Just when you thought..

[Oldfloss]

...it was all quiet and the dreaded rambles and rhymes had disappeared!!

Here I am!

Well, I have been here , bobbing in here and there in my role on the forums...but not a post for a long time!!! I think my last personal one was last October!

I am not going to bore anyone with my tale of ups and down, there are far, far too may folk who have had, and are still having a lot more to handle than I have had to.

Suffice to say.. I celebrated my 5th Runniversary in December 2020, but forgot all about it as I was in a real slough of despond... but there we are.

Since then... really slow and steady, with all sorts happening.

On December 17th 2020... five years to the day of my first Graduation, I started C25K again...On June 4th 2021... I graduated, again! Took a while but I got there and survived to tell the tale. I did my Week 9, Run 3 in Wales and it was wonderful!

I am still fighting to put weight back on and it is happening. My muscle tone is improving through my regular routines and great ideas on the amazing S and F forum! Thanks CBDB ! My stamina is really good... I don't give up that easy !

I am still running...but, when the body tells me to, and mainly once or twice a week. No pressure, no distance or time or speed in mind...I just do it and enjoy

Yes, still slow and still very steady

So, without more ado... I shall give you my latest offering... with apologies to all those singers who have sung this...and the folk who wrote it,,, Vernon Duke and John Le Touche!

Sorry everyone Those who know me... you will forgive me.... those who don't ? Well ??? Here goes!

Taking the Time to Run

************

Here I go again

Still going steady and slow again

Works, I know, again

Taking the time to run

***

Here I dare again,

Taking the air again

Just getting there again

Taking the time to run

***

I thought my running days were up

I would never try

But now I’m taking my game up

And the feeling I get is high.

***

Body is stronger now

I can move for longer now

Don’t feel so sombre now

Taking the time to run

***

Did Couch to 5 again

Re_Graduated it again

I got my grip again

Taking the time to run

***

I’m on the ball again

Giving it my all again

Being careful I don’t fall again ( In any shape or form ) !

Taking the time to run!

*****

So good to be posting this...I can hardly believe it. So happy to be back amongst friends x

Love Floss x

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

PS.... Guess who is hosting the new Quest for August,,,, ? Yes... ME ! xxx

[LiisaM in reply to Oldfloss]

You're hosting again. Yay!!!

Dear Oldfloss, I have not run since 2020 March, being afraid to be out on the roads with covid. I'm vaccinated now, but they're saying vaccinated folk are getting covid again so I'm betwixt and between not knowing how to manage this rotten pandemic that is running forever, while I am NOT running (as it is.)

😟😟😟

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to LiisaM]

Hello, you!Good to be back ...it's been a long road..but...it is time for us all to move forward.

I have struggled so much with this...but now I am determined to get through.

You are vaccinated and, worse case scenario.. if you got Covid..your chances of a mild case and complete recovery are very high.

This is with us for ever, so now...we stay sensible.. but we live. You can do this..you and I...we are strong xx

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to LiisaM]

Vaccinated people are getting Covid.

But they are not be getting it running outside by themselves (with the possible exception of the sort of crowded pavements that make running a pain anyway) - we understand the modes of transmission so much better than we did in March 2020 and there are some avoidant strategies from back then that don't serve us well and we can let go of (for some this might involve professional help). And whilst being fit is not a magic wand to guarantee you won't catch Covid (something some still don't appreciate), it does help the chances of a good outcome should you be unfortunate enough to find yourself at the nastier end of the spectrum of possibilities. Vaccine = good, vaccine + keeping fit in an uncrowded outdoors = best.

[LiisaM in reply to GoogleMe]

I need to be VERY careful. I understand that vaccinated people can spread the new variant we have here in the States and I live with my vaccine hesitant adult son. So I am more careful than I would be if I lived by myself. The road on which I used to run is very crowded (6 lanes) with cars and there are frequent runners/dog walkers/walkers.... It is a sort of rural highway with infrequent lights so there does not appear to be the sort of pollution one runs into in a crowded city though.

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to LiisaM]

I know I probably would not ever have run if I had to do it on roads and pavements. Back in March/April 2020 I ran round and round the house!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Great song Oldfloss, I was 🎶 singing along with the words, as you say take all your runs slow and steady, nice to have you back on the forum, onwards and upwards, slow and steady 🏃🏾 👍

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you, my friend. That means a lot...I'm still not back to full strength, but gosh...I am on the way xx

[Comfortnotspeed Graduate10]

Lovely to read this! Great ballad of running resilience.

Looking forward to August’s quest with Oldfloss 😃👏😀👏😀

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Thank you...so good to be here again...x

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

What a great post and so good to hear you are back running !Congratulations on your re graduation 😁

"No pressure, no distance or time or speed in mind...I just do it and enjoy "

What better reason to run !

