APRIL QUEST 2023...April Showers...Running H... - Bridge to 10K

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APRIL QUEST 2023...April Showers...Running Hours... Come and Join Us !

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate
53 Replies

Hello! . White Rabbits everyone... Happy April Fool's Day...

Guess who that is in the photo..? It is me !

I am absolutely jumping for joy, because I am the host for this months new Quest! Huge thanks to MissUnderstanding for hosting a super Quest in March which kept so, so many of us, including myself, motivated and moving!

I am a tad too preoccupied today, to think about new goals for the month, except one for tomorrow, which is to finish the first 10K race in ages... all in one piece and having had HUGE fun.... The Monsal Trail beckons, and after that I will focus on where to move next!

So..enough rambling from me...I and we would love to know what new targets or goals you have in mind for this month that is just bursting with opportunities.

For any of our new Graduates who have not experienced the Quest... here is the info'

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.

You need, please, to be 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 strength and flex 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...”

I can’t wait to see what your goals are and cheer you on!

Oldfloss x

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Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
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53 Replies
Mormor1 profile image
Mormor1Graduate10

Hi OF and good luck tomorrow. I'm currently doing a 5-10k plan and should be out there jogging for 45" ...but it's raining and I'm not a fan of starting off in rain.... I'll give it another 10" to stop. I'm aiming at 3x a week with bits of other exercise in-between....I might have to Jeff a bit as my stamina went down due to a chronic cough and not sleeping enough.....still not gone but I'm building up slowly.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Mormor1

Thank you!

This all sounds good...and yest...going out in the rain, is very different than being out already and caught in it! I had to do my last run before Sunday, yesterday in the rain... I looked like Burglar Betty, all togged up to stay dry!

I hope you get or got out!

Three times a week is a great goal and the exercise in between, essential... it pays dividends in the long run. I think Jeffing is a plan and I will be doing the same tomorrow... my cough has practically gone, but impacted on the training a lot! The number of folk on here who are suffering with similar illness is almost unbelievable.

Just take it steady and do what you are able to... I shall watch for your posts:)x

LiisaM profile image
LiisaM

Quite an energetic post, OF! Well, this month I’m trying to keep running for an hour to get that “Graduate 10” after my name! I didn’t realize I’ve been running for so many years—5 or 6 I think now so it’s about time. I’m up to 45 minutes so I think I might make it this month. (Fingers crossed!)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to LiisaM

Energetic... most definitely !!! Yes... you have been here longer than you think! As have I !

You will be pleased to know that Catch-Up Corner has just opened its doors again too! Your cushion awaits:)

Your goal? Straightforward and achievable... slow and steady ? We shall watch for that, I have done it, post ! x

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to LiisaM

Cheering you on here…will be thrilled to give you your badge when it happens. One thing I’ve really learned is that runs happen in their own time when you’re ready for them. Just enjoy the journey! ❤️

chrisl72 profile image
chrisl72Graduate10

Hi Oldfloss, all the best for your race!

My first post here - I've been consolidating c25k at no more than 30 minutes and steady pace. Fifth consolidation run tomorrow and feeling very solid with that. I'm doing Pilates on my non-running days and that has been going very well too.

Goals for this month:

Keep running 3x per week, increasing one to 5k (roughly 35 minutes give or take).

Run my first official Parkrun on 15 April.

Start experimenting a bit with pace on a shorter run.

Blend into the Magic Running Plan towards the end of the month and take it from there.

I feel this is all within my grasp and looking forward to gradually increasing one run each week over the next couple of months.

Major future goals being run for 60mins and ultimately long enough to make it 10k.

ChannelRunner2 profile image
ChannelRunner2Graduate10 in reply to chrisl72

Oh, that sounds exciting, chrisl72 , and rather similar to my March quest! I just ran my first 60 minutes on Wednesday and with that met my March goal 🥳. I took (almost) 6 months from c25k graduation on 1 Oct 2022 to get there... One thing I had to learn: To enjoy every run even when it's "just" a consolidation run (and reminding myself of that because this month will be another consolidation month...). Let's keep running, keep smiling! 😊

chrisl72 profile image
chrisl72Graduate10 in reply to ChannelRunner2

Haha yeah I totally get that! I have had to give myself mini-goals in my consolidation runs, primarily in terms of running more slowly and being happy with that!

Fantastic getting to 60 minutes! Well done :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to chrisl72

Welcome and very well done you!

Great goals too.!

Running x3...Park run... wow... experimentation.... I love that one... I did loads of that after I graduated,,, lots and lots of fun! I shall really look forward to reading your posts!

Moving in towards Magic Plan too... just super.. it really is fun and has moved so, so many of us onward,. Many of us have repeated it too, at times... after time out or illness or injury.. it really works.

Your long term goal is a sound one.

You seem to be organised... just take it steadily, and if you need to, ease back... those goals will still be there...:)

chrisl72 profile image
chrisl72Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you for the encouragement :)

ChannelRunner2 profile image
ChannelRunner2Graduate10

That is such a fun photo,  Oldfloss ! The hat suits you, too 😉

Since on Wednesday I ran my first 60 minutes 🥳 this month might be more challenging because it's "only" consolidation. So, I gladly join the quest to ensure that I actually stick to it! Additionally, I'll be on vacation for a week and the Pilates studio is closed another, so more accountability is needed!

