FEB-RUN-ARY... WEEK 4.... and the QUEST...ion is????

[Oldfloss]

HOW ARE YOU DOING?

Hi there fellow Questers.

Well, we made it to the last week in February. And, the question really is... how is it going and are you going to be making those goals?

I have had a weird month, not managing three runs a week but, I am on Week 3, Run 2 of the Magic plan! So, for me, that is a win... if I can complete Week 3 and start Week 4 before next Wednesday, that will be a bonus.

I should have run today, but have been a tad under par for a few days, so as I am always telling everyone else to, I listened to my body and it told me I was not ready for a run.

I headed into Derbyshire instead, took a picnic, parked under Stanage Edge and had a walk!

But, even when we do not meet all our targets all the time, there is joy to be had in the simplest pleasures. A walk in the hills, sunlight on water and the lonely call of a bird, high, high in the sky above the crags.

Now, more importantly, we need to know how the rest of you have been doing.

I do know from reading your posts, that many of you have been right on track and have been meeting those targets. there have been some really awesome achievements, and no shortage of PBs... But, I know also, that a few of you, like me have had a few setbacks and are not quite where you wanted to be.

The rain and the storms have definitely not helped and staying safe has been of prime importance.

We have a week to go, so let us know where you are and what you are hoping to achieve by next week. For those on the IC... take it easy and heal well...

The runs are forgiving, and they wait for us, ( thank goodness), and when we take those runs they are always, ( for me anyway), all the sweeter.

Gosh I sound really maudlin, old age?

Looking forward to hearing from you all... and stay safe, stay dry and Happy Questing!

Oldfloss x

[nowster Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss

After the intensity of running every day in January, February has seen very much of a reduction in activity, none planned.

The weather has been awful for everyone in this part of the world. There's no way I'd go out running in the face of a gale or storm, or when rain is lashing down in torrents (like it is as I write this).

I've done a few new routes, and done a few new things (like running from home into the centre of Manchester today).

The enforced rest has probably been good for me. In some ways I'm getting more comfortable in my running.

No injuries!

I think I've worked out what was continuing the soreness behind my ankle, too. (Of all things it's likely to be my socks.)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Hi there.

Yes, your enforced rest certainly has been good for your running, if not your mind set?

Our esteemed friend IannodaTruffe has often advocated the benefits of a rest, short or long, from our runs. I do know that when I was running more, it certainly pepped my running up.

The weather has dominated many of our running posts, but it has been particularly challenging! I do know that, sitting here this morning, where it is grey and pouring with rain, I am so glad I got out yesterday! Hoping for some better weather next week in Wales!

You have had some really severe weather but you have managed to get out and even a PB appearing there too ! I love the idea of you running through the centre of the city. I often think I would love to do that, probably early, in a large city, but I feel I might be too nervous.

Good to be injury free and if it is just the socks, that can be rectified! I am a More Miles fan... they have always kept my running feet safe.

Well done to you, and enjoy the rest of your February running !

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Running in the city is not something I'd want to do often. The traffic fumes (mostly diesel vans) were not pleasant.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Right... I think I have an image of cities I went through in France... it is a very long time since I was in any major city at all!

[Hidden]

Hiya,

As some might know, I have not (or hardly) run since early December. Combination of winter depression, just not feeling like it and pet health problems. But I do am wanting to start up again, the 'wanting' is there, now it is just the 'doing'. I am patiently awaiting a little piece of tech that will allow my watch to get the exact and correct distance and speed from my treadmill, hoping this little piece of tech will push me to use it and to not let the money go to waste.

The idea is to start over again with my Flemish Start to Run program on the treadmill in order to reach some decent running time / distance again. And then I think I might keep it to the treadmill on weekdays and hit the concrete in the weekend.

Well, we'll see and time will tell!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I do know that you have had the issues with your pet and this time of the year, phew. it can be so mind-numbing. The grey days do have that effect.

If the feeling of wanting is there, then when your tech gear arrives it will happen.

Your Start to Run program sounds really interesting too, and I am sure there are others who are suing the TM would be interested in that.. have you ever done a post on how it works? I am certainly going to check it out, as a couple of posts on C25K have queried different available programmes.

