Just two days of August left, after today. What a month that was, and how quickly it has passed! Is this year really whizzing along?
So many of you, doing so, so many things and best of all achieving your targets , clocking up the kilometers and enjoying every second
A huge well done to you all! I have loved reading your posts and sharing your joy as you have ticked off those targets.
I managed to reach my target of at least one run a week, and sneaked a few more in too... and today , just in time, I managed my first 5K, ( here at Criccieth) , since my last one in September last year... just before my blip!
I ran the Race for Life, virtually here in Wales...and, all things being well, will do a real one! in Caernarfon on 19th September!
I never thought I would make it...but, slow and steady gets us there!
You folk have kept me strong and got me where I wished to be...thank you!
It has been so great to see all your achievements and to see you, simply taking the time to run and to enjoy it.
Maybe now, tomorrow and Tuesday, ease back...?
Take the time to reflect and think how well you have done... where you felt you wanted to adjust or how to tweak your plans and where you are hoping to move forwards to in September!
A new Quest starts on September 1st and I know one of my targets is to practice some flat running before the Race for Life! ( I move faster up hills )!
The Quest host cannot wait to take up the role on Wednesday!
" Five foot two, eyes of blue, always slow and steady too " ?
Can you guess?
Another HUGE well done to all of you and safe happy running, into next month
Oldfloss x
PS
That view is on a section of the Race for Life Run, from Coed Helen... I simply cannot wait and I hope the sky is that blue!
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Well, my target was to run again after a month of not running and I certainly succeeded in it, having run my second 10K after 2 weeks of running again 😁
As you know my Quest has been a lot about 5K... in fact the last few months has been, and I am pleased to say that I finally amassed the evidence of 4x 5ks so I am awaiting the arrival of a pretty Wind in the Willows medal with 4 dangling characters.
And thanks to the Quest, to your insight and to Hidden 's solidarity I do believe I have achieved my 10 yoga sessions goal... a bit bunched up at the end (and I think I shall make an effort to keep going with daily sessions to the end of the month because I am not sure I've not miscounted!)
Fantastic news on all counts... this is brilliant. And the medal sounds just wonderful!Yoga back there too... simply great! You can do this.. two days to go!
I’m happy to report that I not only met my target of running 8 miles by the end of August but I actually reached 10 miles on Thursday. I had one more week while my running buddy was on holiday so I pushed on and did it! The last 3k were not pretty but I was determined not to give up. My legs were stiff the next day but no aches or niggles, which I was a little amazed at! So tis done 🙌🙌😁
My September quest will now be to run at least 50k during the month as I’m back at work and back to squeezing runs in where I can. (Secretly, I’m actually hoping for 75k)
Just super, the news coming in from folk is amazing...running when it is easy, is easy.. finding those last Ks when everything seems to be telling you to quit... that is real strength!
Your new Quest aspirations sound very sound too.. aim for the target, listen to your body and I think you may just get that 75K!
Thanks 😊. I’m a great believer in not putting too much extra pressure on yourself. There’s enough of that that comes from outside sources! Challenge yourself yes but be realistic.
Hi Oldfloss ,well done to you and all the other Questers who have achieved your goals.
My quest was to attempt all four runs per week on my HM training plan. I did not succeed in that (wk1- 4, wk2- 2, wk3- 3, w 4- 4) but I finished on a high in the final week with a couple of speed workouts which I really enjoyed and a 10 mile run yesterday . This lead to my highest monthly mileage since February and the last run of the month tomorrow will hopefully take me up to about 120k for the month so I feel quite happy.
Thank you for the motivation. The quest has really made me think about why I have missed runs -sort of a self defeating rebellion after a tough day at work is the nearest way I can describe it. This was a real eye opener for me.!
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Week7
You are very welcome and I am delighted that you are finishing on a high! You did really well and finished with a really positive outcome.
Just doing what we are able is great but finding the balance between, being kind to ourselves and just not wanting to head out is a really fine one. If you have had a tough day or days, then your body is probably needing rest, so easing up a tad is the answer.. 2 runs instead of 3... shorter run etc...
It is tricky and I am in awe of all of you who lead busy lives and busy working lives too.
Often too easy for myself as an ancient retired snail to hand out advice...although as a hands on Grammy , I do have my moments, when as my friend GoogleMe suggests, we are only able to do , "...what fits the circumstances".
Thank you. These chats alway provide such food for thought.-My understanding from my friends who reached "grammyhood" is that its just as time/energy consuming as paid work, just a more fun and less predictable!
Dear OF, it was a rough run today where I am in the States what with "Real Feel" temperatures around 90-ish. We had bad air alerts here, too. Phooey! I had to slow down in order to complete my run. It's been wonderful with you leading the quest. You keep us cheerful and running!
Hi OF. Well my August started in a truly shocking non-running related fashion, but has ended on a running high, my Quest still intact against the odds. My last 2 runs even rewarded me with PBs for 5k and 10k. 🙏🏻
My HM training continues, but is starting to taper by the looks of it. Three weeks from now and I’ll have completed my race, the same date as yours! 🤞😍
Thanks for hosting us this month, and I’m so glad you’re back on track. ❤️
Thank you, and well done you!You had an horrendous start to the month and the fact that you are running at all and with such success is inspirational!
