Here we are again and the first day of a new season!
Sitting here, inside, with the rain lashing down and the wind blowing strongly, it certainly feels like a real change in the weather! Yesterday I was trying to keep small runner in training under the sun umbrellas in the garden, as it was well over 22 degrees!
But... this is generally for many of us, a really great time of the year to run, clear skies, crisp days and the stunning colours which mean Autumn. This for me, now, is a bit of of an issue, as I have eased right back now and have adjusted my goals...more strength work and limited running... with plenty of rest, a new eating regime to get some weight back on and a bit more time for myself with some mindfulness sessions and a tad more yoga!
So running people... I am really eager to know how it is all going with you and how those goals are coming along? I shall be coming with you on your runs and I need to know what is what!
Reading your replies and posts, it seems that many of you are staying on track, and if things have not gone quite according to plan, have, sensibly, eased back and re- assessed things Life at the moment, yet again, is taking another turn and we are never very sure where it will lead, so being adaptable, makes the runs much more fun Staying stress free...going, as we said last week, with the flow and simply enjoying!
We all want to read about what you have been up to, and how you are planning for these last few days of the quest... so, post those replies please
Stay safe , stay happy and stay running!
Oldfloss & the rest of the Team x
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Hi Oldfloss love reading your posts they make my day. I am pleased to report that I am on track still running every day now on day 84 of running for π― days and I have achieved 3 10km this month one in England, Scotland and Wales the Scottish one was the killer as I had a hangover from the wedding not my wedding may I add.
Hello Floss, itβs lovely to hear from you.π It sounds like you have adapted quite a bit- I hope you make your current fitness & food routine as fun & satisfying as possible. π
Well, I have discovered the built-in mistake of an alternating run/ cycle exercise plan β I needed to put in one or two genuine rest days! π₯΄
I discovered this in block capitals yesterday- I did my 4K run trying to push the pace & then Mr E and I took advantage of the beautiful sunshine and went out for a 10 mile hike. My knees (which usually are fine) had a lot to say by mile 7, & were joined by comments from toes after a steep descent! π€
Oh well, lessons learned!
In general my alternating cycle/ run have worked well, but I will listen to my body & have a day off now & then. π
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Elfe5
Hello you...and thanks! It is going to be hard to adapt in some ways, but slow and steady for me,as ever.
You are listening to your body too, and I feel you are right...rest days...proper rest days are essential.(I realise that now!) But your run/cycle plan seems to have really worked mostly.
Lots of knee and toe exercises on the D and F forum too...I have been doing a lot of foot exercise, including toe creeps, this week!
Same old, same old... behind on the 15 minutes tidying (still in with a chance of achieving my goal), will also need to keep nose to the grindstone with yoga.
Runs are good, especially sneaking them in when not expected eg when MrGM wants to make a circular walk on the moor where there's no path so I decide I'll go back the way we came and fetch the car (I made the right choice there I am told!)... thought I may as well run, so got a cheeky 20 minutes in. The early station taxi-ing definitely helps.
Sneaking those runs in clearly works and your other routine work too is on track. The moor walk and run too sounds very good to me.
Yes..apparently weight loss is actually quite common in runners, even with old snails like me! I am introducing some new aspects to my eating and some treats not had for a long time!
Sadly other direction for me. And can't blame lockdown either, it had started before that. Combination of not having had the early morning 'getting offspring off to college' to piggybag a run or a swim onto and Google's sight loss.
Hard going.. and it is as hard I think either way, on or off... my tummy has shrunk clearly... and I know once start putting the weight on, I shall need to watch it...! I stop eating properly, when stressed and not the other way around !
I am a terrible one for 'mustn't waste things' (worsened of course by all the stresses of getting hold of food in the last six months or so) - still a waste on my waist.
