Warning...Floss ramble...seriously... a really long one!
Today I ran. What's new? I hear you say.
Well today was a Floss run..long enough to enjoy and take everything it whilst I ran... time to think and time to recharge.
After nearly two weeks on the injury couch, the thought of a longish outdoor run was perfect.
It was a grey morning, with the scent of rain in the air, a bright sky, but far to the south west, grey clouds huddled, slightly threatening, but not brave enough to stand forward. I had chosen my bright leggings and a lightweight rain jacket, and, full of anticipation, headed out into the morning.
The Close was quiet, although I had a later start, curtains drawn tight, and that wonderful indiscernible, something, that tells you it is a Sunday. A slightly longer warm up run, I was taking no chances, and this gave me more time to look around.
The gardens look slightly sad at this time of the year, damp and dishevelled, waiting for attention, waiting for the hands of their carers.
But, looking closer... the first merest suggestions of change are there. Small white flowers, heads nodding together in silent agreement, sharing Nature's secrets amongst themselves. Early yellow primroses, tucked underneath the sheltering arms of the hardier shrubs, and those green speared warriors... shooting sharp and strong skyward... tight yellow tinted shapes, ready to burst into the yellow-frilled cheerleaders of Spring.
It was time to run, and I had deliberately chosen the hill. The hills are what I revel in and which I know, will keep me steady. My run is a different one, repetitions of five minutes run and one minute brisk walk. Whilst I run, I listen, not just to the outside world but to the voices in my head, and there are so many. Laura from C25K, rounded ankles, land lightly, look ten paces ahead, relax the shoulders and the hands. I hear my feet. Landing so, so lightly, barely making a sound, I hear my breathing, relaxed and gentle, and sense rather than hear my heartbeat, steady and slow. The hidden lakes are not hidden in Winter... bare branched trees, stretch empty twiggy fingers over them and the lush gloss of evergreen holly and ivy, wrapped around the edges of the water.
I make the top of the hill, in a good time but am, still, faintly relieved to see the Level stretch away from me, relatively flat.
A sharp wind has got up and the chill in the air is tangible.... I run easily and head out towards the turn. The undergrowth by the Cricket club is thick and tangled. Straggling brambles and thorns and through the twisted thicket, the chimneys of the old house are visible. The scene of a past, imagined encounter with the Hound of the Baskervilles, one dark wet winter morning a year or so ago. No hound today though, and I make the turn, already feeling as if I am homeward bound.
Other than having to re-set my Garmin twice...( user error), my Garmin peeps to let me know when to run and walk , I do not glance at it. I have a vague idea how far I have run, but am not totally sure. Back along the Level, no cars, no dog walkers and suddenly, I am on the downward stretch. Into the back lane above what was the aerodrome, and cutting though, turning and twisting through hidden walkways and alley ways, high hedged and quiet, and across the deserted green spaces, the silent playground, where a child's swing moves, gently to and fro, pushed by the ghostly unseen hand of the strengthening wind.
My legs are tiring, this is the longest time I have been out... nearly an hour. My heart is full and my mind overflowing. I have had, over the past weeks and months, little time to think and my December runs were all too short.
I have no aches and pains... plenty of breath in my lungs so I carry on.
I think of my friend Bluebirdrunner , I smile, as I tighten my glutes and give the last few kilometres my best effort...without pushing too hard.
As I turn into the Close, the first droplets of rain touch my cheek, the weather forecasters were spot on, almost to the minute. 1 hour and 19 minutes running. 10.16 K...plus extra walking time sorting out my Garmin!
The run is run and I am feeling elated.
This is the first ramble I have rambled in a very long time, and I hope you will forgive the length of it. I intended to write one in December!
On the 20th of December 2019, to the day, four years ago, on a dark, wet and cold, Winter morning, I graduated from C25K. I had no idea of what lay ahead; of the places I would get to, the runs I would take and the friends I would make. Many of those friends are still here, and have been with me, from the very beginning.
I have embraced and loved every run I have taken, every new and old route; at home and away at Criccieth, lanes, roads and my beloved fields, all weathers in all seasons.
I have been on the Injury Couch with the best of you, few of those injures were running related, but still served to keep me from the highways and byways.
I have, if you glance at my runs, achieved little, if compared with some, and more, if compared with others, but, those of you who know me well, know that one of my favourite quotes, besides slow and steady is that “ ...comparison is the thief of joy”, and I have been, oh so joyful .
I have made and met my own personal challenges; run in Park runs... eek. Run in an iconic 10 K race...double eeek.. and despite all my protestation that I never, ever would, ran, last March the only Half Marathon I was ever going to , just to see if I could . ( My next HM is at the end of March.
If anyone asks me what is the best thing about my running, my answer is always the same. I love the inexplicable feeling it gives me... I love that I feel invigorated, and refreshed. It frees my mind, lifts my heart and soothes my spirit.
But the very best thing about my running is you. All my friends... many of whom I have never met in person, and those whom I have been privileged to meet and run with also. You, are what makes this special.
So a four year journey, culminating at the end of December with 31 days consecutive running. Who would have thought it...and... it goes on.
I am running towards my next HM, and am trying to get back on track for that HM, running for Alzheimer's UK... and, as some of my closest friend here know, Mr OF and I are on a different kind of track, also. One we have travelled for quite some time.
He, is on the bumpy, and dreadfully uncertain beginning of the Dementia road; his pace was slow at first, but is quickening as each month moves on. I am walking beside him, holding his hand and we shall take each week, as it comes, without looking too far ahead, but with a strong step and with an eye out for any storm clouds on our horizon.
I am sharing this, not for sympathy... but because you are my friends. I have neglected you at times, and missed posts and replies, but maybe by sharing, you will see it was neglect through necessity.
But... I ran today, I have bored, or entertained you with a really long Floss ramble, unburdened my soul and and I am renewed and refreshed.
So here I go... looking forward to the next four years...and completely unable to imagine where my running will take me...but, every step I make, you will all, as ever, be with me and it will be, of course... ( altogether now),
Slow and Steady !
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My happy place...one of them
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A beautiful piece of writing, as always. Wishing Mr OF all the best and hoping that you will continue to find strength in your running at this difficult time.
I've thought about you and Mr OF a lot since reading your post. We're waiting on a diagnosis for my dad and reading of your strength and love was so moving. It really touched me.
What a lovely post , I felt as if I was on the run with you the way you described it. Congratulations on your 4 years of running that is an amazing achievement . Good luck with your HM and best wishes to Mr OF. He is very lucky to have you.
So sorry to hear this news Floss.May you continue to find the strength in your running at this difficult time.You have given so much to all on this forum and we know your much loved husband is in your excellent care.With every best wish to you and your family in coping with this unwelcome challenge.
A beautiful and moving post, and I send all best wishes to you and your man, and my thanks for the advice you gave me early on, and the inspiration. Here’s to many more runs with our virtual buddies invisibly at our sides!
I hope you heard me cheering from the. ouch? Floss that was beautiful to read, everything about running and as we get older the wonder of being able to was in your writing
Wishing Mr OF slow progress in his journey, and you strength to support him with it
I am so glad you ran today and the weather was near perfect for you
Beautifully written as ever Floss; what we do and why many of us do it, and how it makes us feel and how running helps people to get through. Spring is not far away.
I truly hope so... the legs still work clearly and I shall be working on them after the HM... I intend giving you a better run for your money, at the next Plas Heli park run, thanks you xx
Your heartwarming, beautiful descriptions straight from your heart to ours Oldfloss, are very moving. A strong, brave Lady, bearing the unbearable, touching & encouraging us all in our journey through life and on our runs! In your more vulnerable moments know that we care & pray for joy in the midst of pain, for peace in the storm & a sense of being upheld.
Lovely ramble report dear Floss❤ I smile that you think about me before a glute tightening spurt!😆 but I'm very happy to be there with you.
The way you write about the sights you encounter on your runs always moves me, today as you share the path you are travelling with MrOF, more so than ever, as I know this is so hard for you. xx
We are all with you, all the way, as Sandie has said. There is more to this running thing than just the running. It's a privilege to know you, and after four years we have all been through a lot together. This is a tough one, but you are up to it. I am always here for you. Hug to you and MrOF💞xxxx
I never thought about that when I wrote about my glutes..ha ha.. It's just I think... Jan...and I find an extra inner strength... tighten up and move forward...
I need to ramble... don't I... it will keep me on track and you of all folk, know what this is all about.
We are so so lucky to have the friends here... and it is about so much more than the runs.
I bless the day, you and I found each other.... xxx
Floss, that is such a beautiful and moving piece. You always write so wonderfully it can’t be called a ramble. This is so purely from the heart. We are all here for you along your journey in spirit or in person as best we can xx
Wow you truly have the art and gift of drawing with your words. I saw every hedgerow and felt every step. You made me cry, not from sympathy, but because we all have such different journeys to tread. And we must tread carefully with others as their wounds are often hidden.
I’m so glad you are off the couch and running. May it always bring you such pleasure. Already looking forward to the next Long Floss ramble.
On another note I’m Candy because my Mums hairdresser said, when I was 2years old, with my white blond curls and pink cheeks I looked like Candy Floss, the Candy stuck but I could so easily have been another Floss! 😂🤣😂❤️
Watch out... I am determined now to resume my infamous rambles...my run was a relief and a joy...phew.... the legs still work over 30 minutes!
Now about the Floss.... my hair is straightish.. but when it gets wet... guess what candy floss..I just got the Floss part... it was Mr OF who named me... when we were courting, we climbed together and my hair got wet and all the curls stuck out of my crash hat!.
It is good to know that for all of us, there are others who need us just as much as we need them. There for each other xx
Another beautiful post OF, so wonderfully written. I’m sure it must be a comfort for Mr OF, having you by his side treading this very difficult path together. Welcome back from the IC too with that lovely run. Xx
Is there something wrong with me that I don't feel good till I'm DONE running? I ran today, but as usual, I just ran back and forth on my street. It's a little more than a tenth of a mile--back and forth till I'm done. I have a couple of gentle inclines, too--not perfectly flat....
I used to feel like that all the time! I still don't always enjoy the actual running, but I love being able to run. Getting outside, having time to myself, planning new running routes, seeing new sights, and of course the sense of achievement when you're done! Makes it all worthwhile 😊
Running on my street is the easiest for me because I do not have to get my husband off the couch, coat on, hat, walk dog first, etc. , in order to drive somewhere. Running further than my street is iffy. There's a nice road that goes past our local river, but it has a lot of traffic compared to our street, requiring any runners to run next to the ditch on uneven ground when cars go by. (Plus some people have smelly cars....) There are other roads "less traveled" (Rob't Frost?) but I have run into unfriendly dogs on a couple of them. Once I ran around and around a good sized cemetery which is very pleasant, but I have to cross a busy street to get there and that's a fairly boring run compared to just running on my street. (Whew! Our dog just released some air!!!)
I am reading a book by Bill Bryson, OF. He is really quite funny and he applauds Great Britain's countryside and history. We have paths here, but one has to drive to get to them. They're no where near as extensive as Great Britain's.
Please never apologise for one of your long posts as they are amazing, the feeling and the passion in every one is truly beyond words.
Dementia is one of the cruellest diseases, it's slow and horrible and takes it's victims piece by piece, I watched my grandmother with it but I can't imaging what it must be like for you and Mr OF.
It's still your fault I'm still here plus that makes it your fault that Mrs LeeU is too.
Forget sympathy, sending you heartfelt love and hugs from both Mrs LeeU and myself.
At times it may feel like it but you are never alone.
Thank you my friend... I love being blamed for your running and Mrs U too! Absolutely wonderful...
It is a horrid, cruel issue... and so much worse, when it is your soul mate... but... we have come through so much together... we will face whatever comes.
I know how much I value the friendship of the forums...and I know also, I would have not made it this far without it.
Wonderful post! Your such a great writer and your descriptive side to everything you write about is so tangible. I felt I was with you all the way🏃♀️🏃♀️A great big virtual hug for you and Mr OF👫
Thanks for taking me on that lovely long run Oldfloss, I could see it all as you went along your journey. It must have been lovely to sneak out for an hour after your spell of short runs everyday and then on the IC. Sending you lots of hugs and wishing you and Mr OF all the very best on this other journey. He is a lucky man to have you by his side. And we are incredibly lucky that you still find time to support us all on the HU forums.
A lovely ramble as always, thank you and running is so very much about the journey of life. All the better with friends beside you at each step. What a lovely community it is on here. Here’s to each happy run. 🙂
Oh Floss, how lovely and how poignant. I’ve missed your rambles.
That sounds such a great run but I didn't know you had been on the IC! You continue to be the same and give unchanged support here so I didn't notice. But you’re clearly back 🏃♀️🙂 whoop whoop 🎈🎉🤗
Happy Runniversary to you! You’ve had such a wonderful running life so far and your love of running shines through every post. I wish you many more joyous running years and I look forward to reading more Floss rambles 🙂
Oh Floss, you move me to tears - heartfelt hugs to you & Mr OF. - it’s a “bumpy & uncertain” journey that touches so many lives.... but the love, care & prayers of family and friends will journey along with you. 😄 Hang on tight to your sense of humour because (as I know from my mother in law) there are the hilarious & joyful moments among the rockier parts of the path.
...and your lovely run, - I relished every step from my temporary perch on the IC, you have such a poets heart in your wonderful description.
As always, your ramble is a privilege to read - thank you for sharing. 😄 xxx
Thank you so much; having been this way before with my Step father in Law and my own Mumma... I know the form...but it is so, so much harder when it is your soul mate. But.. we will get there together.. we do laugh abut things when we can and although sometimes are very hard we muddle through. I am blessed with an amazing daughter, her husband, and of course the small runner in training x
Do feel better soon.... as you see, those runs are wonderful at waiting!
The dementia touches so so many of us. Fighting for the correct diagnosis is a battle in itself...so many more types than Alzheimer's...but the runs are my salvation... and the family and small one! She keeps me on track...phew!!!
Thanks for taking me on your run today; it was needed. I'm sorrry to hear of the journey you and your husband are on right now. I hope it is a slow one. Take care of yourself and enjoy the runs you get to run.
It’s coming along. My blood pressure is lower... too low when I’m at home which has made exercising a little dicey but I’m going to try a treadmill run tonight, the first one since starting my meds. I measured my blood pressure at work today and it is right where it should be. Yay! I’ll see my doctor on Thursday and will hopefully get the all clear to start my HM training plan 🤞
Back on track and quite enjoying the experimentation Mr OF and I... we have come a long way, and we will travel the next bit with care... together Thank you x
Love this! I was sat here thinking I might not bother running today but you’ve reminded me of all the good things I feel when I do. Thank you 😊 Best wishes to you and Mr OF!
Could never tire of your poetic tones, always a pleasure to read and be carried away into your world.
I hope you can find both strength and release in your running and on here. Everyone here will want to be there for you - if we can at all. Even if it's to give you a laugh when you need one. Or an ear to listen. Or a virtual hug. You give so much to everyone else I know we'd all like to support you if we can. Lots of love xxx
I thank you for this... I cannot say how much the support has meant to me... I am only one of many, going through difficult times, but knowing there are friends who are there beside me makes a massive difference. xx
It's been a while since I read a good OF ramble and, as ever it didn't disppoint, albeit a very bittersweet read. So, so pleased your hamstring issue wasn't more serious and you're back out there, benefitting from the therapy running can and will provide. You've been in my thoughts on and off all day OF. I can only send hugs, love and the promise of a listening ear. I think Mr OF is very lucky to have someone like you to share this bumpy road, but please, please, please look after you too xxx
Thank you... I can't quite believe I am back out there.. when the injury happened it felt a lot more serious than it seems to have been!
Thank you for thinking of us... we will get there... there are many with far heavier crosses to bear...and am lucky... I have friends who I know are there beside me xx
Oh Hilary, I am so sorry about your dear husband. I haven't been here as often as perhaps I might, and I was just thinking of you the other day, and how we kept in touch often, if irregularly, by email, and wondering what was going on in your life. I was going to get in touch again soon... and as ever, the reminder that we should not wait for "soon" to reach out to friends.
Your Mr OF is lucky to have you to hold his hand, I know you will make the very best possible of your situation, and I hope your running will continue to give you strength.
Thank you...I feel the same way...and, also feel, as if I have neglected friends and let them down. But.. time to get back on track and as you say reach out again...
I will be in touch xx Hugs received and welcomed x
You haven't let anyone down, or at least not me... we all need time to do what we need to do for ourselves and our family, that's the beauty of friends, they are still there when you need them...XXX
Wow that is an incredibly emotional and well written floss ramble, I saved it til this morning as saw you had posted and wanted to take my time to absorb. Although we had talked a little of what was going on I am pleased to see you have posted this and im sure the support you'll receive here will really help to bolster you up and carry you through these tough times! You are an inspirational runner and a lovely lady I am pleased to call my friend. Huge hugs coming your way and nice to see such a lovely positive picture there too! Hope we get to meet up this year xxx
So special to read of your joyful run, but so sad to read of the unwelcome journey too. May each day be the best it can be as you and Mr OF share your journey together and also with your running friends.
Like you I remember all sorts of gems from various lovely folk on these supportive forums as I run along. You have encouraged me to make my feet kiss the ground, Bluebirdrunner's glute tightening is a frequent whisper in my ears, many remind me to take running at my own pace and so it goes on and on. The rounded ankles one, however, that you mentioned was new to me and I am not sure that I know what that means. Always more to learn!
A long while back you mentioned that I may join you on a trail run and perhaps, who knows, this may happen later this year. I'm 6 miles north of Derby. No rush at all, but if one day that idea seems good, perhaps we shall make it happen. I have yet to meet any VRBs, but think it will happen one day.
So lovely that you have your daughter, son-in-law and little runner in training to join you along your journey with Mr OF.
Thanks you.. we all have these mantras in our head and they keep us going... what super friends we have on here...Laura on C25K, talked about rounded ankles so your feet almost have a cycling action motion... very smooth...
I think a meet up would be great..maybe one of the Peak Trails... ??? We could decide on a halfway point...?
When the weather settles a tad... I have been walking in the Peak today... snow on Kinder and the tops and bitterly cold!
It would be fabulous to meet up and run together The running folk I have net up with have all been amazing... faster than me...but still amazing x
Thank you for the flowers and the good wishes too.... I shall be in touch x
Aw! Exciting! An added plus of running has been exploring my vicinity so exploring a Peak Trail with you sounds wonderful! 😊 I may be your first slower than you running buddy. 😊🏃🏻♀️🏃♀️ Other than my two parkruns in 2018, my one race last year and one run with a friend in Norfolk who is a very serious runner (2nd woman (65+ age group) in Norfolk in the Grand Prix of events, best 7 results out of 11, I think) I have always run on my own.
It is often good to try different things. 😊
My phone when I completed C25k was a Microsoft only one and so I was unable to benefit from Laura's advice, which would explain why I hadn't picked up the rounded ankle mantra. I really know what you mean about "feet almost have a cycling action motion... very smooth..." as I have actually thought to myself that there is quite a cycling motion to my running at times.
I am looking forward to 'hearing' from you when it suits you and the weather is as you'd like it. 😊
I do hope that you and Mr OF are having some good days.
Thank you 🙏 for another beautiful ramble, Floss! I joined the C25K forum in March shortly after your graduation and you guided me along the way. You are a lovely caring friend and guide, and Mr. OF is lucky to have you by his side. I wish you both the best ❤️
Sunday morning runs are wonderful, whatever else happens in the week I always try and get in a lovely Sunday long (ish!) run
So sorry to hear about your husband...…..he is lucky to have your comfort and support during what will be a challenging time. Thank you for finding time for your virtual running buddies - we love your rambles :). Take care
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is that “ ...comparison is the thief of joy”, and I have been, oh so joyful .
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