👍🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks you..enjoyment is key xxx

[Instructor57 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Absolutely !

[Nymahchai]

I too have been out of the loop but still here! Still running listening to my body. Good to see your post 👋👋👍

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Nymahchai]

Thank you...and go you!!!x

[Nymahchai in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you!! When I recover from another injury I always think about you and your presence on here and it gets me going again 😊. By the coast the winds have been a pest but at least it’s dry mostly!

[Couchpotato2]

YAY so happy to have you back! You've always been someone I have looked up too :-)And is that Gower?? I have just had my 2 weeks run / camping trip there cancelled but I think I'll still come over anyway... maybe after a 10 mile run detour... all in planning

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Hello!!! So good to be here...!No...this is Criccieth..North Wales..my second really happy place xxxHead up here...it is fabulous and running locations are incredible!! We are heading again, Tuesday...x

[Couchpotato2 in reply to Oldfloss]

Wow I just looked it up, it looks fab!xx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Head this way..a coastal run is ace!

[Couchpotato2 in reply to Oldfloss]

I’ve sent you a personal message

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I recognised it. I was there just under three weeks ago. The castle was shut.

[mountaindreamer Graduate10]

Great to see you posting, Floss. You give so much to so many on these forums, and we always love your rambles and rhymes! 😊❤️❤️❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to mountaindreamer]

Thanks you...not there yet..but...on the way x

[Lizcanrun Graduate10]

Lovely post Old Floss x

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Lizcanrun]

Thank you x

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Hey Floss, how lovely to read a post from you again, makes me happy to know you are still out there and running when you can. Oh and I sang your poetry instead of reading it

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I won't lie..it's been tough....still is, some days...but...the friendship here and the fact that I can still run maje so much difference xxxThank you xxx

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

This forum is amazing for lifting us up, good luck for you in running and hope the tough days are past, taking the time to run again is such a good theme to sing as well xxx

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Hello Oldfloss, So pleased to read your post and see that you are running again and enjoying it. 🎉👏😊

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you..the support means a lot x

[backintime Graduate10]

So glad you're posting again, I love reading your posts and they always inspire

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to backintime]

Thank you..I am inspired by everyone here x

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

So good to hear from you Floss; we need your calm insightful comments. You are a virtual arm around the shoulder when we need it…..and the forum just isn’t complete without your compositions. Just keep on getting better 🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

That is so kind..thank you! I am on the way xx

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Hellooo Oldfloss, how lovely to hear from you. 🤗🤗 Running to enjoy it is the best. So pleased to hear you are running again and on the mend. 😄I am not able to run for now - PF & Achilles’ tendon issues - but I am on a new physio regime & hope to return eventually. Meanwhile cycling is a great pleasure- often from one birdwatching spot to another with binoculars in the pannier! 😄

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Elfe5]

Good to hear from you and thank you! You are having a rough time! I tore my Achilles tendon sime years ago..ouch!Cycling is great though ! We do a lot..and birdwatching makes it even better.. Take it steady and you will get there xx

[Granspeed Graduate10]

My heroine. Showing the way, as always. 💕 You’ll have us all singing soon. Take care and welcome back.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Granspeed]

You are lovely...thank you xx

[sparky66 Graduate10]

A dear old running friend I remember so very well from my previous attempts ❤️With much love and appreciation,I welcome your return

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to sparky66]

You are so kind, thank you very much. It is really good to be back here, believe me

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

A lovely piece of poetry Oldfloss - and how lovely to have you back with us again! May you continue on the up, you deserve it!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you ! This is the first time in a long while that i felt I could be back on the running track again with my head held a little higher I love posting, I love a bit of fun and I love being here with friends xx

[CBDB Graduate10]

Brilliant!!! Love the running poem! No pressure…. Yeah sometimes we have to remind ourselves to simply enjoy a run, a walk, a workout. And awhhhh 🥰 thanks for the mention. I am also so glad I found these communities! They really help to keep us going! So big thanks!

Happy no-pressure running and working out!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to CBDB]

Thank you! I may not always be very good at checking in, especially on the Quests! But I am using the S and F forum so much right now... and the whole forum is fantastic!

[Fionamags Graduate10]

So lovely to see you posting again Oldfloss! Its great to hear that whatever has been going on, you've come through the other end of it and celebrated another graduation. I hope things are OK for you now. Looking forwards to your poetic posts - always quirky and delightful! Xxx😘

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Fionamags]

Thank you... settling into a better routine, physically and mentally ! So good to see you here

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Hello OldFloss, how wonderful to see this post and hear that you graduated again - congratulations 👏. So glad that you are out enjoying running and of course writing too 😀. I will look out for the August quest post….

