A Beginner’s Guide to Running Terms (What They ACTUALLY Mean) - ADIDAS

NOTE: I'm lucky enough to have been approached by ADIDAS who have invited me to be a part of their Blogger Community. This means I get to link up with other like-minded bloggers (which I take to mean other snack-obsessed runners) and they give me some ADIDAS vouchers to write my blogs … which I do anyway! Sounds like an absolute win to me!

I'm doing nothing different except adding some links to ADIDAS kit! Win win!

So you’ve decided to become a runner. Congratulations! You are now part of a noble, unhinged community who willingly spend hundreds of pounds on shoes that promise to make us slightly quicker at parkrun and who think “relaxing” means voluntarily running up a hill. Hills. Plural.

This post is fuelled by crème eggs, sarcasm, and the fact I’m currently wearing head-to-toe Adidas tracksuits (If I can’t run fast, at least I can look like I know what I’m doing.)

But before you lace up and trot off, you need to know the language. Running has its own dictionary, and like all good dictionaries, it’s mainly full of words that sound either ridiculous, misleading or like medical conditions you’d rather not discuss with your GP.

Don’t worry though … I’ve put together a handy guide to running terms, complete with their REAL meanings.

Oh Yes. Having a grand old time trying to run up hills ... *CRIES*

PB (Personal Best)

Official definition: Your fastest ever time over a certain distance.

Actual meaning: The time you’ll spend the rest of your life trying (and failing) to beat. Despite new (and ever more expensive) shoes, new (and more complicated) training plans and trying new (and ever weirder) fuels & recipes … it'll remain elusive. However, a PB is definitely more achievable if you’re wearing shiny new kit. (Cough Adidas ladies black trainers cough). It's not worked yet. But I'm no quitter … goes off to buy 67^th pair of trainers.


Fartlek

Official definition: A Swedish training method meaning “speed play.”

Actual meaning: A word that makes non-runners think you’ve joined a Dad Joke comedy club. Also, running fast until you regret it, then jogging slowly until guilt forces you to speed up again. Repeat until death. Or vomit. Or brown shorts. 


Negative Split

Official definition: Running the second half of a race faster than the first.

Actual meaning: Something your coach suggests with a straight face, as if you’re not already sweating like you've eaten your child's easter eggs and they've asked for help looking for them, by halfway through the race. Go faster? Now? HOW?

Yes. That's me at London Marathon this year getting beaten by a penguin,

Carb-Loading

Official definition: Eating extra carbohydrates before a big race to fuel your body.

Actual meaning: Pasta. So much pasta. Pasta for breakfast, pasta for lunch, pasta until your family stage an intervention and beg you to eat a vegetable. Luckily, Adidas leggings and mens tracksuits stretch far enough to accommodate your new spaghetti baby belly. 


Bonk / Hitting the Wall

Official definition: When your glycogen stores run out mid-race, leaving you exhausted.

Actual meaning: The precise moment you discover your legs are ornamental and your brain is made of soup. Minestrone soup to be precise. And you wish you were on the sofa instead with a cold beer with your slippers on and your man hoodie.


Tempo Run

Official definition: A comfortably hard effort.

Actual meaning: An oxymoron. Like describing my race photos as “pretty ugly”.

It's perfectly NORMAL to run up mountains on holiday. *cough*

Taper

Official definition: The period of reduced training before a race. 

Actual meaning: A time when you run less, eat more, and panic constantly that you’ve forgotten how to run. Symptoms include Googling “Can I lose fitness in 72 hours?” at 2am. And when fuelling sensibly involves me wondering how many crème eggs I can justify as “sensible”.

Time to dig out your walking boots and get some miles in around that marathon expo. Walking doesn't count as mileage right? Want some more kit while you're tapering? Get your hiking boots here!


Shakeout Run

Official definition: A short jog to loosen your legs before a race.

Actual meaning: A public catwalk where you parade your carefully chosen race kit while pretending not to be terrified. (Top tip: new Adidas running tops look even faster than they feel.)


Ultra

Official definition: Any race longer than a marathon.

Actual meaning: A marathon, but with more snacks. Usually entered after two glasses of wine and the phrase, “How hard can it be?” And encouragement from online friends who will join you in thinking “What the hell have I just done?” the next morning.



