"Logic will get you from A to B...

[Oldfloss]

... imagination will take you everywhere".

So, this morning, I imagined that I was a strong, competent and capable runner; and guess what, I reached 8K!

This is the furthest I have run since September 6th 2020. In October if that year I had, as a few folk know, a bit of a blip! That blip took me back to square one, and it then took me, from just before Christmas 2020 to June 2021 to reach 5K, after repeating C25K again. Another issue on October 2021, ( not running related), zapped me again... I thought after that I may never have run again, so, it has been a really slow and steady build back, to get me feeling anything like a runner again.

But... this morning , I really did feel like a runner.

I am repeating Magic Plan again, ( It really works for me) , and this morning was Week 4 Run 3, 8K.

I was a tad trepidatious, but I had decided to just go and see what happened. Running here by the sea does lift me, heart and soul, so a good start.

Earlier, I had been reading Instructor57 's post on running faster without getting tired.

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

I found it really interesting; I already use many of the strategies in there, and although in no way seeking at this point, to move faster, I did, during this run , use a few of the ideas and I did, also, incorporate a few speedy ( for me ) spurts!

The sunshine of the morning was deceptive and soon gave way to darkening skies; I was glad of my winter weight leggings and my buff ! The distant mountains were back lit by a watery sun and the ground was still soft and wet across the field track.

The Nursery field, devoid of sheep today, but I know that Mums and lambs will be there soon!

Daffodils all coming into full bloom everywhere, those cheerful trumpeters , heralding better days to come....turn-around and back down the hill, along the Esplanade and the sky glowers ominously, over head. The wind is strengthening and the deserted path bears testament to this. I run along towards the jetty and just begin to run on it, when a gust of wind, nearly up-ends me. I have not got a lot of weight to keep me steady so, I decide to be sensible and just take a quick photograph!

All the time, in my head, just counting, I am running at a steady , easy pace, non tiring and and easily maintained.

Then I change route again, up another little hill, ( more effort required, but not massive ), Lon Felin and Castle Street and down and round and about returning across Marine Terrace, then another change of plan, a quick nod to my stony faced friend, who still asks me, if I really am a runner, ( I am, I reply loudly), and back up Lon Bach, and down by the playing fields and to the railway station. I ran around to the platform and snapped the train. The powerful Welsh Dragons of today, no flames but the roar is as loud

Back along at the back of the High Street and down along Tanygrisiau Terrace. down the bank, still holding back a little and back along the deserted prom'. I do open up a little here, and go for a speedier finish. Then as I am running , I realise that I have 1K to go, and there is only the hill to get it on.

Ooops!

But...I am breathing easily, I am comfortable and although unplanned, I do know I will do it. I do tend, oddly to move faster on inclines and although this is not a really steep hill, it is a long steady slog to the top, everyone says so, ( honestly).

If you don't believe me, one of the two dads and offspring just heading out of the holiday rental house half way up the hill, to go down the bank with small ones in pushchairs did shout in passing... " That hill is a bit of a slog isn't it ?" I had enough breath to agree, in passing!

So turning into home, I had the luxury of the last bit of the run, going downwards and I ran... fast. It was fabulous !

I was hot, I was happy and I was hungry.... what a great start to my day.

So... here I am, still slow, still steady but on the way again and I do think that Einstein probably knew his stuff. Imagination certainly took me to where I wanted to be this morning

Happy safe running everyone

PS

Out of interest only, the run...

8.01km

55:38

6:57/km

I'm happy with that x

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Fantastic FlossWay to go you 👏 🙌

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Birdlady64]

Getting there... thank you!

[Roxdog Graduate10]

Oh wow! How wonderful! Well done and quite speedy!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Roxdog]

Speedy enough for me... with the another week with an 8K run and then 2 with the 9K, I am hopeful for my 10K in an okay time Thank you x

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

Nice one ! Well done you 👍😬

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thanks you and thanks for that post too

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10]

As a novice runner I believe my first lesson has been; imagination and confidence is all (well almost) - especially after a setback.

Your experience of running is so full of imaginative colour the time is irrelevant. 👏

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

So true. Speed and time are not important. For me, the run is only part of it...what I experience, I write about. But right now, I am very happy when I am getting the runs in

[ForbiddenPlanet Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

It's wonderful to read. I can't begin to describe my runs in that way. I put it into words in my head, and think, nah, I don't have the gift you have!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to ForbiddenPlanet]

I ramble... a lot. Friends here duck for cover... this was a short one x 😂

[TailChaser Graduate10]

It sounds like you really enjoyed that Floss, a really big, positive, confidence booster! Welcome back to the (not so) old Floss 🤗🤗xx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to TailChaser]

I did.. thanks you, it's not easy some days, but... some days xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Fantastic effort Floss! The Magic Plan is great, I believe 8k is the turning point (over the hump) and the rest will fall into place now. Just going and see what happens, sounds perfect, and you have taken us all along with you perfectly as usual.

Won't be long before you reach the dizzy height of that 10k run again and I so hope it is in Wales at the coast. 🤗

🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks you. I feel you are right, it did feel like a turning point... Yes, the Magic Plan has got so many of us back on form hasn't it?

