It’s the July Quest: Sunny Delight! Get your 5 a day! 🏃‍♀️ ☀️ 🏃‍♀️ ☀️ 🏃‍♀️

[MissUnderstanding]

It’s finally here! Welcome to the July quest. Is there delightful sun where you are at the moment?

My run journey started on December 29th when I just couldn’t wait until January 1st to start c25k as my New Year’s resolution! There were a LOT of wet runs but I got used to it and there’s something about running in the rain that makes you feel like a hero. Adjusting to this beautiful summer weather has been harder to make work than I’d expected…early and late is the way to go. June brought my first 10K race which I absolutely loved (despite the blazing sun) and I’ve entered another in August and a half marathon in October. Someone needs to confiscate my phone when I’ve had a particularly good run because I just keep booking things…

I’m in such a great place with my running at the moment and that’s definitely because I’m getting out really regularly. My personal quest is going to be all about keeping that consistency. Not 5 runs a day but aiming for 5 runs a week as long as that’s feeling good. I’m hoping to post a lot of sunrise and sunset pictures!

This is my first time hosting the Quest and I can’t wait to chat with you about what you’re doing, especially if you’re a newbie like me! If it’s your first time spotting a Quest post, here’s how it works…

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 (which I am very excited about!).

Good luck fellow Questers! Hope your weeks will be full of Sunny Delight! ☀️

PS: Yes, that’s a picture of cocktail. It was the closest thing to orange juice that I had a photo of. Oops.

[CBDB Graduate10]

Hello hello MissUnderstanding, so great to see you holding our quest community!

And my oh my, do those drinks look good!

I have to think about my quest for this month, as I just yesterday finished posting my completion of my past quests.

So I’ll have to have a think, but it will be something about the freedom within a double consolidation period, for both my running (finished NRC Starter plan this morning) and rowing (reached my 10k goal).

So it might be as simple as

- keep running at least 2x / week

- keep rowing at least 4x / week

- do all my stretches and mobility stuff

- keep a recovery day

Happy questing!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Double consolidation! 🏅 🏅 What a great thing to have to plan for. I’ve been following your rowing in awe. I enjoy a trip out on the machine but without a gym membership or one at home it’s a bit tricky. I’ll just observe vicariously through your posts!

Those cocktails were on a recent holiday to Greece and partly as a reward for my hottest ever run early that morning. Whenever I think it’s too sunny to run here, I think about that one!

Your quest ideas sound great. I really like the idea of keeping a recovery day as an explicit part of a quest. I’ve never thought about that before. It’s amazing how once the run (and row) gets into your life it easily takes over! Maybe deliberately thinking about recovery day helps appreciate it more too.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Recovery days: Yes, I’ve become bad at keeping a rest day and then start wondering why I wake up exhausted. Some days of rest due to work often surprise me in their ability to give me a much more stronger (and enjoy full) run afterwards. So I thought I’d add that to my list of quests!

Rowing: yes, there are two downsides to indoor rowing: needing a rower and moving through the outside like you are when running! Otherwise, I love it!

[nowster Graduate10]

Hi MissUnderstanding .

I've no specific plan this month. I'm continuing to run six times per week.

I'm still on holiday for another week. I shall continue to explore the local lanes and paths, whatever state they're in. Also I'll be doing a parkrun tomorrow at a nearby National Trust park.

A couple of things I'd like to tick off: a HM whilst on holiday and getting up to 30km in a run. There is no urgency for either, and if I can't fit them in I won't be disappointed.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Sometimes “just continue” is a quest in itself! Fingers crossed those long runs happen. It sounds right to be relaxed about whether they fit in or not. That’s the proper holiday attitude! Enjoy the rest of your time away.

Tomorrow will be my first ever Parkrun. I’ve been meaning to go for ages but not quite made it. I like the idea of doing one around a National Trust park. I bet that will have great scenery-have fun!

[nowster Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Don't forget your barcode!

The new scanners (actually volunteers' phones) can cope with images of barcodes on phone screens. On many Garmin watches you can install a parkrun barcode app.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to nowster]

Thanks for the reminder! I printed out an old fashioned paper version and put them somewhere useful…

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Enjoy that Park Run... lots to see and so much to be enjoyed

[Liono]

Hello! Count me in 🙂

I'm new to this forum having just graduated from C25K on Weds. (Although I have been lurking for a few weeks out of sheer excitement as to what was next!)

My goal is to consolidate by running for 30 mins three times a week, finding new routes and introducing more trails and hills. It would be lovely to achieve 5k! I would like to do a Parkrun in the next few months so am looking forward to hearing how yours goes. And I am also going to add in some knee strengthening exercises.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Liono]

Lovely to see you here Liono and congratulations once again on your graduation 🏅. Your quest sounds spot on. Getting into that regular habit of running without having the podcast schedule is such a good thing to do. I’m really looking forward to hearing how your knee exercises help. I’m lucky with knees but one ankle is a bit twingy (technical medical terminology there!) occasionally and I’ve wondered about that sort of thing to build some strength there.

