'Project Own Your Run' with Coach Saima: Part 2

In Part 2 of the SportsShoes x adidas Project: Own Your Run, we caught up with Coach Saima and her training group after they completed their first ever 5k or 10k run.

Missed Part 1? Click here find out more.

ㅤ

ㅤ

COACH SAIMA

I believe the last three months showed how life can be the most challenging when you are focused on bettering a physical goal. Every one of my girls pushed through numerous barriers, both physical and mental and came out on top. 3 months of learning how to listen to and move your body in accordance to improving running. The British weather tried to test us, but in turn enabled the group to focus on their hydration and recovery. I could not be prouder of what this group have achieved and seeing them cross the finish line was the best feeling. It is a privilege to be in a position to help, guide and support individuals who love movement, and I could not have achieved this without SportsShoes and adidas. Both brands have given the group so much more confidence through kit that is comfortable and responsive, and the importance of why community matters. I know this is just the beginning of more great accomplishments to come.”

Women need to feel safe and supported when it comes to running. Having the right safe environment within the right community is so crucial and important, it aids improved confidence and motivates Women to get the support that they deserve and need. Society, religion, culture, lifestyle and relationships have a major impact in not enabling some females when it comes to running or getting out. This is why using something so simple and free like running with the right brands and people is a great way to help getting more Women into a sport where they can work on their physical and mental wellbeing.

ㅤ

ㅤ

ADELAIDE SERONGWA

How do you feel now you have completed the run / and the 3 months training plan?

I feel motivated, energised and want to keep running. I’m glad I completed this journey.

Last 3 weeks have been challenging mentally due to personal issues.

Did you think that you would be able to complete the program?

Yes, I was committed to completing the programme for my own gratification as the last time I participated in a park run was 20 years ago.

What has running done for you physically and mentally?

I enjoy working out. Running helps me clear my mind and improved my cardiovascular fitness.

How has training in the right kit / footwear helped you?

I couldn't have done this without the correct footwear. I suffer from plantar fasciitis and all I can say 'THANK YOU' I've not had any foot/heel pain when running with the Solar Control trainers.

Do you wish to continue this journey?

I will 100% continue, it's given me the motivation I need.

What learnings will you now be taking into your everyday life?

Listen to my body and remember that every run has its own journey. Take one stride at a time!

ㅤ

Pictured: adidas Ultraboost Light

ㅤ

ANGELA HILL

How do you feel now you have completed the run / and the 3 months training plan? Amazing, relieved, proud and encouraged to do more 5k runs.

Did you think that you would be able to complete the program?

Yes, I'm a very determined person, once committed there's no going back.

What has running done for you physically and mentally?

It's given me time outside that I wouldn't have had, which has been very freeing and allowing my mind to focus on the here and now

How has training in the right kit / footwear helped you?

My new adidas SolarGlide 6 trainers are ace! Comfy and cushioned to keep me stable on my runs. Definitely recommend them for new and experienced runners. The shoes have definitely helped; I've already bought my second pair.

Do you wish to continue this journey?

I'll be honest, I missed doing my other exercises, so I'd like to do some of them, but I think I'll incorporate what I've learnt into my weekly regime.

What learnings will you now be taking into your everyday life?

Time, outdoors, for myself. Strength training is good for me.

ㅤ

LALINI NARENTHIRAN

How do you feel now you have completed the run / and the 3 months training plan?

I feel great! I feel so much better with myself for completing this journey and super excited to continue running and training.

Did you think that you would be able to complete the program?

I think throughout the programme I did have several moments when I felt like I couldn’t do it. But seeing all the others complete the training and talking about it always gave me a push to go get my run done or strength training!

What has running done for you physically and mentally?

Running has helped me a lot mentally. Kept me at ease and feeling a lot better with myself. And I think it definitely challenged me at the beginning.

How has training in the right kit / footwear helped you?

Training in the correct footwear has helped the runs feel easier. I LOVE the adidas SolarGlide 6 - so lightweight and comfortable! Very cushioned and provides full support.

Do you wish to continue this journey?

Yes, I’m definitely going continue running and training.

What learnings will you now be taking into your everyday life?

That mindset is everything. If I think I can, I can!

ㅤ

ㅤ

FRANKIE MACPHERSON

How do you feel now you have completed the run / and the 3 months training plan?

As someone whose injury prone and had a family history of arthritis on all sides, I’m so glad to have had a mixed bag of mobility, running, strength workouts that incorporate stretches to warm up/cool down has been brilliant. Aside from the plan itself and the experience of working through it being great, Saima has been amazing and I think both the plans she creates and her patient approach to supporting, nudging and checking in on us that allows grace for dips in health, family issues or just low periods is something that you don’t really see on social media or hear about from other people’s experiences with different apps/communities/personal trainers even. I’d just add that heading to the run and feeling everyone’s excitement and joy with Saima doing everything to make sure we’re all set, even continually calling and getting location pins, helped shake off first race nerves and make it such a lovely experience. Even when taking it a little easier than planned to avoid injuring myself and my time of the month arriving at what has to be the worst time, I managed to push through the last lil stretch pulling up a little more energy, powered by the amazing women who’d already finished the 5k and came through smiling but with mixed feelings because I really can’t believe I it’s done!

Did you think that you would be able to complete the program?

