We are now two weeks in to this month's Quest and thankfully, on the other side of the sweltering heatwave ☀️ that saw so many of us huffing, puffing and sweating buckets - and that was before we even put on our running shoes! I confess I skipped a run earlier in the week - too little sleep and just too hot!!
Yesterday saw the arrival of a long-expected email from Great Run, informing me of the cancellation of October's Great South Run in Portsmouth. Not a surprise but sad all the same. 🙁 Here's hoping we make it next year instead.🤞 It's a great event with a fantastic atmosphere and at 10 miles, a good challenge of a distance - conveniently midway between 10K and a Half!
On a brighter note, (and wearing my shiny cap of positivity) hasn't it been exciting to see some of the smaller running events returning again? Has anyone got a real live race lined up yet? 🏅Do let us know, so that we can all get very excited for you!
🤗😊
Ok, over to you for the latest on those monthly Quests! Have you made progress towards your goals or has life thrown you a curveball this week? Do let us know below.
If you have just happened upon this post for the first time - here's what you need to know...
What is the Quest?
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.
This Quest will run all the way through August and you may join in at any time.
Some popular goals are:
•To run three times a week
•To slowly increase distance - maybe you are following ju-ju's Magic Plan?
•To add Stretch and Strength exercises to your weekly routine
•Improve pace
•Explore new routes
It's completely up to you!
To join, just leave a comment below, telling us what goals you are working on - what is your personal Quest?
Each week we have a catch up post to share progress and support each other along the way!
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
44 Replies
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Hi Sandraj39 😃
I don't really do the Quest but keep running 3x a week averaging 20 miles a week. All the best to those named above. I'll be looking to give my positivity to you all.
I’ve been doing well with my consolidation runs since graduating C25K on the 31st July. I’ve been working through the C25K+ podcasts with Laura to improve pace and stamina:
Stepping Stone
Speed
Stamina
I’ve also added the odd ‘free’ run in with my own music 🎧 You can see my progress on my page.
I started off well with doing additional strength and conditioning workouts but let them fall off last week - it was too hot to do these on top of the running! Maybe I’ll add them back next week when the weather is cooler 🤞🏻
I plan to do one more week of consolidation runs following the C25K + podcasts before attempting a trial run of Ju-Ju’s old bridge to 10K plan (week 1) for the last week of August.
Before starting her new plan of working towards 10K from the beginning of September! 😱
I might 🤔 even try for a 6K tomorrow to see how I fair.
Hi PhoenixRise ! Sounds as though you have been busy and that those Consolidation runs are going well.👍 I saw that you were trying out some of the C25k+podcast posts and I think it was a wise move to ease off the strength workouts in the recent heat! It's so much cooler here in Surrey now, although still pretty humid.
Good luck if you do try for a 6k tomorrow - go steady and I reckon you will be fine!💪 🤞
Another three runs this week, total of 28km. I have incorporated strength exercises (standing press ups, bench dips and pull ups) into my runs using benches, railings, tree etc. Challenge for next week is to include some planks on non run days! 😬
Hi skysue16 ! Brilliant - I'm glad things are going well! Some decent length runs there by the sound of it 👍 - and I am super impressed by the strength training! 💪 Good luck with the planks this week too🙂
Dexy5 , you never faltered in your determination to get back to your running! So pleased for you and of course, saw your post earlier.😀 Take it easy and good luck with your new goals...we believe! 💕🏃🏽♀️
My quest to run slower is continuing on. I ran 2miles at an average of 5.50km and the following run a couple of days later on an easy run struggled to keep my heart rate down at a very very slow pace. My conclusion is no 80/20 running for me until I’ve got to grips with low heart rate training. I did 11 miles last week with a new walk/shuffle technique but the heart rate was amazing and Garmin called it ‘base training’ I reckon I can do an ultra in a month 😂
Hi folks I did my August quest! Ran 50 mins today. Really really chuffed! Not fast, 5.44k, but I’m not bothered about that, it’s another new achievement. Hope everyone else’s quests are going OK x
Yay! 😀👏 Well done Foxglove2 ! That's fantastic - and 50 minutes is a fair ol' time to be running, so you should be pretty proud of your achievement! I hope you rewarded yourself afterwards?
Rest up well and here's to another great week of running! 🙂
My sub-25 (not) parkrun streak was broken (more like destroyed) by a 25’42” on Thursday ☹️ but partial redemption was achieved this morning by managing 3k out of a 5k treadmill bash at 13 kph, albeit in four 750m stretches. Up from 3 x 500m last month, so claiming one ✅ for that.
Sorry your sub-25 streak had a setback UTS - we'll definately put that one down to the heat and humidity! Sounds like you made up for it on the treadmill today though - so big well done for that session!👍 😀 Here's to a cooler, faster😉 week ahead!
I have at last started my walk/Run rehab plan after eleven months on the IC. A little session with four tiny runs sandwiched between walks on the flat playing field has me feeling on cloud 9!
So, I can now revise my goals for August.