Garmin (or any GPS watch)

Official definition: A device that tracks pace, distance and time.

Actual meaning: A small wrist tyrant that decides your self-worth. Finishing a run feeling amazing? Wrong. Garmin says your “training status” is “detraining.” Now cry. At least my Adidas womens hoodie never judges me. It just quietly soaks up the sweat and pretends everything’s fine.

And there you have it: the secret codebook of running. You’re welcome. Next time someone brags about their negative splits or invites you to a fartlek session, you’ll know exactly what they mean (or at least how much to laugh in their face).

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go “carb-load.” Which is a fancy way of saying I’ve just cooked an entire family-sized lasagne… for me. And yes, I’ll be eating it while wearing my Adidas waterproof trainers because fuelling is serious business.

She Chose It - ADIDAS

I didn’t want to be THAT mum. You know the one. Hovering on the sidelines with a clipboard and a whistle, shouting at their kid to go quicker, logging splits on a spreadsheet like a wannabe PE teacher. But with more embarrassment for the kid.

I wanted her to choose it. Not because I love it — although I do — but because I know what running gives you. What it’s given me.

Running has given me more than fitness. It’s brought me the kind of friendships that can only be forged at 7am on a frosty start line wearing your tracksuit when someone shares their jelly babies and a slightly-too-intimate story about chafing. It’s given me community. Support. The kind of unspoken solidarity where someone on the internet I've never met will send me a ‘'C'mon Booker,,, you got this!’ message just because I’ve posted a photo of myself wearing a race bib.

It’s given me the kind of moments that stay stitched into memory: running through dusk with owls overhead and deer slipping through the grass like secrets. It’s given me triumphs and disasters — and the wisdom to laugh about both. (Eventually. Usually after snacks.)

And I wanted that for her. I wanted her to have that. Not the medals or the PBs or the Strava uploads — but the magic.

But here’s the thing about the magic of running: you can’t gift it. You can’t hand it over wrapped in tissue paper with a motivational quote and a pair of Adidas ladies black trainers trainers. You have to find it. Trip over it. Breathe it in when you least expect it — somewhere between “this was a terrible idea” and “did I just fly a little bit?”

And she’s found it.

She’s running now. Really running. Not just jogging next to me asking how much longer, or walking the track at tri club with her mates because the session is technically optional if you talk fast enough. She’s running intervals. She’s flying round parkrun. She’s also twigged that if she does parkrun there's usually a cafe stop afterwards. With cake.

I think she’s felt it — that flicker of something wonderful. The sense that her legs can take her somewhere she didn’t think she could go. That she’s strong. That she’s capable. That running is hers.

And if she stops again? That’s fine. If life gets busy or chaotic or her interests take her somewhere else — that’s fine too. Because the magic doesn’t go. It just waits. Running waits. Through exams and heartbreak and stressy jobs and maybe, years from now, a little girl of her own who refuses to nap and thinks trainers are chew toys.

One day, she might lace up again and run out into the quiet and feel it: the roads and trails still hers. Her head clears. Her breath steadies. The magic is there.

She chose it. And I’m so, so glad.

I'm standing just in front of the camera with a comfy top like an Adidas women's hoodie really to snuggle her up in a hug with. 

NOTE: I'm lucky enough to have been approached by ADIDAS who have invited me to be a part of their Blogger Community. This means I get to link up with other like-minded bloggers (which I take to mean other snack-obsessed runners) and they give me some ADIDAS vouchers to write my blogs … which I do anyway! Sounds like an absolute win to me!

I'm doing nothing different except adding some links to ADIDAS kit that I'm looking at getting with my vouchers and which I think you might also like!

Weymouth Middle Distance Triathlon & Not Being a Pillock - ADIDAS sponsored

NOTE: I'm lucky enough to have been approached by ADIDAS who have invited me to be a part of their Blogger Community. This means I get to link up with other like-minded bloggers (which I take to mean other snack-obsessed runners) and they give me some ADIDAS vouchers to write my blogs … which I do anyway! Sounds like an absolute win to me!

I'm doing nothing different except adding some links to some decent Adidas kit!

