In philosophy, if you aren't moving at a snail... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,089 membersβ€’159,459 posts

In philosophy, if you aren't moving at a snail's pace...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
β€’152 Replies

I'm fed up, and feeling got at

And like a real pain in the butt;

Because my mantra's slow and steady

Doesn't mean I'm in a rut.

I'm simply just advising,

A safe and happy way

To complete this awesome programme;

That's the Admins' brief each day.

We try to give the best of tips,

To help you to get through,

If you run too fast or miss rest days,

Well, that is up to you.

Although we try to keep you safe.

It's up to you... the rest...

So many sign up every day.

I can only do my best.

I can move fast, if I want to,

And my favourite runs are long

And at no point, am I saying

That the way you run is wrong.

Yes, we are all very different

Yes, we all want to have fun

Just keep yourself off the IC

As you complete your run.

So I'm really very sorry,

If I seem to be a pain.

But I'll keep on with my mantra,

My message....still the same.

This post is very whiny

With damp and thick fog here.

I'm feeling very gRUNply,

That surely must be clear?

But... tomorrow is another day

A deep breath, I'll be ready.

A run along the Welsh coastal path

And yes.... it will be SLOW and STEADY!

Written by
Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
Administrator
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
152 Replies
β€’
trogdelight profile image
trogdelightGraduate

Personally, your advice has helped me a lot. I tried to run far too fast in the first week, but now I keep it nice and steady.

Very poetic, by the way.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply totrogdelight

Thank you... I have felt so .... whatever ... all day!

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007Graduate

Love it! You are so clever! And if it wasn’t for your mantra of slow and steady I would definitely not have graduated! You make it ok to run like a snail 🐌 xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toBridget007

Thanks... I have felt really down all day.... :)

I know I go on... but.. it is important:) xx

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007Graduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

No! Really you are the one that is with me when I’m struggling! You honestly make it okay for people to go as slow as they need to xxxxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toBridget007

xx

Decker profile image
Deckerβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Hi Floss I am sorry to hear you are feeling down my friend. I wish there was something I could do to help. You’ve been a steady source of inspiration to me and thousands of other runners on this board. I still follow your light touch advice in my head. 😊 Please know that your presence here makes this a better place to be.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toDecker

Thank you..back on track now xxx..

Decker profile image
Deckerβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

That is good to hear Floss πŸ™‚

Gran4z profile image
Gran4zGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Sorry you've been feeling down, hope you're feeling more cheery now. You and your wisdom is really appreciated.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toGran4z

Thank you x

Realfoodieclub profile image
RealfoodieclubGraduate

Oh I am sorry you are feeling down. I often use your mantra, it is such a good One. We love you just the way you are. Rfc x.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toRealfoodieclub

Thanks T.... feeling like an old nanny currently, ( which I am, coincidentally)...... but..broad shoulders... I shall recover... :) xxxx

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

I am with you all the way.......

Xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toIannodaTruffe

xx

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

Wouldn’t have made it without your advice. Think of all the runners you’ve helped create x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toJay66UK

Better this morning.. had a run.. and took my Moaning Minnie face off.. thank you x

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Glad to hear it. But sometimes it’s right to moan x

HoagyM profile image
HoagyMGraduate

Indeed - if you’re going to have a mantra, you may as well make it the most useful/important mantra of all - which for most doing the C25k programme is β€œslow and steady”.

Keep doing what you’re doing OldFloss!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toHoagyM

Thank you .. feel better today...a slow and steady run works wonders:)

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduate

Now come on hon! There are thousands of people here who love you to bits. If you cut my arm off it will say "Slow and Steady" just like a stick of rock. You are my hero!!!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply tosallenson

Made me smile.... I ran today and lost my little bit of self pity... I dropped it on the coastal path ..thank you!

Oh no! You are the best - WHO has upset you? Sallenson & I will go & sort them out - Team EJB to the rescue! Not trying to be flippant - just trying to make you smile. I really hope it wasn't my comment about you getting cross about the "F" word (fail) You do a great job and I have been very grateful for your help & advice. Please don't let it get you down.