It was a good run and yes, I think my 10K might be done here with luck... although...I did once get lost in some lanes here once on a 10K !!!!

🤣

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Hurrah Oldfloss! What a cracking run, I’m so pleased you really enjoyed it. And yes, what an amazing start to the day. You definitely are that strong, confident, and capable runner 😊😊😊.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Frenc]

Thanks you..,it was great start, although rain did come... but... I got there!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Woooo what a great run, and coming in at a pace of under 7/km!!! with hills too…. you are one amazing lady and an inspiration to so many 😀😀😊

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

I know! I couldn't believe it... thank you so much!!!

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

What a joyful post. Well done! You have been through such hard times over the last couple of years, but your optimism shines through and running truly is the gift that keeps on giving if you let it. That 10k is within reach again 😃😃👏🏻👏🏻

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Sandie1961]

Thank YOU!! I feel I may just get there now.... and if I am here at the coast, that will be perfect...but not on the beach! 🤣

[Hidden]

Wonderful Oldfloss 😊⭐

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you xxx

[Beachcomber66 Graduate10]

Super speedy and inspiring Floss; setting an example for everyone on the comeback trail. Awesome run!! 👏👏👏👏🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Hopefully...there are a few of us making our way back to where we were . Thank you x

[Mormor1 Graduate10]

That sounds low key and very doable Sandia. I always run alone fearing pressure ( put on by me) if I ran with others but your new group looks like it has already energised you.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Mormor1]

Sandie1961 is energized all the time, in a group or solo ! She is an awesome runner and lovely with it :)She is an inspiration to so, so many of us and has been a tremendous support to me over the years, and I am fortunate enough to call her my friend

[Mormor1 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Typically me. Replying in the wrong place! What luck to have such a supportive friend Of, but.....you have made that luck work.

[Lola-bear]

Wow old floss well done and so descriptive I felt like I ran with you, but sadly not. Could you please send me the magic plan link, it sounds fabulous and in the absence of a running Buddy perhaps just the thing I need for motivation. 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Lola-bear]

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto... is the link..

It is a great plan and works for so many of us. I was very pleased to make that 8K and it was an enjoyable run.

I have been lucky enough to meet a few of our running folk on a few occasions and they were memorable experiences; awesome runners, every single one of them. Running with forum friends here at the coast was incredible; in reality, in one of my happy places with good friends who share the same love of running as I

You will find that there is so much support here too, if you do try the Magic Plan, just as there was on C25K.

Thanks you x

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Very well done Oldfloss, you truly are well and truly back on the road again and it’s so lovely to hear you enjoying your running so much.

You have been an inspiration to so many people on here for so long, and this post was what just I needed to get back to extending my distance again, helped along by improved weather of course. So thank you.

By the way, your 8k in 55 minutes sounds very impressive to me. Silver Snail in name but not in nature. 🐌

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

You are so kind, and you know exactly, how much I value the support you give and have given to me over the years.

I do try to share my joy in running and if it encourages other folk to try it, that is incredible.

Currently, I am hoping that my rambles and my thoughts re-running will help some of our older runners.

Age, yes, it is just a number, but sometimes, that number may weigh heavy, but it does m=not necessarily mean that is is time to hang the running shoes up!

We all have our own dreams and we are all capable of reaching them, in our own way. Mine, ( as is well known), is slow and steady

I am enjoying this latest repeat of Magic Plan... a familiar friend.

I look forward to your posts as with the better weather coming, I know I shall see you moving on forward to where YOU want to be xx

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

The first target is London Vitality 10 on 2 May . It has been deferred so many times that I’ve forgotten to train for it, so I’m going to hop back on the end of the magic plan this week. Running 3 times a week again will help me I am sure .

I will definitely be posting my big 💯 parkrun tomorrow. 😉

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

Just super... I will NOT be repeating the Sahara park run... as am travelling home, phew!I shall watch for your post!

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Woohoo!! Super well done OF. 😄PS I don’t think you can claim snail status - nifty leg work!!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thank you... I was actually thinking, that if I carry on like this, slow and steady then I should be able to manage a comfy 10K in another 4 weeks time?

As you know, speed has no place in my runs, unless it is a fun challenge ( personal), such as the ones we have had before in the other forums, but it is good to see how things may have evolved.

I am a great believer in the long, slow steady runs building everything up, and speed and distance following; which was why the post from Instructor57 resonated with me.

I am grateful , that I do manage to always keep a little in reserve too, so that a downhill run, a run with the wind at my back, or a strong finish are possible

[Elfe5 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I’m sure you are right- and that you will listen to your body telling you “Today is the day!”👍🏻😄

I looked at the link you posted to Instructor57 & John Dunne - very interesting thanks - I will bear that in mind when I have rebuilt my cardio fitness, (slowly 😂).

Your return to running is VERY encouraging to me - you keep me believing I can return too! 😄

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Elfe5]

That is just great... we can do it together!