I have kept up with my short sprints with past mentioned old dog, running a little further down the drive and back, but not to speak of on this forum. We continue to isolate, but I am doing well on my strength exercises, having completed them all again this week
Hi Oldfloss. I'll admit to having a wobble as a result of a really hard and unenjoyable 8k, during which I was definitely not feeling The Magic. I took a week off and just did loads of long dog walks (kept me on track with LEJOG), yoga (quest two achieved) and pilates. Hopefully I have my head in a better place this week and I did a gentle 4k on Sunday to start my week 6 of the plan - I did smile a little, though I am yet to rediscover the magic.
Going with the flow, as you say, is the way forward I think xx
Maybe a break was just what you needed. Running 8k is no small thing. Take it 1 run at a time and if one day you're not feeling it that's just fine. Keep smiling π
Huge well done you! Its hard isn't it? I am a bit up and down, but have listened hard to my body which tells me exactly what is needed. No runs at the moment, though though that may be.
You, my friend, are doing just what you should and the walks and your other exercises are clearly helping.
See how you go...keep enjoying, taking pleasure in small steps and keep us posted please. X
The current plan is to continue walking every day this week (missed it today due to a busy day at work and this evening being the supermarket shop) and maybe do some very gentle running intervals starting on Friday (as suggested by the physio), assuming the ankle/shin feels ready for it by then.
The ankle is feeling lots better now, but I'm aware it's not yet 100%.
Hi Oldfloss, I think we can safely say that autumn has arrived, but I must admit it is my favourite season. Apologies, I completely missed last week, life got in the way π³ my injury rehab continues... slowly.. I've had confirmation I can definitely run when I feel up to it, in fact it will aid the recovery apparently, just to listen to my body. Although I just have this feeling I won't be running consistently before the end of the year. I genuinely think I might be starting c25k again when I'm finally strong enough. With that in mind, and if the body is receptive to a small run, I might go and do week 1 run 1 of c25k as my weekly run on Saturday morning. Strengthening exercises seem to be going well... upto just short of 130miles on LEJOG..
Biggest boy turns 4 next week so really looking forward to that π and a very long awaited short break in about 10 days... fingers crossed π€
Good luck with your renewed goals, super jealous of the yoga (I'm not allowed to do any with my injury) so pease do some sessions for me xx
Great to hear Mum22boys that there are lots of things you are doing to get back again. The Saturday runs sound a good base to start. Love how you are so determined π
Very positive post from.you...and how much progress you are making! Well done you, patience and adaptability, perfect!
Lots of look forward to... and not just the runs...a small one reaching four...( my small runner in training is 4 too, in October). Enjoy his special day and that long awaited break!
Keep listening to your body and keep us posted.just about to do my yoga, hope you enjoy it! X
Hi Floss, making adjustments when needed is necessary isn't it. You know the running will wait, in the meantime taking care of you is the most important thing. Your mindfulness and yoga sessions, while building up some strength and reserves is very sensible, and you can come out on our runs with us instead. x
This week has been a very good one for me. I switched from my physio rehab plan to C25k with Laura, and have had two very successful Wk2 runs which I really enjoyed. The buzz was there, Laura was so kind and reassuring, then full of praise at the end. I hadn't remembered how good that feels! I'm using the app so have my own music and it's just great.
Daily yoga and strength conditioning three times a week, plus the two runs per week are keeping me busy.
I may have slipped a couple of times on the sticking to one just glass of wineπ but have mainly been strong... I need some of that mindfulness...
A positive quest month for me, as I scamper towards the end of the month.
Hello Oldfloss, a beautiful picture of autumn to come. I love going out to the country, kicking dry leaves and picking up sweet chestnuts.
It was lovely to see the happy smiley faces of runners last weekend at the reinvented New Forest Marathon. It was brilliantly organised, and although spectators were not allowed, some of us non running drivers spaced out and cheered people on while waiting for our partners at the last 500m point.
I ran R1 W5 (4k) yesterday so jujus plan is working itβs magic once more, and tomorrow will be the 5k. Iβm so grateful that we will be able to continue our weekly (not) parkrun get togethers with breakfast in the new rules. This has been so important for our wellbeing.