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduateβ€’ in reply to

Yeah! Go team. We are going to find them and take care of them. In an Al Pacino sense....

No-one puts Oldfloss in a corner...

β€’ in reply tosallenson

Absolutely not! Get on the case Sallenson.

sallenson profile image
sallensonGraduateβ€’ in reply to

And the EJBs are in a indignant rage too. And no-one messes with an enraged Jelly Baby....

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply tosallenson

Thank you... and I reckon we could do that lift :) x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply to

You could never upset me.. you are doing wonderfully:)

It was just a loaded and snide remark.. and it caught me completely wrong-footed yesterday morning. I just took it too much to heart..from someone who has not posted previously and seemed to know little about the programme or us... and now seems to have disappeared again !

Maybe @sallenson and you scared them off...:) I am not usually so wimpy...but one or two things just conspired and it was a sort of last straw!

Thank you for your supportx

Myrar profile image
MyrarGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Hope they disappear for good ..Can't be having floss upset your very valuable take care 😊

β€’ in reply toOldfloss

Thank goodness it wasn’t me! Not that that makes it any better! I know what u mean i had a similar experience last week at work. Why do people have to be so nasty? I guess it says more abt them than it does abt us! Onwards & upwards. Glad u r feeling a bit better.

MarkyD profile image
MarkyDGraduate

We love you Flossie! And we love your writing.

I apply your mantra of "Slow and Steady" (ahem) to many aspects of my live. In fact, I was saying that to MrsMarkyD just the other night, but that's TMI :-)

β€’ in reply toMarkyD

πŸ˜‚

β€’ in reply toMarkyD

πŸ˜‚

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toMarkyD

Too much information but so true !! Thank you my friend:)

Kar43 profile image
Kar43

Best mantra I've ever heard oldfloss

Has helped so many of us so much 😊

You've got me to week 9 with it

Sorry to hear your feeling low....send you some hugs πŸ€—

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toKar43

Hug gratefully accepted and feeling back to normal today thank goodness:)

Kar43 profile image
Kar43β€’ in reply toOldfloss

So glad to hear oldfloss 😊

β€’ in reply toKar43

Yes exactly! If I hadn’t taken that advice onboard i think I wld’ve dropped out & yet here i am at W7R3!

18Windmill profile image
18WindmillGraduate

Your advice, support and kindness is invaluable. I rely on it. Hope you’re feeling the love there is for you. πŸ‘πŸ‘πŸ‘

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply to18Windmill

I am and I slept well knowing there are folk who do find our support useful :) Thank youx

cheryl_couch_tatty profile image
cheryl_couch_tattyGraduate

Oww I think you are awesome, please never change! Your advice has helped me loads and I am now on week 9!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply tocheryl_couch_tatty

So close now... wow.. well done you.. thanks.. it is great to be part of your runs:)

Lorijay profile image
LorijayGraduate

You are just great Oldfloss and inspire and guide so many of us. Adored by all. The gray day will pass, sometimes just need to give low feelings an airing. Big hugs :) :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toLorijay

Yes.. bad reaction and not really like me.. caught me wrong-footed...We just try our best and sometimes.. it goes pear-shaped..but.. I ran today and the world seems back to normal!

Hug gratefully taken x

Keepcalm-keepsmiling profile image
Keepcalm-keepsmilingGraduate

Without your advice I would not have graduated, I think you are so inspiring (and a pretty awesome poet too πŸ™‚) Snails rock, and so do you

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toKeepcalm-keepsmiling

Thanks.. got to love those snails.. Is was a beautiful yellow one this morning.. definitely and omen :)

Well done you!

Cathy1946 profile image
Cathy1946

Brilliant post Oddfloss. Just completed Counch to 5k, Week 3 Run 3. Very slow and very steady, but hey I have done it,. I am determined to reach Week 9 this time around. Cathy xxxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toCathy1946

It works and you will get there.. I should not have let a silly remark throw me... but we all have our weak moments! Thank you :)

Fishypieface profile image
FishypiefaceGraduate

If someone doesn't want to listen to your sage advice, well intended advice - more fool them!! Unfortunately the world is full of ignorant pigs (most of whom always seem to be in the car/aisle/queue in front of me). But the majority of us on here are incredibly grateful for your caring, ever-positive, funny, upbeat, wise comments. And I am sure so very many of us would still be sitting on the couch without your guidance and support.