Weymouth Middle Distance Triathlon is one of my faves. It’s always a toughie as the sea - which  looks like glass from the shore is unpredictable and the bike is hilly and the unshaded run is almost always hot. But I love it. It’s a good test of training and mental resilience. And of my ability to eat 4 gels without crying. Note: last year I failed at the not crying. But I DID eat the gels. 

This year, though? My swim and bike fitness have taken a slight knock. And by knock, I mean they’ve packed their bags, left a note, and haven’t been seen since last August. I’ve been running instead. It’s simple and it doesn’t require lugging half a garage of gear every time I travel for work. Ladies black trainers and go. Perfect.

As a result, Weymouth triathlon despite looming ever closer, was never really on my planning radar except all of a sudden it was here. And so was I. With my bike which had been sat on soft tyres and my wetsuit still hung up from the last open water swim. 

There had also been a stomach upset issue for a few days on the previous week. I’d had a beautiful test run in Weymouth on the Saturday but things didn’t feel right. The views were lovely but my tummy was grumpy. I decided to call whether I did it or not on the morning, with the decision already made about dropping it down from middle distance to sprint distance. 

Doing a long event when you're not feeling 100% or on not enough training isn’t being a hero, it’s being a pillock. I don’t want to be a pillock so a short swim, short bike and a 5km run sounded like more manageable distances. I reckoned I could get through an hour or so of a triathlon without incident.

But waking up at 0500hrs on the morning of the race, I wasn't feeling it. I get excited before my events, but I was dreading having to get into the sea. This wasn't like me, so I made the decision to skip this one. 

Triathlon will wait. There will always be another one. 

So instead, I went on an ADVENTURE RUN! (Hiking boots suggestion here!)

Because if things went horribly wrong mid-run, I could always call a taxi. Whereas in the triathlon, I couldn't exactly hail an Uber from the middle of the bay. 

Armed with my very reliable (cough) Garmin, I plotted a route through all the places I fancied seeing. I ran along Weymouth Promenade, picked up the Rodwell Trail (a gorgeous disused railway path), past Sandsfoot Castle and the Dripping Well, across Chesil Beach to Portland, then hopped onto the South West Coast Path for some gorgeous but brutal running.

I ran through Tout Quarry Sculpture Park, where Old Roy—an enormous stone creature with stone eyeballs woven into his fur (an old Portland legend) almost made me jump out of my skin.

Then, the route popped me out by St George’s Church — a disused, beautiful church built of the grey Portland stone. I wandered around the gravestones and found the bomb crater which had been turned into a memorial of the headstones destroyed by the bomb.

I still wasn’t feeling 100%, but there were no pace goals, no finish lines to chase, just curiosity and sunshine. I even stopped at Portland Museum and spent a happy hour looking at shipwreck artefacts and dinosaur bones. You don’t get that in transition.

Of course, no Booker run is complete without a detour through brambles and bad decisions. I attempted a 'shortcut' into what turned out to be a thorny tunnel that ended in a chain-link fence. Cue a bit (lot) of muttering and some scrambling to get out of the thorny tunnel. Why I had thought there might be a path at the end of a bramble patch which I LITERALLY had to crawl through, I have no idea. Lessons. 

Some solid walking boots would have been handy for this section!

From bramble patch to prison and I passed the famous grey stones of Portland prison, then descended what might actually be the steepest hill in Britain. My quads are still holding a grudge. At the bottom, I chatted with a lovely local runner around the marina who was flying along and I carried on exploring.

Then I got stung by a bee on Chesil Beach (not a euphemism). It was breezy, it panicked, I panicked, it ended up in my top and someone got stung (me). I felt a bit bad. I like bees but it had stung me before I had even realised it was trapped so didn't have a chance to rescue it.

Sorry bee.

I stopped at the Dripping Well, where the sunlight slanted through the trees and the drops of water glittered in the light. It felt peaceful. And magical. And I felt slightly less sting-y.

Sixteen miles later, I rolled back into Weymouth. Tired, sun-kissed, salt-sweaty and absolutely chuffed. I met Mum and Auntie Jen at the beach for a cider and an ice cream like a true athlete. Fuelling, innit.

Moral of my story?

Listen to your body. Don’t be a pillock. And sometimes, ditching the race number is the best race day decision you can make.