I seem to be trying a different pair of shoes for each run to see if any of them are more helpful in conquering heel and ankle niggles. The achilles problem has now gone away, thank goodness, but Iβll try to keep up with the exercises.
I have also been able to return to the sports centre for a weekly Fitness Pilates class, with Emma, who just happens to be one of Portsmouthβs best amateur runners. Itβs pretty tough after 6 months off, and my core muscles are definitely feeling it.
If I could give you some of my excess kgs, it might help us both achieve our quest!
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5
All sounding extremely positive here, and any excess kgs welcome! So glad you enjoyed that run...I think that will be fewer and fewer of this type of run now, sadly But obviously very necessary .
Autumn is a favourite for me too, the sounds and scents... perfect!
You are dong so well with all aspects and it is good to know that the Achilles issue is abating! Keep up that good work ! Is the Pilates class able to continue? There has been so much info in the last 24 hours it is mind boggling. I hope it can as I know how much you enjoy it!
Do keep us posted please... happy safe running, my friend
So pleased your achilles problem seems to be sorted. I'd be really interested to hear if you find any differences with trainers... I'm still very much in the middle of achilles issues and interested in the affect shoes might have
I had the Achilles problem before I bought my new running shoes . It occurred as a result of going a bit too fast too soon after a long running break (ski injury). But probably wasnβt helped by too long spent in slippers during lock down.
I am very sure that it was the physio exercises that sorted out the Achilles problem.
But I have been running in various shoes to see which feel better after the run, especially my dodgy ankle (bike fall). I havenβt made a final decision yet but I think some more supportive sauconys might be better than the less supportive Brooks. Itβs all a bit of trial and error really but buying them from a shop which knows their stuff and allows you to run outside in them helps. Iβd only buy online now if I have already worn a certain shoe.
Really interesting your comment about slippers... just as mine started to niggle and before I knew what it was because the pain was under my heel, I bought some new slippers as I'd didn't feel I was getting enough support and I spend so long on my feet in the house.
I had my first ever gait analysis a few weeks before I got my injury so I was suspicious there was a link but the physio had a look at the new shoes and me in them and doesn't believe they were the problem. I went for saucony, they felt very supportive.
I need to strengthen up my calf muscles but at the moment it seems like a battle between being able to do that but seem to be aggravating my achilles whilst doing the exercises.
I hope you find the right shoe for you and definitely no more injuries this year!!
I hope a few more days rest will settle your leg issues Tbae, and good wishes to Mrs Tbae as she begins the procedure for her new hip.ππΉπ€π€xxx
Every best wish to you with your continued successful progress.Delighted for you.
Yes Jan seems to be settling.It seems to want to remind not to be silly by moving the pain in as many leg spots imaginable.Must know I am stupid and it needs repeating.π±π
πββοΈβοΈππβ€οΈπͺπ
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Tbae
You have done wonderfully and not pushing too hard...exactly right. I know this well.
Mrs Tbae needs your full support and I wish her well...you take it slow and steady and enjoy any steps taken, running or walking.
I'm up to 58 miles on lejog5, so have more than made up the time I lost to illness which is a good feeling.
Progressing with the magic plan - for my 4k intervals run yesterday I went back to C25k week 1, jogging the walking bits and doing a fast run in the running bits. Worked OK, so I may try that again or have a go with Nike Run club next week.
I've also mostly managed to adapt my running to the dark evenings - I do my short run on a weekday evening, using lit streets and wearing chest light and high viz vest. I take a long lunchbreak on Friday for my long run, and so far have managed to fit in my 5k on Sundays in the daytime. I have planned some interesting new routes to explore for my 8k runs - it's great how much further you can go with a bit more distance to cover, and even more options open up within a quick cycle ride to the start.
Thanks again Oldfloss for helping to keep us on track and well done for reassessing and changing your goals for the month, very wise, particularly in these strange times.