I am so glad that the runs are still happening and that you have met those targets in style. Wow!
HM tapering beginning and the race...fabulous. I know you will really enjoy and I shall think of you when I am plodding ( or maybe prancing) along my 5K!
Yes my August goal completed 10k achieved just back from a guided NRC this morning only 4K so I added some more as I just wanted to keep running!! Is this really me ??? I have lapsed with YWA this week but had busy working week and decorating too but will be back on it this week and joining the plankety plankethon!! This forum and all the people in it are marvellous 🎉🎉🏃♀️
Absolutely fabulous! Very, very well done to you on meeting those targets and wanting more. That is an ideal finish to the month!Your yoga, ( as with many of us), took a back seat, but you upped core strength and stamina work with working and decorating! That is a winner!
My quest was to once again run 100k during the month, and if possible to match the 110k I ran during July. Part 1 achieved- due to a couple of 60 minute runs I actually managed 101k on Saturday- and I have one day left to nail Part 2, if I can do another 5k tomorrow that will take me to 111k!
I also managed a PR for 10k during the month, now down to 56:51, and 5k is now at 26:19. I’m hoping to keep the momentum going during September, maybe set a couple more PRs, who knows?
I haven't really been in the Quest this month but my goals are always to keep running as much as possible, go further, and have fun...
Your post to reflect was very timely. I've just updated my running spreadsheet with recent months totals as I've been beating myself up for only achieving 7 runs this month, especially given that was only 111 miles it wasn't stacking up against recent months. But actually that averages out at almost 16 miles each run which is my highest average, ever. So actually, I need to give myself a bit more credit for doing what I can, when I can 👍🏻
Most definitely give yourself credit! We are often, our worst critic To have those targets of running, going that one step more and having fun! Perfect !
I know we often use a phrase for our newest runners, in C25K... enjoyment not endurance... it is worth remembering for all of us I certainly forgot that last Autumn!
Maybe join us in the new Quest on Wednesday, it is so good to have all levels of runners in it x
August was very much a month of two halves. I was ill in the first week and did no running after the first Tuesday.
I got back into things in the second week with mainly short runs (and a parkrun).
I went a bit daft during the third week, with two weekday 10km runs, two 2 mile runs, a parkrun and a 13.2km run to finish.
This week just gone was less intensive in one way but longer in others: 10km, 2 mile, 6.5km intervals, parkrun, and a 10 mile run (in unfamiliar territory) yesterday morning.
I'm not going to run today, but if I do 10km before work on Tuesday I'll have done about 140km in August.
Not bad for a month with the best part of a week without running.
Sadly the 10km I was going to run this morning to finish off the month went out the window when a bunch of insect bites I'd acquired on Sunday afternoon caused my legs to go very tight yesterday evening. They're healing now.
Back in June last year I got some really nasty red spider mite bites. It took a full week and two different antibiotics to fix. That was just before my third and successful attempt at C25K.
Well done on reaching your quest goals (and then some). And thank you for hosting the Quest. I only joined belatedly last week, but it's been good to limber up for next month. I said my main aim for what was left of August was to identify a training plan to reboot my running. Inspired by Frizzbomb67 I've decided I'm going to follow an adapted version of the NRC HM Plan - just up to the 10-mile/16k mark... so I guess it's really a 'Not-HM Plan'. I'll be slowing down the schedule, making each 'NRC week' into roughly a fortnight, and adding in an extra long run (so that I get one of these per week). More than the distance target, it's the plan's structure that I'm after, and the coached guided sessions, which I'm hoping will push me to do speed work with focus. I trialed the first short intro session last week - just dipping my toes in - and then just took the plunge, so I'm now two runs in (three, if we count the intro). I really enjoyed my first 'proper' interval session (and I even felt a bit of an athlete as I followed the coach's instructions to pause to calm my breathing with hands on head and then drop head to toes). The next session was a lesson in really slowing down my recovery pace, a challenge much aided by now having the additional check of a running watch on my wrist. (OMG, this little device has opened up a whole new world!!) Anyway, I'm looking forward to learning to feel and control my 'gears'.
Through NRC I was able to join the Hackney Moves Community Challenge to raise funds for Badu Sports, a local social enterprise supporting young people - so, my runs in the coming month add to a community-pooled km target. I don't do anything other than run the runs I'm planning, but it's nice to have another motivation to stay on track. I've also signed up to the Plankathon on the Strength & Flex forum.
You sound as if you are really getting organized ready for September, well done you and we look forward to your posts on that Quest!Yes, the watches make a difference, terrific aids to our running training and monitoring. Although still good to run without them sometimes,... no pressure and pure enjoyment
Thanks for hosting this month Oldfloss, and great questing yourself
Overall, a pretty successful month for me, I've achieved my aim of continuing to work towards a 60 min run. This past week hasn't been the best in some ways, a cold has meant I felt too rubbish to run for a while (thankfully not covid, but still had headaches, sore throat etc that just wouldn't pass). But on Sun, a full week after my previous run, I finally got out.