Triathlon can wait. But adventures? They’re always ready when you are.

Map of run: Strava

Links to suggested kit if you fancy doing this run: Kit

How Sleep Fuels Performance: The Key to Recovery and Success - Sponsored Content

* I have been sent a mattress by Simba to try free of charge and have posted this blog post as a thank you *

How sleep fuels performance: the key to recovery and success

Sleep deprivation can significantly impact athletic performance, slowing reaction times, reducing endurance, and hindering recovery. Simba Sleep, renowned for its innovative Hybrid® mattresses, is committed to enhancing sleep quality with advanced design and materials. Prioritising rest isn’t just about feeling refreshed, it’s a critical factor in achieving peak performance, both physically and mentally.

The overlooked factor in athletic performance

When striving to improve athletic performance, most athletes focus on training, nutrition, and recovery methods such as stretching or ice baths. But one crucial factor is often neglected, quality sleep.

Lisa Artis, Deputy CEO of Simba’s charity partner, The Sleep Charity, highlights its importance: “Prioritising quality rest is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Athletes who optimise their sleep see significant improvements in performance, recovery, and injury prevention.”

She further emphasises: “Lack of sleep increases levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, which can negatively affect muscle recovery and endurance. Ensuring adequate rest is just as important as training itself.”

Whether you're a professional athlete or someone looking to improve your fitness, quality rest can give you the edge you need. Here’s why sleep should be a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Faster recovery and stronger muscles

After a long run, your muscles need time to repair and grow. This process primarily occurs during deep sleep. 

Lisa Artis adds: “Deep sleep is the body's natural recovery phase. Without it, your muscles remain fatigued, increasing the risk of injury and delaying improvements in strength and performance.”

Without enough sleep, your body struggles to rebuild muscle, leading to prolonged recovery, increased soreness, and a higher risk of injury. Deep, restorative sleep ensures your body is ready to take on the next mile.

Sharper focus and faster reactions

In competitive sports, split-second decisions can make or break a game. Whether it’s reacting to an opponent’s move, maintaining precision, or strategising on the go, your brain needs to perform at its best.

Lisa Artis, explains: “Lack of sleep reduces vigilance, alertness, and focus, making it harder to perform tasks that require sustained attention. This can be a serious disadvantage in both training and competition.”

Sleep deprivation impacts cognitive function in a way similar to alcohol consumption. Reaction times slow, decision-making suffers, and concentration declines, none of which are ideal for an athlete aiming to perform at their best. By getting enough sleep, you enhance cognitive function, reaction time, and decision-making ability, giving yourself the best chance of success.

Injury prevention and coordination

Fatigue leads to poor coordination, slower reflexes, and weakened muscle control, all of which increase the likelihood of injury. Research shows that athletes who average less than eight hours of sleep per night are 1.7 times more likely to experience an injury compared to those who sleep eight or more hours.

Lisa Artis stresses: “Sleep is when your body restores energy and repairs damaged tissues. Without it, balance and coordination suffer, increasing the risk of strains, sprains, and serious injuries.”

Getting sufficient rest means better control over your body, reducing the risk of sprains, strains, and missteps.

More energy and endurance

Sleep plays a vital role in regulating energy levels and stamina. Well-rested athletes efficiently store and utilise glycogen, the fuel muscles rely on during exercise. Sleep deprivation, on the other hand, leads to quicker exhaustion, making even routine workouts feel significantly harder.

Lisa Artis points out: “Your body relies on sleep to regulate energy expenditure. Athletes who consistently get high-quality sleep tend to have better stamina, endurance, and overall performance.”

A well-rested body functions optimally, ensuring endurance, strength, and motivation remain high throughout training and competition.

Why your mattress matters

Even if you prioritise sleep, its quality matters as much as its duration. An unsupportive mattress can cause discomfort, poor posture, and restless nights, all of which negatively impact muscle recovery and overall performance.

The Simba Hybrid® Mattress is designed for optimal support, featuring innovative Aerocoil® springs for full-body alignment and pressure relief. Its extra-deep Simbatex® foam adds elasticity for cushioning comfort, while the nine-zone foam base supports key areas like the hips and shoulders. Upgrading to a high-quality mattress improves sleep efficiency, reduces stiffness, and helps you wake up refreshed and ready to perform.

