Be careful out there everyone. Evenings are dark and there are a lot of rotting leaves on the paths which can be slippy. We really have to push ourselves out the door over this coming month. Cooler weather and rain will be tough but we can do this. I enjoy running in this weather, well, most of the time. I sometimes dread leaving the warmth of the cosy house, but I love the feeling of coming back in the door after that run, having a warm shower and a guilt free day or evening. I have a couple of personal quests which I want to set myself over this month.
I think Wales are coming out of lock down, but some of us are still under tight restrictions. I'm half way through a 6 week lock down. Most of us will be in some form of stricter lock down during November which will be very tough. For our health and for our sanity we need to get out. We need to exercise and thankfully we will be able to do this.
My quest for November is to get out there, get out that door at least 3 times per week. I want to continue to work on my 5K pace and continue to do 1 x10K per week. I also want to shed some of the extra little bit of weight which has crept on me over the last few months. I need to get rid of about 10 lbs to 12 lbs. So starting today I'm watching my intake of the right food.
I know many of you will have taken part in the Quest before, but for those who are newly arrived on the Bridge Forum, the next bit is just for you....!
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 November.
You can join at any point during that 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
• To improve pace
• To try out some new running routes
It's completely up to you - set yourself an achievable goal and have fun with it!
NEED SOME INSPIRATION?
Take a look at IannodaTruffe's wonderful What Next? guide for C25K graduates:
I'll lead here. I must admit that my Quest has had a shaky start. From a diet point of view I have been good and am losing weight. But I did not run as much last week as I intended to. I did 2 x 5K runs and a 5K fast walk which took me 43 minutes and 35 seconds. I burnt just as many calories. But I did not do a longer run. So this evening I shall kick off the week with a nice easy 7K run. Easy pace, 7K is never easy. I'll run 5K on Wednesday and (not)parkrun on Saturday. I also plan to do a longer run on Sunday. Hopefully that will get my quest back on track again.
Happy running everyone on all of your own personal Quests.
Hi Damienair, that was a really good fast 5K walk, my fastest 5K walk was 47 minutes on my usual 5K run course, it's the 11th of November this Wednesday and a runner gave me the idea to run 11K on the 11th day of the 11th month, so this Wednesday I'll run a 11K, I may even try and end the run at 11.11 am which in certain parts of Europe is the start of Carnival time.
Well at least I've remembered that I set myself a quest! last time I did the monthly quest I forgot all about it 🤣
Anyway I got organised and wrote myself a November plan with 3 columns per week thats 2 runs and one for some other type of exercise.
First week in I did a 5k run which was a new route as well as I ran to the post office 🤣, a Pilates class for lower back pain which somebody on the forum suggested (too many leaves to rake up), a beginner HIIT session and a 7k run again on another new route.
So all in all I'm quite pleased. I was trying for the second run to be longer but I gave myself a pass due to the back niggles.
Wk5 R3 was done, I had wanted to run this at Bushy Park about a 40 minute drive from us, but with lockdown it felt wrong to travel so far to exercise . Instead I got the chance to run it around Stoke Park in Guildford, hubby was getting a puncture/nail sorted on the car, so it felt ok to be dropped off while he went to the nearby garage.
My Wk 6 R1 was also done here, he click and collected something while I ran.
I found this one tougher than the 20min continuous one, then was reminded that this is the case with that tricky but looks easier interval run.
I managed Yoga everyday, and S and C three times during the week, and have consumed no alcohol since 1st Nov....😇
This week I have Wk6 runs 2and 3, so I'm hoping for some dry weather and lots of breath!
I've been running! Three times since I last posted, so I really should be pleased I'm getting out.
Unfortunately I'm not particularly enjoying my runs: I find I'm constantly thinking about where to head next, where I have to turn back, how much time have I got, how I shouldn't waste the time I'm allowed by running for less than an hour, where I need to get back to so as to get home in time.
And I've already broken the law by failing to get home within the hour, and by taking the dog for a walk in the forest the same day as a run day.
Still on for 60k in the month though, and doing lots of hill running, so that's good
I can feel your frustration, I was a bit confused then realised your aren't von the UK. Trying to fit exercise into 60 minutes and make use of that full 60 minute must be really difficult. I feel for you.
In the first UK lockdown we were only allowed out once for exercise and I was finding that difficult with dog walking and trying to complete C25k. Thankfully this time we are allowed out to exercise as long as we want.
Yes, I'm in France. We're allowed out for exercise (or dog walking) once a day, maximum one hour, within 1k radius of home, carrying ID and a signed declaration of why we're out, bearing not only the date but also the time we left home!