Once again, my week has been a mixed bag, I managed a couple of short runs (2 5k's) and another 10 miler with a nice long walk at the weekend too. But my yoga has been a bit nonexistent and I've not managed much else in the way of walking on non run days βΉοΈ But, there are still a few days of September left so I'm trying to be kind to myself and try to do as much as I can.
Good luck to all fellow questers and happy running, walking, yoga-ing and all other activities one and all ππββοΈπββοΈπ₯³
Well done on changing your emphasis this week Floss. I will need a reflecting week after this one I think.
Busy week again; I even missed your post! Objective wise I award myself a "fair"; I managed a hill route PB, which means that I have achieved one of this month's objectives.; a deliberately slow 11k last week felt as though it really did me good; weight loss? still one and a half pounds above target!! Must be muscle π. Building up to a 12k attempt tonight, remembering my head lamp this time (hopefully). The rain is back but I have been out in a lot worse. I should manage to lose the extra bit of weight next week surely; it would be nice to tick all of my quest boxes; but what is 24 ounces between friends anyway!
I did manage the 12k in best time ever, and by this morning I had achieved my weight target. Quest fulfilled!! Thanks for the encouragement Floss. You are a star βοΈ
This week has been a bit of a mixed week for me. I have only managed one run this week so far. I ran a lovely 10k on Sunday and then a further 10k this morning. I really managed to get in the zone and really enjoyed it. I was planning a low heart rate run today but the wind was tough, a headwind whichever way I turned so I just ran with how my body felt. I was hoping for a short run on Tuesday but I was late finishing work so didn't feel it when I got home. On Wednesday I walked to work (8 miles return) so really didn't feel like a run then. I now have 2 weeks annual leave for my (big) birthday so I plan to run on alternate days. I will be mixing my runs up a bit over this time. I will try a short run with fartleks on Sunday. I don't have a huge amount of time on Sunday as I have a planned 6 mile walk around Newstead Abbey and the surrounding villages.
LEJOG 4 is progressing nicely. I am hoping to be in Chepstow by Sunday evening and receive my 200 mile postcard. I am chipping away daily at the mileage. Some days are better than others. I was getting a niggling in both ankles but this seems to have settled now. I think it was a bit increase in walking in a short space of time so I have been religiously working on my strength as recommended by my physio.
Yoga has been good and I have managed 3 sessions this week. I have also been doing more strength and stretch sessions on the FitOn app. The problem is there are too many sessions to choose from.
Hope everyone is progressing well and managing to stay off he IC.
A real mixed bag here and some seeming really positive to me...! Wow!
LEJOG...yoga..and your strength and stretch too.
Your plans for your birthday weeks spins great...just keep on enjoying.. and do take a peek at the ankle exercises on Strength and Flex...I did mine this morning!
I have been doing the ankle exercises on the Strength and Flex. I find them really helpful. My ankle problems are related to weak glutes. I have noticed such a positive difference since seeing my physio and doing the prescribed exercises that I am continuing to do them on a daily basis. It has really helped with my yoga practice as well.
Umm, well, I've only run twice since my last post. I did an unremarkable, dutiful, ploddity-woddity 4k on Tuesday, then went out this morning for my final run of the 10k Magic Plan.
Looking back, I find that Oldfloss very presciently told me "Some runs work out so much better than we can ever dream of."
I'm gobsmacked to report that exactly one calendar month after my first 10k, I cracked 10 miles. 16.34k, 7:56/km, 2:09:46, cumulative elevation gain 297m.
As I've posted elsewhere - "pink-hued run" - about this I won't add any more here, other than to say thanks to you all for being such a supportive bunch
Bit of a mixy blob the last couple of weeks, with one (not) parkrun delivered just inside target but this week's hopeless from the start - off the pace even before turning for the last 1500m, into the teeth off a hooly of a wind squall accompanied by driving rain which reduced me to a walk for 500m or more. The time won't be recorded if I can find something better today or tomorrow ...... Meanwhile, in exactly the same conditions, Dexy5 was setting her (not) parkrun PB - how did that happen?
