Hellllloooo fellow questers, are you shivering π₯Ά,
Yes we've, you've and I've made it to week 2, how's it been, I've myself been rained on, felt the wind in my face, shivered in the sleet, splashed in puddles, but we're runners! It's what we do.
It's sometimes not that easy nor inviting to Lace up and leave a warm house, BUT once you're out there, it's fantastic and remember, the pot of gold at the end of the π, yes that hot πΏ or π and that steaming hot β (marshmallows and cream optional ).....
Don't worry if you missed the opening week, you can sign up to quest at any time, we'd love to have you onboard ππ₯³..
Here's the link to last week's post so you can keep tabs on your VRBs and how they're progressing
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.
The Quest takes one calendar month. You can join at any point during that time.
We ask that you are a C25K graduate before joining the Quest. The reason for this is that pre-graduation your weeks are pretty much structured according to the C25K programme, and we wouldnβt want the Quest to interfere with that.
Some popular goals are:
β To run three times a week
β To slowly increase distance
β To train for a specific race
β To add Stretch and Strength exercises to your weekly routine
This is a personal challenge, so it's completely up to you! If you want to join, all you have to do is COMMENT BELOW with something like:
I would like to join the Quest, or, count me in! I want to ..............
Every week I will put up a new post and we can all chat about how we are doing.
I did eventually decide to go for RED January. 8 runs done, 23 left to do.
I actually ran on December 30th and 31st, so in reality I've run so far for 10 days in a row.
My strategy is to do a good mixture of run lengths: long, medium, short, very short. The shortest is 2.25km. The longest could be up to HM (but not this week).
Due to the weather (and work) some of the runs have had to be done after dark on pavements rather than on my usual routes.
I'm trying to take the runs at a more easy pace so I don't risk injury, but sometimes my legs want to do otherwise.
So far this month I have done nearly 46km of actual running (that's not counting warm up/cool down walks, just the running).
Hi Hidden β¦Iβm a bit late to the party but Iβd like to join your quest please..As you know, Iβm currently revisiting C25k and am just about to start week 6 when it gets dark this eveningβ¦so my quest is to keep chipping away at the runs & so far, so good, Iβm enjoying it so far π, I think some inspiration from my lovely friends on here will help too π x
Hahaha..thank you Hidden ..I like a party, Iβm the life and soul so letβs get going!!! First run of week 6 ticked off last night & if youβve seen my post youβll know it went well & I have some advice for my fellow c25kersβ¦looking forward to run 2, not sure when Iβll squeeze it in, if not tomorrow it will be Tuesday but Iβll be partying in my head with you lot!! π π₯³
Hi Hidden and fellow questersI am also revisiting c25k, week 3 run 3 tomorrow for me. So my quest is to keep plugging away at that.
But more importantly to keep up with the program of core and strength work prescribed by the physio 3 or 4 times a week.
The first week has been a bit of adisaster there, mainly due to travelling to South Wales and back for a family event. But that needs to change. Onwards and upwards!
I feel so much more experienced this time aroundβ¦itβs 5 years since I graduated & have been running ever since, but sometimes you just need a little reminder that youβre doing ok x
Hello Imc50 and fellow Questers! I havenβt been on this app for ages- but have just signed up for the Kew Gardens 10k in April so here we go again π I love all the support on here! I havenβt done that much running in the last few months, so will be back following JuJuβs magic plan. I did manage a 5k this morning ( in the rain) but cheated with several stops plus I had my little dog on her running harness and she definitely made some of the run dog poweredπ€£.
So my aim is 2 runs a week minimum and get going on the plan. Also I weighed myself this morning which was quite scary so I am also giving up chocolate until the end of Jan!! Good luck all and if anyone wants to join me on my no chocolate challenge then please do!!
Hello Ian hope you're well and enjoying your runs in all weathers. Definitely agree that coming back after a run in the wet and cold to a nice hot shower is bliss! I'm pleased to say that I'm more or less on track after week 1:1) Yes - have started Garmin coach 10k training plan and completed all 4 runs
2) Yes - run at least 3 times - actually managed 4
3) Yes - cross train at least twice - actually did 3 times this week - went for a 45 minute walk on news years day and have done YWA 30 days twice - felt incredibly sore the next day - shows the importance of cross training - using muscles I don't use in running
4) Not yet - run at 2 parkruns and volunteer at 1 - still have 3 weeks until the end of the month though!
