You're the Run that I want - Summer runnin' June Quest Week 4 🌞 Feel free to join....

[Bluebirdrunner]

Hi fellow Questers,

The Summer Solstice has come and gone and we are now starting the last full week of this June Quest. The last day will be Saturday 30th so we have nine days to fulfil our targets and goals for this month.

The weather forecast says the temperature for most of the UK is set to rise and stay high from Sunday afternoon onwards. A mini-heat wave...take extra precautions with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and drinking plenty of fluids throughout.🌞

Now, what has everyone been up to this week, and you can still join us if you have just Graduated and would like some motivation....

I do hope you will join me to chat and share your goals and challenges.

What the Quest is;

The Quest takes one calendar month . You can join any point within that time.

The aim of the Quest is to help you find a focus or goal that you would like to achieve by the end of the Quest period.

I ask that you will be a Graduate to join the Quest. The main reason I ask this is that while you are completing the programme, your plan is very structured so I wouldn't want the Quest to interfere with that.

Most popular goals are:-

To run three times a week

To slowly increase distance

To train for a specific race

To add In Stretch and Strength exercises

As you can see they are personal to yourself and it's totally your own choice. Each week, I will pin a new post where all the members of the quest can talk about how things are going.

So if you want to join, all you have to do is put;

I would like to join the Quest, or, count me in and then, I would like to. ..............

Your name will then be added to the top post and every week your name will be in the quest until the end.

At the end of the Quest, there will be a certificate that you can download to keep.

Wishing you a happy healthy month x

Realfoodieclub, Ju-Ju, Oldfloss, Millsie-J and Bluebirdrunner 😊🌞

RunninginSingapore

awaw

laurel55

DebsJogsOn

Anniemurph

Millsie-J

lexi6

Veggiegirl1906

Ripcurlrana71

GoogleMe

Birdsong53

Sigered

Sarararara

TedG

SaskAlliecat

Lorijay

Nwrkpak

Oldfloss

HoagyM

Jay66UK

Bluebirdrunner

MummyCav

Tbae

Kar43

Dawnie16

Sutsha

JennyH10

Upagumtree

Fishypieface

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

A mixed week, not surprisingly as I have had a chunk of volunteer work which must be recovered from: no yoga and no run, fabulous or otherwise (although last Thursday's was a good 'un, very wild, head height grasses in a meadow) I had planned to run first thing along a beach and woke in good time and feeling ready for it... to be beaten by the tide which was right in, there was no beach. I didn't fancy the hard surface of the not especially lovely prom, especially not without my phone which I had plugged in but failed to flick the switch to charge.

Swimming - last week's efforts have paid off as I have only been able to shoehorn in a short one this week. It will be a bit of a push next week to get to the 5k but achievable.

30DaysWild - the actions have been rather small on many days but last weekend was the pinnacle of the month with an RSPB bird cruise round Flamborough Head and under Bempton Cliffs. Plenty, plenty puffins, yay! (Also plenty, plenty unforecast rain) and then a trip down Spurn Point (lots of exercise climbing the lighthouse stairs) So interesting to see the power of nature and the very different landscapes. I did miss out on a paddle in the sea though.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Sounds like you have plenty keeping you busy GoogleMe, such a shame that the fabulous beach run couldn't happen despite your good intentions... the tide and the phone charging gremlins were against you...😑 something for another time maybe...

Your RSPB cruise and nature reserve trip last weekend sounds interesting and fun despite the rain I hope. Well done on your 30DaysWild so far.

We have had some Magpies on our birdfeeder, which I imagine are keeping the smaller, more interesting birds away...

We plan to put up a beehouse, for bees to rest if they get tired and can't get back to their hives.. save the bees!🐝

Good luck fitting those swims in...you can make that 5k happen😊xx

Have a good week, the Quest is still on...

Happy running 😊 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Ups and downs and not really completed the quest..on the IC now, so... another adventure begins.

I did get a few lovely longer runs in though

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

You did some lovely long runs Floss, before unexpectedly being advised you have to sit out for a while😑...

That nasty horsefly taking a chunk out of you, causing a reaction was horrid too, I hope you are soon completely recovered from that...😊

We know you will keep active and still be cheering and guiding everyone from the sideline..

Take care dear Floss..your Quest will continue before you know it.😊xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

I’ve had a super duper week this week..carrying on with ju-ju- ‘s 10k plan & so far so good...happy weekend everyone xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

You have Mummycav...so pleased for you and cheering you on!😊

You were ready for this, and enjoying the challenge. Go you...nice and steady.😊xx

Have a great weekend..

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10]

I've been managing to keep up with 3 runs a week so far this month. After Sunday's trail run, my quads and hip flexors were a bit tight and I was on call Tuesday so didn't run again until Wednesday. I was supposed to run an interval speed workout that would've been about 5k of an 8+k run fast but I got called out in the middle of the night so only had 3 hours sleep. I decided to still run but kept it as a free run. I had heavy legs at the start but still managed a 3 mile run with a good kick for the last 300 metre or so. I'm planning on doing the speed workout today, then heading out to the lake for the weekend. We're going to have a boat full of boys for a sleepover for my son's birthday tomorrow night, so I'll have to do my easy 10k run tomorrow morning before the kids arrive. It'll be another week with back-to-back runs, but given I've been running consistently for over a year, and tomorrow's run is supposed to be an "easy" run, I think it'll be ok 🤞. I'll listen to my body and change the run on the fly, if needed. It feels good to finally complete a full quest and to take the time for myself for my runs.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

This is such good news Allie, you are really managing to fit regular running into your busy schedule, and doing some serious training...