I’m doing my first parkrun tomorrow land I’m a bit nervous even though I’ve done a 10K race before. I think it’s the unknown-all the logistics like where to park, where to go, what to do at the end etc. Aiming to do one earlier than I have is a good idea!! I’ve heard lots of people run and walk them so you don’t necessarily have to have covered the full distance running if you didn’t want to. There’s no right or wrong though. Up to you!

Enjoy those well earned consolidation runs! ☀️

[Liono in reply to MissUnderstanding]

From what I've read on the forums and the people I've spoken to who do our local one, they're all very friendly so I am confident you'll have a great time! My worry is running alongside other people over different terrain and maintaing a suitable pace - if you've done a 10k than that will be easy for you 🙂

I've had ankle problems in the past and now do the alphabet exercise every morning before I get out of bed. You just 'write' each letter of the alphabet in the air with your big toe - nice and simple, even when you're half asleep!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Liono]

Ooh, thanks for the ankle tip. I’ll definitely try that out.

I’m a bit of a novice running with other people and I got totally carried away with the atmosphere at the 10K race. I was in pain for a week afterwards! That’s literally my only experience not running alone. Hopefully that will help me be much more sensible tomorrow. I’ve looked online and the finishing times seem to vary between 19 minutes (!!!!!!!!!!) and 58 minutes. I should be somewhere in the middle. The main thing I want to get out of it is feeling more confident about how it all works for next time. Saturday alarm is not welcome though…

[Liono in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I am sure your previous experience will stand you in good stead. Early night for you tonight 😁

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Liono]

Liono , hello! 👋👋 Alphabet ankle exercise! That’s a real nice one!

Are you aware that we have a sister forum dedicated to Strength & Flexibility? Run by the same team of volunteer admin as our running forum!

It’s here:

healthunlocked.com/strength...

And we have all sorts of folders with all sorts of exercises here:

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Feel invited! Welcome!

[Liono in reply to CBDB]

Hello! I am, thank you! I've just been reading through the 12 wk plan and am now attempting to print the PDF but my printer is playing up.

I will take a look at the folders too, that sounds very helpful as I am very good at reading things and then not being able to find them again!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Some ankle exercises in herehealthunlocked.com/strength......

[Liono in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss, I've saved your post this time!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Liono]

Good to see you here... your new starting line

[Jogger22 Graduate10]

Hello MissUnderstanding and fellow questers! Welcome to the forum and good luck with your quests. My quests for this month are as follows:1) finish 5km leg of team relay triathlon - which I did today!

2) finish 10km race next Sunday after completing garmin coach 10k plan

3) run at least 3 times a week

4) do 2 cross training sessions a week especially swimming and YWA

5) do at least 1 parkrun

6) volunteer at 1 parkrun

Wish me luck!

🤗

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Jogger22]

Good luck!!! 🍀 I’ve done my first parkrun this morning so I’m especially rooting for you to get those goals done. The volunteers were brilliant which was great-you’ll be much appreciated!

There are lots of us aiming for consistent running, myself included. Hopefully we can keep each other going,

Hope the final preparations for your race next week go well. I will get my virtual pom poms ready!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Hi MissUnderstanding …lovely quest post…that I think I need to be a part of…being part of quest or any other ‘team’ definitely helps my waning mojo…I really need to try get out 3-4 times this week …I’m feeling out of sorts for not getting my regular runs in…so three for me this week is my quest..x

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

I totally need the support of other runners to keep me going. It’s those regular runs where it’s a bit grey, you’re a bit lethargic and it would be so easy to stay on the sofa where this forum has been so good for support.

Sending you a double dose of mojo (I don’t know what that would actually look like but hopefully the positivity will reach you!!) 🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Good Morning!Lovely to see you here hosting the Quest!

I have a simple goals for this Quest, but as ever, will be relying on the weekly post to keep me answerable

I am still feeling lacking in , whumph, after my antibiotic course finished Wednesday.

So

Goals?

1. Maintain my regular, low impact exercise regime, but upping leg work.

2. Run once or twice a week for this month. I need to pull back a tad until I have built up some muscle.

3. Focus on following my slightly changed eating regime to support my weight. I have nearly reached my initial target weight of 8st... ( 7st 12), so, the only way is up. I have some delicious new meals planned for the warmer???? weather.

Slow and steady

Happy successful Questing everyone!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

That sort of illness can really knock you out. Really hoping they antibiotics have booted out the last of the bugs and it’s all inwards and upwards from here for you.

It sounds like you’re being really sensible keeping a low impact, gentle routine at the moment. I very much like the sounds of new meals. Feel free to share any recipes you like! As well as running, I absolutely love cooking (and eating!!).

[Mormor1 Graduate10]

HI Misunderstanding, I enjoyed your post too. My goals for the month...hmm.... I think I have to eat better! So...I have to read More Fuel You which I have on my kindle. My daughter who is a dietitian recommends as it is written by an ultra runner who is also a dietician. I need more energy I think as most of my runs are around 10k and I want to do that at least twice/week. The hot weather kills me so I have to get up ever earlier. There are bonuses, like I have the heath and sea to myself at 5 or 6 am....now I'm back in Sweden for a week I'll try and run more often.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mormor1]

I love the idea of eating better as a goal. I’ll have a look at that book-it sounds really interesting.

I’ve been to Stockholm before and loved it. Very envious of your trip to Sweden. Such a beautiful place that I’d love to see more of. Hope you can get some scenic runs out there.

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Happy to see you in charge of quests this month MU - please count me in! Especially if those delicious looking drinks are our reward! Having finally managed to run a full parkrun again after many months, my quest for July is a simple one:Run at least twice a week,

Swim at least twice a week.

Nothing too complicated but I’ve announced it in public so I have to do it don’t I?!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Monday feels like it ought to be the start of the new week for the quest but that’s not until Friday! I thought I’d do a mid-quest-week mini update anyway. Last week was a five run week so that was a big tick. I also did my first park run-that’s been a long standing goal and I was so glad I finally made it. Another big tick!

I’m following the Nike Run Club half marathon plan and this morning’s run was a 40 minute recovery run called “Running towards your goals”. It really made me think of my lovely fellow questers-it’s absolutely worth doing (as a run/walk or a walk depending on where you are on your run journey). Lots of useful thoughts about why you should set goals, how to set them, how to achieve them and how to think about every step you take as achieving a goal in itself. It was a great run this morning. One of those where you come back with more energy than when you went. Monday seems a little better than usual!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

I was looking out for the monthly Quest but only just saw it!

So, for July my Quest is to run consistently 3 times a week EXCEPT when I'll be away in Crete at the end of the month as my son is getting married there ❤️ I don't think I'll even bother taking my running gear (though I may reconsider lol), it's hot enough here and I'm not a lark who can do the 6am when it's still cool routine.

So, consistent running and, you guessed it, that elusive 10k. If I go home and there's a chilly misty morning I may just attempt it

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

A trip to Crete for a wedding sounds fantastic. I am excited on your behalf! I went to Rhodes over half term and it was beautiful. Hot though! I managed one run but it was a much shorter one than planned because of the heat. You don’t want to be caught wanting to run and not being able to so you could pack your kit and not feel bad at all if you didn’t use it. My run was a day I randomly woke up early and really felt like running! Totally up to you. A rest week could be very nice too!

Your quest sound brilliant. Looking forward to catching up with how it’s going (and adding your NRC runs to my list to try!!).

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Hello MissUnderstanding, thank you for leading the quest this month. I think I’ve now turned a corner and can return to regular running again. So:

* run 3 times a week

* increase distance in 1 run each week to get back towards 10k again

* do 1 tourist parkrun

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Really glad you’re back out running and your quest goals sound spot on. Have you got holiday planned or will it be a bit of local tourism to find a new park run? I’ve just got started with parkrun and I’m super keen to try some different ones (not least because my local one is hard!!).

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

There are lots of parkruns we haven’t done that are in driving distance , many which are better this time of year. But I do fancy a trip to Bushey Park where it all started. I’ll keep you posted. 🏃‍♂️🏃🏼‍♀️

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Have fun! I’m going again this weekend. I can’t decide whether to do the same again or try another local one. Might depend on how early I want to set the alarm on a weekend!

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

I am here! I definitely need to sign up for the Quest please because it will help me shoehorn something for myself as I juggle two sets of caring responsibilities which are particularly high intensity this month. Promised myself a run yesterday and then had to stay in for an urgent phone call.

However, first holiday in 3 years coming up this month and it's a biggy (for us!), fulfilling a promise MrGM made nearly 25 years ago.

So, whilst I flog myself trying to get the local authority to obey the legal requirement to be specific, I am (unusually) not applying that to myself for this Quest.

My goals are:

Running

Yoga class

Yoga practice

Meditation/breathing class

Bath

Vacuum the whole house (I have been putting off the idea of removing the last Google hair 😢)

A declutter that involves things leaving the house!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Lovely to see you here-lots going on for you at the moment. I bet that holiday will be super well received when it comes along.

It sounds like you’ve got some great ideas for your quest. No flogging for specificity from me-use it in any way that’s helpful to you!

I am currently ignoring the vacuuming. We’ve got two guinea pigs and that means sawdust, hay and fur in all sorts of unexpected places around the house! Good luck with yours.