I'm a proper whingebat today, though, sorry. At least I get to run up and down the road that goes through the forest, and in the countryside
Just keep getting out there. It is a real pain at the moment. In Ireland we can exercise legally within a 5K radius of our home. That gives me 5K, 7K and 10K route options. We are not limited by time. But I am getting out every second day at the moment. So I am lucky. I feel your frustration. I hope you enjoy your time outside exercising when you are getting out and happy running.
Well I’ve done very well with my quest so far! I’ve managed to get my 3 runs in last week - squeaking the last one in a day early, just before our blizzard hit. I ran 26 km last week so am well in my way to my 50mile goal for the month. I’ve got out most evenings for an after supper walk (by myself when hubby was dealing with ocular migraines) and had so much more energy this weekend because of it! I can’t believe how much I have accomplished! And I am well in my way to 300, 000 steps this month!
Hi Damien - a little late but I'd like to join please!🙂
Having completed my Virtual Autumn HM last month, I have dropped my distance work for a while.
My goal this month is to run (preferably three times a week) for my "mental wellbeing"! 👍😀 That means - for the love of the run 💕🏃🏽♀️ - no pressure on times or distances - just good ol' running for pleasure! 😍
The current pandemic is affecting all of us and I have definately been more anxious just recently. 😟 One thing that I am sure of however, is that going out for a run makes me feel so much better and really lifts my mood!🙂
Oh and I am also trying to use my free 'Headspace' subscription that was offered to all education staff back during the first Lockdown. For those who haven't heard of it, it is a Mindfulness App. They offer a free sign up too. 🙂
* Get back to running 5km at some point this month without getting injured again
I got to 4.87m on Saturday. I'm planning a "time no object" 5km run on Wednesday.
* Go a little further than that if possible by the end of the month, either 40 mins or 6km
I need to get to 5km first! Once I've done that, I've put a rough plan together to use the nine runs remaining after that one to ratchet up to 6km at the end of the month using a mixture of longer runs, shorter runs and Jeffing run/walk combinations, keeping comfortably below the 10% per week rule.
I'm progressing with my November quests so far. I only managed to run twice last week due to work commitments. I did manage a comfortable 10k on Thursday evening. I am usually a morning runner but I have just started running with a friend. At least we are able to meet up outdoors with one person outside of our household for exercise. I am hoping that this will become a regular thing. I also managed a fairly comfortable 14k run on Sunday morning and also smashed my 5k and 10k PBs. Why do the slow feeling runs always turn out to be faster? I am hoping to get to 10 miles by the end of the month.
My online yoga classes have restarted so I aim to do this at least once a week.
I am continuing with LEJOG 4 and hope to be halfway through by the end of this week. I am finding it tougher to get out in the dark but am forcing myself to get out of the door.
I can't remember what my quest was! I think it was to run at least twice a week and carry on with one long run a week. I have a few niggles, but would like to do another 10 mile run this month.
I've realised that my pace and consistency is better in the rain!
Managed an 11k at the weekend, but was pretty achey afterwards, so am taking 3 rest days.
I must get out of the house on my non run days. I am in the same four walls working from home, seems like forever, although of course I'm lucky I have a job!
Same here (WFH). Like you, on non-run days I barely move! Thought WFH was my ideal - careful what you wish for etc - but we are certainly very lucky to be able to do so!
I’m doing ok. My quest was to run 2 x a week and I’ve done that. In fact I managed 3x last week 😊. Mid week runs have to be on the treadmill (which I hate but it’s better than not running) because of finishing work late and fitting runs around work, home stuff and caring for my elderly mother. I try and fit eating in too somewhere. My magic ingredient is the NRC app. I’ve enjoyed using some of the shorter interval runs on the treadmill which has made the mid week runs more manageable and enjoyable. I especially like the 3,2,1 Go 17 min interval run at the moment. Short and snappy!
I’m building up to JJ’s magic plan slowly cus of the dodgy ankle but it’s been ok. I’m back up to running for 32 mins now so this week should see me completing the first longer run. Work gets in the way and zaps my energy (no lockdown for me this time) so if I could just win the lottery I’d be laughing 😂
As my Quest is for an easier month I'm definitely on track - did my (not) parkrun on Friday last week and had the wind behind me on the way home for once. So as usual a run of two halves, but this time 13'03" to halfway and 11'45" for the rest, giving me 24'48" overall. With the final k in 4'31" apparently.
10k Poppy Run planned for tomorrow, with Dexy5 and Oldgirlruns , running as "Southsea Bubble". Not sure whether to make it a hard one or not ..... we'll see what the day brings .
I know, it is flying by isn't it. I am the same, just 3 runs a week really, but need to work harder. Will definitely do a 10K this week. Getting out the door 3 times a week is a quest in itself.
Well I'm not sure about my aim of running one longer run each week...
It took me 4 whole days to get back out there after the emotional high of the Vitality London 10,0000. Since then I've manged three slow runs of 3.5k, 4.25k and 5k. It seems like all I want to do right now are short, relaxed easy runs, just for the joy of running.