Do keep an eye on those hip flexors and quads, the speed workout will be tough.

Hope the birthday sleepover goes well...your son will love that..you will be on the go I imagine🙄....a nice long slow run beforehand will relax you !😆

Have a lovely weekend and Well done on your Questing 😊xxx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan. Just got home from my speed workout today. It was a tough one. It was 22C but very humid and sunny so I was overheating by the end. I was glad I took water on this run and was able to nip into one of the park's bathrooms to soak down my hat for the cool down run portion at the end. I managed to keep the intervals at the appropriate speed so am pleased overall. I'll definitely need to play tomorrow by ear but regardless, will get the run in at some point before the weekend is out.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat]

I know you will 😊.... hope your son has a smashing birthday 😊x

[lexi6 Graduate10]

Hello BBr, just snuck in at the end of the week. I’m probably better not making any plans for my runs as the weather here is so unpredictable. Didn’t manage ju ju’s week 4, but managed three runs a 4, 5 and an accidental approx 6km at my first parkrun involving a minus 2.5 degree run, golly it was cold! and a missed turnaround marker. I’ll attack it again next week, hopefully I should beat my time and it won’t be such a long, cold wait for those volunteers. 👍

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Lexi,

You have done really well to get those three runs in, including your first Parkrun (and a bit😆) in challenging conditions.. that shows gumption...

Good luck doing your Parkrun next week now that you know the course better.

I hope you get chance to run next week, we have the opposite issue here of a heatwave coming...

Hope your new bathroom is finished and fully operational.

This is the Week 4 post of the Quest, and will be open until the end of the month now..Certificate on Saturday.

The new July Quest will start next Sunday.

Happy running 😊 xxx

[lexi6 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you and oh! that shower when I got back was long and hot, it still feels like I’ve walked into a posh hotel’s bathroom. Just grand. Everyone keep cool out there in that heat 😎

[JennyH10]

Hi everyone!

You all sound like you’ve had a very productive week.

I’ve managed to stick to jujus plan, got my circuits in yesterday too and a long walk on my Friday rest day. Haven’t managed to go swimming or do any yoga or Pilates yet but might squeeze an hour in this afternoon after the England match.

I am really quite concerned about running next week, I do not do well in the heat at the best of times and when I run I can overheat on a very mild day so an interval run and 6k coming up this week is scaring me a bit. Any advice?

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to JennyH10]

Hi Jenny,

Yes, some great Questing going on. Well done to you for completing your Magic Number runs last week and your circuits.

The heatwave is here its roasting isn't it.🌞 I see you have read SaskAlliecat's timely post about keeping cool on a run, and the suggestions by Ju Ju and Curlygirly.

A peaked hat, like a baseball cap, will protect most of your face from the sun, and the top of your head from sunstroke. Tie your hair upif its long enough, wet it if you like before you go.

Wear suncream, and spray some insect repellant on your neck, arms and legs.

Wear sunglasses. These should stay in place while you run.

Carry water if you want to, I did last year, but felt it unbalanced me, and it gets warm anyway. There are special belts/rucksacks which hold a water container without it sloshing around I believe, but I have no experience with this..

I did put my donut shaped water bottle in the freezer for a while before going, this helped it stay cooler.

Plan your run to be in the coolest part of the day. Early morning or late evening and try to find a shady route.

There is always the treadmill at the gym if you have access to one . ie already a member..airconditoned, but still hot and sweaty and a bit boring.

The soaking wet running buff from SaskAlliecat. Wet wristbands..

Maybe rethink the interval run, you could do your 6k then use the 3k as a recovery gentle run.

Keep fully hydrated at all times, your calf muscles need water its easy to get cramps in hot weather.

Run slowly, your body is working extra hard in the heat. Tuck some tissues in your bra to mop your upper lip, brow.

Good luck, remember the runs will wait if necessary.😊xx

[JennyH10]

Thanks so much bluebirdrunner 👍😊

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

My quest is to run 30 mins three times a week. So far I’ve managed this through the month, with a growing third run each week. 5k hit on Thursday in just under 43 mins.

Final week of the quest will see me running this morning (check, 4k), Wednesday morning and Saturday morning (probably another 5k if I can beat the heat).

Good luck everyone!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Jay,

Your Quest is going very well this month..Well done on reaching the 5k mark! Never doubted it would happen.

Good idea to vary your runs you don't have to push for 5k every run, those 30 minute ones are making you stronger.

Keep up the great work..if you can in the heatwave...😊xx

[Runninginsingapore]

So my quest aim was to get to and complete week 5 of Ju-Ju’s 10k plan... and I’ve done it. I even managed my first ever 10k this morning and I’m still on a high 👍. Here’s to keeping on going. Slow and steady 🏃‍♀️

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Runninginsingapore]

Fantastic success and Quest completed with days to spare...and you reached 10k too! 💪😊

You deserve to feel very proud of yourself Vicky..thats a long old run 😎xx

I'm sure your badge will be winging its way to you soon once its had its final polish😊x

The Quest certificate will be posted on Saturday...

[Runninginsingapore in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you! 👍👏💪🏃‍♀️