You rock OF, don't let anyone tell you otherwise xxx

P.S. Fab poem and a great cathartic release I am sure :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toFishypieface

It was a release..but I felt I should really not have responded straight way.. I was just feeling sneeped.. and had to let it out

Thank you my friend... your support is much appreciated.. and after a run this morning..and a day in the mountains.... I think normal service will be resumed:) xx

Birdsong53 profile image
Birdsong53Graduate

Sad to hear you’re feeling down Oldfloss, personally, I love your posts and your advice has always been both positive and encouraging. Keep doing what you do, and carry on pointing us all in the right direction. πŸ˜˜πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toBirdsong53

Better now... a run and day out in the mountains... and so much support from folk here... thanks you xx

Birdsong53 profile image
Birdsong53Graduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

So pleased to hear that. X

JulesG1 profile image
JulesG1Graduate

I have had a grumpy day too, mainly due to lack of sleep and a very grumpy grandfiend! Onwards and upwards (to bed) we live to fight another day! It is reassuring to know our heroes have bad days too, thank you for being there for us, despite it all. πŸ‘Ή

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toJulesG1

We do..onward and upward... I am feeling back to my old self today.. and ready for action:) Hope you slept better and fee better too :) x

JulesG1 profile image
JulesG1Graduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Yes, thanks. I managed a 20 minute run yesterday, so feel better for it. I will try driving to a flatter route on Sunday for a gentle 30mins. Not much improvement on the grandfiend front though. Only 12 more weeks before they go home, if the builders stay on track!

I really don't think you know how much your advice means to us all. It's the one piece of advice that I pass on to friends starting the course and my OH who's doing this with me but isn't part of the forum, so needs schooled on these matters. In fact that was the lesson for our last run, he wouldn't listen, thought we needed to increase the pace to achieve 5K in 30 mins on graduation day and stepped it up. He's listening now! It's so kind of the admin staff, mentors and graduates to stick around you teach us newbs from your own experience, and dare I say, mistakes. Not that we always listen, but you do your best, just as parents do with their children and watch them make their own mistakes and dust them off for the next outing. I wish I was as poetic as you to try to voice my appreciation for you, and the others. I hope some of these words reach through your fog and pick you up as you pick us up when needed. Blessings xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply to

That is so kind... and much appreciated.. I did not crave thanks from the post..just hoped some folk.. might see what we are all of us here, trying to do... A chance remark just hit me hard and maybe wrongly, I responded... but.. feeling loads better now and ready for some more replies:) x

β€’ in reply toOldfloss

Glad to hear you're on the up! I'd like to think that the person did not mean to be nasty, that it's a misunderstanding, but then I am ever the optimist. If nothing else, it's given us users of the forum a chance to realise the human side of the mentors and an opportunity to give back. We all take something away from this site and it's not always possible to give something back and hopefully leave it in a better place than we found it. You've given us that opportunity with this post, so thank you once again. The C25K can be a bit of fun, but for a lot of people it's life changing so it must be fantastic to be part of that. With life changing things comes supercharged emotions too, so sensitivity around the forum is a must. I feel we can all take something from this post and hopefully be better for it. Again, blessings to you and the team xx

Ang33333 profile image
Ang33333Graduate

Brilliant! Slow and steady forever!!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toAng33333

Yeaayayayay.. and my run this morning was certainly that :) xx

Flaraflarkin profile image
FlaraflarkinGraduate

Yours is the voice I hear when I'm struggling 😊 Thank you for that, you are appreciated muchly xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toFlaraflarkin

And my friends on here keep me going... thank you!! xxx

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate

You’re mantra has given me a new lease of life in my running!

