Spring into March...Week 3... How is it going? - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

16,332 members26,009 posts

Spring into March...Week 3... How is it going?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate
60 Replies

March is racing on... at quite a pace too!

Lots of signs of Spring around now.. little hints of things to come:)

How is it all going for everyone... are we keeping on target...as the days stretch out before us:)

On Sunday, I am just a week away from my HM, and... still managing to get the runs in here and there...with my last long run this Sunday:)

What the Quest is;

The Quest takes one calendar month . You can at join any point during 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. 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. ..............

Each week in March I shall put up a new post...it is important that we get together and we can chat, support and encourage each other, and generally just see how we are all doing.

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

Stay safe, stay healthy and stay running x!

Oldfloss, Realfoodieclub, Millsie-J, Ju-Ju and Roseabi x

Written by
Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
Administrator
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
60 Replies

I tried a trail run today. It was very muddy, very slippery with tree branches across pathways and lots of holes and stones. I was slow as an escargot and was grumpy muttering to myself about why my partner told me to run there as he obviously didn't have a clue about running etc. etc. I ran 6km having intended to do 8km. However, I think I like it if i don't worry about my speed! I had to concentrate on my footing and I was listening to the very noisy birds and listening out for potential axe murderers as there was nobody on the trail. I'm going to try 8km on Sunday in the opposite direction - more hilly trails. I don't like running on roads even though I plan to do a 10km road race next weekend. Think I'll do some research on trail running instead.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to

Great stuff you!!! It sounds exciting and I think the axe murderers always make a bee line for Irishprincess :)

I am planning more trail runs after my HM... there are quite a few around ...very well done... and escargot.. they rock!!!

in reply to Oldfloss

I bet you'll love the trail runs Floss. Nature, nice surfaces to run on, peace and solitude. Not TOO many axe murderers out and about I'm finding so far.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to

I love my fields and tracks around me at home... but the weather has hampered a lot of those lovely runs..and I have had to try and get my HM training runs in.. a tad too much pavement pounding..but I will be back out there after the 24th!

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Haha Floss 😂 I actually ran the axe murderers road this morning but funny enough there are axeman there...... cutting trees 😭 as long as they stay away from me I'm happy.

Not long to go now for your HM! So exciting, I can't wait and I'm not running it 😂😂 You'll be fabulous as usual xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Irishprincess

Oh my goodness!!! Stay well away!!

Yes.. I am very overexcited and need to calm down... it will be fabulously slow but fun!!!

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007 in reply to

Sounds like a lovely run 🌲 🌳 🍁 🍃 I’m not the only one who worries about axe murderers then 😂😂

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10 in reply to

Well done Paula, thats a very respectable distance, quite tricky underfoot by the sound of it, but also lovely with the birdsong and out on the trail....Saturday may be wet, Sunday should be fine but take care in the mud... again.

Happy running! 😊xx

Escargot! Posh snails 🐌...love it!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Chic escargot gris ! Love it.. Posh grey snail!

Anren profile image
AnrenGraduate10 in reply to

That sounds like all my runs :D with the addition of a dog dropping a ball at my feet trying to trip me up or zooming past splattering me head to toe in mud :P

I'll be so glad when its dry again! I use minimalist running shoes as I like to feel the ground.

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10 in reply to

Good luck with your road race this Sunday Paula! 😊xx

in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thanks Bluebird. I'm a bit nervous as I seem to be so slow these days. And my knees are aching from too many squats and lunges !

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007

I’m still doing 3 runs a week and will be on my third park run tomorrow 😊 am aiming to stick to the three runs with one of them being a longer run!

A week away from a half marathon! That’s amazing 😃 you really are an inspiration! Go you!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Bridget007

Huge well done to you... I love those longer runs... Sunday is my long runday...and it is those runs that build the stamina, strength and the distance... all whilst we enjoy ourselves:)

Thanks for your good wishes... I am excited just about being part of the experience:)

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

Hello Oldfloss, sounds like you are all prepared for your HM. Well done. I’ve managed 3 runs in my week back in windy Southsea. There’s nothing like the prom to blow away the cobwebs. As promised, I’ve checked out 10k runs and signed up for the Saint George’s Day evening run with UpTheStanley . Mr & Mrs Coddfish will be doing it too. That will give me something to aim for, and by then it should be mainly in daylight, unlike St David’s Day. We are away for the weekend so no windy Parkrun this time. Enjoy your weekend everyone, and don’t get blown away.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5

Ready for enjoying it.... I shall be slow and steady...( snail will be with me)... and I intend having fun...

Huge well done to you.. back on the oath after the skiing... The St George's run sounds great...

Enjoy your weekend... x

Coddfish profile image
CoddfishGraduate10 in reply to Dexy5

So windy we actually skipped parkrun, now that is a rarity. Today’s first finisher has a time > 20 minutes, which says it all.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to Coddfish

Standing at Portland Bil this morning was amazing. Big waves and a tad breezy

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5

Oh wow..... sounds awesome.. the rain has literally just stopped here... been raining since 8 last night.. and the winds have finally dropped!!!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

What a weekend to chose for our getaway with my sister and hubby! Luckily, the rain didn’t come till 6ish. We had to cancel our coastal walk as it would have been too dangerous in the 44mph winds, but drove down to the Bill and it was incredible to watch the waves battling against each other. So much energy.

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10

I've managed 3 runs this week, including 14k today trying out my new Salomon hydration vest today - super comfy but drinking from the soft flasks may take a bit of practice to not look so odd 😄. I even managed a workout day on the elliptical and some lunges/squats etc. I had hoped to get to the lake for a hike this weekend but it sounds like the trails may still be very icy so may need to wait until next week.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to SaskAlliecat

That is great news, and great you are feeling more like, you! The runs sound super... and you've reminded me to try my vest out!

I had it for Christmas and forgot all about it!!!

I am glad you found it a success... I bought mine after reading Ju-ju's report on it... it does look great!

Hope the weather lets you get out,, stay safe and enjoy! xx

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

I was wondering how you were getting on with the vest and was going to put up a post about it but my Runkeeper wasn't saving my run so by the time I figured out how to export a run from my Garmin, I was done with computers 😂. I'm glad I was able to remind you of it and I'll be curious to see what you think about using the soft flasks. The website shows just pushing on the flask and bending down to drink - looks and feels a little gropey/suckling when on a public path given it sitting just over the breast but it won't matter when I'm on my trails. It is amazing that you don't really notice the flasks are there though when running. I'll probably reserve using the bladder I bought to go with it until my hot summer trail runs. I was very impressed with it's comfort even when I had to peel off my jacket, toque, and gloves to stow in the back pocket. I can't wait to get my poles out and put it through it's full test though on the trails.

It looks like we're in for some very nice weather over the next couple weeks so hopefully all the ice should melt. Then it 'll just be mud and flooded paths to contend with and detour around. Yay.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to SaskAlliecat

I have not got the bladder... but I am going to try the thing out on Monday...I did try the sucking action when I had it and thought it a tad tricky I had to really bend my neck!.. I suppose you get used to it!

Mud and floods.. perfect :) xxxx

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

I have reduced flexibility in my neck due to a spinal fusion of 2 vertebrae and spondylosis of the neighbouring vertebrae and bulging disks so I have to lift the bottles up a bit to avoid torquing my neck too much. I hadn’t really thought of it before I bought it. I had tried a different one where the water bottles sat above the breasts (it was a women’s specific vest) but I didn’t like how the bottles were in my face. It’s all about just figuring out what works for you and, for me, getting over the fact that it looks like i’m groping myself in public 😂. I love how you don’t even feel like you’re wearing it.

Mud and floods is so much nicer than ice and snow after the last 2 months we’ve been enduring. A lovely sign of what is to come ☀️🌧🌺🌻🐞🦆🦟🕷🐍⛰🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to SaskAlliecat

Ouch... that sound very tricky! I have reduced movement after a car crash years ago... and inappropriate treatment! !

I never thought of how it would look groping around my boobs!!! :)

It is so, so, light and with room to carry a lightweight waterproof jacket too! Blinking chill here.. not as chilly as where you are but we have had gale force winds and torrential rain all day today! I really hope it is tad pleasanter next week, else I will have to carry soup!

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Lots of room to carry stuff for sure....even soup if you needed it 😂, but hopefully your weather will improve too. Wind and rain can get as tiring as snow, icy and frigid temps!

Let me know how your first run with your vest goes!

Knackered still from the house move - can't seem to get the long runs in (and I have that 15k race next month - eek!). My VO2 Max has taken a nose dive and my resting heart rate has risen, so I know I'm under par. So my goal is to gently get back into regular runs after hardly running during the moving house process, then try to get the longer runs in. This constant wind doesn't help - it's like running with a ball and chain, and the fallen branches and twigs everywhere are a trap for the unwary.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to

Flick, house moving is so draining! You are doing well to even get out!

But... you are strong and you do know how to pace yourself... and believe me, even after all the setbacks of wind and weather you will be able to do that 15K. I think this is, most definitely, where the hilly running pays dividends for us.

After my horrid choice of a hilly,12K route.. I knew then, I could still do more and another wet cold and windy. up and down 10 miler...again.. I knew I could do a longer distance.

In my case it won't be speedy... not my style as you well know...and I feel you will be the same... you will do it and enjoy it, which is the whole point?

Take it gently, keep doing the runs, as and when you can...relax and grow strong in the lovely new locations. Every single run we do, however long or short.. add miles to the legs.. and you added such a lot of miles last December. You know all this and me telling you this, is a bit of a cheek.. but I just know you will do the run:)

Keep running, stay safe xxx

in reply to Oldfloss

Ah, thank you, i do know all this, but it's nice to be reassured, supported and helped to focus. i feel stronger just for reading your words. xxx

Anren profile image
AnrenGraduate10

I'm still running 3 runs and have managed my longer run each week with another 10 & 11k :) Slower times as I'm a bit anaemic so trying to sort that out.

I've not managed to get down to the pool to swim yet, I think getting soaked with rain most days is putting me off spending time in a wet cold pool, but I have done yoga on my non run days instead so my back is happy!

Getting a bit fed up of the rain & wind now - dog collects so much dirt and sand in his wet furr every day I feel like I might as well be brining back shovel fulls of dirt from the woods to throw round the house. :P

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Anren

Well done you...Spring is on it's way..honestly..although sitting here watching the icy rain cling itself across the bay...??? Xx

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10

March has been much like February. Getting out there has been challenging, but I’m still getting the odd run in. I’m not beating myself up about it and I’m not giving in! I just keep going out as much as I can for now. I’m hoping a routine kicks back in when both myself and spring is in full flow! My VRBs are always encouraging and as I now consider myself a runner for life, I’m sure that will happen eventually! 😉❤️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Fabulous450

Go you... and your solo Park Ru today! Brilliant xxx Spring is on it;s way..it is!!! See the daffies... :)

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

😁😁😁! Thank you Oldfloss! The daffodils are everywhere. 😉❤️

Knittingrunner profile image
KnittingrunnerGraduate10

I’ve had a couple of horrible runs in the wind so this week it was an excuse not to run 😏. I did plan to go but what with a bad back for two days and my friend not being able to do Parkrun last week it’s not been good. But today we decided that whatever the weather we were going and amazingly it was a good run despite being pushed sideways by the wind, being lifted and thrown forward (at least that’s what it felt like!) and then feeling like I was running on the spot! 💨💨💨.

So I think I can safely say I’m over not running in stormy weather.

Back on track again now and no more excuses especially as I have a new bit of tech (Garmin) thanks to hubby to play with whilst I run. 😉😊🏃🏻‍♀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Knittingrunner

All sounding great! Well done you..and a new toy too x

Notsoslothfulnow profile image
NotsoslothfulnowGraduate10

Hello! Well my quest for March has been to get my 5K/parkrun time down to 36 minutes from 37m 49 s two weeks ago.

I think I might be a tad over-ambitious! Having run 3 x per week for 30-35 minutes since, my parkrun today was 38m 8s :-( .

However, I feel that as the wind was very strong, perhaps it wasn't too bad an effort after all - as unlike two weeks ago I didn't need to walk for a couple of minutes.

So, will keep on with my 3 x weekly runs and aim may be just to get nearer to 37 minutes in two weeks time😄.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Notsoslothfulnow

Well done you.. are you mixing your 3 runs up a bit... it is the longer slower runs that build everything up :)

Notsoslothfulnow profile image
NotsoslothfulnowGraduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you! Possibly not as much as I should:-( ... will try and find time for a longer run soon. I have been doing a mix of Week 9 C-5K and the 3 post-5K podcasts - but of course none is more than 35 minutes.

I went out and did 7.75k today and feel much better for it. Much more confident about the 15k race now and have runners high for the first time for weeks. Thank you Oldfloss for focusing me back on what matters. I tried to run really slowly (even slower than my reduced tired recent pace) but it ended up a similar speed - but at least i started off slower. The fact the wind has dropped a lot helped too.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to

Huge well done Flick... feeling stronger and finding the enjoyment again, slowly and steadily :) xx

in reply to Oldfloss

Says the woman who runs faster than me ;) - and thank you@

xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to

Not really Flick..We fluctuate ..I love that word...my slow 7K yesterday was so enjoyable..just taking everything in...I am afraid on Sunday I may be so wrapped up with all that's going on and the route..the views are quite something..that I will be arriving at the finish line when it's all over!

You are going to love the route when we do it together next year 😉🐐😉🐐xx

in reply to Oldfloss

I'm going to be cheering you on every inch of the way xxx

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKid

My Quest for March was to run 4k, but the Black Dog has returned and I know I’m not likely to make it. So I’m revising it: my new Quest is to get out every second day, either to walk or to run, and if I’m not running (any distance) then I’ll walk 4k.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to ButtercupKid

Brilliant... just brilliant...! Be kind to yourself and just do what feels good for you . The dog will get tired... he will :)

ButtercupKid profile image
ButtercupKid in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks Oldfloss. You’re my running mum 😄

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to ButtercupKid

Xx

UpTheStanley profile image
UpTheStanleyGraduate10

Target for the week was 6k in 48 mins, stretch target 44. Did the distance gently with Dexy5 on Monday, then today did it as an out and back (Pyramids to nearly the Hayling Ferry and back for those who know the area), clocking 21'35" for the out and 21'30" for the back, just keeping the split negative thanks to a 5'14" last k (up to that point I was preparing to use a gentle westerly breeze as my excuse for going positive :-( ).

So 43'05" overall, a good result I guess for a run where I was always feeling a bit heavy-legged and just plodding on. Thankfully, no problems with calves or Achilles during the run :-) , though everything's a bit tight now. 10 days left now to achieve the monthly target of 10k in an hour (stretch 55 mins). 2k more is looking like quite a challenge, so might swerve Saturday's Parkrun in favour of a longer recovery (but I haven't done one for weeks so will play it by ear, or more likely by leg muscles).

Onward and upward :-)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to UpTheStanley

All great stuff and impressive!!!! Just keep those calves loose :)

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10

Hi everyone, after a blip at the end of February and beginning of March, I'm happy to report I'm back in the game.😊

Three little runs this week building back up gently, the 4k yesterday was really fun!

Away this weekend...in Derbyshire. There is a rather special event going on😉...and I will be cheering loudly! 😊xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Yeayayayyayayayayaya! Go you..out there and enjoying it all! It does not get better.... and I shall be listening for that cheer! 😆

in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Lovey to read that you are getting your mojo back bluebird. I look forward to seeing photos of Derbyshire. Enjoy and give a cheer for me

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10 in reply to

I will! 😄 and yes, need to make sure I am charged ready to take some piccys! 😊xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Set the camera on slow motion.. ( that will be me) or fast forward to make it look faster:)x

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Yay! I'm so glad to hear you're back in the game! Yippee🤗

Enjoy your weekend and give an extra little cheer from me 😊

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate10 in reply to SaskAlliecat

Thank you Allie, I will! 😄xx

Knittingrunner profile image
KnittingrunnerGraduate10

It’s going good amazingly despite telling myself I couldn’t run in wind. So I missed 4 runs. My target this week was to get to 6.5k in 70 mins but I got to 6.8 in 65 mins instead 😊. I paid a price (could hardly stand because I was low on cortisol- I have Addison’s disease) but I learnt a lesson. Next time I plan to push it I need to take my hydrocortisone before rather than after! Mind you if I’d done that maybe I would have done more because the last 1.5k were really hard! Onwards though and keep smiling. 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Knittingrunner

Huge well done... slow and steady...pushing can come later:) x

You may also like...

Spring into March...Week 4...How is all going folks?

into our runs and races.:) What the Quest is; The Quest takes one calendar month . You can at join...

SPRING into March..Week 2... Join in the fun!

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

🐇 ☃ SPRING into Action ☃ 🐇 March Quest. Week 4. Feel free to join,

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

🐇 ☃ SPRING into Action ☃ 🐇 March Quest. Week 3. Feel free to join

steady as you return to your running:) What the Quest is:- The Quest takes one month . You can...

Sprint for Summer Quest week 2 - Feel free to join.

you find a focus or goal that you would like to achieve by the end of the Quest period. I ask that...