WINTER RUNDERLAND...DECEMBER QUEST...WEEK 4... HOW ARE YOU DOING?

[Oldfloss]

Hello Fellow Questers...

I thought I would make this a long week to take us up to next weekend.

I am not sure how many days folk may be able to quest with all the festive frolics happening

My Quest came to a a bit of an abrupt end as many of you know.. I am into the fifth day of Covid and Mr OF tested positive yesterday... so in true Oldfloss fashion, I shall begin with a song/rhyme..

To the tune of All I want for Christmas

*******************************************

I don't want a lot for Christmas

There is just this one thing here,

I don't care about the presents underneath the Christmas tree.

I just want to do a test,

Just want it to be the best.

All I want for Christmas is CLEAR!

*****

Says it all

******

My goal for this last week, is just to rest up and get better

BUT:

I have been reading many of your posts again, a tad more time to do so, this week, and you ARE still running and reaching some of your Quest goals.

Some folk have had setbacks from illness to injury but again, the good news too is that if you are not able to run you are being sensible and not giving yourselves a hard time!

PLEASE, do let us all know how your Questing is going

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 last of the DECEMBER Quest- so, do, please, feel free to join in with the fun, even if it is just to say how your running has gone these last weeks

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...

********

Wishing you a wonderful week of safe and happy running! If you cannot get the runs in, then just do what you are able too !

💥Stay SAFE and STAY WARM!

Oldfloss & The Rest of the Team x

[clarys]

Still recovering from a grade 2 ankle sprain but I have started light jogging again, shocking how the breathing can decline in 6 weeks! Faced my nemesis (the collapsed section of track that I ran down when not paying attention..... been walking past it carefully until I feel more confident) so I would like to join the Quest! I would like to run three times a week albeit a bit gingerly hope the covid is gone soon and not affecting you too much.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to clarys]

You are getting there! Being brave... working back up gently too! Light, gentle jogging sounds exactly right to me... and your breathing will improve the more you do,

It is not too bad,,, the odd coughing bouts are trying but..no aches or pains, so we think we are lucky! Thank goodness for the vaccinations! So many cases around at the moment.

[clarys in reply to Oldfloss]

hope you're feeling lots better!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to clarys]

Thank you yes... negative now and although fairly zapped if I do too much.. getting there ! x

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Hi OF, sorry to hear about your husband. Life certainly can throw us lemons but you always seem to end up making lemonade! Anyway, my quest is pretty simple, three runs 3 x a week and keeping up with the physio exercises which have been upgraded to kettlebell stuff plus the original exercises. I did the KB exercises yesterday and have rather a stiff derrière today! Glad it’s not a run day 🤣. Hope you test a big fat negative very soon fingers crossed 🤞.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Frenc]

You seem to be on track... and apart from the pain in the btm...all going well! Well done you!

Yes.. rotten timing but' tis what it is and we just keep on moving forward slow and steady!

[linda9389 Graduate10]

Oh nooooo OF! I'm so sorry to read this. I do hope you are better and clear very soon and that MR OF is better soon too.Both myself and my hubby tested positive this morning. Having avoided it for so long, like you, it is very frustrating.

There is a vague possibilty that I am beyond the worst of it, having had a mild cold while we were away (but no test kits with us). I'm really hoping that's the case but only time (and test kits!) Will tell.

Here's to good health and the best Christmas we can manage. At least we know the runs are waiting for us.

Take care lovely lady xxx

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to linda9389]

Oh no linda9389 that’s such a shame. I hope you don’t feel too grotty and that it won’t scupper too many plans - hopefully you’ll test negative soon as it sounds as though you may have had it longer than you realise 😊.

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Frenc]

I'm hoping so Frenc. Thank you 🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

NO!!! This is so not fun!

All the weeks and months of avoiding it and you have just retired.... it is a rotten naughty elf trick!

Do take care of yourselves... and rest up... you are together as are we and the runs will wait for us!!