I can run twice a week, and must remember to stretch afterwards even though the runs are short.
I will keep my strength and conditioning exercises up for three days a week.
I will continue with the daily yoga with Adriene because it's sooo good!
I'm hopeful that my feet will tolerate the running so that I can build up to 20 mins of running next month.
Yippee! 😀👍😀This is such good news Bluebirdrunner and I'm sorry I have only just seen this!
I can only imagine how special that first run/walk was, after waiting so long - and how emotional you must have felt afterwards! I know you will treasure those two runs a week and I hope they continue to go well for you.🙂🤞
Sounds as though you are smashing your other goals too, which will all help build up that strength for your running. 🏃♀️💕Have a fab week! 🙂
On holiday in our motorhome since Thursday, pleased to say I've now completed Week 4 of Magic Plan, 10k version. That's despite storms, rain, losing phone signal and getting lost: cue 3-4k run-walk bonus after a 5k run ! So new routes are definitely being discovered 😂
Moving on tomorrow, so hopefully will be reporting back on more adventures in pastures new in a few days 😊
Well I feel quite jealous of you in your motorhome Cmoi! I've always harboured a dream of a little camper van myself - I love the idea of popping off for a few days, exploring.
I had to laugh at the getting lost though!😂 That's definately one way of discovering new routes and keeping your running exciting! Sounds as though the Magic Plan is going well too.👍
Enjoy the rest of your hols - keep on exploring and keep on running! 🙂
I knew these past 2 weeks would be tough on the running schedule but soooo grateful my parents made it over to visit since we didn't know until the last minute if they would be able to make it.
Managed 2 runs this week and was delighted to feel comfy after a week of holiday eating 🙈
So for the next 2 weeks I'll be aiming for 9k and inching ever closer to that Magic 10.
Hi Sandra and all on the quest, I set out to achieve 10k in August- and somehow have already achieved 11k as I did a Nike 7 mile guided run today. Am now in unchartered territory and am wondering if perhaps there is a 10 miler lurking within me somewhere😂 I now have no plan left to follow so I will just extend the long run every 2 weeks.
I am still running about 3 times a week but also now teaching my little Cockapoo how to run off road on a waist lead which is fun ( not for the long runs yet!!).
My other longer term goal of 5k in 30 is also closer as I am down to 30:25- I think the longer runs are making my shorter ones faster!!!
I am going to try and sneak in a 12k I think by the end of August, just as a new challenge. Might try the MAF system as it sounds very interesting and my heart rate is averaging 150/160 on long runs which is prob a bit much for my age😂. I am too pace obsessed but it’s so hard when my competitive streak screams faster faster but I know my poor old body is being pushed to the max!
Good to hear from you AlysP - goodness, it sounds as though you are smashing it with your running!😀👏 Well done on exceeding your goal!🙂
I think 10 miles is a great distance to aim for when you feel you are comfortable with regular 10k's. A good rule of thumb is not to increase that weekly total by more than about 10% - in order to avoid overuse injuries.
Low heart rate training is very popular at the moment and something I keep meaning to explore. Up until recently, I have avoided paying much attention to my heart rate - preferring to run by how I feel. Your average heart rate doesn't sound much different to mine (if anything, mine is higher- I'm 55) and I have been trotting along quite happily for 5 years with my running now, with no issues! My Garmin gives me some scary 'high' heart rates 😱sometimes - but the consensus is, we know if we are running at our max and I avoid pushing things that hard for fear of injury!😂
There was a good discussion on this a couple of days ago on Couch to 5K (link below if you're interested)
Hi Sandra. After a weeks break for the latest hip niggle I was back out running on Thursday morning. Just a gentle 2k but no hip issues. Then Saturday morning a super gentle 5k with a minutes walking in the middle for a momentary hip niggle but all was good and conpleted the run with no issues. Physio appt last Tuesday evening and he wasn't that bothered by the little niggle. Revised plan of no single leg squats on same day as runs and to reduce the number doing and accept the strengthening will take longer but I can still run at the same time. So, I think my August quest has gone out the window (although I need to check exactly what it is, my brain has gone blank) but I'm just happy to be running 🏃♀️🏃♀️ oh and isn't the cooler weather a relief!!
That sounds like positive news re your hip Mum22boys . 🙂👍
I struggle with single leg squats - or to be more precise, my knees do(!) so I always prefer doing Bridges and clamshells to target my glutes.
Enjoy being back out on your runs again and I really hope you can continue to progress now. Have a lovely week - and yes, I am loving the cooler weather too! 🙂
A quiet sort of a week in terms of pursuing my goals - bit of yoga, no running (did get back out there today), quite a bit of walking and still with the new places. Weight up down and sideways and, ahem, still no tidying.