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduateβ€’ in reply toSadie-runs

PS xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toSadie-runs

Wow.. thank you... you are doing amazingly... well done :)xx

lexi6 profile image
lexi6Graduate

Oh OF, I if someone is touchy enough to be offended by your advice of slow and steady, thats their tough sβ€”t. 🀬 You have no idea how slow and steady helped me complete c25 and without your encouragement I would never have started the 10k without your belief in me that I can do it and I am. Thanks OF love the poem too. X

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply tolexi6

Thanks lexi... I just was a bit silly and took the remark to heart..I am usually tougher than that! Back on track now :)

aliboo70 profile image
aliboo70

Floss- please know how great you are! :)

A guiding hand and a shining star!

A friend to many with great advice!

"Slow and steady" mantra is NOT a vice!

A generous soul with time for all!

Don't feel down keep standing tall! :)

( Love your pal Aliboo xxx )

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toaliboo70

Thanks, thanks , thanks... Ali... back on the case today... I was just a bit oversensitive... and a run has cured that.. along with all the support from the great folk on here:) xxx

Christianne57 profile image
Christianne57Graduate

Sorry to hear you are feeling blue and sending love, positivity & happy vibes to you via t'interweb

No false promises or "magic" fixes, just rock solid good advice - slow and steady is the only way to go.

I may be slow, old and steady but I'm lapping everyone on the couch!

Look after yourself x x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toChristianne57

They all reached me and after a good sleep and a run today... and reading folks lovely kind replies...I feel more like me...:)

Well done you!!!x

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduate

You have been such a wonderful support, inspiration and Running friend :) Just want to let you know that : )

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrish-John

Much appreciated my lovely boy ..thank you... I have my broad shoulders and sense of humour back now :) xxx

Irish-John profile image
Irish-JohnGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

😘

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate

We all love you Floss - just this morning I told myself I had to just slow down!

Hope no one has upset you and the skies will brighten tomorrow. Ruddy slugs have upset me and eaten a plant I just bought overnight!!!!!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduateβ€’ in reply toancientrunner

I've given up giving them food and try to buy only plants they don't like/eat!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

Beer in a saucer maybe? The slugs..not you xx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Tried it, doesn't work and waste of a good beer 😏

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

I try, but I do love campanulas - I'd like to hold the national collection!!! We have very damp gardens, my neighbour stuck his head over the fence yesterday with a shovel ful of the things. He has taken to using salt but I can't bring myself to do that.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduateβ€’ in reply toancientrunner

Ooh I love Campanulas too! They're one of my favourite plants. Funnily mine do well and don't get eaten by slugs but I think it depends on the type. My "Loddon Anna" got devoured the first year I planted her but then last year she thrived! What's that about?

If you get to hold the national collection let me know and I'll be there πŸ€—

We're just back from a few days in Kent - saw Sissinghurst and Pashley Manor. I asked the gardeners in both how they deal with slugs and snails. At Sissinghurst they deal with them early, ie February when they are breeding and they use grit. At Pashley they use nematoids which is where I'll go methinks if I need to. I love lupins but have stopped growing them because they never even make it to the flowering part!

Sorry Floss, this post has gone way beyond running! x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

No worries... I am.. slug free... and as for snails... well.. that is how this all started :) xxxx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

πŸ™‚πŸ™‚

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

Ha! - nematodes were on the doormat when I got back from Parkrun this morning. Probably a bit late for this year but I shall give it ago. Went to Highgrove recently and they also said nematodes, plus leaving it to natural predators. The man at the local community allotment said crushed egg shells but only if you bake them first. That and a copper ring seems to have kept a courgette safe but it is in a pot. I bought 8 punctata type campanulas , they've had a go at them all and demolished 4 of them.

Oh well - we'll need to set up a separate support group!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toancientrunner

S S A... Slug Slayers Anonymous xx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduateβ€’ in reply toancientrunner

If only I’d known you were at Highgrove! I’m down the road from HRH and we could have met up for a run then gone on to some nurseries!

It is beautiful there especially at this time of year.

Let me know how you get on with the nematodes. No wonder you were upset about the plants. That’s a lot of damage!

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

That sounds like a lovely outing. It must be a beautiful area to run in.