Getting out too is great, nothing like the fresh air, albeit sometimes, inclement!

Huge well done to you and I hope things improve for your pet.

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

The Start to Run app is an app I think only in Dutch? Not sure though. It is to be paid for and basically is like the C25K app. But the person 'in the app' gives tips and stuff. And there are more courses than only to 5K. There is also to 10K, half marathon, faster, etc.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Oh right..thanks for that!

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I did just see in the settings that you can chose an English coach too, so guess the app can be used by non-Dutch people too. It is still paying though.

In other news, not sure if I will do my run this weekend. Go my fourth (4) covid shot yesterday (risk patient) and my arm is a bit very sore today. Depending on how this soreness will evolve, I might postpone my running a bit more, because I don't think running will feel all too comfortable with this arm.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Gosh,,, you take care... I hope the arm does not cause too many issues for you... Thank you!

[Mormor1 Graduate10]

I'm on the same run Of, got to fit in a 5k today but probably on a treadmill as its raining again. Off to the peaks to visit eldest unmarried grandson (aged3.5) tomorrow. Hoping to get the 3Rd run in along the Sett Valley trail.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mormor1]

Rain, rain go away! Well done you on getting the runs in TM or no TM.The Sett Valley run sounds delightful and I hope you do get it done. Snow in the Dales today, although light I think.

Enjoy x

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes, teeny bit on the hill.

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

There is something about a good chunk of rock for getting things in proportion and we are lucky enough to be able to head for an Edge easily to get it (and I swear that going inside the Stonehenge circle and to Salisbury Cathedral (fancy rock!) in early March 2020 were the secret of my relative sanity... wearing off now mind!) We have also been reminded of our general place in things at the mercy of the weather (town flooded but we're up the hill)

I have to say that my Quest is a bit of a wobbly thing so far. The chief success has been the running - not lots of it but enough to tell me that it is still there, naturally, in my life whether I push it or not. I decided that my new shoes weren't enough of a gift to myself for ten years of running and treated myself to kingfisher leggings, yet to be shown off.

The bath, the post about my 10 years, still to come.

Just one yoga session, and a couple of 15 minute tidying sessions (must admit that finding a sorted pile had distributed itself across the floor again within hours was not an encouragement)

I have half chased medical follow up - got an appointment for the discussion I need to have with the GP, but haven't braved cardiology at the hospital yet to ask where my several appointments with them are. (I had a lot of other similar stuff to do for family and can only stand so much per day - and then people say "We'll ring you back" so you don't want to be on the phone sorting out something else... and then they don't ring...)

And I am hoping that today will be my fully vegan day - I have made a plan so

🤞 that I don't forget!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Yes... just getting out there is so uplifting it just seems that at times, everything else takes over!Well, Quest wise... you are running and that is great... whatever we manage running wise is a real bonus.

The leggings sound terrific and will certainly brighten up any dull day! We shall wait patiently for the 10 Year post and your bath luxury will wait for you, also. No photographs necessary!

Yoga... what is that? You are doing one more session than I am this week.. so well done you.. and chasing the housework sounds like a workout in itself.

Glad too that you have chased up your medical issue. I hope your GP appointment goes well and that you can get your own appointments sorted.

Looking after ourselves is not always possible when we have others to think of, but we have to try. ( Mental note to self, to take this advice)!

Hope the Vegan Day goes well... we always used to do Meat free Monday, but small one being here has knocked that into another day now.

Enjoy the rest of the Quest and do keep us posted please?

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10]

Finally out of COVID jail, and just taken the dogs a slow walk round the block. Normal running will be resumed when I am able.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Maddee_6333]

Happy Freedom day! Slow, steady and run when ready...! Hey, I'm a poet and don't know it!

[Maddee_6333 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

👍

We all know you are a poet, Floss 😍😍😍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Maddee_6333]

Tee hee...x

[Solor]

First outdoor run

Happen to be staying in a lovely place and thought if not now, when? Very sunny with a few hailstones.

It’s very different running outdoors isn’t it? So much sensory info - I’m too hot/I’m cold, zip it down/zip it up/ wanna stop/ carry on to railway station, runny nose, is that surface slippy?,oh no, people ahead, try to breathe like you do this all the time 😂 don’t think I looked at the scenery once again until I stopped running.