The bottom line

To train harder, perform better, and recover faster, sleep must be a top priority. Just like a solid training plan and balanced nutrition, quality rest is essential for peak performance. By prioritising deep, restorative sleep, you give your body the recovery it needs to stay strong, sharp, and ready for any challenge.

Investing in better sleep isn’t just about comfort, it’s about unlocking your full potential.

Energy Bytes: The World's First Energy Gummies

*I was sent some Energy Bytes to sample. I wasn't paid to review them and as usual have written exactly what I thought!*

I have a sweet tooth. In fact, I'd go as far as to say ALLLLL of my teeth are sweet. I can take or leave chocolate bars but pick-n-mix sweeties? YES PLEASE.

I use them for fuelling on long bike rides and as a treat in ultramarathons. There is definitely a place for energy gels, but when I'm doing long-distance, I want something that feels like a treat too. 

Energy Bytes offered to send me some of their Energy Gummies to try. I would have liked to resist, but as they were not just sweeties but ENERGY sweeties, it felt silly not to give them a try. My fast-moving fingers typed back 'Yes please!” before I'd had a chance to consider.

I've tried all sorts of food in ultramarathons (I LOVE a long run) but pick'n'mix sweeties have been a constant fuel in pretty much every one I've run (and I've run 19 of them so far not including 30 mile+ training runs!). Pick'n'mix is easy to eat, bitesize, taste nice and cheers me up when I'm thinking about just how many miles I have left.

This meant that the Energy Bytes had a high bar to beat!

They sent me a few different flavours which was great so I could get an idea of what the gummies were like and which flavours would be most palatable for me in an event or long training run or ride.

Quick Overview:

I tried a few of the gummies before I tested them out in an event … just in case! They  were softer than I expected. I thought they'd be more like cola bottle sweetie texture but they were softer than this. I do prefer slightly harder sweets, but the softer texture had the benefit of being easier to chew on the go.

They tasted good. Caffeinated products can be a bit hit and miss. Previous products I've tried have been quite bitter from the caffeine which can be quite off-putting and if you're 60 miles into a run, you want something that you can tolerate. I liked the fruit flavours – they didn't taste too artificial and they were slightly sour which is a big tick from me!

I didn't notice a 'crash' from the gummies which I sometimes notice from pick'n'mix. This could have been because I was rather more careful with the portions and timings whereas with pick'n'mix I just shovel it in. Or it could have been from the lower sugar content. Either way, it worked for me. 

A big plus was not needing to stop for a cup of coffee. I'm not sure if this is habit or whether I really AM that addicted to coffee but it did mean I didn't feel like I had to.

Pros

• Texture – easy to eat while running or cycling hard as they are soft and don't have to chew much. (also a con!)
• Multiple flavours and I really liked that they're slightly sour – LOVE sour sweets!
• They come in packs of 15 gummies in a box but you also get mini resealable bags so can portion them according to what you're using them for and the portion size.
• They work within 10 minutes – quicker than waiting for the kettle to boil and waiting for the coffee to cool down!
• Didn't make me want to go to the loo!! (Sorry - TMI but important in an event!!)
• Very low sugar so don't get the 'crash' like you would from sweeties.
• Vegan. 
• Easy dosage – a serving is 2 gummies which is 80mg of caffeine which is similar to an average (8oz) cup of coffee.
• Can easily stash gummies in a pocket when I run or train whereas that doesn't work quite so well with coffee. (You get damp!!)
• No coffee breath!!

Cons

• I prefer a slightly harder texture although the softer texture is easier to eat when working out hard.
• If you don't like sour sweets they might not be sweet enough for you.
• Limited flavours. (I've put this as a 'con' but I like all of these flavours!) Flavours: orange crush, wild strawberries, berry blast, atomic apple.

Overall

I really rate them. They satisfy my 'sweetie' cravings without the negatives and they're easy to carry and stash in a pocket, whether I'm running, cycling or heading to work. I haven't had any negative effects from them - which I have had from coffee and they[re very convenient. I'd probably be tempted to use them alongside my usual fuel rather than replacing it entirely as they're only 16 cals a gummy but as a supplement to my training fuel, they're a win. 