Will see how they go - starting early next year will probably be abetter test. At least the Campanula I bought at Hadrian's Wall after the Great North Run has escaped their munching.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toancientrunner

Okay you two...any outings to Highgrove and runs after..I would like an invite please!! Xx

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

- and very welcome you would be too. xx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Always Floss xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toancientrunner

Blinking slugs.. although I watched a feature on tree slugs which was fascinating...!

Thanks you.. I over reacted to a remark.. a bit pointed... I think it just touched a nerve... fine now.. a run and a day in the mountains has worked its magic.. and the support from my friends here...xxx

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

You probably don't realise how much you support and inspire people. The thing with this forum is: I have been on here for five years now and it has changed a lot in that it is so much bigger, but people's worries and questions remain the same. I haven't achieved as much as a lot of people who have come through after me but it is the only social media I do and if it wasn't here I think I would have stopped ages ago. I am inherently lazy, and if I go too long without a run, reading about other's exploits drives me out the door. I know a lot of people disappear off to Facebook after qualifying but there are also people who haven't been keen to have rest days or are chasing times from the start or want to run for longer and you rarely see a graduation post. I like to think they are now super-duper club runners who didn't need the programme, but I suspect it just all fizzled out. I haven't really explained that properly but the support on here from you and others for those starting out and, who like most of us that have been around a while, never dreamt we would run is quite extraordinary. Glad you are feeling better. xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toancientrunner

Thank you.... that really says it all.. we do our best... that is all we are able to do. :) x

JaneE71 profile image
JaneE71

If it helps...

If I hadn’t of read yours and IannodaTruffe’s posts I’m sure my time doing this programme would have been over in W1 as left to me I probably would have been ignorantly running to race against myself and others posting on the forum instead of acknowledging that when you start to learn any new craft, it takes time.

I’ve taken more than 1 rest day at times-I probably would be graduated by now-but my knee needed nurturing so I took a week off as well as extra rest days between runs and doing this has meant I’ve not had any further trouble with it fortunately so have kept on running.

I’m doing this with my 15 year old daughter and we run as a team so we literally run around our commitments meaning each run is something to be celebrated whatever shade of purple our faces look like at the end of the 30 mins.

From your excellent advisory posts, we run slow and steady reminding each other to slow down. We don’t worry about distance either as getting out to do the runs however slow is a sense of achievement in itself.

You make C25K achievable for all of us out there who maybe have never dared to have thought themselves as runners. The admin team on this fantastic forum between them have the skills and experience to get us through....we just need to be prepared to listen and learn.

Thank you for being there with your support πŸ˜ŠπŸŒŸπŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™‚οΈ

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toJaneE71

Thank you.. this is much appreciated ...not just by me..but by all the team:)

You and daughter are doing wonderfully and it is great to know that you will both make the podium having had fun and having stayed safe...:)

CJDavies profile image
CJDaviesGraduate

I can only echo everyone else on here, your advice and support has kept so many people going. Keep up the good work and tomorrow is another day.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toCJDavies

It is and a run this morning... improved things greatly... a day in the mountains too and the support fromall of you has made a real difference..thank you!

Myrar profile image
MyrarGraduate

We couldn't do it without all the best advice we get on here ...Thank you 😊😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toMyrar

Thank you.. good to know that it really does help :)

Razouski profile image
Razouski

Sorry to hear that you’re feeling down,

I’m not sure what is the cause.

I only know that for many of us

The best advice has been yours.

πŸ˜€

You’re always there with a helpful word,

To keep us off the IC.

When I was struggling on C25K

You were like a virtual buddy.

πŸƒπŸ»β€β™€οΈ

I hope that whatever is making you sad,

Will soon be dispatched or dispersed,

I’m wishing you well and sending you hugs

Expressed in this little verse.

X x x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toRazouski

Thank you, our Own wonderful Laureate :)

Much appreciated..:) I was obviously a tad oversensitive and just took exception to a pointed remark.. feeling much better today :) xx

Razouski profile image
Razouskiβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Glad you’re feeling so much better today. X x

Richard7 profile image
Richard7Graduate

Sorry to hear you are feeling the blues.

My profile has a "mantras I love" section and yours is top of the list! It got me to the end of C25K and got me up to 10k too.

