meaning I am pushing myself to new heights.

Onto week 6.

Coaching Support Available

I help individuals not only achieve their goals but also overcome significant obstacles and rediscover themselves through personalised coaching that addresses both mindfulness practices and employment challenges. My approach recognises that personalised growth, whether that be in career progress, taking a break from alcohol, requires holistic support, developing physical strength alongside mental resilience, rebuilding professional confidence, and establishing healthy routines that sustain long-term wellbeing.

I’m committed to supporting you throughout your journey. Send an email to phil.adderley.coaching@gmail.com today to schedule your free session and discover how we can work together toward meaningful transformation and lasting success.