Tonight I’ll be talking about the 3 superpowers for midlife runners, that counter the many issues we experience with running when we go through menopause. We start at 7pm and it will last around an hour, with a Q&A at the end. Here's the link to join: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89999586545?pwd=WbLVLgNiC3B34VHtu6tCIIPNvBgzdh.1 Hope to see you there! Gabrielle

The effect its had on me has changed over the years. To begin with, I just kept getting injured, to the point that I would stop exercising completely for a few weeks, then start again and within a week it would happen again. I was frightened to push myself and started pulling back from exercise. I completely stopped running. I'd run since I was 22, but almost overnight I stopped enjoying it. Its hard to pin down exactly what happened, because its so long ago, but I remember just feeling uncomfortable - possibly to do with temperature regulation getting worse (part of what causes hot sweats). By the time I got my running mojo back again, I was stronger - I'd done a lot of strength training by this point - but had also gained a lot of weight. My running fitness came back quickly, but as my mileage increased, the problems started - mostly in my knees which would swell up for days after - and which my physio could shed no light on. Losing weight and realising how tight my calves were and doing more work to release that helped with my knees. Then, when I was feeling at my best for a very long time, the tendon problems started. First my hamstring and then my achilles. Oh and then a tight hip and spasming back, which turned out to be a very tight, restricted sacroiliac joint. It's certainly tested my patience and been a roller coaster. But its also taught me a lot about my body - and I'm still going 😂 What are the things that have affected you most?

I did my long run/walk session yesterday. 26 miles, 1600m elevation and by the last hour and a half I was really feeling it and I knew my body was getting a bit of a bashing. Well a lot of a bashing! This is inevitable, but recovery strategies can make a massive difference and I’m feeling really good today, even though I didn’t have a great sleep which is normal after long sessions. This is what I did: Had a protein shake as soon as I finished my run (>30g protein and >3.5g leucine) Drank 750ml water with one rehydration tab Big dinner, 2 x chicken thighs and big portion of rice with mixed veg Another 500ml water with tab 2 cups green tea Magnesium before bed This morning I was stiff so did a mobility session, with lots of rotation and twisting and mobility for my knees, ankles, back and hips. I find mobility to be much more effective than stretching, particularly rotation and full range of motion to counter the repetitive front to back of running. Zero plans to exercise today. I’ll continue to focus on rehydrating and good nutrition. And I’m having a much-needed eye test! I’ve really noticed it being much harder to see the detail on the trails so I’m expecting to get a lot faster when I can see where I’m going. Have a great Sunday all 😊💪🏃🏻‍♀️