Yeah I want to go and improve on what I have done but it has always been more important to me to finish the run than to go fast and for this I know that going slow and steady will always win over fast and furious. Thanks for your support and encouragement to me and all the other runners and would be runners on here.

Your post above might be a tad "whiny" but you can get away with most things in prose. I think you need a good long run to cheer yourself up and to send us all one of your lovely picturesque posts. πŸ˜‰ Hope you don't stay blue for long.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toRichard7

Thanks Richard.. I am not usually a whiny sort but I felt sneeped.. better now and with the support and watching the progress you folk are making..how could I stay down for long... :) x

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Hi Floss, sorry to hear you feel a little deflated, your poem says it all...

we have been through those early runs, so know what its like and are just trying to guide and help with tips and our own experiences.

You wrote a super post a while back explaining that everyone's slow and steady pace is personal to them and how they perceive that to be. Finding that happy pace is the secret to success and so many people continue to run after finishing the program by following your mantra.

You are a brilliant Mentor and always give inspiration and encouragement to everyone. As Fishypieface says you rock, and I hope seeing everyones lovely replies cheers you up...

Sending you a hug (())

We have a running date in the morning!😊xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toBluebirdrunner

Thank you my friend xxxx

I just got wrong footed by a nasty remark... I responded a bit too quickly as I was upset... but.. better now.. And our run was great!!!!

Watch for the post on Bridge :) We had a great time:) x

Tartiflette profile image
TartifletteGraduate

Hope you're feeling better tomorrow πŸ€—

Nothing wrong with having a grumpy day but you shouldn't feel unappreciated.

Every run, I have Laura in one ear & OF/IT in the other, slow & steady!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toTartiflette

I do feel more like me,, snail like and rocking it... thank you so much xx

lexi6 profile image
lexi6Graduate

PS OF just got back from run 1 of week 3 B10k, you were with me every step of the way. Thanks again. Reading all these replies I think you know now how much we think of you πŸ¦‹ 🐝

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply tolexi6

Brilliant... go you!!!! Very well done.... the support from the forum friends is priceless :)x

I hope that you are feeling more chipper today OF. Reading all these messages must lift your gloom :). Slow and steady is the best way and you have been an inspiration to so many. I doubt I would have made the grade without you. So don't be downhearted and don't let other people pull you down. :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply to

The replies have lifted me so much.... I had not really looked until now, as I ran this morning to shake the negative feelings off and then a day in the mountains of Snowdonia, have helped a lot.

Folk are so kind ans supportive and it is good to reaffirm that the unpleasant folks are few...

And you.... are doing amazingly!!! x

Razouski profile image
Razouski

Floss I hope you’re feeling better today. So many C25Kers hold you in such high esteem as you can see.

Sending hugs. X x x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toRazouski

Much, much better thank you... what a great bunch of folk you all are.. and how lucky I am to be part of this :) xxx

MichaelH070862 profile image
MichaelH070862Graduate

Hi ya hope you are feeling a lot better today you can have some of my joy and happiness today even though I can't walk until tomorrow as I am at work today and I have decided to switch off the distance part in my brain so I can walk as far as I can when I go out.

Michael

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toMichaelH070862

Michael.. compared to you I am a fraudster!!!

I just reacted to a pointed remark.. I should have know better...BUT I am feeling more like me, now.. still snail like..but me again.

So good to know that you are here again and that you will be out there, doing your stuff xxx

MichaelH070862 profile image
MichaelH070862Graduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

You can still have the joy and happiness I think it makes those of us with experience know how to things correctly

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

Hope you’re feeling better today, OF. This running lark is full of ups and downs. I’m not feeling the love much at the moment, but I will keep plodding in - I just have to remind myself of the benefits.

Slow and steady is good - even though everyone seems to want fast and furious. I’m getting slower (but steadier!), but who cares? Just me, so I have to learn not to care - and you help there!

You do a fantastic job as a mentor here.

Happy running!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toJaySeeSkinny

Thank you my friend.. yes, I am feeling better.. a slow and steady did it for me this morning and then reading all the kind replies from the forum friends has sealed the recovery... :)

Hope it all comes together for you... and yes, the only way is, one slow step at a time.. and just look where it gets us :) xxx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

Aw Floss I'm sad that you're feeling ☹️ But look at the responses here! You are much loved, admired and listened to. There are always going to be a few here who don't listen and think they know better but we all know what usually happens to them!

