I can show you the world...?

[Oldfloss]

This photograph sums things up beautifully, for me, at the moment.

A tad like life... moments of shadow, where for a time we lose the clarity of things and then, stepping slowly ( certainly in my case yesterday), back into the sunshine, the warmth hitting the face and spreading through the body. Nature in her Spring finery; blues, greens and every shade in between.

Well, yesterday I went for a run. Not just any run...a different run!

I am still taking it gently and having reached the grand old distance of 10K once again, just running when I am able. Hoping to get back into a little bit of a routine, but not worrying if I am not able to.

So a different run. What was different?

I often, when I read posts, come across things which I know nothing about. Folk refer to apps, tech' details of their runs and all manner of things. It was quite a few years before I had any idea what negative splits were, (yes, I know )!

So having read the letters NRC over a lot of weeks I finally asked what it was. No one laughed and I did get the answer to the question. One step forward...

Then... life threw a couple of spanners into the works and it was a while before I could find out any more.

Next step forward... download the app. Two steps forward.

Four days when a run was impossible... and just trying to think where to begin with the app. Asked a question of a forum friend... whilst waiting for the answer... a chance to run presented itself... Third step forward.

A terrible night's sleep, woke at 6, feeling a tad unsettled and weary, but a glorious morning... sunshine streaming in , birds all a'twitter in my garden, and up I got. Still very little idea of what it was all about, ( even having studied the app), so:

Pick a run, any run.

Scrolled through all the choices and one just jumped off the phone!

Tough Day Easy Run.

Now, at this point I was still not convinced that this was for me.... but... I just felt I wanted to try.

Ready to go... click start and we were off.

I say we, because, as I very quickly discovered, there were two of us on this run. Him and me!

From the first slow, easy steps. I have to tell you, this man was talking to me. Yes, just me.

I am extremely sorry if you have ever used this run and think he was talking to you, you are completely wrong. He was with me, talking to me.

He was thanking me for running, he was suggesting, ( not telling me), how I should use this run, the way I should run, acknowledging that I may, even though this is an Easy run, (a phrase much repeated), I may find it tricky; slowing down my pace, ( and I did), easing back, letting the run come. He knew that life can be tough, work can be tough, family issues can be tough... he knew what might be going on, but he knew that I could and I was doing this!

The subliminal messaging went on, he was talking, he was silent, he knew when to speak and when to listen, to let me listen to my body and my mind.

He talked me through the breathing, not changing it, but getting the best from it...he told me when it was half way and time to turn … he told me how wonderfully I was doing.

As the run was ending, he thanked me, ( me), for running with him and he told me to thank myself, for completing this run in an EASY manner... to say it out aloud... and by gosh I did! Very loudly too!

I had chosen my uphill regular run start, because I knew I would move faster , as I do uphill, and when I didn't !!! When I relaxed and listened to this voice... for just 20 minutes.... that is all, just 20 minutes.... I was completely in another world; and after turning, resisting the urge to run downhill in my usual negative split finish.... I ran down with a steady, sedate pace, breathing Easy, so relaxed, I could have been asleep...suddenly it was over, he was, he said, leaving, although he would be with me again, and I could either carry on alone, or call it a run!

I called it a run.... I walked home, calm, smiling and refreshed. Tiredness gone and with his assurance, that whatever the day may bring, even if it was not all perfect, I had made a terrific start and I was ready to face whatever came. I believed him.

And... I did feel good all day and today too ! I felt young and strong and healthy!

I am a lone runner at heart... I choose my running companions with care... this man was unknown to me... Laura was my last regular companion.

Well.

All I can say at this stage is...'Tell Laura I love her) , but certainly, for some of my runs in the future...'There's a new kid on the block'!

Who says you cannot teach an Old Snail new tricks?

Floss xx

[PeggySusi]

I love this.. might have to see if I can find this run and this man..😊

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to PeggySusi]

Sorry he's spoken for !Seriously...it was excellent. I was very surprised!

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

How lovely Oldfloss. It wasn’t Coach Bennett by any chance was it? I have really enjoyed his runs on NRC, although I wasn’t listening hard enough yesterday when he said run easy. I’m glad you found it and enjoyed it.