Managed 25 minutes but discovered wind had been behind me when I turned around to come back.

Enjoyed doing my stretches to birdsong rather than inane gym music. Feeling alive!!!

Coastal

[Hidden in reply to Solor]

Well done Solor. Its great to feel alive. I love your description of so much sensory information. 👏👏

Try to breathe like you do this all the time 🤣🤣. Yes, I know that one 🤣🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Solor]

That looks lovely, it reminds me of art of the Route at Carnarfon where I did Race for Life last year Running outdoors is a real joy... I love it and that is why I run and ramble about it too.... everything we see and hear and smell. Every run, every weather, every season.

You sound to have had a super run despite the hot/cold interludes!!

Huge well done to you for that outdoor run... you are on the way and will see things you have never even been aware of before

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Hi OF, I was doing so well on my progress towards 10k by 4th March but feel I've stalled. I've run regularly this month, reaching 8k a week or two back but since then it's been shorter distances.My last run was Thursday and as I'm now staying in a city centre hotel with no nearby green space (and no gym) it seems unlikely I'll be running until I get home which will be late on 2nd March.

Having spent around 6 hours yesterday sitting in a coach or standing in queues I could really do with a run today. It's just about possible for me to succeed with the Quest, provided Thursday and/or Friday are dry and the paths aren't too muddy 🤞not yet given up!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Right... this is probably not what you would have wanted at this time. But if you have been happy with those 8Ks there is no reason at all why the 10K is going to be a problem.

Just try to relax... some strength and stamina work in your hotel room ( You Tube and Body fit with Amy...)loads of short great exercises for legs and arms... all good stuff. On the TV or phone?

And, don't laugh... something I found during all the bad weather which has slowed us down, there is a dance exercise, A walk a mile sequence? It is very pacey and really does get the legs going! Not the same as a run, but could keep you going.

This is not what I would normally do, but I was so desperate doing Red January, to get something on every day, even if I could not get out to run, I really shook things up.

It is fun!!

The link should work?

I do have everything crossed for you !

youtube.com/watch?v=X3q5e1p...(Not working as expected?)

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Thanks for all of these ideas OF, I'm just charging up my phone so I can do a Nike Training workout. This hotel does an utterly fantastic buffet breakfast so I need to do something to justify the indulgence ;)My guess is I'll be doing a lot of walking over the next few days, Gdansk and surrounding regions are both fascinating and lovely so lots of opportunities to keep active.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Sounds wonderful!!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Floss, My Feb-run-ary quest is going well, I knew you would get me back out running and you have!

After the storms last weekend and a 24 hour power cut I wasn't feeling very positive that I would fit many more runs in this month...but this week I have been out on Thursday and now Saturday and am feeling chuffed.

I have managed to get a yoga practice done most days, and although no Joe Wicks P.E hiit sessions have been done, the running tops this.

The whole month has been a dry one, but I am looking forward to a glass of wine next week...

I ran a whole 5k today so earned my Strava badge too, you have been with me encouraging me, and helping my form so thank you very much for leading us this month. The corner has been turned and I feel my running shoes will continue to see some action.

Happy Questing all😊xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

So proud of you... it has been a super return for you and the best bit is that you are enjoying it!

Well done on that 5K.. that did not take you long!

Yoga... as ever, excellent work; you ought to think about doing a course, so you could online coach other folk!

I think with a dry month and all the knitting ( is the bobble as big as on his first one)???, then the PE can take a hit....

Huge well done to you ! You are on the way xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Ha, 🙏no-one wants to see my downward dog, or transition to low lunge😆 but I love it and Adriene is just so forgiving😊

Not a hat this time a whole jumper!

xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Oh yes.... I bet it is wonderful! Small runner in training does the most impressive downward dog ever!

[Wawacito Graduate10]

Run 24 of the Magic Plan done. ✅ 60 minutes run. ✅

Will use days til Tuesday and the upcoming March quest for rest and for figuring out how to adjust the Magic Plan for 10k.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Wawacito]

Huge well done to you... rest is good, with some Strength and Stamina in there to keep everything in tip-top form...