I've said this before, this place just wouldn't be the same without you and you do an amazing job.

I hope you have a brilliantly happy run today. I'll join you (tentative jogette after two weeks on the IC πŸ™)

Big hug and keep doing what you do xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toIrishprincess

I feel better...much.. and this morning, and as ever.. you always run with me.... the support from the friends on here is incredible..I feel very humble !

I hope you enjoyed the run.. we did a short one then a bit longer then a short, finish off... it was gentle though... :)

Thank you for the support you have always given me, in all things, not just my running xxxxxx

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

So pleased you're feeling better today πŸ™‚ And I did enjoy our run πŸƒπŸƒπŸƒ xxx

pianoteacher profile image
pianoteacherGraduate

Hope you're feeling better today. Just wanted to say how much I have appreciated your input on this journey. I am naturally inclined to go way too fast and push myself way too hard and while I might not always heed it, your "slow and steady" mantra has been a great help to me many times.

You were first to respond to my first panicky post about the speed I needed to achieve for the Army. I was struggling to run for 3 mins then and the advice you gave me (to complete the programme and the speed would come later) has, of course, proved to be absolutely spot on. Thank you x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply topianoteacher

Thank you.. and I am feeling more like me again... Snail like..but me :) It is great to share your runs and your progress:) x

harveyemm profile image
harveyemmGraduate

Hi there,

You provide so much to this forum.

Firstly you are a fantastic role model for older runners (and everybody else)---if you are past 60 it can be hard to believe running is possible but you are really fit and run for long distances. It is inspiring so thank you for showing us that it can be done.

Also running is hard for some. Some can just go out and run fast and for a long time but for others ,including myself, have to work really hard to build up strength and fitness. Your message of "slow and steady" encourages people who can't run fast because it makes room in the running world for people who are not natural runners. That's a really good thing.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toharveyemm

That is much appreciated...I am glad that the advice from me and us on our great Admin Team, is really useful;

It is truly amazing where slow and steady gets us... I know that every time I run... I still can hardly believe I am doing It. Onward and upward.. well done you !

Debsy2008 profile image
Debsy2008Graduate

Oldfloss your advise is the best, you may be sick of saying it but we sure aren’t sick of hearing it πŸ˜ƒ I for one thank you for being the snails advocate πŸ˜‚

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toDebsy2008

Love that.... Snail's Advocate.....thank you.. I am almost back to being me now and the support has been amazing, and humbling... I needed to get my sensible head on and should not have reacted as I did!!!

Fortunately....(or unfortunately for some:) I shall never change my mantra... If I can get from no running.....to training for my first HM.....then it must work !! xxx

Debsy2008 profile image
Debsy2008Graduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

OF don’t regret putting it out there. It’s ok to feel crappy sometimes without the downs we don’t appreciate the ups!

I’m sure the response has shown you just how much you are loved here and how many of us hear your words of wisdom in our heads whilst out running... that’s amazing!

Glad your feeling better πŸ’ͺ🏼

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate

OMG Oldfloss! I absolutely love the reminders! Keep them coming! You’re so very much appreciated! ❀️❀️❀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toFabulous450

They will keep coming....I have stopped feeling so sorry for myself and with the support from all my friends on here.. the only was us up.... slow and steady :)

Thank youx

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

πŸ˜‰ indeed!! ❀️

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

Thank you Oldfloss, that is brilliant and we very much appreciate your watchful eye. 🐌

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toDexy5

.. and it is back now.. I just took something a tad to much too heart... thank you xx

Jullaly profile image
JullalyGraduate

I would have never got this far without your advice, I remember during one difficult run saying to myself 'old floss says slow and steady' over and over again..it got me through that particular run and more recently its been getting me through other difficult life events. As a matter of fact, slow and steady is a really sensible approach to all matters in the universe. I was rushing around like an headless chicken the other day and a friend looked at me and said its alright to rush but rush slowly. You Oldfloss Bluebirdrunner and IannodaTruffe are responsible for getting thousands of us off that couch and running, I didn't believe it possible and I didn't believe I would feel as healthy ..Thank you all.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduateβ€’ in reply toJullaly