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Absolutely OF. Just another reminder that none of us invincible 😍 Take good care xxx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Sending good wishes your way as well! Hope you can still manage some Christmas celebration despite the lurgy ❤️

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you - we will!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

So sorry to hear this Linda , but guess what? UTS tested + last night. We are all in this together.

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Feel better soon UTS. A lot of empathy coming your way xxx

[dijep Graduate10]

Sorry to read that Covid has caught up with you both what really rotten timing. I do love your rhyme 😁👍 and I'm hoping that that's what Santa brings you.I've just sat down after what I hope is the last bit of preparation. Looking out at pouring rain - not exactly Christmas weather.

My quest has gone well I've done my last run of my 12 run/walks of Xmas this morning and I ended on a high with a December 10k.

I'm up to date with the Resistance Band Advent Challenge although I have got todays to do.

So Merry Christmas fellow questers 🎅☃️🎄

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to dijep]

I know... we have been so careful and for so, so long !

Pouring here too! Very yucky!

Huge well done to you on your 12 runs/ walks! Resistance bands too !

Have a lovely time !

[CBDB Graduate10]

Oh no! That Covid! Both of you keep warm, drink lemon-honey tea, and reserve your energy for getting better!

My quest is getting better as I was able to squeeze at least 1.5 days of annual leave into this week, so for the first 4 days of my quest week I have done:

4th Quest Half Week Part 1/2:

2️⃣✅ Two lovely runs (Sun and Wed)

2️⃣✅ Two lovely Yoga Sessions (Wed and Thu)

2️⃣✅ Two rows

 ✅ 3️⃣ Resist-mas challenge on time but caught up with all of them! ✅✅

So I’m giving myself a few ticks! ✅✔️☑️ And the week is not over yet! Not perfect but all things considering, not bad.

Sending you healing wishes! 💚💚💚

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Very well done to you,. lots and lots of positive stuff there! You are doing so well! Just a final flourish necessary!

Yes, honey and lemon, just the way my Nan used to make it. My first job when any tickly cough appears.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

So sorry about the double covid. Really hoping it’s mild for you both and you can still have a lovely, restful Christmas.

My quest took almost a literal nose dive when I fell over a couple of weeks ago. I’ve been focussing on recovering patiently and sensibly. Happy to report that everything is better enough to have been for a very gentle run today. Felt super sluggish and unnatural but I’m sure that will pass. The main thing is everything felt fine with no aches and pains. We won’t mention what it was like putting the sports bra on!

My one year runniversary is next week and I’m going to adapt the original plan to take into account the new situation! Probably a short trip around a local reservoir that I’ve been meaning to try for ages. The other thing I’ll be focussing on is some physio type exercises for my wrists/elbows and strength/stability for knees. Not there yet but there’s a light at the end of the tunnel!

Hope this week has some good moments despite the silly covid ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

But did you manage to get it on by yourself?

Huge well done to you and great that you got out for that run! I think the feeling of natural pace and enjoyment will come as you grow stronger, won't it?

You have had a rough time and it is going to need you to carry on being sensible and taking what comes gently! The exercises will surely help too.

Thank you.,.. we are taking it gently despite having to unblock our sink ! We think something small thing, may have crept in during the cold snap... the pipe to the grid had lost its cover. Lots of small twiggy things and leaves had clogged up the part where it bends! We are not doing top badly,.. sneezing and coughing off and on but, touch wood ,no aches or pains at all!

Enjoy the next few days and get ready to get out there next year!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I was almost going to shout for help but I just managed the final wiggle over the shoulders. I think my Fitbit might have recorded the whole palaver as a separate workout before I even started running!

I’m absolutely sure the natural pace will return. I still feel a bit hyper conscious of where my feet are landing (even walking) so I don’t fall again. I didn’t run for very long so most of it would have been toxic ten and it was also at a super weird time of day straight after finishing Christmas shopping. Thinking about it, it could well have been an iffy one totally unrelated to it being the first one back! I’m still counting it as a massive win. One of those slightly tough but proud to get through ones. In some ways, feeling a bit generally tired was a good thing because it probably stopped me trying to bust out a fast and long run with the enjoyment of being back again and then finding I’d overdone it on my knee. I’m channeling sensible for the foreseeable future!