[alpacagirl 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Actually below 7/km is speedy in my book😊 - I’ve only got below 8/km on a handful of occasions 😂😂😂

[LiisaM]

As always, a good post. Who is that "stony face" and how did he get there? I ran Week 3 today for the first time this year and got a little tingle from the freeing feeling I get sometimes when running....

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to LiisaM]

Hello! He is just an addition to the end house's wall and hasn't I don't think any history. I have a small stone face which hangs in my little courtyard by my back porch.There has been a line of thought throughout history that they may act as a from of protection for a building.

I have chatted to him over the years since we were lucky enough to get back to Criccieth. He thinks I cannot run... he is wrong!

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

GREAT NEWS...

Week 3... HUGE well done to you and even better, you got a little tingle

[LiisaM in reply to Oldfloss]

Loved the picture in yr link!

[Mormor1 Graduate10]

I haven't done my 8k one yet Of, hopi g to do it on Sunday but it might be Monday. Yours sounded excellent.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Mormor1]

Sunday sounds perfect. I always used to ( pre blips) do my third longer run of the week on Sunday... Sunday Run Day

I was very glad to get it tucked away and the next weeks to come, do not feel daunting. I do benefit from being here, as I am able to really relax and refresh, body and mind.

I shall look forward to reading your run post x

[apatsyf Graduate10]

Fantastic run and speedy - especially for the long run. I will never be that fast, a real snail still - that was not slow!! A wonderful, uplifting description too. Thank you 😊 🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to apatsyf]

Thank you! You do realise that I am the Original Grey Snail and you will be extremely surprised where snails get to. :)Actually snails do move a lot faster than we think, when they want to, I have a LOT of photographs of snails who have appeared in my running adventures.

It was super run and despite the comments of my stone onlooker, I am a runner and I enjoyed it!

The long runs are great... and if you haven't had a peek at Instructor57 's post..it is worth a look! x

Adventure Snail on a mission!

[apatsyf Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I do love your snails (just as long as they don't eat ALL my seedlings🤣🤣!!) And snails evidently can travel a long way too..... Thanks, I have looked at Instructor's link now and it makes a lot of sense, so will definitely put some of that into practice and maybe it's time to invest in some technology to help. Did a slow slopey run today, can't really call them hills (what a wonderful day🌞🌬) concentrating on lifting up the old knees as per the video! Looking forward to getting to 8.5k on Tuesday 🐌🐌🐌🏃‍♀️🤞.

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

Amazing! Very well done, the magic plan is working its magic once again 👏👏👏 and 8k in 55mins is slow?? Blimey, I wish I could manage that even on a flat route 😂😂 beautiful pics, great to have you back ☺️

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Beatlesforever]

I am slower on flat ... ha ha ! Thanks you!

[CBDB Graduate10]

Woohooo! 8k! Can’t wait to follow in your footsteps! I’m still on weekly 0km and still testing positive! 😩😠

But am in my COVID recovery phase now, have started gentle rows!

So good to read and I’ll be following your path! 👏👏👏🙌🙌🙌

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to CBDB]

Oh gosh!!! I know so many folk who have tested positive for up to two weeks before the negative result!

Take it steady and I shall be watching over my shoulder!! xxx

[buzzards Graduate10]

What a wonderful evocative post. It's great that you're back enjoying your runs and building up distances again. ☺️👏That 8k is far from slow, that's a fast time. Impressive. I love the stone face.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to buzzards]

Thank you!

My stony faced chum?

I am extremely fond of him... he has had the ability over the years since we have been able to be back here, made me smile, a lot. He was never here when I used to come here as a child with my parents and my Nan...but he is a part of it now!

It is good to be enjoying the runs properly too. I have had a few blips and issues ( nothing compared with some of the problems that many of our runners have had), but nonetheless, they impacted on me.

As you've probably gathered, my mantra is slow and steady, and running at my happy pace is the thing. Over my years running, the speed and distance has simply evolved and it is fairly heartening, at my age, ( 72 in two weeks), to see i move quicker than I did in 2015!

If you have five minutes, this is the post I wrote when we first found Criccieth again!

healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

[buzzards Graduate10]

As Frank-ntj said in response to that post, you should write books. You have a wonderful way with words.

[nowster Graduate10]

Even though you'll find this quote all over the Internet, what he actually said was:

"Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited, whereas imagination embraces the entire world."

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to nowster]

I didn't find it on the Internet! Although what you just wrote is..

Since most of the quotes were in German, things get changed and lost in translation and interpretation. Anyway..it works for me...and if he didn't say it, I'll bet he'd have wished he had. 😀

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Half the quotes they have from me on the Internet are wrong.

— Abraham Lincoln

😉

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to nowster]

🙃🤣

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Glad you had such a great run Oldfloss - think I’m going to try being a ‘strong, competent and capable runner’ tomorrow too!🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Sandraj39]

You will certainly be that!!!!

Thank you!!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you lovely lady🙏 - we shall see!🙄😄

[Me_time Graduate10]

What an inspiring post Oldfloss . 8k in 55mins is slow? My pace will be in negatives then 😂 Just read you are turning 72 soon, and you run at that speed on hills & still call it slow..u r incredible. I avoid hills and try to run on flatter routes & still huff & puff at slower pace lol.