I haven’t listened to his headspace runs yet , but 30 on 30 off is a good intervals run and the cold run was excellent. I need to check if there’s a hot run available!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Dexy5]

It was..and although this is written for a little bit of light hearted fun...I found it an eye opener. I stopped at 20 minutes..I followed the pace and I felt so good afterwards. It worked.I shall be exploring further certainly.xx

[Debsyp Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Coach Bennett has been my nemesis too! I get lost in his conversation and love the way he knows exactly how I’m feeling during a run. I feel a little bit cheated that he actually says similar things to others 😉, but when he’s sharing an inspiring headspace talk, who cares!! Happy days

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Debsyp]

Spot on. I didn't not know what to expect, but it was exactly as you say. It was indeed a very very happy run... and so relaxed! Thanks x

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Oh Floss, I’ve run that run, i didn’t realise he was talking to you though 😀and you are so right, that run leaves you feeling happy and refreshed. There’s a celebration run on there that I love too, enjoy your running and enjoy your new kid on the block who will run with you whenever you request. At this rate we will get you running from zombies too which can be really fun or irritating depending on how you feel xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Zombies!!! I've read about those too, but have not looked at them in detail... is this something might enjoy? Hmmmm?Yes, he was of course enraptured by this strange old lady 😆😉!

Seriously it was, and totally by chance, just what I needed. I'm struggling a little with a few things right now and although, that is not motivation to run, ( I am loving my running so much now I feel stronger), something like this just adds variation and a little bit of fun.

It was just the first one, but I think if I pick the right ones I am going to find some useful things happening!

The celebration run sounds lovely. I am not sure if there is anywhere that gives a description of what each run involves?

Thanks for this reply... it is all helping me!

Have a good day my friend! xxx

[nowster Graduate10]

"Tell Laura I Love Her"? Which version? Ricky Valance or Billy Connolly?

(Though maybe using a teenage tragedy song isn't that appropriate.)

It sounds like this session has done you a power of good. 👍

PS. If my leg doesn't flare up again I should be at Hafan Pwllheli on Saturday. Low tide is 8am.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to nowster]

Excuse me... I think it is perfect! I actually like the original best with Ray Peterson:)Joking apart. Yes, it has, in a really positive way, done me good. Just a first run but exactly what was needed.

I shall be looking at the other choices having had some excellent advice from cheekychipmunks .

Hope that leg settles... we will be back in Wales the week after next ! Enjoy the run but do make sure the leg feels fully okay!

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

Welcome to the club! I absolutely love the NRC guided runs, a brilliant app. And it sounds like today's run was just what you needed 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Beatlesforever]

It was indeed. I have always embraced new ideas since Graduating in 2015, and this is another one. It certainly was enjoyable and just the sort of thing that helped with my mind set right now,

A beautiful day, where I had even more time to look around, helped also.

[Elfe5 60minGraduate]

Ah, I love this OF. 😄A good run after a rubbish night is such an unexpected, delicious gift! - So pleased you had that experience.

Wishing you big dollops of warming sunshine. Xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Elfe5]

THANK you!!! Just lovely and this morning where the sky is a continuous blanket of grey, so so welcome! I have slept better last night again and when that happens... it really does make a difference

I am looking forward to finding out more about some of the runs! x

[Elfe5 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Looking forward to hearing about them. 😄I had just begun to explore NCR (only tried 3) when PF struck over 2 years ago. Looking forward to trying it again soon. 😄

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Elfe5]

I'll keep you posted!

[Yesletsgo Graduate10]

Welcome to the latest member of the Coach Bennett fan club. Even when I'm not listening to him his words echo in my ears if I'm overdoing it

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Yes.. I can imagine that... one of those voices... and I was answering him... ! I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[FrankyC]

He sounds wonderful 😀 I must look into that App once C25K is complete again.So glad you had a lovely day. Isn't it a great feeling when something unexpectedly good happens 😌 we all need more joy in our lives 🎉 nature and a nice companion, the best.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to FrankyC]

Absolutely.My feelings exactly... pure enjoyment and the unexpected bonus of a great run!

[Jackapoodle Graduate10]

Unbelievable! Whilst I'm pleased for you Oldfloss I'm quite shocked that Coach B is so fickle!! I shall be having words on my next run....I haven't found a section which gives you a complete list of guided runs and what they entail, so have to open individual runs which appeal and look at the overview. Anyway, I'm off to eat chocolate and ponder on what went wrong between me and Coach B.... 😀 x

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

I'm beginning to think also., he is a bit of a philanderer! But gosh, sometimes serendipity does give great results. It was a good start to a new adventure and I am looking forward to trying some more. I will open the runs and take a look. Thank you

Enjoy the chocolate...men... !