5) Yes - warm up longer than usual to prevent any injuries especially in the cold weather
6) Not quite- run my easy runs at a much slower pace so I don't burnout. I'm trying to run in Heart Rate Zone 2 for 80% of the time. It's been very difficult to make myself run more slowly but my garmin watch has really helped by alerting me when I go over my desired heart rate zone. So this week I spent: 4th run - 74% in Zone2 & 24% in Zone3. 3rd run - 44% in Zone2 & 52% in Zone3. 2nd run - 40% in Zone4, 56% in Zone3 & 2% in Zone2 so I'm gradually getting better at it. Just have to keep building up those miles...
Way to go Jogger22 what a start to quest week, keep that super work up πͺ, those HR zones on our Garmin's are pre set so remember it may need a tweak to get it more precise for yourself, Also a chest strap is more accurate again π
Rain, wind, sleet and puddles! Youβre making me jealous!!!
Iβm still on the IC but I am still rowing. And I was so impressed by your glow-yellow socks that I got myself a matching yellow t-shirt! ( also some less fitting socks, and the shorts look like cut off slacks! π€£)(see pic)
On a more serious quest note, I hit my targets and am rolling them over:
1) Iβve rowed 6 days / week
2) Iβve done the daily Yoga
In terms of running, Iβm still waiting in the starting blocks but rowing - I think - does me loads of good. I notice my knees and glutes have gotten stronger, as has my whole upper body and core.
Iβve also started doing the one-off single leg squat session here and there ( I dropped squats as I thought rowing is just another horizontal squat π). Single squats seem to be good for addressing imbalances in leg strength, and rowing has exposed that Iβm stronger in one leg!
Also, strangely though, I donβt sweat as much after rowing as when running and I donβt drink as much after a workout. Hm, not sure why.
Hello, Ian. What a star, getting out in all weathers! That's true grit.
Me? I've cunningly planned this week's runs to coincide with early-morning sunshine - my favourite is to catch the sunrise, and something December's endless dreary weather largely deprived me of. There was some variety: the first was a balmy 12 degrees; the other two were around zero, although park tracks have remained soft and muddy. My first was 10.5k, building up my endurance again by doing it as run-walk, 04:30 to 00:45 (I reported on that last week). The second was a chilly run, a short speed session with Coach Cory from NRC - so not feeling chilly for very long - shifting me, through progressively shorter stints, from 3/10 effort to 6, to 7-8, to 9, to 11/10. As ever, great fun. The third was a 4k 'naked' recovery run, where I managed negative splits. So, I hit my quest to run 2-3x pw.β Feeling like I'll soon be ready to rejoin my training plan (to reach 10 miles) where I left off - maybe in about a couple of weeks.
β also for maintaining some strength work: 4 yoga sessions (although one was mind and breathing focused). + Daily single-leg squats and other impromtu exercises, as the fancy takes me.
Pheweee how to feel exhausted just from reading what you're up to magnificent GailXrunning Sunrise runs, negative splits ohhhhh and my favourite type of run..... Naked π the headphone wearers haven't a clue what they're missing out on..... That 10miles it's in your sights ππ
You are doing well, we on the other hand are doing very little running this week, between rain work staff shortages and still no cook itβs exhausting everyone who is working and stressing out most so iβve been coming home shoving something in the oven for dinner and falling asleep, one day Willow fell asleep as well and dinner was very well done, itβs rained all day today but some dry weather is promised for tomorrow so my quest this week is to run 5k at least and then again on wednesday
Hi Imc50 and fellow questers πMy quest is to run 50k during January.
Back at work this week and Iβm back to running twice a week. I ran 5k alone on bank holiday Monday then my running buddy joined me on Thursday. She hasnβt run at all during December due to Christmas, Covid, kids and life so we took it easy and stuck to a very steady 5k. She managed to keep going all the way round. I was impressed. So Iβm 10k into my 50k quest. My running buddy wants to build up to 10 miles this year so our distance should steadily build during the next few weeks. 50k is all I need to do though to get my lovely new running shirt π½π.
Have a good week all!
Frizzbomb67 You definitely get a whoop whoop keep going you and your buddy are romping through January π₯³π₯³π
Missed this! Yes please Imc50. Mine is to be out there continuing to do early morning short runs every day except Thursdays when Iβm in very early to work ( that day I will cycle ). I began this in November and have been loving it. The weather, the trees, have been different every day.Thanks for setting up this quest
Welcome Mittymoo our quest is a better place with you onboard, we love an early morning run, it's pretty much like playing hooky from school, the day is brand new and it's almost like no one else has discovered it yet π, but! Remember it's going to be a good idea to allow yourself a little rest now and again,
Thanks! Lovely welcome. I had better add in to my quest - keep Thursday as a non run day!! Itβs true - I very rarely donβt run. This morning was beautiful. Sunny and cold in London - have great runs everyone !!!
Hi joined this quest but truthfully going to start properly next week and try to run three times and get up to 10k distance in January again after my short break. From February Iβm going to follow a 10k to half marathon plan to do a race late June. Always always need a target! If anyone has a good plan for me to follow please share! Iβve just bought a Garmin 245 -thanks for all the advice on here - so looking to use that to help achieve this goal!!!!
Great to have you here with us StringsandKeys , you've got a great base fitness in that 1Ok it's just about building up that stamina and strength to hit the HM distance, from your 10k it's good to get used to those runs again, but slow them down, as a HM is another 10k with a little Extra π, so you'll probably add a little time to it. There's nothing wrong with working towards your race distance by using the 10% rule !
Thank you Iβll definitely be following a plan. Did a few in my late twenties early thirties and now in my fifties looking forward to giving it a go again!
I did not run for 1 month and have to get back into it. Despite having run 10 miles about 6 or 7 weeks ago, I decided to restart running with Start to Run. It is an app a bit like C25K, but a bit different. And I decided to restart running on the dreaded treadmill. I never use the thing, but I want to get used to running on it. This in order to be able to run when it is already dark or when it rains or storms. And in order to get used to running on the treadmill, I decided to go back to zero and start with Start to Run. My condition is still good enough to start off where I left a month ago, but this way I might get used to running on the treadmill. So today I did my first Start to Run run on the treadmill, also to get used in a more easy way to my new running shoes. My quest now is:
- run 3 times a week (with Start to Run to get used to the treadmill and my new shoes)
- of which at least 2 times on the treadmill
β’ in reply to
A cunning transition from outdoors to indoors Evy, but it's got a great logic to it and hey a runs a run so it gets out vote, here's to a 10mile indoor run ( there's some great virtual run apps to accompany your treadmill jaunts)
β’ in reply to
10 miles indoor? No-ooo! I am much slower on the treamill than outdoors and it feels much harder. I needed 2 hours 12 minutes or something for my 10 miles outdoors. Think I would need 3 hours on the treadmill π. But once I am used to the treadmill and the weather improves, I will go more outdoors again βΊ
Well, as of this morning I have two runs under my belt, have increased my distance but have only managed four of Adrieneβs yoga sessions for this month.Next week I plan to run three times and aim to catch up on the yoga Iβve missed by doubling up some sessions for a blissful hour of yoga a few times until Iβm back on track. π§πΌββοΈ πββοΈ π
Youβre doing well Ian and my fellow questers all seem to have made a strong start, despite the weather. Lovely to have a sunny day today though π.
β’ in reply to
Thanks Hidden I've applied that no pressure aspect to my 2022 running and so far so good, running has got to incorporate regular life stuff, and at the same time remain fun π₯³, you've four more yoga sessions under your belt than myself π€, but so far the questers do seem to have the bit between their teeth.....
Happy Sunday yoga-ing DD
β’ in reply to
I like your no pressure philosophy and am trying to apply it too. We have to juggle life pulling us in all directions too, so I think your approach is a wise one and I will try to follow your example π. Happy running
Hi Hidden I'm a bit late to the party (underlining unintentional) π but I'd like to join the January quest.My quest is to shift some lard and get back to a better running habit. I would like to consolidate my recent return to 10k with a longer term aim (probs a few months away) of working up to 10 miles. So to begin with my aim is to run at least twice a week for the remainder of January.
Welcome Fionamags you're not late, you're early for week 3 ππ€ and we're pleased to have you here with your questiing aims πββοΈπββοΈπββοΈ by by lard she says let's gooooooo πͺπͺ
Well, I did all 8 sessions of Adriene's MOVE 30 day yoga last week which I'm pleased about. I really want to keep it up. I only did 2 short runs due to falling over and injuring myself last Tuesday so I'll have to be a bit more patient and see if any runs are possible for me this week.
Well done on the yoga, itβs something I really keep meaning to do. I find I need to be a lot more flexible than I used to to keep up with the running. Hope you get some runs in this week! π
A rather eventful week in which I did get dressed to run on several days but it was sensible not to go. Can't explain why there was no yoga and I didn't feel ready for my monthly bath. But the '30 different fruit/veg/nuts/herbs/spices'? Knocked it out of the park, rather to my surprise. Total came in at 41.
As for the week ahead, well I am currently testing as a Covid contact so perhaps I need to get into the woods whilst I can, plus a big decision is being made by the shadowy powers that be about my son's future this week and runs and yoga will help deal with the stress of that, especially if, as usual, they try to save money by saying no initially so we have to lodge a Tribunal appeal.
The eating 30 fruit/veg etc is a challenge in itself. I took to buying multi grain bread as I figured that was 7 different ones before I finished breakfast!!
It seems to be easier with the inclusion of herbs, spices and nuts. I am very much in 'eating up after Christmas' mode and yesterday I made a lovely pesto out of a very sad bagged salad and some lurking almonds and ground almonds.
Hello lmc50 and fellow questers. Well the first week of January gave us variety of weather!
Our gym has been renovated with lots of new equipment and Iβve tried out the treadmill in an air conditioned room, and very nice too. You can set the screen so you can run along the coast in Spain or on a pass in Colorado. Amazing! It wonβt be called the dreadmill now. It was pouring outside so that was a bonus.
If you count that trial as a run I managed my 3 runs a week. New Yearβs Day parkrun, the gym and a run on a lovely sunny day along the prom .
I only managed 3 of the 6 sessions of YWA this week but I also went to Pilates class one day, which was twice as long.
We discovered that we would no longer have access to the cupboard in the gym for our parkrun equipment, and the manager had completely forgot us in the mayhem. Fortunately all was resolved and we now have a bigger cupboard.
Well 2 days late but here eventually πLast week was weird, a couple of days where I felt full of energy but more where I felt like having a snooze after breakfast !
I did manage to keep going with the daily YWA which I've been finding easier (so far π€) than when I did it last January so I'm taking this as a positive sign.β
I did get my physio exercises done, plus an actual appointment where she was pleased with my progress.β
But I failed on the 2 runs a week. I did a 7k mid week and usually run on Sunday but I just couldn't work up any enthusiasm which really isn't like me. Instead I slumped in front of the telly watching rubbish.β
After 9.5 hours sleep last night I'm feeling more like me so perhaps I'll get out tomorrow π€
Hey there's a 7k outing in there that's a massive positive πͺ, and forgiveness can definitely be applied after all it is January, it's a month of YAKKY-NESS π¬ yoga in the warm it's gotta be a winner πππ
Hi Imc50 and all, I have done two P.E with Joe Wicks sessions so far this month and have ticked the daily YWA Move calender box. Still no run for me, looking out of the window at the grey skies and cold I'm not feeling the urge...yet. I am still aiming to get back in my running shoes but not stressing about it.
I'll whisper it Bluebirdrunner ( you're ok not too stress about it, it's a January thing π₯Άπ€«) and hey Joe Wicks, and all that bending yourself in two like you're a paperclip (I believe it's called yoga-ing) you're gonna explode out of the box when that running urge is back..... And it will be you'll see πͺπͺπͺ
Having set such low targets I'm smashing them lol. Running once a week? Five runs so far and it's only the tenth of the month!!
Running further than last month? Over half way there (13.18 km of my 25.38 km target)
I'm even doing lots of Nike Training Club workouts, 6 so far, they keep giving me badges, it's as good as being in primary school My body doesn't quite bend like the people in the videos but I do my best. I'm discovering how unbalanced I am, one side will do an exercise effortlessly and the other side just flails, falls over or refuses to budge. If I carry on like this though I'll be a new woman by summer!!
Now that the days are getting longer I'm finding it easier to motivate myself. Couple this with aiming low, things are pretty good so far
Whoop-whoop you're on track for pupil of the week award I reckon Yesletsgo who cares how high that bar is set!? You've set goals you are smashing and what a boost that is ππππ brilliant !!
I was out early and was treated to swirling mist orange and pink skies , joyful dogs and flocks of white birds alighting and flying πWhat a stunning morning. Didnβt want to stop to take a photo, just kept moving on the crisp white grass. Happy running everyone
Saying it out loud here - cutting my warm up as so eager to be out with the sunrise is a poor choice - just saying - not feeling it yet but still not to be repeated. Alarm goes on 20 mins earlier from now on
Hello! A bit late, but I have a simpleβish quest which is to keep getting up early before work for my weekday runs. Whatβs keeping me going is knowing that at some point the mornings will get lighter - just wish it would hurry up at this point π€£. All the best!
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.