Oops, just realised I had liked but not replied to your post GoogleMe - how rude! 😳
Some weeks we just need to slow it all down - I know I struggled in the heat! I am enjoying getting out more now that it is cooler and I always crave the breezy, blustery autumn days, especially when I 'm out in the countryside! 🙂
Slightly disappointed in your lack of tidying - I was hoping that your activity would spur me on...sadly still not made it to the cupboard of doom under my stairs! 😂
Did my second 9k run last Thursday, and a PB 5k on Sunday (unexpectedly knocked off over a minute!), so only the 4k run left of week 7, which means I'm well on track for my two August goals of nailing the 10k and matching/beating July's "furthest distance in a month". I'm up to 32.76k with July being 42.54k.
It's really been about getting a bit more consistency back the last couple of months- working out how to "fit in" runs around the other regular exercise I'm doing with daughter and hubby.
Wow! Sounds like you are having a great month's running and definately on target for that Magic 10!
I completely agree about the benefits of establishing a consistent routine - often easier said than done though in our busy lives, so well done! 🙂 I find I just have to be super disciplined - sometimes it's hard to get out the door but I never regret it once I do!
Good luck with next week's run and keep racking up those miles! 👍🏃🏽♀️
I had 10 days off last week so managed to get out for a run on alternate days. I went early in the morning to avoid a lot of the heat. I managed 5 x 5k runs. I was supposed to mix things up a bit last week with some shorter runs. I did try to run a lot slower on those runs and have been trying to keep my heart rate lower. I find that I am struggling with this at the minute but I seem to be going in the right direction.
I have managed to do yoga twice last week, but I struggled with the heat so will try to do this more often now it has cooled down slightly.
My strengthening exercises are also ongoing and with every run my leg feels stronger. I have noticed that my leg is no longer feeling so tired towards the end of he run. I also had absolutely no discomfort in my ankle either so progress all round.
I started LEJOG 4 on Monday so am slowly progressing with this.
My plan for the next week is to continue with the 5k in 30 minute runs which I aim to intersperse with shorter, faster runs. I would like to join in with JuJu's magic plan but I think I will leave it for this time. My physio recommended that I didn't increase my distance yet. I will see how I am in the next 4 weeks. If I have no further ankle discomfort I may tentatively start to work towards the magic plan towards the end of September.
I am also aiming to walk most evenings after work for between 30-60 mins as I feel that I will never get to JOG.
Ah, thanks for asking.🙂I was out doing my hill repeats in the rain this morning...it was hard but fine and I ran an extra repeat by mistake! 🙄😂
Interestingly, I have run PB's on two of my 5K routes in the last couple of weeks - one a bit hilly and the second a trail 5K. Not my overall PB( which I ran in a flat road race a few years ago) but I definately seem to be reaping the benefits of these hills, I think. 🙂
I have managed to do part of my quest! I have done 3 5Ks and feeling quite chuffed.😊
However I have not started to do strengthening exercises yet and recognise that if I want to do longer distances I will need to start.
Considering I was anti running about 4 months ago I have now been thoroughly converted!! I run every other day and am now enjoying it (something I didn’t expect to say😉)
Looking at properly starting the magic plan next week and will focus on distance- definitely not a speed demon but have gotten a little quicker.
Great to hear that you are now converted to this running game...you do realise, that addiction usually follows?!😉
Strength and flexibility are my weak points too - I would definately recommend Yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. She has some great beginner sessions and also some workouts specifically aimed at runners. Glute bridges and clams are brilliant for your hips and bottom! As is running up hills, something I have recently factored in to my running! 😱
Good luck with the Magic Plan. The timed version will take you up to a full 60 minutes of running. For most people this will be less than 10k and is a great way to build that endurance up. The 10k version is very likely to take over an hour for most new runners ( and many experienced runners too too!) You might prefer the timed version but of course the choice is yours!🙂
Hi, I am still running my alternate days even when smited with minor pesky ailments. I have done a 5k each week! Always surprised at this due to my glacial speed 🦦 and that it has yet to kill me! Excelled so much at cake having to reign myself in 😳. I have tried the fast running with the funny name too. Crikey didn’t last long so still an aim 😁 Still enjoying the runnings even when i get halfway through and have to be collected as need the loo 😬 the shame of phoning my husband whispering I need a poo come quickly I won’t make it home in time 😬😬. And a bad run is better than no run i tell myself. Thanks you good people for your inspiration and support
Well done CaptFrey - sounds like you are getting out there regularly and I think this really helps with progressing our running, whatever stage we are at. Weekly 5K✔️ and you even tried Fartleks... and survived! I'm impressed! As for the... erm, sudden sense of urgency😳 - this can be a problem for some runners - not sure what to suggest but extra trips to the bathroom before a run might help??
Just for the record, I also excel at cake 😀🍰and have a large chocolate tray bake sitting in the kitchen right now...a celebration for my youngest son getting through the exam debacle of recent weeks and now looking forward to 6th Form College, if Covid allows!🤞
Completed my second 8k (although Strava keeps knocking a bit off of my Apple Watch distance 😒) so right on track. I might even get both my 9k runs in this month.
Hi HappyNoodle !🙂 Brilliant - sounds like you are right on track!👍 Congratulations on your second 8K - and best of luck with the next runs too! You got this!😀💪
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