Glad you’re not too badly under the weather. What a time for the pesky sink to block up!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Ha ha... Mr OF once had to get me out of a very wet and soggy bra after a whole van man dried to drown me... !

It will all come back and you are so right to fight any temptation to go too far too soon. One of the greatest lessons learned from this running lark, I feel is patience! Thank you.. yes.. 6.30 last night.. we were in and out, it was raining.. one of the torches packed it... not happy at all.. but did sleep for nine hours !!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Oh no MissU. I do hope your recovery is speedy . I know what you mean about the sports bra test, following my shoulder injury in September. Look after yourself and get well soon.

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Hello Oldfloss , I’m sorry to hear that Mr OF has tested positive too, but it’s fairly inevitable isn’t it? I hope you are both soon negative and can enjoy a Christmas get together with the family.

UpTheStanley has had a really bad cold, and has been laid low this week so I’ve been spending my time doing all the Christmas shopping and preparations for guests. Running? What’s running? Thankfully I did manage to get some me time at the hairdressers and have my nails done so not all is lost. Also had a good get together over coffee with Oldgirlruns and Coddfish .

So as far as the quest has gone, only one run for me at parkrun last Saturday with a time of 34:05, and I sorted the tokens at home afterwards so got another volunteer tick. No Pilates as it clashed with the hairdressers! Excuses, excuses.

Have a wonderful Christmas everybody !

🧑‍🎄🤶🦌⛄️🎅🏻

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

You knew there was not going to be much time for running didn't you! Poor UpTheStanley ... so many colds and all; manner of things flying around. This sneaky Covid thing must have crept in with something! A Winterval celebration planned for next weekend!

Okay... are you on track for the visitors ? Yes.. tick!

Hair and nails done...tick!

Park run- oh yes...tick!

Volunteer ..tick!

I think you have done incredibly well... let us see how next week goes

Have super weekend !

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

You won’t believe this OF, but UTS has Covid too. The cold was not a cold! A fridge full of food, presents under the tree, but I can’t have my family to stay after all. I’m all clear at the moment but it’s fairly inevitable that I am following in his footsteps, so I won’t go to parkrun tomorrow . I might sneak out for a lone run while I am still negative though.

I wish I’d bought a chicken instead of a turkey! 🐔

[Tallismorley in reply to Dexy5]

what a lot of bad health luck in this chain. I’ve just got a cold and was checking in to see if there’s any advice about running when under the weather as I’d finally managed after years to get into a regular 3x week habit in the last 6 months but have been jinxed first by the snow and now these sniffles. But you’re all far worse by the sound of it. Hope you manage a decent Christmas anyway.

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Tallismorley]

Thank you Tallismorley. At least we have lots to eat!

To answer your question, if you have a cold, you can normally run if symptoms are above the neck. If it reaches your chest, then maybe best not to. It might be worth doing an LFT too, hubby thought he just had a cold……

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Mr OF was absolutely convinced he had a head cold...until he actually saw that line! So many folk walking around thinking the same, which is why numbers are up !

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Oh no. Best wishes to UTS and fingers crossed for you. My OH tested positive yesterday. I was actually so relieved when I tested positive too. I know it's wonky logic, but it meant no dancing around each other with masks, dettol and open windows 😍 Our Christmas plans that are spoiled are just as spoiled with one covid case as with two! My main issue is that parkrun with my son today can't happen, but I'm hoping the cold I've had while I was away was covid, as that would put me in line for the all clear today or tomorrow 🤞. Daren't test 😍

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Yes I’ve no doubt I’ll be there too Linda, as I wasn’t feeling 100% yesterday. But we are boosted up and I’m sure it will be just inconvenient rather than life threatening.

I think I might have to borrow freezer space with all this food for 2 of us.

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

The food situation needs some creativity doesn't it 😍 Inconvenient, sressful, frustrating but as you say, for most people it is a more manageable beast than it was. Best wishes to you both and here's to making the most of this Christmas xxx

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

🥂

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Oh yesssss! I just got a clear test!!! I'm so happy. But it's somewhat bittersweet; since I've only known I had it for 24 hours, it means I have unfortunately been mixing without realising, which I now feel terrible about 😥

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

... and I think that is what has happened to many folk., The symptoms are so like a cold or a very heavy cold!

Glad you are clear... you need two negatives and then at least five days before mixing ( ZOE study advice)

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Having been in the overly cautious camp for a long time, I have done so many negative covid tests and been laughed at by the rest of my family. Gradually over the last 3 months or so I have relaxed my guard - even I was beginning to feel a bit silly at myself - but it just goes to show! Looking back, the tiredness that I put down to heat, humidity and being somewhere so different, was probably covid. In my own surroundings I would perhaps have been more alert. I am happy I had all my jabs - maybe that is why I have had such a mild experience. Hope you are both clear very soon xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Join the club... so many wasted tests! Masked up, sanitized and synchronized!!! Hands washed over and over, post or parcels in isolation box for 72 hours...Thank goodness for the vaccines... take it steady and enjoy the weekend xxx

[linda9389 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Hmm! Another 5 days 😱 I was hoping a second negative test tomorrow would clear me for Christmas day parkrun. It would be 10 days since my first symptoms too.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Its not a great idea, but that is just our thoughts, the advice is err on the side of caution. We do not know when I actually started because I did the test Monday and was positive, but had felt off on the Sat and Sunday.. so no starting point...We know J was testing negative until Thursday so we have a starting point.

Gov't advice.. A lot of people with Covid will “no longer be infectious to others after five days”, according to the official government guidance, but “some people may be infectious to other people for up to 10 days from the start of their infection.” the ZOE study advice differs...not politically of financially led..

But your choice of course...if you think you are fine... then go ahead:)x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Hope you go on okay... it can be very mild but also can be very tiring... The worst bit for me is the tiredness now..! x

Sixth day for me since diagnosis and I masked up and went for a little walk around the close... saw no one... it felt like a HM !

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I will keep testing OF and keep you up to date. The tiredness is something a lot of people mention.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to linda9389]

Sorry re your husband... ! Just take care xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

This is not happy news... but if you get it, you can at least live relatively normally!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Apart from UTS being in a spare room so that I can sleep at night, we are living quite normally, if at a slight distance, and if I get it then we’ll stay in seclusion a bit longer. We did consider whether we should sit at each end of the dining table tonight, but that would have been so funny.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

I like it...J and I are always together.. I think we just assumed he would get it..I fortunately have slept well throughout..x

[Vespina Graduate10]

Hi folks. A very sleepy me checking in - it’s been a busy day. Here’s how things are going with my questing:

⭐️ Keep running three times a week whatever the weather

3 runs last week, 2 runs this week so far including a very wet 10k today. I might be able to sneak in an extra one tomorrow but that will depend on my body battery as I’m wiped out now.

⭐️ Do my S&F twice a week

Been getting this done 3-4 times a week. Happy with that

⭐️ Have fun on my runs and fuel properly before and after

Still experimenting with fuelling and learning loads. Runs have been fun, including a snow trail with my running coach

⭐️ Go to bed at the proper time

Nope. Epic fail. Might be better tonight based on the current sleepiness level 💤

Hope you and Mr OF feel better soon, Oldfloss . Such bad timing (not that there’s ever a good time to get Covid). So many sick people at the moment - lots going round.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Vespina]

You are on track with most goals in your Quest... Huge well done to you!

Going to bed at a proper time? That seems to be one of the hardest ones for you to reach? It is odd, all our different patterns for sleep... We are early risers... I was brought up where the whole family made the most of the early hours... and as a result we went to bed earlier... certainly by 10.

Yes indeed.. the timing of this is not great...but we are hearing of more and more cases. See Dexy5 's post and linda9389 . This virus is so sneaky and clever... we all need to be aware, and whatever people say, it is not always mild, there are some folk really ill with it.

So... this week? Will you be finding tome to get the runs in and, more importantly, will you be getting to bed earlier ?

[Vespina Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Happily I was in bed by 11 last night. Very handy reminder having guests staying who all head off earlier. And I’ve finished my two books which I was reading into the wee small hours so that’s helped too.

I’m planning a run on Boxing Day and I’m definitely running with my coach on 28th, so the runs will definitely continue. Might do a little shakeout run today too - or at least a walk.

[mrrun Graduate10]

December could be a tricky customer, and a recent cold spell put a spanner in my works. For various reasons I couldn't run by the river which I enjoy so much so I had to stay in my hilly area of sarf Landan that was covered in ice.

In other words I could not run for nearly two weeks and that didn't please me at all. However, not being lazy, I updated my music playlist and hit the road as soon as the black ice went wherever it normally goes so normal services have resumed.

The idea is, as always, to go out there every second day and do/run different stuff. Life is good, actually!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to mrrun]

Phew... you got out, and how good to see you here!

I thought I might see you on Catch Up Corner when I posed the question about my favourite leggings... you would have known... you commented on them on one of my photos!

I had to look up sarf Landan! Can you believe that!! That black ice was dire.. it had kept me in for two weeks before the Covid hit !

I am glad that you are getting a plan together fire the run and even happier that life is good for you!

Enjoy Winterval ! x

[Liono]

So sorry to hear about your Covid OF, I hope you and your husband get those negatives asap and manage to have a nice Christmas x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Liono]

Thank you... there seems to be a whole lot of folk on here who are getting it!

Have a wonderful Winterval! x

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss , hope you feel better soon and are in the clear!

The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy tells us that “There is an art or rather, a knack to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." Well, I aimed low (2 runs a week) and missed (for very good reasons) so am telling myself that at least I am still running, so this is flying of a sort, even if more bumble bee than eagle.

I even managed a run on Christmas Day, which was something I would never have imagined myself doing a few years back.

I've had 5 runs so far this month and may well squeeze another one in on Saturday so am doing about the same as this time last year. December is always a sluggish month for me, the short days, dark, gloom and cold are my least favourite things but my mood lifts in January.

Here's a toast to what we do do, rather than what we thought we might do or didn't do 🥂

Cheers everyone!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Really, really well done you ! We use that phrase a lot! You have done well if December is a sluggish month for you! So many of us hit by illness, injury or life generally!

I think that your toast to what we do not what we thought we might do... is an excellent one.

Do what we are able and celebrate every single run ... perfect! x

[Jogger22 Graduate10]

Hello Oldfloss hope you and your husband are better now. Sorry I've been late in responding.

My quests in week 4 went as follows:

1) NO - do at least 4 x 20 minute walks in the park but I did spend around 10 hours on my feet volunteering in a warehouse

2) NO - do 3 x 30 minute sitting in the chair with weights - only did this once but was doing a lot of heavy lifting in the warehouse (see above)

3) NO - do 4 x 30 minute hurt foot friendly yoga sessions - only did this once but also did 3 x 30 minute stretch sessions and managed a 5 minute jog

4) YES - have at least one rest day

I also did achilles tendinopathy exercises on 3 days

Thanks so much for hosting in December and for keeping us accountable 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Jogger22]

Good Morning.

Thank you... on the mend, although Mr OF is still coughing a bit and the post viral fatigue is a tad wearing!

Well ! You did the Quest.. and you reached the end of it... and although there are 3 NOs and a YES... I feel that you have had a successful December, even if the targets you quested were not the ones achieved.

YES- 10 hours walking/bending/stretching

YES- Weight training-lifting all manner of things over a 10 Hour session

YES- 3 x 30 Minute stretch session/ 5 minute jog

and YES- ONE REST DAY... ( Which is probably not enough for the amount of hard work you do

So I and I feel I speak for many of our Questers, say HUGE well done to you. Quest successful

On you go, into the New Year and with new goals ... I shall watch for your Quest replies