If you can run for 60...the 10 will follow... I remember the first time I hot 10K, a whole load of us did it at the same time.. and we nearly all took 1h2 17 minutes...

I shall be watching your progress in next Month's Quest !

[GailXrunning]

Trying to look on the bright side: Achieved 1.5 runs this week (before I fell). That’s counting as 2 runs though (in my quest to run 2-3xpw); there’s no stipulation on the distance (it was 25 mins into a 45-min recovery run, so a respectable little run).👍 I will have to adapt from glute work (second quest strand) to full-on ankle rehab, but once I’ve progressed through acute stage. Shows resilience and flexibility?👍)

Other than my ignominious February finale, it’s been a great questing month. Thanks for hosting us, Oldfloss . 🌟

Best wishes everyone. 🙌 I’ll be following your March endeavours from my IC.🛋

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GailXrunning]

You did so well, on track, until that horrid fall and yet, in your post. you make so light of it, but falling is not fun at all!

You need to rest and heal and be ready for the runs when you are less battered.

All this enforced IC time is supposed to make us patient and resilient... but really it is hard!

You take great care and we will watch for your return xx

[GailXrunning in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks so much 🙏 🙏 🙏

Especially hard when the weather is so glorious.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GailXrunning]

Oh yes, I had to abandon a run this morning, it was glorious, but I got a thorn in my foot... I managed 1K and a limp back home!

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Ouch!!!!

[GailXrunning in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh, no! That sounds very painful. Look after that injury. Thorns are amazing products of nature, but not nice when they catch you.

[Thommo23 Graduate10]

Hey Old Floss, very well done on your month!

I managed a couple of goals and came close on others - still very happy however!

1. Run 100Km - Managed 82Km

2, Ride 400Km - Managed 520Km

3. Start Skipping - Yes!

4. A single Pull up - Not yet!

Well done to all!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Thommo23]

3 out of 4 ain't bad... it is blooming marvellous!!! Huge well done to you and thank you!Time to join the March Quest ? I am there already

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Just as a final, completist (oh the irony) comment on the Quest... all done except for: the medical chasing up (which I completed on 1st March) and considerably fewer than 10 15 minute focussed sessions of tidying (who knew this could be such a challenge?).... and the post about my ten years of running on the C25K forum (more irony!)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

I think you did well!

My Nan always said that, and I quote,"... an inch of dust came off as quickly as 1/2 an inch" ! Tidying up, might fall under the same rules?

Check up? Done or not? I got confused.

The post on your running... I think we are all waiting for that... we need the experiences of some of our awesome runners to encourage new runners!

Looking forward to reading your next Quest targets ! x

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Chased medical matters outstanding but 'completed' on 1st March, not in February. Interesting clutch of results from that 1) GP phone appt yesterday, should have drugs to pick up today and look forward to some relief of some pain 2) just very long wait for cardiac tests, but confirmed all in hand 3) cardiology appt - no, my discharge letter had not reached them at all, so I had alerted them.

You could add to this the 90 minutes each way drive to get my son mental health therapy and pointing out that planning a phone appointment to give a dementia diagnosis to someone (with dementia, duh!) who you already know has a hearing loss is not good care... so pleased to have managed to shoehorn my own stuff in there.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Oh my goodness... the Dementia issues. I totally empathise... it took me so long to sort that all out so that I was the person who folk spoke to and NOT the person suffering with Dementia and hearing loss also!You are handling so many things and it is little wonder that you have not time to do all those things which are for you.

Why does stuff take so long to sort...?

At least you are making some progress on the health front for yourself.

Is there any chance at all of you just being able to head out and take a really, really long run ? I am still waiting for my chance, although right now it will just be the next run in Bridge...7K if I can manage it!

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes - for now I am rejoicing in getting out for any run (or walk for that matter) and I don't think in all honesty I am physically well enough for a long 'un just now.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Brilliant..and for me 7K seems a very long way!

[alpacagirl 60minGraduate]

I achieved my Feb goal of Running 56 miles for cancer research (and raised some money) with a couple of days to spare. I got used to running more often and my weekly restful easy 6k was being dropped off at the top of the ridge and running along the lanes to our nearest small town and only 9m elevation gain😂 Felt like cheating but such a change from my local hilly route.