Yes three cheers for all the team. πŸ‘

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toDexy5

xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toJullaly

Thank you.. all of us, really, really appreciate your reply....I just over reacted and was a bit silly... i should know better..but back to it, now, and having had a run today and been in the mountains all day.. I feel so much better!!! xx

Jullaly profile image
JullalyGraduateβ€’ in reply toOldfloss

Not an over reaction and actually it gives us an opportunity not to take what we have in this forum; in the form of our mentor and administrators for granted. Its greatly appreciated and I know you must all give up so much of your time.

Marvo69 profile image
Marvo69Graduate

Who's upset our lovely nan! I love you a little bit OldFloss... We need your sage advice, and you should be sooo immensely proud of the work you do and the thousands of people you have helped through this programme to find a new lease of life. x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toMarvo69

Thank you xxx

I got a tad upset over a pointed remark. I really am old enough to know better...but.. the run this morning and a day in the mountains has worked and getting back to the support from all of you has just made it all seem right again! xx

Marvo69 profile image
Marvo69Graduate

four-minute mile anyone?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toMarvo69

Did that this morning :) πŸ˜‰πŸ˜‰

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

Before I mastered Slow and Steady, I was Fast And Very Unsteady, and that didn't end up as a bundle of laughs, so thank you for all advise! Ignore random posts from people who won't understand/are unwilling to know/and care to offend.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply tomrrun

As ever my friend, thank you for your support.. the snail is back... with attitude :) xxxx

Caro71 profile image
Caro71

Old floss you old sage, your advice has been so immeasurable in the last couple of weeks. Helping me as a complete novice to running not to give up because I feel too slow. It's the time running at whatever speed if important not the distance. But your slow and steady approach has got me running 3 minutes, two weeks ago would have filled me with dred and an impossible target. I have no real idea of week 4 will bring I don't check ahead but your advice is in every step slow and steady. I can only imagine how many people you have helped strangers beyond a screen but you have become a running friend. Always be slow and steady. x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toCaro71

Thanks you... back on track now:)

Ripcurlrana71 profile image
Ripcurlrana71

😍

ccarter100 profile image
ccarter100

I’ve been missing your posts, so I went to your page to see if I had missed any and found this post. I know you have heard it many times, but I will say it again… You’re slow and steady mantra has been so important to me and my success so far. Keep it up! And don’t let the Negative Nancy’s get you down πŸ˜‡

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduateβ€’ in reply toccarter100

Thank you very much. The negative remarks just hit me when I was at a bit if a low point..normally I would have just taken a big breath..but I let it upset me.

The friends on here;as ever rallied round and sorted me out πŸ˜‰

Back on track now..doing my bit with the others and hopefully helping a tad. It is a real joy to me to share folks' adventures.

You are doing wonderfully..thanks for replying to me xxx

BexCanRun profile image
BexCanRun

Slow and steady has helped me all the way. I regale all your advice to everyone, don’t let the buggers get you down! Many thanks for all your help and support πŸ˜πŸƒβ€β™€οΈπŸƒβ€β™€οΈ

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Thank you !!!!

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Week 8 Run 2 On Fire πŸ”₯

Set out this morning after a poor night’s sleep, but the sun was shining on a glorious morning here...
Jools2020 profile image
Graduateβ€’

Week 8 Run 3 In the Bag but a long way off 5k ....

Hi, I've been plodding though the programme and this morning did my final run of Week 8. I'm...
DAHR profile image
Graduateβ€’

C25K - Take Two!

So, here I am, back again, starting from the very beginning again in the hopes I'll actually...
Adler92 profile image
β€’

Another 5k at snail's pace

ok... It was faster than last week but I am still running really slowly. However if I ran at the...
β€’

Interval training - how to keep HR down without running at a snail's pace

I am trying to do interval training 1-2 times a week out of my 3-4 weekly runs. I have set up 5 x...
sprynn profile image
Graduateβ€’

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.