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to skysue16]

I shall be watching for your post and I know you have an exciting running time ahead... ( and school holidays ) ! Thank you xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Oh Floss, I love your song, and it really resonates with me...you have read my mind! I haven't been taking the time to run recently. My days are full of joy and delight as I share my little grandsons new skills and experiences. The need to go out and run has just faded into the background... can I make the time?

So good to know you are back and enjoying 'no pressure' runs. I will be joining your August quest and hopefully under your watchful eye will find my running mojo again.

My new mantra for the month is Taking the time to run! Excited to start.

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🌻xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I love that! I wondered where you were with your running, but know also the wonderful. and welcome, time restraints with that beautiful new addition to your family

But yes, we do need to make time for ourselves ;you know that I found that out to my cost, and I feel that just taking a run, even a short one, with no pressure or target can bring so many benefits, The mind clears, the happy hormones all start jangling and you are refreshed and recharged.

We will quest together and keep giving each other a gentle shove if need be.

Thank you xxx

[Liz-is-trying]

Lovely to read your post. Many of us have been down and struggled and your post is an inspiration to keep at it!! I graduated again, for about the 4th time, about a month ago. Your scenery is gorgeous. Onwards and upwards!! X

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Liz-is-trying]

Thanks you. I ha repeated bits before, but this time, I did the whole programme...it did take a while, and the weather did not help...but it was very worth it ! Well done you!

[Tbae]

All good wishes to you brave, resilient and inspiring Floss.Thanks for your magic on the forum.

🏃‍♀️🌟💫⚡️

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Tbae]

Thank you, my friend xx I hope all is well with you , I am back in Wales on Tuesday ! xxx

[Tbae in reply to Oldfloss]

All well Floss thank you.”Taking the time to run.”Like Bluebirdrunner my new mantra also.I think Floss TTTTR is at the core of all of our journeys.Great to see you back on the forum and back in Wales also.👩‍❤️‍👨🏃‍♀️🌟👏👏💪🙏💫⚡️

[Irish-John Graduate10]

And I for one am so happy you are running and posting again :)A really nice some-kind-of-Isle of Palms SC, to welcome you back ❤️👍🏻

Flower

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you. That is a beautiful welcome back , and I do feel it is the right time to be back xx

[Irish-John Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

❤️

[Irish-John Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Ooops - should have been "some-kind-of-Isle of Palms SC" Flower, so edited it :)I think its some kind of Lily but not sure. Camera couldn't capture it fully, it was a beauty

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

So lovely to read this Oldfloss❤️ - listening to our bodies is so important in these times and ‘running for my mental well-being’ seems to be my main goal at the moment!

I have missed your posts, although I am not on here as much as I would like these days (school holidays at the moment though!🙌)

Take care, run when you can - and post when you can too.😀 Good to see you doing the Quest again!🙂x

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you my friend. Yes, I feel that many, many of us are running, ( or walking, or cycling), for the mental health benefits, I know that it is a huge part of my ethos. Just getting out there, even for a short time can help so much. You do need a real rest from the pressures of school especially!Finding the time gets easier, as we accept that, if we are just doing it for ourselves and as you say, always listening to our best guide( our own body)... things will simply evolve

Take care, you x

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Our wonderful Floss, it’s so good to see you here again with one of your fabulous posts 😍 and you’re back on form! Love it!

Even if you haven’t been around much recently your spirit is always here 😚but you are missed.

Happy Runniversary for last December! And for graduating again. It must feel magical. Enjoy your runs xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you, my friend... yes, not like me to miss a chance to celebrate...But I made up for it in June!...

[Runningroni Graduate10]

Hello you, massive welcome back. Sometimes life's challenges hamper running. So pleased you are now managing to get in the odd run. As testimony to your inspirational force, I donned my running gear and had a bit of a trot out, first time in 2 weeks. See what power you have.

Thank you, lovely lady. Many happy runs to you.

🐌

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Runningroni]

So glad you got out... I popped out for a little 4K snail trail too ! Thank you xxx

[Richard7 Graduate10]

Lovely to hear from you Oldfloss .. when I read something like this I always want to echo with a quote from a moderately terrible movie "Galaxy Quest" - Never give up - Never surrender!! Keep going Floss at your own pace and style 👍😃

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Richard7]

Will do Richard... as ever..no need for speed, not in my case anyway! Thanks youx

[JonathanP Graduate10]

Great to see that you're back Floss - take care

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to JonathanP]

Thank you, my friend x

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Hello Floss, great post. You’re back! Well done. So good to hear from you.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Hello! Thank you...feeling more like myself again now! X