The aim was my long run of the week (55 mins), but with an ok to quit early if my body wasn't up to it. I'm pleased to say that it was, and I really enjoyed it. My 55 min run a week earlier felt really hard work, this week it felt a lot more natural, the week's rest might have done my legs some good perhaps? Or perhaps it was the time of day, a different route, or one of many other things! I even had a bit left in the tank to speed up for the last minute. I have no watch, just an app that is set to give me running time in 5 min intervals, so to speed up for the last minute, I have to guess when to start. I was just starting to think that I'd sped up too early and used up all of my energy too soon, when the 55 min was announced. Phew!
September's quest will include the full 60 min I think
A 1/2 km burst! I've never thought about how far I go at the slightly faster speed, but I'm not sure I could keep it up for that long! Thanks for your support.
Well done OF - and thanks for the continued quest updates!
I actually exceeded my forecast 75km this month by 10km - it was a busy month so the quest wasn't exactly a big stretch this time round. I fully intend on correcting that in September and I plan a very challenging sets of goals!
Thanks for looking after us in awesome August Oldfloss. You have done brilliantly in getting back to running again and it’s great to hear about your runs in Wales 🏴. It sounds like both running and and your little trips have done you the world of good.
As you know, I have been running with coach Bennett on the NRC plan during August, and today I ran 11 km on my journey to 10 miles. He wanted me to increase from 10k to 12.75 but I want to take a slower journey to avoid ITB problems.
I ran 50.25 miles in August, having pledged to run 25 for Miles for Mind. Bling will follow.
Since my last post I have also ticked more challenges off the bingo card.
Create some Strava art ✅
Try a run streak ✅ if you count 2 days as a streak!
Cool off in the sea or a stream after a run ✅
We had a meet up with JonathanP at his parkrun at the weekend and I’ve also earned my 25 volunteers shirt at parkrun so I’m looking forward to wearing the purple shirt in September.
I can not believe how quickly August flew by .
Parkrun 25 volunteers shirt
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5
You have had a fabulous Quest, I feel! You have covered an awful lot of ground and your Bingo Card tick, activities, have been super!Taking it steady as you go, is most certainly the right way.., and has clearly payed dividends.
I am looking forward to your September Quest targets.
I am going to do the Autumn Miles for Mind, as I feel that by then, I may be a lot closer to some of my earlier form... achievable without pressure.
Thank you too, for keeping me going with your posts... they give me a lift and yes, my runs, short though they are are helping to make me stronger... and Wales... food for the body and soul xxx
It looked as though it was going to be a series of near misses this month, when an attack on my 7k in 35 minutes target came up 13 secs over - 2 pesky seconds each k! For once I started too slowly, dropped 10 secs over the first 2k and couldn't raise my game enough to claw it back. So that was another yellow blob on the chart .....
But today I thought I'd have another go at the 15k run at 5'30"/k pace, which rather disappointed me a fortnight ago . Slightly steadier start, but the same 45 secs in hand after 7k. But this time I held 5'30" out to 10k and didn't go over 5'35" until the supposedly last k, which was a tiring 5'40". And with 8'15" to spare, I decided to go for the last 1.1k to take me up to the Great South distance. Back to 5'34" for the 16th k and 87'50" total for 10 miles - which makes it green across the board for that line of the Quest. So do I try to go further at that speed next month in the hope of making it easier on the day? Or focus on the shorter, quicker stuff and try to turn those yellows to green? Decisions, decisions .......
Onwards and upwards, and thanks for all the fish this month!!
I'd say.... short and quick...but that is just me, 'cos I've only just got back up to 5K with a very short , quick burst over the last K, but; considering the first K was 7.49 and the last one was 6.21 AND on the flat ( which I am not good at ) it obviously worked!
I cannot imagine a 15K at the pace you are doing, so I definitely would still say, the shorter, quicker stuff up to THE day!
I think you have done brilliantly with this quest and although you are planning, you are not really letting it impact negatively...
You have been a great Quester and I cannot wait to see your posts starting tomorrow!
You are welcome to the fish and remember...time is an illusion. Lunchtime doubly so.
Thank you for leading an Awesome Quest Floss...didn't we all do well!
I took time to run each week and kept up my fitness routine with Joe Wicks P.E and YWA.
Today I ran along the promenade of the Fifth of Clyde in the sunshine with a light breeze. Having the sea view with the hills beyond was probably my nicest ever run. My heart and feet were light and I glided along with ease. The perfect start to the September Quest, I wonder who is leading us...
See you there 🙋♀️🏃♀️🧘♀️🤸♀️xxx
Thanks for leading us through August OF. It’s good to read that you have reclaimed your 5k and in such beautiful surroundings too. Well, my running goals have gone well. My daughter is on track to complete her C25K before she heads off to Uni and I’ve loved running it along with her.
My yoga goals will have to roll on into September, but that’s okay.
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Now!vember Quest: Week 3 💥Awesome!!!💥Keep it going 😊
A nice early win in my August quest