From the outset, I did but then there’s definitely been times where I felt like such a failure, the programme over last 3 months has honestly coincided with one of the most hectic times for me that I feel like I need a do-over now. Still, all the hurdles of health/injuries/life and doing this programme has highlighted just how wonderful Saima is and I feel very lucky to have been supported through them because I know that’s been frustrating all round. I felt at ease, part of this lovely team of women heading into the race together and debriefing and also well supported with the kit, I didn’t think I’d manage a whole 10k and not go over on my ankle right now without my insoles in, but the trainers are great!

What has running done for you physically and mentally?

It really has. The greatest benefit of anything for my mental health - not just lift my mood but also shake off anxiety, take a break from or even work through worries/problems while I’m out, with fresh air, music and time just to run and explore. Doing this programme has also helped me feel empowered to take on different challenges, to feel like I can develop and improve my running which is another boost when you achieve new goals/challenges! I also think both the running and strength workouts are helping my general health and wellbeing, feeling fitter and - with this programme - more confident in building my strength and navigating the gym. I also feel like the runner’s high is free pain relief, though maybe not if the pain is from a running injury.

How has training in the right kit / footwear helped you?

WOW did the kit help me! Both in confidence but also comfortable material, properly designed and my trainers are extremely supportive which makes a massive difference because I’ve got incredible weak ankles that are very prone to injury and so they feel very secure. In the adistar CS trainers I felt so supported that I managed to pick up the pace for the last few meters to the finish line and still feel good today!

Do you wish to continue this journey?

I would love to continue this journey, but to also from my side to improve my consistency and communication around how things are going and sharing progress because I really want to keep building from here generally for running.

What learnings will you now be taking into your everyday life?

I’d say a major one is having a plan or programme in place to get you started and keep you going, especially when I’ve not felt great or been nervous and self-conscious in the gym. Another is just how amazing and motivating it is to see other people smashing it and trying their best, even if they had to stop or had a slump and then getting back into after work/family/health stress. This sounds stupid or obvious but just yesterday I realised how fun it is to run with a group of other people running. I always go myself or a few times with my sister, and generally don’t want people to see me running, but I actually loved the energy of the big group and our mini group within that, everyone excited to get going and then hearing everyone moving off - it was fab and I want to do more group park runs or races!

ㅤ

CHARLOTTE HOLT

How do you feel now you have completed the run / and the 3 months training plan?

Really proud of myself for staying committed to the training and completing the run. The atmosphere on race day was amazing and I would never have been there if it weren’t for the brilliant training plan Saima put together for us.

Did you think that you would be able to complete the program?

I thought I would be able to complete the training but I wasn’t sure where it would leave me on race day. I achieved a time way better than I expected to.

What has running done for you physically and mentally?

Physically I feel much fitter and much more able to run longer distances. Even shorter distances feel a lot easier now. Mentally over the 3 months training plan it has given me the space to go out and think or relax. Doing my runs outdoors definitely helped mentally too.

How has training in the right kit / footwear helped you?

The adidas kit and trainers have been fantastic to train and race in. The trainers in particular are my favourite running trainers I’ve ever had. I’ve loved every run I’ve done so far in the adidas SolarBoost 5. They are supportive and have a bouncy sole making them a pleasure to run in. I’ve really noticed a difference in grip too, in comparison to my last running trainers, thanks to the Continental out sole. They’re super comfy which has meant the distance we’ve been running on our training plan have been no problem at all.

Do you wish to continue this journey?

I’ve had the best time on this journey and achieved a distance and time I never thought I would so I’d love to see what else I could do!

What learnings will you now be taking into your everyday life?

Stretching and mobility. I hadn’t realised the huge impact these two things can have on your training and runs. I knew they were important but having them structured into a plan and making sure I did them definitely improved my performance.

ㅤ

ㅤ

CELESTE MILES

How do you feel now you have completed the run / and the 3 months training plan?

Proud of myself for sticking to a plan. Feeling stronger than when I started and looking forward to continuing my running journey.

Did you think that you would be able to complete the program?

Mostly, I was nervous in case ongoing aches, pains & long covid might take me out, but I feel like the programme as a whole has built my strength up and so I haven't had to give up. Particularly back pain I was struggling with (and had been for a while) I never thought I could run without that pain, but the strength work and mobility really made a difference to building my back strength back up. And even though I still experience pain every so often if something triggers it, now I get over the pain quickly and rarely feel it when running.

What has running done for you physically and mentally?

I've always loved running, love being able to use it to switch off and love the buzz it gives me, this time round has been no different.

How has training in the right kit / footwear helped you?

I have always believed you have to have the right footwear for running. This programme has given me the opportunity to try a different brand (having stuck to the same brand and model for years) which I've really enjoyed. The trainers I was given have been really comfortable. Also shout out to the sports bra!!! which I absolutely love, very comfy and keeps me secure - another thing I thought I'd struggle with!

Do you wish to continue this journey?

Definitely, and I plan to, I will definitely keep up the strength training and mobility alongside any running I do.

What learnings will you now be taking into your everyday life?

Definitely the importance of strength training and mobility for running, i really feel that it's made all the difference to my running this time around and so will definitely keep that up. Also really enjoyed learning how to run slow, and pace myself in order to keep going longer, that's definitely something I will take forward.

ㅤ

ㅤ

SHOP ALL ADIDAS RUNNING PRODUCTS HERE

ㅤ

Are you feeling inspired? Then join our SportsShoes Strava Run Club and become part of our inclusive community.
And for more inspirational tips to become stronger, better and happier, then check out our Motivation category. Because it’s no fun standing still.