Cara Hanson Knead To Run

29/03/2026

Sheffield half!
Massive well done to all my athletes and clients who took part today and also to my speed session regulars, club mates, friends, and anyone else!
I had one runner targeting this as her first half, a couple targeting it as this seasons race, one as a race in the middle of sub-20 5k training, a couple doing it as a last minute thing and a few incorporating it into marathon training . My good friend and massage client smashed pacing yet again and is going on to pace Manchester marathon again. A few course bests were set, even despite it not being a target race, but most of all, you felt strong and looked happy! I'm proud of you all 🤗.
My favourite quote is, "Your training is working."

28/03/2026

Sad to miss Sheffield half tomorrow and sad not to be there to support my runners! Good luck to everyone, whether you're racing, pacing, doing as part of marathon training, or just there to enjoy it! Have a blast, and if you need some recovery next week, I have a couple of slots free for a sports massage 😀.

28/03/2026

Running is not glamorous 🤣.
Parkrun tourism today and Q at Queen Elizabeth's Grammar School parkrun. Thought I'd put effort in for a change, only the wind made it so hard and I thought I'd done a bit crap but looking at the results, it wasn't that bad, only 3 minutes behind the overall winner, plus it was all on grass so wore trail shoes rather than race shoes. Really friendly event,It was their 1st birthday event, so that meant bonus cake, and I'm sure the 4.5 laps aren't that bad when there's not a disgusting headwind 😀.

25/03/2026

The work place has had a lick of paint! Lucking good!

25/03/2026

This!

24/03/2026

Race season is pretty much here!
This is a good opportunity to book in for a sports massage as part of your taper, making sure you're primed and race ready!
The booking link is in the bio. Just look for my availability, and if nothing suits you, drop me a message as I can open up slots at different times 😀.

Any coaching enquiries, message or email me. Base building for big races in the autumn should ideally be starting in the next month or so, and I'd love to help you 😀.

23/03/2026

I've got caught up in the excitement of some of my runners reaching taper time, but then remembered it's not time for me to taper yet 😆! ( I'm proud of you all for all the hard work and determination 👏. )
Deload/recovery week for me, though, then 3 more weeks of graft before I can enjoy my 3 week taper before Dukeries 40 (66km).

The 3 weeks will look like this,

Sunday - 2:30 -3 hrs Z1-2 trails,hill jeffing,eating and drinking (basically mimicking ultra conditions)
Monday - 2hrs Z1 laps of the park (jeffing) to build mental strength and patience as well as maintaining the base.
Tuesday- Speed session to help with lactate intolerance
Wednesday - 1h15 Z1-2 trails for fun and to switch off from data.
Thursday - Bike Hills for more lactate tolerance and leg strength.
Friday- REST
Saturday - Sub threshold

As well as loads of walking and recovery cycling.

Thanks to Benlewisruncoaching for planning my Tuesdays sessions . After going through my lactate test with me (see pic), we decided I've got a big aerobic base but have really low levels of lactate throughout, which means I'm good at clearing lactate but have poor tolerance so I struggle with anything above LT2. His sessions are designed to recruit lactate producing fast twich muscle fibres and build up more of a lactate tolerance, making big efforts feel easier.
It's nice not having to plan these sessions myself, and I've noticed a big improvement already. I wasn't looking for a coach, but I just happened to stumble across one in the park with a coaching philosophy I'm on board with and someone whom I can learn from .

22/03/2026

Anyone struggling with this, there's ways to adapt training to make it more manageable. I can help, drop me a message 😀.

'Heart palpitations. Aches. Crushing fatigue. My running felt heavier with every step and I had no idea why. I thought I was just past it. Turns out, I was menopausal.'

83% of female runners say menopause has impacted their performance. But with the right knowledge, support, and strategies, there is a way through.

20/03/2026

18/03/2026

FHT membership renewed for another year 🥳, meaning those who have alternative therapies and well-being cover with Westfield can claim back for sports massage. This also guarantees you that I'm qualified, have insurance, and am continuously gaining more qualifications and keeping up to date in both sports massage and coaching. I've shared a list of qualifications and CPDs I've gained so far 😀.

I've also added some more availability for sports massage in March and April, so book in now. Link in the bio 😀.

15/03/2026