My aim to replace my swims with some strength and flex cross training has also yet to materialise
- there is still time...
Not the best start to my Quest, but at least I am still running several times a week!
Exactly. Just get out the door and run. I had an awful run yesterday evening. Just had no energy and had to take a walking break. But I was still happy that I got out there.
Managed to get out last week for 3 runs so am happy with that and have started this week off on the right foot I have though revised my plan for Dry November to weekdays only, and am hoping that will still help a little with the weightloss.
I had a very poor run on Saturday, remembering why I said I wouldn’t try to run on Saturdays during lockdown. I had a good session with my ever burgeoning home gym - am now the proud owner of 5 kettlebells, 3 sets of hand weights, a TRX system, various resistance bands and loops, a weighted bar and a Swiss ball. None of which can compensate for not being able to go in the pool. Which brings me to the thing I committed on the Quest - going in the sea. The stars finally aligned today in that it was sunny, the wind had gone, the sea was flat. After a walk in which I confirmed others were in the sea, I persuaded Mr C to support my effort, donned the wetsuit and went in. The dinghy sailor’s wetsuit was a bit too restrictive for swimming but it enabled me to spend around 15 minutes in the water mostly stretching rather than swimming. A big faff so it will be interesting to see whether I do it again.
Still keeping going here, hope to get my 300 mile postcard on Lejog5 in the next week (currently at 275 miles). I'm trying to get out for a run or walk every day, seems to really affect my state of mind if I can't manage it.
Still trying to get my head around the Garmin HM plan - it never seems quite in step with what I want to run (it wants shorter faster runs when I want to do longer slower ones). But managed 11k last week, plus a few shorter runs. Started off this week with a lovely cross-country 10k yesterday, quite hilly but didn't let that stop me: I only stopped for photos, wildlife (beautiful kestrel sighting), obstacles and navigation!
Missing my running club already, but hope to be able to run with them in December.
A bit off and on with the yoga and strength work but I fit it in when I can.
Oh, and my first bit of bling arrived yesterday - surprisingly heavy I think I need to find myself a nice virtual 10 miler or HM for the new year to have something to aim for.
Congratulations on your first piece of bling and very well done on your 11K. Just getting out there is key.
Damien
Hi Damien. It’s only a couple of days since I posted for week 1 of the quest as I was late starting this month, so just a quick update.
😃 Mymojo seems to be returning gradually, encouraged on by trying new things whilst I run. I’ve also increased my yoga practice and that’s also helping to improve things motivation wise.
😊 Experimenting with running zones is proving interesting. Since I put my own stats into the boundaries on my Garmin I have been running in Zone 4, some Zone 3 but hardly any in Zone 5, except for hills but I think that’s okay. I’ve also noticed a slight improvement in my V02 max, which has knocked a year off my fitness age and made me a year younger! That can only be good 😉👍🏼.
Week one was successful for me but week two has gone a bit down hill. My right ankle has been twinging again so I have missed my Tuesday run. Not sure whether I should miss tomorrow’s too and go on a bike ride instead to maintain fitness. Definitely going to be running on Saturday, ankle permitting. Happy running everyone.
I would like to run three times a week and to increase the length of one of my three runs a week. Am I too late to join for November? I have completed couch to %k and the consolidation month with the stepping stones podcasts.
I had four aims.... running 3x a week and making Sunday's run 8-10k has gone well. Though to be honest I think 8-9k is my best distance. Somehow the 10th k feels like several steps too far!
I've also uploaded a couple of runs to the notParkrun and have marginally improved on my previous PB so thats good too.
I've also kept up recording the dog-walking on non-run days so that I can upload as many miles as possible to LEJOG6.
The exercise/stretch one was a very long shot and I have had no inclination to try anything so far in November but I guess theres still a couple of weeks to go. Mr JB rates Joe Wicks pretty highly but somehow trying to get myself together with a mat and the iPad 1st thing is much more onerous than wriggling into running leggings and a top! But I will try... honest!
I’ve been trying to run alternate days and only missed one so far and went the next day instead. Seem to be getting slightly ( VERY slightly) faster again too.
And I have really got back into my Pilates again and after being a member for 4 years I have only just realised I can log into ANY of the 7 LIVE classes each week, as well as using the online “ library” of video classes with my YDB subscription!!! I’ve only been doing one Live class. I did a 10am one yesterday and felt so much better in my lower back afterwards.
So so far 3 of my goals ticked- regular running✔️getting faster ✔️and doing my Pilates daily ✔️
Yay!! 😁😁😁 and sleeping and feeling better in myself too. Result!!
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I'll run 5K on Wednesday and (not)parkrun on Saturday. I also plan to do a longer run on Sunday. Hopefully that will get my quest back on track again.
