WINTER RUNDERLAND...DECEMBER QUEST. WEEK 1. Come and Join Us!

[Oldfloss]

First of the Month...White...but not snowy Rabbits!

Yes... You have guessed it... It's ME !

I am so, so lucky, I am privileged to host the Quest this month... I totally love being here, amongst friends.

Many thanks to     AlMorr for hosting last month's Quest. He got us and kept us, ( most of us ) , moving ! I am afraid I fell by the wayside a tad. But I did get runs in and I DID keep up my strength and stamina work!

After some unseasonably warm weather, things have taken a turn , where I am , certainly. Rain, fog and chilly starts have replaced the crisp golden Autumn mornings, but each new Season brings its own joys and we shall get out there, whatever the weather! I am still working out what to set for my targets this month, but I do know that , whatever the targets are, I shall be in in the right place, for support from other Questers.

If you are a newcomer to Quest, you will find so much unbelievable support here, from our running friends, all at different stages and all hoping to fulfil different targets.

It's the first week of the DECEMBER Quest- so, do, please, feel free to join in with the fun

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.

I ask that you are a C25K Graduate before joining the Quest. The reason for this is that pre-graduation your week is very much structured according to the C25K programme, and I wouldn't want the Quest to interfere with that.

Most 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 would like to...

********

Each week, I will put up a new post, so we can chat and see how we are all doing!

Wishing you a wonderful week of safe and happy running! 💥

Oldfloss & The Rest of the Team x

P.S.

There is still the opportunity to run Tim's Run. Donations are now, nearing the £3000 mark. Thank you all so much x

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[LottieMW Ambassador]

Ooo…let me be the first to jump in! Thanks AlMorr for last month, and thanks Oldfloss for this month!

So I aim to keep on running…slowly working my way through the NRC10K Plan. I’m still a little ambivalent about restarting YWA…I may just dip in and out on S&F. Defo try and set myself a decent bedtime…I’m so rubbish at getting to bed before midnight 🕛

So that’s the plan! 😊🏃🏻‍♀️🐌💕

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to LottieMW]

Hello! It is so good to see you here...

Your goals sound good to me... especially the , keep on running one. Taking it at your own pace too.

I think if you feel you won't stick at the YWA, then just dipping on here and there is a plan... the S and F has so many ideas, and I shall certainly be doing my Christmas Dance move workouts again this year.

keeping everything going is a great idea, especially on the cold days!

Sleep? We need it...I am an early riser so, am in bed earlier than many folk.. I love getting as much in the day as I am able...

Keep us posted on how that is going too please ! x

[LottieMW Ambassador in reply to Oldfloss]

will do 👍🏼

[OldManRunning Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss count me in, I will try and blunder my way through a quest 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to OldManRunning]

I think you will do far more than blunder, you are doing so well with your running! Let us know what goals you might have for this month! x

[OldManRunning Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

See I told you I'd blunder, forgot to add my goals: -1. Not very original, run 3 times a week

2. Slowly increase distance, again not very original

3. Run the local Boxing Day run

4. Stretch after exercise, rather than collapse in a heap

5. Keep running, keep smiling

[Cantstopmenow Graduate10]

Good morning Oldfloss, thank you for the post. Taking part in Tim's Run last week, and reading everyone's reports, reminded me that I am missing out on wonderful companionship by not taking part in this forum. So here I am!

I have recently taken up swimming as a means of cross training if the weather takes a turn for the worse. I'm enjoying it and my back feels stronger already.

A running friend suggested I enter the Liverpool 10 mile race in March, so I will work out a training plan this weekend and get started. I am super-excited and motivated this morning. Long may it continue!

Happy running 😃

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Cantstopmenow]

Great to see you back here.

It is so good to be amongst friends and to share our runs and what is happening with them!

Good to know that you are finding that your back is feeling stronger, back pain is so, so wearing.

What a super goal to work towards! You have plenty of time to prepare... there are a few folk working towards an event in March, (shhhh ). It sounds just so exciting!

Take it steady, keep popping in and we will all help each other to keep going, especially in this darker colder days!

[Cantstopmenow Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

That sounds interesting! I will pop in. I hope you work out your own targets and, if not, enjoy your runs as and when you can. X

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

My goodness, you are a busy bee at the moment Oldfloss . It’s lovely to see you back hosting the Quest. Thanks to Al for hosting last month too. Like you, I fell along the wayside in reporting last month but I will try to keep up in December.

As I have only just taken on board that 🎅🏻 is coming, and sorted out that we will be hosting family this year, it’s going to be a hectic one.

So all I can say is that I will:

⭐️ go to weekly Pilates class

⭐️ run at least twice a week but try for three.

⭐️run and volunteer at parkrun which should include festive dress

⭐️ run a 10k race

Happy festive questing everyone.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Good to be back ! I love Quest here!

You seem to have a really GREAT goal, without even setting foot outside... the family for Christmas...just WONDERFUL!

Your other goals for this month. Just perfect.. Your runs, your Pilates, volunteering and a 10K run race.

Simple ? Doable? Yes, of course they are.

I shall watch for you, and you must watch for me too please. I need nudging along as much as anyone might! xxx

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I will be watching out for you Oldfloss , my elbows are perfect for nudging.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Uh oh... thank you x

[dijep Graduate10]

Morning Oldfloss and fellow questers 👋

I can't believe it's December already . My November quest went a bit sideways even though I'd tried to keep it simple. But I have been finding it a bit easier to get the "get up and go " to actually get up and go 😂 so that's progress from the previous month.A new month means a new start and a new quest, and forget about what happened last month.

I've just done the first of CBDB Resistance Band Advent Calendar over on Strength and Flex and I'm hoping to join in with this on a daily basis as they are short sessions so no excuses about time😂

Secondly to give me a focus I joined the Great Run 12 Runs of Christmas (which can also be walks) I'm planning on my usual two runs a week and then remembering to record one of my twice daily walks to make up my 12.

So that's me for December.

Good luck everyone and thanks Oldfloss for hosting us.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to dijep]

A New month, a New start! That is a great goal in itself... and not just for running !

One or two of us clearly had a blip in November... but you are moving forward with a great beginning ! Resistance band challenge.. and those runs too!

The Great 12 Runs of Christmas sounds really good and the option to walk too... if it is a bit dicey under foot.

Good doable goals and great ideas too!

Good to see you and good to be here x

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Such a lovely welcome to the quest! Thanks for hosting  Oldfloss , we are lucky to have you to keep us on track. Last month was blighted by illness but I’m feeling good again now. Phew!

This month is an exciting one for me because it’s going to be my one year runniversary! What a year! I’m going try and rerun as many of my favourite routes as possible. There’s a run I’d love to do on December 28th to celebrate. It’s a bit longer than I’ve been doing in the past few weeks since my HM but I think it should be doable if I manage to fit in a long every week. That’ll be my main quest aim (a couple of short and one long run every week) but I’ll ditch it if it’s looking too far. I can always walk the end. I’m also aiming to keep up with the strength and flex resistance band challenge. I’m terrible for starting then dropping off!

[Leotigris Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

advance congratulations for your one year runniversary! Is that one year from starting C25K or from completion?

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Leotigris]

Thanks! It’ll be one year from starting. I was going to do it on Jan 1st as a New Year’s resolution but I couldn’t wait!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Hello.

It is so good to see you back here after the rough time you have had x I am glad that you are feeling better now.

WOW...you're One Year Runniversary. That is so,. so special. Running some of your favourite routes sounds like a terrific plan... and the one on December 28th!

The goal sounds doable and you have clearly got your mind set for handling it, and any issues that may arise.

The S and F challenge is going to be good for all of us. Keeping is on track and keeping us strong too.

Just take care, listen to your body and I know you are going to reach those goals...

My Runniversary, 7th will be December 17th ! I shall repeat my Graduation run route...( oooh) , In just set a goal ) Thank you !

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Happy almost-runniversary to you too! I’m definitely going to be taking it sensibly. Fully prepared to shorten any runs that need it, or takes more rest days, or switch runs for yoga! Will see how it goes. The route I’d like to do is an almost totally flat point to point along an old railway line. Run crew support can do drop off and pick up with potential tea and cake half way! We’ll see. It’s 16k in total but there could definitely be walking. I did 8k very comfortably yesterday over a hilly route. Will try a 10/12k next week. It might be that on the day it hammers down, or I don’t quite feel right and I end up doing my c25k graduation route instead! That’s much shorter!!

Really glad you liked the rerun idea! I’m hoping to get MrU to do c25k as a New Year’s resolution this time around so maybe there’ll be more reruns in January…

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Thanks Floss on congratulating me for hosting November's Quest, it was a privilege which I enjoyed doing, my Quest for December WAS going to run a Half Marathon between Christmas and New Year, however, as I ran it as "Tim's Run" on Sunday I'll just run much shorter runs during this month, I'll keep to my daily exercise routine but depending on the weather probably won't go to as many parkruns as I have been recently, I am still not sure which parkrun to go to on Saturday 24th December, Christmas Eve, I understand that Springburn parkrun gives runners a piece of cake after the run but Palacerigg parkrun say they are going to decorate natural trees, which there are plenty with Christmas decorations along the route, that would be very Christmassy but haven't said anything about a 🎂 cake, I will make up my mind nearer the time, but the weather might have the final say.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

You DID... you did that fantastic HM for Tim ! x

Taking it gently sounds like a good idea to me, especially with the weather where you are! The Palace Rigg sounds wonderful... with the trees and maybe cake too. !

Just enjoy what you are doing however many runs you get in...and of course... you will be very busy on Christmas Eve any way, very active and very, very busy ? ( Shhhh... our secret)!

Happy Questing my friend x

[CBDB Graduate10]

Well, after last month’s very successful quest hosted by AlMorr I'm up for this month’s quest. Thanks so much for hosting!

So as part of my return from calf strain I will

🔲 run (jeffing intervalls ) 3 times per week

🔲 row 3 - 5 times per week

🔲 YWA at least 3 times per week

🔲 and do the daily Resist-mas challenge (©️Oldfloss)😀👍🏽💪

Hope you have a relaxing and peaceful month. Runs included! 💪😃🏋🏽‍♂️🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

All sounding extremely sound and so positive too!

You've had a hard time with that calf strain! But you are on the track again.

Great goals and those that you have initiated on S and F are brilliant...Resist-mas... and YWA too .

You are going to get there... listen to your calf, ( no mooing), and take it gently!

Good to have you here x

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

💜💙💚

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Thanks CBDB ✅👍

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Ooh, how good to be following you into our questing this month Oldfloss! My quest last month didn’t go as well as I’d hoped, despite AlMorr’s excellent efforts!, but I’m determined to try harder this month! So my plan is to a) Continue swimming 2-3 times a week, building up my distance and b) continue swimming 2-3 times a week . We’ll see what happens!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Great to be together isn't it

We seem, many of us to have had a slightly unusual November, running wise, don't we? Simple, ? achievable goals there... you will do it. We'll be here watching and sharing with you too!

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Ooo it's Floss aquesting. ..how lovely. And a big thank you to Al for November quest Can I join? My quest this week is to run every day even if it's only 5 minutes there and back, I started today with a short 10 minute run that took me 35 minutes because I was having so much fun chasing the sunset

Sunset

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Welcome and of course you may join in, especially with some more of your beautiful photographs.

What a super goal...is it just for this week? Or for the whole quest? Let us know please! x

[Leotigris Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

beautiful sunset photo!

[Vespina Graduate10]

ooh, count me in. My goals are:

1. Keep running three times a week whatever the weather

2. Do my S&F twice a week

3. Have fun on my runs and fuel properly before and after

4. Go to bed at the proper time - LottieMW I’m much later than you, it’s 2am for me sometimes 🙈

[LottieMW Ambassador in reply to Vespina]

…er I meant I’m rarely in bed before midnight! So1am…2am…

😬🙄🙈

[Vespina Graduate10 in reply to LottieMW]

We’ll have to keep one another accountable 😀. And on that note, goodnight 😴😆

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Vespina]

Welcome. This all sounds clear, straightforward and achievable.

The hardest I feel of all your goals? Might that be your bed time?

Keep us posted please? x

[Vespina Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Will try to check in with updates. And yes, bedtime is always challenging. So many books calling. At least I am resting, even if I’m not sleeping

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

I’m on week one Floss…I’m running tomora & running 3 times every week as I should be…otherwise I want you to tell me off ….

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

As if...but I will watch out for you, most definitely.

We can keep each other going, but, if life throws you a curved ball ( not tennis) ! Then be kind and know that the run will wait?

Good to see you here! x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

tennis ball 😂 ouch 🤕

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

I know!!!!

[Folkylass Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss count me in also please!

Although I’ve only been out running once this week ( Monday Tim’s run) due to the weather …..I know excuses! , my quest is :

To still run three times a week.

Continue with my cross training.

Keep my training up for my 10k race next year ( it’s not till May but time flys when your having fun so the saying goes).

I shall also keep dipping in an out here to keep you updated.👍😀😀

Bye!👍x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Folkylass]

You ran for Tim and you are still on track with those goals!

Your goals are realistic and doable...and you have that lovely target of a 10K in what will be, hopefully, warmer days

We'll watch for your post!

[Folkylass Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss that’s great encouragement… I appreciate that! I will definitely keep you posted.😀😀.

Keep running Keep smiling.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Folkylass]

We all are xxx

[Couchsurfer]

Count me in! My mad quest is to dip below 25 mins by the end of the month. My pb is 25.35 so it will be a bit of a stretch, but I've not really trained for it before. And will now!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Couchsurfer]

Hello.... when did you last run ? Let us know how you have been doing in between Graduation and now

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss , thanks for doing this

December's short days and the run up to Christmas tend to bring my motivation to go outside down considerably, so this month's Quest sets a very low bar:

-run twice a week

-if the weather forecast isn't rain, to do the Southend Rudolph Run

(I'm already half way there on the first one for this week )

Happy Questing!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

On the way already... and those goals sound just fine !

The cushions are here whenever you need a break and a chat ! x

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Please count me in although it might be a day or two more before my goals 'emerge'. I've missed the last couple of months.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Cushion here... take your time x

[Jogger22 Graduate10]

Good evening Oldfloss and fellow questers. Hope you're well. I was wondering whether you have set yourself any goals this month? Apologies if you have already said but I must have missed it! Unfortunately I've been on the IC since 6th November with a sprained ankle which isn't getting any better so I am a bit limited want I can do exercise wise for the time being. However, yesterday I exercised for the first time in a month and what a difference it made to my well being. I went out for 2 x 20 minute walks in the park next to where I live and in between the walks I did a 30 minute hurt foot yoga workout and a 30 minute sitting in a chair weights routine. Both the workouts were with you tuber Caroline Jordan who has created exercise videos that are injured foot friendly. She herself had a foot injury for 4 years but exercised and kept herself strong throughout. Hopefully I won't have to give up running for 4 years. For December I have set myself the following goals:

1) Do at least 4 x 20 minute walks in the park each week

2) Do 3 x 30 minute sitting in the chair weights workouts each week

3) Do 4 x 30 minute hurt foot friendly yoga workouts each week

4) Have at least one rest day

Wish me luck! 🍀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Jogger22]

I am so sorry I missed this.. driving to Wales and back!

My goal is to definitely run my 7 year Runniversary on the 17th December ..weather permitting.. keep track with the Advent resistance band challenge on S and F and Yoga with Adrienne for December... called Breathe! The yoga one is helping a lot to keep me calm!

I am sorry about your ankle... any ideas why it is not improving?

Your goals seem to be good one, but maybe more than one rest day until that ankle improves?