Fancy giving them a try? 

Energy Bytes Website 

Amazon’s Energy Bytes page 

Copper Gloves: Real Benefits or Real Snake Oil?

*I was sent a pair of Copper Clothing semi-compression gloves to try. They sent for free and I don’t get paid for reviewing them but I was asked to pop a review on for them. It’s an unbiased review – I’m saying exactly what I think.*

You know me. I love trying out a bit of snake oil. Anything that might possibly work and means I get to sit down more and not actually work harder in training has to be worth a shot, right? That’s how it works, isn’t it? I spend a fortune on kit and then sit around wearing it waiting to improve?

That being said, I am a proud owner of lucky pants, lucky run tights and a magic magnetic band … so I’m probably not the most unbiased person to ask. “I LOVE something that I can be convinced will give me an edge” she says as swigging her beetroot infused green tea with chia seeds floating in it through a biodegradable straw made from the pubes of a hermit living in a cave in Scotland.

Copper Clothing Company says this about the gloves:

• 30% Copper fibre
• Totally skin rejuvenating
• Can help with dry, itchy skin, self hydrating
• Anti Inflammatory
• Promotes blood flow
• Designed to be worn in / out of bed 24hrs
• No need to wash as often as other gloves – self cleansing / anti microbial
• The power of copper will stay with you for the life of the garment

There is a disclaimer though which states ‘There is no evidence to suggest that all the benefits of these products continue whilst not in contact with the skin’.

These are quite big claims just from wearing some gloves! And they’re retailing at 13 euros rather than the 1300 euros you’d expect for a product which has all these benefits. If only they’d make me cycle quicker I’d buy a pair for my feet as well. That would improve my race photos.

Let’s take a look at a couple of the stated benefits: 

Anti-microbial / No need to wash so frequently: Our tests show that Copper destroys 99.9% of bacteria, fungi and viruses within minutes of contact, preventing the risk of infections. Perfect for opening doors.

To me this sounded a little suspect. I’d heard about nurses using copper infused dressings but this sounded a little too convenient. However, a quick look online (Yes I know …) showed multiple sources for the antimicrobial properties of copper including a study fromFebruary 22, 2011 from American Society for Microbiology stating that metallic copper surfaces kill microbes on contact, decimating their populations, according to new research. They do so literally in minutes, by causing massive membrane damage after about a minute's exposure, says the study's corresponding author, Gregor Grass of the University of Nebraska, Lincoln.(1) Oh ok. Whether this translates to wool and copper mix gloves having the same effect I don’t know but it’s interesting. 

Also I’m sure not actually touching a door handles with your bare hands stops you getting the germs on your hands. So a tick for the gloves on that point. 

Helps with blood flow / Itchy Skin / Self Hydrating: Promotes blood flow & can help with dry, itchy skin, self hydrating. 

There are plenty of articles online which state the benefits of these but it’s difficult to find many without a conflict of interest. There appears to be alink between dietary copper deficiency and heart disease (2) but I couldn’t find anything compelling about blood flow. I wonder if maybe it works from the same magic which fires my magnetic band …?

Touch Screen: One claim which is important to me and which I could find any evidence for based on my own research is that the gloves work on touch screens. Not on mine they didn’t. No taking photos instead of running for me.

Summary

There do seem to be lot of articles stating the benefits of copper online. Whether this translates to wearing it in fibres near and on the skin, I don’t know. I do know that the gloves fit nicely and feel thick and warm. They’re a nice weight and seem fairly strong – I’m not worried about the wool unravelling mid-run or the ends of the fingers getting a hole in. With regards to the evidence, I’m not convinced yet as there seem to be a lot of studies funded by grants which have an interest in promoting the benefits of copper (one study was authored by the Chief Medical Scientist of Cupron Inc., who uses copper oxide as its active ingredient)However, if you’re on the fence about it, it might be worth giving the gloves a try. They’re cheap, might give you some benefits to your skin, circulation and it’ll definitely stop door handle germs getting on your skin. 

Take a look and decide for yourself here

The Copper Clothing Co also have a few social media sites if you're interested in taking a peek and learning a bit more: Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest