IT IS...FEB-RUN-ARY QUEST TIME !!! Oh yes it is!

[Oldfloss]

Hello ! YES it's me... bad penny turned up again!

I don't think you expected to find me here, did you ? You thought I was tucked up in my cosy Catch-Up Corner

But, here I am. In one of my favourite places and so, so lucky to have the chance to share your running plans and to be amongst friends.

Thanks to Hidden for holding a terrific first Quest of the Year. I hope I can follow on and keep us all going!

January has whizzed by in a blur and the fact that you have kept going through, wind, weather, illness , injury and the hurly-burly mayhem of life generally, is inspirational! Your posts are what keep us all going !

I have had a weird time since last here, but I did manage my goal of RED JANUARY without mishap.; It was a strange, eclectic mix of exercise, every day, ( mainly due to the dire weather) , but I got a few wonderful. exhilarating and satisfying runs in glorious sunshine. Those few runs in pure sunshine made a world of difference, to what I always feel is a very odd time. I also got back up to 5K. Slow and steady ( what else) and very, very enjoyably.

And that for me is what it is all about... doing what we are able, setting out own personal targets or goals, running for our own reasons , with enjoyment.

So... here I am and, I hope, here you all are.

NOW... to business!

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.

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 wouldn’t want the Quest to interfere with that.

Some popular goals are:

★ To run three times a week

★ To slowly increase distance

★ To train for a specific race

★ 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 am ready to hit this month running... are you with me?

Love Oldfloss x

PS

Apologies for late replies...I was exhausted last night... dashing from Bridge to 10K, over to the Catch -Up Corner.. and a very busy day xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

I am starting as I mean to go on, so COUNT ME IN...My Quest. Two targets.

*To remain slow and steady. No pushing, no rushing.

*To repeat Magic Plan ( yet again ) to get back to 10 K.

Sweet and simple. You heard it here first! x

Late edit...

Having completely mis-read magic plan.. I have messed up the first week. ! Wanted to do distance but ended up doing time ! So hoping to do a 5.5 K run for Run 3 tomorrow! Duh.. I'm getting old !!!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Floss,Please count me in🙋‍♀️

I would like to fit in a few fun runs...yes I really would☺

I will do my daily YWA the February calender Blossom🙏

I will go walking and try for the 50k walking challenge on Strava again this month.

I hope to fit in some P.E with Joe Wicks sessions (Mr Bbr has said he will do some too)

I am going to do dry February🍷X

I am seeing a foot nurse about my verruca tomorrow as I can't seem to shift it myself (Its been months) so will feel more like jumping and running and yoga when that is not so tender🤞hopefully get it frozen off.

Good luck to everyone questing and to you Floss on that Magic 10k plan!🏃‍♀️⭐

You know you can do it.😊xxx

[GTFC Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Right behind you Bluebirdrunner 🙏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks my friend, Week 1 Run 1 Magic Plan done this morning!

You have got some great goals there... and very commendable... !

I KNOW you will do the walking one and I absolutely know that the Yoga one will be done with your style and flair. I so envy you!!! I struggle!!!

Joe Wicks workouts too.. always fun and Mr BBR doing them with you! That is splendid

The couple that Wicks together, sticks together???

Dry Feb... well also a great goal, I shall not be joining in on that one x

Now runs.... I know that time can be limited, but I do feel even the smallest of jogettes could be the way forward. Just try to find time for making a start ...? A little park one whilst Mr. BBR has a little walk ?

Do let us know how it is all going and I shall be watching for that first run post

Huge well done to you... ! x

[damienair Administrator]

Very well done on your RED January. I’m never one to make New Years resolutions but I’m planning on getting back to running parkrun in under 28 minutes. But I need baby steps first, build fitness. So with that I plan to do a RED February. Shorter month 😂 mentally less torture.

[GTFC Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

👆👆🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Red February sounds great to me and you are able to mix the exercise up too, so adding other things in on certain days can be good I did a weird Walking concert workout for one of my Red January days.. it was odd, but fun!

The only resolution I had in January, was slow and steady and run when was able. I stuck to that! Still the same now!

The goal of that under 28 minute park run, I am sure with your fitness build up complete, that you will be doing that in style. I shall watch for your posts !

[damienair Administrator in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks so much. Happy running

[CBDB Graduate10]

Hellooo 👋! Congrats on a Fabulous RED!

And I love your quests!!!

Similar to mine:

- keep up rowing and yoga

- take it slow and steady with my return to running

But I can feel my running future approaching! I already dream of running! 😴💭🏃🏼‍♀️I am about to buy another pair of running shoes! 💰😳👟😃 And to train, strengthen and wake up my metatarsals I am tip-toe-ing all around the house! 👣🩰

[GTFC Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

You're doing so well with the rowing 👏👏👏😊

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to GTFC]

Awwwhh thank you! Yes, it’s become also something I do almost daily. So once I’m back to running, I’ll have to find the time to keep all three going, rowing, running and yoga! (If you told me 3 years ago that I’d be saying that, I’d not believe it!)

[GTFC Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Just awesome! You've got it in you and I'm glad things are looking positive 🙏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Thanks You! Simple targets, and I think they are just fine.

You are doing wonders with your rowing!!!

We say simple, but gosh., life currently does have this habit of throwing the most unexpected things at us doesn't it?

I love the idea of you tiptoeing round the house.. have you done those exercises I put up on my whole, running body thing on S and F... ? The toe creeping one... ?

Dreaming of running.. wonderful ! Buying things too... so tempting at this time isn't it?

Huge well done you... counted in and I shall watch for your posts!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh yes! This one? healthunlocked.com/strength......

I’m gently starting but am planning a plan that incorporates foot focussed exercises like the toe-crawl, and picking up pencils and some ankle mobility ones. That plan will still have to come before starting to run, so my anticipation for all things in the future is exponentially rising! 😁😁😁

[alpacagirl 60minGraduate]

Count me in!My quest is to complete Run 56 miles in February for Cancer Research (90km)

Goals:

Slow and steady for this old lady 😅

One longer run each week - increasing by 5 minutes each week.

1 or 2 rest days each week.

(P.S. I have been gradually getting my km up in January and going from 2 or 3 runs a week to 4 or 5)

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss, one simple goal this month. On 4th March it'll be a year since I started c25k so my goal is to run a 10k on or before then.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Simple and doable...it sounds absolutely perfect for me and I know you will get there, in time to celebrate and maybe give yourself a small treat too :)Well done...on you go !

[Hidden]

Hey Oldfloss! So lovely to have you hosting us this month 😊. Well done on your RED January success 👏🏼 😃 and good luck on you February quests.

My quests for this month are….

🏃‍♀️ - to continue on the Magic Plan in preparation for my March 10k. I’m currently in week 3, so the timing is tight but doable.

🧘🏼‍♀️- it sounds a bit topsy turvy, but I’m doing Adriene’s FWFG MOVE this month, as I just couldn’t get going with it in January. A bit backwards, I know, but it makes sense to me!

⭐️ Happy questing all. I’m looking forward to reading what everyone gets up to!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Good to be back and thank you. I did a gentle first run Week 1 of Magic Plan this morning:)Your idea for the Yoga sounds good... I struggled ! You will probably find it easier to get to grips with this month?

You are on the way with Magic Plan too and will I am sure get there in time for your 10K. No pushing, just gently does it?

Huge well done to you x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Count me in for questing please Oldfloss! 4 weeks of February means 4 more weeks of C25K Revisited. Sorted! And well done to you on completing your RED January - awesome!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you and yes, I have counted you in... 4 weeks to go ! Well done you!Once you have that tucked away, plans for moving on in March will beckon

[nowster Graduate10]

No grand plan this month. Just keep up a similar level of activity, with a good mixture of run types, and avoid the Injury Couch at all costs.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

That sounds just fine for me... and staying off the IC is an even better plan! Well done you!I am also looking forward to a Plas Heli park run in the first week of March...! Will you be in Wales around then?

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Not sure when my next visit will be. I notice that Hafan Pwllheli parkrun has been open for a couple of weeks now. I'll drop you a line if I'm going to be in the area. 👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Yeayyyy! Then you get to see how old I really am!!! And how SLOW!!! I am doing the Hafan one on March 5th..unless the tide is right in!!!

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Bad news. According to this there's a pretty high spring tide just before 10am on that day.

tides4fishing.com/uk/wales/...

[Mormor1 Graduate10]

HI OF, nice surprise to see you here too. I'm going for a red Feb as much as possible and starting the magic plan to 10k again. I will stick to it more this time and not try to outsmart it! There is time, I tell nyself, to travel slowly and still gain stamina. Thank you so much for all the enthusiasm and support you give to aspiring runners. It's extraordinary how much it helps.

[GTFC Graduate10 in reply to Mormor1]

Absolutely this 👆'Steady Away' is my motto. Take things comfy, sit in and run at a pace that suits and you'll develop a really strong engine to take you over the miles.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mormor1]

Yes, thank you, so good to be back here, I have been busy sorting out the Catch-Up Corner... but I love being here amongst so many friends.

Starting Magic plan again is a great plan. I did my first Week 1 Run 1 this morning! No hurry though!

You do right to follow the plan, we often upend ourselves if not!

Building up our stamina is a slow but worthwhile process. The more runs we do the more it evolves, and the weirdest thing; it is the slow, relaxed and steady runs that build it up.

I shall watch for your posts!

[ThisGirlNowRuns Graduate10]

Hi there 👋 Please count me in! Bit of a simple Quest for me: to get back out and about regularly with a big smile. Been really struggling recently but pulling it back to basics, slowing down and keeping the pressure off is my plan 🏃‍♀️.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to ThisGirlNowRuns]

Sounds fantastic to me... running, enjoying and not any pressure at all. No pushing, no rushing... just pleasure!

[ThisGirlNowRuns Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Sounds so easy doesn't it 🙃

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Hi Floss

Nice to have you hosting the Quest. Congratulations on RED January, and good luck with the Magic Plan

Anyway, carrying on with last months theme, my Quest is 4-fold as follows

1) Be more rigorous with the exercises the physio has given me. We both agreed that 3 times a week was a "realistic" target.

2) Finish the repeat of c25k - currently on week 7

3) Run 5k before the end of the month

4) Swim twice a week - work and the dentist has scuppered this weeks plan so I might have to fit a run and a swim in tomorrow

I have a longer term plan in mind - but more of that next month.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Birdlady64]

Thank you ! Run 1 Week 1 completed this morning!All your targets seem sound and doable.

Getting those physio exercise in is really important, isn't it?

Finishing C25K, excellent and not far to go. That 5K will be well within your grasp I feel! ( I can tell you, when you do that 5K again it feels really good!!! )

Swimming, a great exercise on so many levels.. hopefully, this week will be a rare occurrence and you can stick to your goals.

Well done you, and I shall be watching for your post and that first 5K again!!! x

[Thommo23 Graduate10]

Congrats on RED Oldfloss, amazing achievement!

This month is simple but challenging

1. Run 100K

2. Ride 400K

3. Start regular Skipping sessions

4. A single, solitary pull-up

Feeling good about it - good luck to all!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Thommo23]

Thank you.. the weather made it challenging but the different exercise that ensued was fun!Your targets for this month sound even more so!

That is quite a challenge.

BUT, you feel positive and that is half the battle... so I shall watch for your posts and wish you luck with all those goals! WOW!

PS

Don't forget if it all gets a tad tricky... be kind to yourself, the runs and the rides will wait

Yes I know,,, I worry too much x

[dijep Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss add fellow questersCongratulations on your RED January success and I look forward to your interesting and encouraging posts.

In January I managed to keep to my goal of running two 10ks in the month but this month I know my priority needs to be strengthening my knees after a few niggles on last week's run.

Do this month my aims are

*Knee strengthening exercises at least twice a week

* Yoga or Pilates every day.. I'll allow myself to miss the odd day for good behaviour 😉

* Run twice a week

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to dijep]

Thank you !Well done to you on those 10K runs...

Your targets are terrific and making sure those knees are in top form, is paramount. Loads of great stuff on the S and F forum.. Including a great post from me , ha ha !

Yoga or Pilates, every day too... wow!

Running twice a week, very doable.

You are all sett for a great month. I shall watch for your posts with interest...Hope the knee niggle sorts !

[Mormor1 Graduate10]

Week 1 1st run done... Odd to be doing less than 5k and doing it slowly on treadmill ( slower than my usual walking pace) but nice not to be puffed at the end. Warmed down in the pool. I will do the long runs outdoors, Whatever the weather, just to keep in touch with what it's like to run in fresh air!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mormor1]

Very well done you! It would feel odd to you... As I am only just back to 5K, I was quite happy with the distance. Lovely warm down for you too!I shall do my long runs on a Sunday... I love the total peace and quiet, as many folk around here have lie ins and the fields and tracks are empty!

[Mormor1 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes, it's the same here, Sunday is excellent for long runs. 😊

[smartoak Graduate10]

Hello all! I've signed up for a 10k trail race in early May (looooong quest), so February quest is to run 3 times per week and scale one run up to 8 k - essentially starting on the magic plan. Cross training arms, legs and core body pump twice a week and once each swimming and yoga.

That's the plan... fingers crossed!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to smartoak]

Sounds great to me... and doable goals too! Well done. I started Magic Plan again yesterday Run 1!I think a few of us are going to be out there

[GailXrunning]

A late arrival. 👋 Love questing! I need to think a bit more about my February Quest. I’ll definitely have one in a day or two.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GailXrunning]

Will be watching out for you!

[GailXrunning in reply to Oldfloss]

Thinking done. Thanks for your patience.😊

* Run 2-3 xpw. I’m pushing on with the NRC HM plan and am in their ‘6 weeks to go’ stage, so heading beyond the 10-mile long run. For me, this will likely be more like 10-12 weeks and I’m in no hurry. I’m also now being more flexible with the plan’s scheduled long run. I’m not planning to do an actual HM as such (I may eat my words, a major hazard of this running journey, no?!) What I like is the structure, variety and fun of the plan, and it’s proving to be really effective on my strength, endurance and speed. I like longer runs for where they take me and how I can explore new routes. I’m also recalling advice here that it is possible once at 10 miles (which I’ve now done twice) to run HM distance. So I imagine at some point the moment will just feel right. Patience, flexibility, adaptablity, continuing to enjoy the exploring and the challenges thrown in my path by the plan.

* Glute strengthening routine. I’ve been focused on knees since a niggle back in November, which has definitely had positive results. Time for the butt, methinks. Clams! 😜Yeah! I’ll count my yoga as part of this, although it’s obviously more comprehensive: hopefully, a couple of classes pw. Or Pilates.

* Meditation: I’ve let this regular practice slip, which is a pity. I do some in yoga, and sometimes on runs. I’ll be kind to myself here and not set any targets, but just set an intention to embrace it more in my life.

✨Happy questing, everyone. Looking forward to reading your posts.✨

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GailXrunning]

Great goals there and well organised too!You do seem to have your mind in the right place and being kind to yourself will of course reap rewards!

Well done you... we shall watch your progress!

[Getfitok]

Hi, count me in…My quest is to continue re-doing C25K ,to get into a good routine with no injuries.

Really enjoying it so far 👣👣👣🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Getfitok]

Just super..so many of us have repeated ...so worthwhile! Well done you !!

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Late to the party, but I've not missed a Quest yet and definitely don't want to start missing them now... especially not on an Oldfloss mentored month! How rude would that be? But my thinking on appropriate goals has been shifting a wee bit...

So...

1) a run in my new (Runniversary gift to self) shoes [spoiler alert, just done that!]... and then just 'some more running'

2) the nice deep bath with a fancy Lush thing

3) post about my 10 years of running on the Couch to 5K forum

4) a yoga session... and then 'some more yoga'

5) chase all the medical follow up I am supposed to be having but haven't yet

6) one fully vegan day

7) 10 x 15 minutes of tidying/decluttering (this definite counts as fitness activity!)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

I am loving these Quest goals!!! It is good to see you!

You have some great ones there, and some that take priority! Your choice...

Medical follow up? Definitely ?

De-cluttering.. definitely and it really does count... I use my h/work days as major workouts!

RUN... most certainly and in your new gift gear too... wonderful! More running, of course !

Vegan day...sounds good... I just manage one day a week.

Relaxed bath... oh yes...

Followed by

Yoga to relax your mind, and then...( more yoga )

Post your 10Years running post on COUCH.... I think that one... very, very important Your experiences should be made known to our new runners...and remind the rest of us , just waht you have achieved and gained from your running!

Have a super relaxed time... chase that follow up and then let all the folk on Couch know just who you are !

PS

Make sure you find time to keep on running too, of course