But last weekend was the New Forest 10k, run as a time trial and described in another thread. A much tougher course than last year, and although initially disappointed with my performance, I can see looking back it wasn't actually that bad, 62nd out of 237 runners, 41st out of 92 blokes and 3rd out of 5 in my age category, in 57'37".
No great expectations for the rest of the month, expect to just keep chugging along, but still onwards and still upwards!
Time-keeping not my strongest attribute so, true to form, I've only just organised spotted your September Quest and decided on my goal!! But I do hope that its 'better late than never' and somehow that writing it down will help me to achieve it!
Having been lost for months in the wilderness of chasing speed, I've finally grasped how to pace myself a bit better and begun to understand (and believe) that running more slowly will really help me to run further and maybe even go faster on shorter runs.
To confirm my intention, last week I signed up to do the Vitality virtual 10k at the end of October. On a bit of a roll, and having been inspired by loads of posts on this site, I got carried away and also committed to doing the next LEJOG!!
So I've had a good time doing Wk4 of JuJu's Magic 10k plan and am just back from completing 8k - a bit blustery but I'm still buzzing from having run for over an hour and kept an even pace. Am slightly hesitant about reaching 10K but hey ho I will trust the plan as so many positive posts have encouraged me to think its possible!
As far as the longer plan... the dog and I set off on LEJOG6 tomorrow. Of course she's blissfully unaware of her vital role but when we're trudging round the village on winter dog walks in the dark it will be fun to know that every step is contributing to the goal of reaching the North of Scotland before next September!!
Plodding along nicely on the whole Oldfloss. Hill repeats have been good but after a bit of a niggle in my knee on my ten miler on Sunday, I have decided to have a break from them this week!
From now on my focus will be increasing my mileage, so a little undulation is okπ but ever-further is the new goal!
I also loved the cooler temperatures at the weekend - more of that please! π
I completely agree with you OF. Itβs good to stand back and gather your thoughts on what matters for your mental and physical health.
I havenβt experienced an Autumn here for 11 years so Iβm really looking forward to it. I stopped on a run this week to pick up a conker as I hadnβt seen one for so long . A small thing but a reminder of the beauty of living in a country with 4 distinct seasons.
Running wise Iβve been on a high with a new 10k PB and some lovely easy runs in between hard intervals sessions.
Iβve also been on a bit of a shoe shopping splurge having bought Nike Tempo Next%, Nike React Infinity, Nike Pegasus Goretex and a pair of On Cloudflyers. Good set of shoes for my rotation there with the 4%s will hopefully set me up for a good while.
I'm not very good at spotting these posts - but better late than never!
Week 3 of the Magic Plan was much better for me. On the Friday before my trip to North Wales I ran a really enjoyable slow 7k along the bridleways, through the local nature reserve, across the fields and back home through the woods.
Whilst away, I managed to fit in the remaining 2 runs of Week 3 - a 3.5k and a 5k - in the truly wonderful surroundings of Pen LlΕ·n, running without music and just soaking in the ambience.
Am I sleeping any better? Well - yes a bit.
And I'm annoyed today because I forgot to book my lunchtime swim session and now all the slots are taken. Ah well - I will just have to wait until Thursday, which will be the day after my first 8k run and run 2 of Week 4! I'm looking forward to that challenge and slightly apprehensive in equal measure!
I may just have sent my Meh! gemlins packing πΏππͺ
What a beautiful photo Old Floss π, just love Autumn colours.
Unfortunately, as I suspected might happen, illness struck leading to quest failure π. I have now had various cold symptoms for over two weeks (thanks to little children at school!) but struggled on going in to work. Of course that could only go on for so long to and today I am in bed. Just hoping that I can keep away from the flu bug since I am unlikely to be able to get a vaccine till December! π¬π€π·
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Life at the moment, yet again, is taking another turn and we are never very sure where it will lead, so being adaptable, makes the runs much more fun 
September Quest: Week 3
January Questing week 4