[Yesletsgo Graduate10 in reply to Jackapoodle]

When you click on a run in the app it will give you some details - whether it's distance or time based, the level of effort, what Coach B will be musing about etc. For tempo, intervals and fartleks it usually tells you what you'll do eg 5 minutes intervals at 10k pace with 2 minutes recovery between and a 5 minutes warm up/cool down or whatever.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Excellent, thank you!

[grumpyoldgirl]

Oy! Hands off he's mine! 😄 Although to be fair it's going to be a while before I run with him again, still it's interesting to know what he gets up to while he's waiting for me😉

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Well, there is clearly more going on than I thought in this NRC club! But, if it it gets me where I wish to be and having enjoyed it.. well ! xx

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to Oldfloss]

At least now you know why coach Bennett is so popular😂

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

I certainly do!

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Brilliant! Glad you enjoyed it - I'm not sure I've tried that particular one though it sounds like I should try it.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Birdlady64]

Thanks..it was really enjoyable... !

[Cowladyrunning Graduate10]

That's lovely Oldfloss I love the Coach Bennett runs too. Glad you found him too 🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

Me too. It was just what I needed right then! Thank you xxx

[Comfortnotspeed Graduate10]

Lovely pic and write up. Coach Bennet is an inspiration. Plan for the weekend: run. Print out Coach Bennett’s inspirational words:

Read more

Run more

Smile more

Pop it in my classroom on Monday!

Enjoy your weekend 🌸😊🌸

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

Thank you and wonderful idea!!!I used to have little photographs pinned behind my desk, years ago... of inspirational places, happy places and motivational words.

That photograph is just one of the green spaces on the estate which is built on an old aerodrome In a few weeks many of the verges will have all the meadow flowers, like the ones in my photo' coming through... the council are incredibly proactive in the issues of their green spaces!

Flowers where once aircraft flew.

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Ah Oldfloss 😊. I am so pleased you enjoyed some company on your run. I really enjoy Coach Bennett. I definitely like listening to him on longer runs, it’s like having some company on a long car journey! I wonder if he knows how much difference he has made to this community? I hope so 🌺🌺🌺. Well done!

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Frenc]

I did indeed and I shall be finding more runs to use. Not every run , but I feel it will be built in to my running pattern, if I get into one)!I often wonder how aware that the NHS are aware hoe much we all give back to the community. We must be saving the Govt' thousands of pounds. We run, we stay healthy mentally and physically, we motivate and we encourage others to do likewise... and all the Admin team do it voluntarily!

We are all awesome! Never mind the silken voiced Coach Bennett! x

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

That’s very true! I told a consultant at the hospital a while ago I had done the NHS’s C25K and she was really chuffed she’d met someone who had actually completed it, and had then gone on to get so much out of it! We are pretty fab, aren’t we 😁.

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Frenc]

We blooming well are! xx

[Lizcanrun Graduate10]

Wow! You should be in sales! Like you, I downloaded the app ages ago and have never used it. Might give it a go now.Glad it was so beneficial for you. Hope today is just as good 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Lizcanrun]

It was brilliant and enjoyable too! I used another this morning.. because I wanted a 30 minute run to get me down to the daughter's home for cat and hen feeding duties... Strangely enough it was so perfect for this morning's run after a wakeful night.!Going to post about the run later!

Have a go... it is worth it

[Jools2020 Graduate10]

What a great post. I was with you every step of the way 😊. I love Coach Bennett, too! I did one of his Grateful runs - possibly the 8K one. It was a while ago. I was not in a good ‘place’. I wasn’t feeling it at all at the start. I was having a terrible day and feeling sorry for myself. I had nothing to be grateful for. Nobody who cares. I should face up to the fact that I’m alone. What was the point of anything. Everything he said I was answering negatively, out loud! I can’t remember running, only what I felt. His continuing voice,though, did put a seed of doubt in my head. I was listening to every word. Maybe he’s right. Of course I have people who care. This, too, shall pass. I carried on running, he carried on talking. The negativity faded. My phone pinged with a text from a friend, concerned, asking how I was. I started thinking about the people in my life who do care and realised how many there are! Then I was grateful. Those mindful guided runs can be powerful! 🏃‍♀️👍

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate in reply to Jools2020]

Brilliant!!! Just so good that there are all sorts of things out there that can make such a difference! My Nan used to always say, This too shall pass,,, and it did:)Well done you ... and of course there are people who care... we do xxx

[Jools2020 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss ❤️