So, where do I start? That is the question that has been going round in my head for the past 4 weeks since I received a phone call one evening from Mark at The Lincolnshire Runner asking if I would like to be a Lincolnshire Runner Ambassador with Adidas. Part of the deal is that I have to write a blog and give an honest review of any products they send me. But me write? I’m not very good at that – well that’s what my English teacher always used to say after reading out another piece of homework and laughing at my rubbish attempt at poetry! So as I lay in bed that night, that’s all I could think about. What do I write about? I said to Chris, and his reply was just be you when you write and let your personality come out. First of all just introduce yourself. So here goes:-
My name is Tammy and I’m a working mum, married with 2 children. I have always loved being outside, and as a kid I could spend all day running, climbing trees and looking for adventures with my friends. I started running seriously at secondary school, and was quite successful at cross country which I absolutely loved. I left school in the summer of 1988 and with that my running stopped as I found a new passion, the dance music scene!
The night I met my husband, Chris, he told me about his plans to cycle across Australia. I was like
‘wow’ that’s crazy! We got onto the subject of running and he told me about all his adventures. I had never met someone like Chris, as he was completely different from the gang I was used to hanging about with. I can honestly say from that moment he has always been my biggest inspiration in life. Mind you after that conversation it took about 9 years for me to start running again, and that was when our kids told me I was lazy, and not like Daddy! I guess that gave me the kick up the backside I needed.
About a year later, I took part in my first cross country, and boy what a shock that was, and my personal worst ever! I changed clubs in 2010 and joined Mablethorpe Running Club with Archie & Ellie. I made some great friends and started to take my running seriously. At last I had people to run with, as Chris was way too fast for me, and I couldn’t do the same amount of miles as him. After a few years and various races from 5k’s, 10k’s half & full marathons, I knew that being off road was where I felt the happiest.
In June 2015, after the Boston to Skegness Seabank Marathon, I got injured and couldn’t run properly for the rest of the year. I was entered in to my 3rd London Marathon in the April, so after Xmas I got my head down and started to bang in the miles. For the first time since I started back running I hated it, and I started to dread going out the front door for my long runs. I struggled with any speedwork and had some kind of pain with most of my runs.
It might sound a bit lame, but it all got too much and I had a bit of a meltdown. Chris was brilliant. He reminded me that running was meant to be fun, and what’s the point in doing it if I was dreading going out the front door for a run? So with 2 weeks to go till the London marathon and after 14 weeks of hell, I pulled out.
The weekend of the London marathon, Chris took me away to the Lake district, just the two of us, camping in Coniston in our trusty ole fell wagon, ( no need for a 5 star hotel for me). We spent the weekend walking – no running was allowed. That Saturday Chris kept pointing out the Bob Graham Route, and what were the best lines to take. Little did we realise whilst looking over to Scafell that day that Jasmin Paris was smashing the ladies’ Bob Graham record, knocking nearly two and a half hours off Nicky Spinks’ previous best with an incredible run of 15 hours and 24 minutes. We must have walked for about 7hrs, and for the first time in months I felt calm and very happy.
On the Sunday morning when I should have been on the tube heading to Greenwich for the start of the London marathon, I was walking on the Cumbria way heading up to Bowfell. We were following the Bob Graham line up to Bowfell when Chris pointed out stud marks made by someone’s fell shoes and said, ” Babe, instead of pounding that tarmac with 30,000 other runners, you are following in the footsteps of Jasmin Paris and her pacers.” Not sure if they were hers, but it gave me such a buzz and I knew then what I wanted to do, but I didn’t dare say it out loud. Just like the night before when walking back from the pub, we went past the Coniston school and I remembered being stood outside with the kids and our friends, Dave & Debbie, waiting for Chris to finish the Lakeland 50 in 2011. I thought to myself I wonder if I could do that? and for the first time in months I felt excited.
Spending that weekend away with Chris, made me realise that the problem with my running was that I was bored and I needed to do what makes my heart skip a beat. On September 1st I sat in my office with all my details filled out on sports entries website, just waiting for 9am to come so I could press the submit button. I was so nervous as it’s very hard to get in ( it sold out in 5 mins the year before) I knew that is was down to luck. I couldn’t watch the screen as I submitted my entry. When it came back that I was successful and was entered into the Lakeland 50, I couldn’t believe it. I was in!! Luck was definitely on my side as it filled up within 3 mins this year. I was now faced with a massive step into the unknown and a journey of 10 months till the biggest running challenge of my life!
I was very happy to get the phone call from Mark asking me to be an Ambassador for Adidas, as nothing like this happens to me! He explained that Adidas wanted to reach out to the running community so they have chosen 3 different types of runners. A fast boy who has lots of knowledge of sports science and running footwear, someone new to running and training for their 1st marathon, and me, training for my first ultra. I guess we are the real every day runners. If you watch the start of any major city marathon you will notice that the elite, fast boys & girls wear Adidas but get to the middle of the pack and you will notice other brands.
To be honest I have never worn Adidas as a running shoe. Had a few pairs of classic Gazzelle’s over the years, so maybe us middle of the pack road runners see Adidas as a fashion brand? Changing your shoe brand as a runner is a bit of a worry- well it is for me after being injured for so long, so I was a bit nervous. I will do my best to explain what I think to the Adidas Boost Supernova, which is the first shoe I have been given .It has only just been released on 1st December 2016. I’m not a shoe expert and can’t give you all the technical details on them, but I can give you an honest opinion on them.
The Adidas Boost Supernova is a neutral shoe, so it’s ideal for me. The heel drop is a little bigger than what I’m used to. I’ve taken them out on four runs so far:
Run 1 – 15 miles easy pace
As soon as I started running I noticed how I was more on my mid foot and toes. They also felt soft under foot, and quite bouncy. Maybe that’s because they are new? But 10 miles in and even though I was already running on tired legs, I was still landing comfortably on my mid foot. Even though I’m not a big heel striker, when I’m tired, my form starts to go and it usually does happen. I think these will be perfect for long or recovery runs, so are ideal for any marathon training. They also have plenty of room in the toe box, so if you are prone to blisters on the inside of your foot, then these are ideal.
Run 2 – Pyramid session 6 miles
I wasn’t sure if they would feel too bulky on a short speed session, but they were ok. I really do like the soft cushion feel, and the way they keep me more on my toes. Perhaps it’s because the heel drop is more than what I’m used to?
Run 3 – 5 miles easy
Very impressed with the grip as the roads were very icy. I wasn’t slipping at all, not like some other shoes I have, they make me feel like Bambi on ice! So if you are marathon training over the winter months, and trying to stick to your schedule when the roads are icy in the morning or evening then I would recommend the Adidas Boost Supernova.
Run 4 – 4 miles recovery run
Yesterday I took part in the Rudolph’s Romp, 25 miles off road, 2000ft climb, 3hrs 58mins and 3rd lady. As you can imagine my legs feel a little bit trashed, but seeing as I wasn’t walking down the stairs sideways I thought I would have a little jog. I think having the Boost helps your legs when they feel like lead weights! Not my best run, but the extra cushioning definitely helps.
So far, I’ve only had these shoes for a couple of weeks. I’ve got to say I’m very impressed so far, but I always think the real test of running shoes is how they perform over the long-term. Over the weeks I’ll keep you updated on how I get on with the Boost Supernova once I’ve got some real miles in them!
The Adidas Boost Supernova are available here.
So, that’s a start! In the months to come, I can’t wait to tell you about the adventures I’ve got lined up as I prepare for the Lakeland 50, and to give you an honest opinion of the Adidas gear I’ve been asked to try out.
Thanks for reading. See you next time!