With that, here are my goals for the month:

Running: 3 times per week - 30 minutes, 5K, and 60 minutes - trying to run slow (yes, that's a challenge, too!).

Strength & Flex: 2-3 Pilates times per week, including when the studio is closed and during my vacation, at least a little (like the 1 rep Return to Life modification...). In particular, I want to focus on strengthening my glutes & hamstrings as well as opening my hips. Maybe by the end of the month my Swimming will have improved! It was rather hilarious yesterday because I hardly got my legs off the Mat... (The Pilates exercise: healthunlocked.com/strength... )

Walking: Continue walking about 10-11 km per day on average with a minimum of 5 km as part of the #Walk1000Miles challenge (see healthunlocked.com/active10... )

(Of course I had to edit this post as I forgot a few details in my Strength & Flex quest...)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to ChannelRunner2

Thank you... I thought so too!

Right,,, now we know what your goals are... we will be watching.. and I may come chasing you.

Running targets,,, just fine,,, simple and doable... find lots of hills to slow you down?

S and F..is a real definite... for me anyway.... I had to ditch the Pilates... too many things I needed to tweak! Swimming , just great.

Walking... excellent. That is a lot of walking! How do you fit it all in ?

I cannot wait to see you weekly replies here... it sounds very exciting !

ChannelRunner2 profile image
ChannelRunner2Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Well, you should have little trouble chasing me as I am trying to run slow(er) 😉

I use walking to commute to work and to the Pilates studio. To work, it's almost 10 km if I walk both ways. To the Pilates studio is a bit more than 5 km, round trip.

The Swimming is the Pilates exercise, not swimming in water, btw...

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate

Happy April Floss and all, I didn't expect to have a quest this month but I do. To get into my running gear and out the door and run, earlier in the week I didn't then the weather turned really nasty, a wind and rain runner I am not! And to top it off I now have a cold,

Good luck everyone with your quests

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun

That sounds the wisest of wise Quests.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to SueAppleRun

Hello.

That is one very good goal... We shall watch for that first post when you achieve it. The winds will cease, the rain will stop... and your cold will disappear.

That run will come... heal soon my friend x

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you xx

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10

Happy April and thanks for the shout out! Loving your picture…and especially those leggings!

I’ve also not thought about running beyond tomorrow’s event! It’s been a rubbish build up but I’m so pleased I’ll be on the start line at the Forest of Dean trail half marathon. The main thing I’m aiming for it is to make it all the way round having had a lovely time. I’ve already decided I’m walking up the hills if they’re steep and also at the water stations which are every 5k. Hopefully that will give me chance to take some photos of the scenery!

So quest goals for the rest of April? Recover well from the HM which will involve a lot of stretching, foam rolling, swimming and walking (gently!). My next event is a 10k in early June and I want to really focus on speed until then. I’d planned that before Christmas with an assault on my 5k time but fell over just as I was getting into it. This seems like a good thing to try next while I’ve got some pretty decent base fitness to work from. That event was my first one after doing couch to 5k and it’s so nice to think this time I’m absolutely confident about finishing because that’s become a distance I know I can do. What a difference in a year! Now I can enjoy all the intervals, tempo, hills and strength work. Some more specific goals will evolve as a plan comes together. I am actually really excited!

Really good luck for Monsal. Next year I might come up and join you!

ChannelRunner2 profile image
ChannelRunner2Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding

Wishing you a wonderful half marathon tomorrow, MissUnderstanding ! I am looking forward to the photos 😉

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding

Looks like we're all at monsal next year 😁

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to Instructor57

Now that sounds like a plan!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to MissUnderstanding

It is getting closer ! So good that we are both running tomorrow. albeit in different locations and different distances... (.. I am glad I am 10K, I say)!

Your first goal sounds a good one...working on speed towards that 10K, with all the interesting elements of that too... no falling this time though!

I hope tomorrow goes exactly how you wish it to...just relax and enjoy... I shall be walking too... and taking photographs!

Monsal 2024... it's a date ! x

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10

Seems like the perfect month for me to have a quest (or 2)I don't often have them but due to recent events it feels like the month to have a plan 🙂

So here it is !

Firstly to carry on with my rehab walks as directed by the hospital (time for me to do as I'm told 😁)

At the moment it's going well and I'm actually feeling fitter week by week .

Secondly, to have the discussion with rehab about C25k !

I know they want to get me running again !

So that's it !

Let's see how it goes 🙂🤞

Love the photo btw, and hopefully next time I will join you at monsal, it just wasn't to be this year 😐

Have a great time and can't wait to hear about it ! xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Instructor57

Oh my goodness...!

This is so good to have you here, joining us and what super goals, especially the running one:)

You are doing so well, and carrying on as you are, doing what you are able and taking it gently is really paying off.

It would have been super if you could have been on the run tomorrow.. but, not this time ...that run will wait !

We shall watch for your posts x

ChannelRunner2 profile image
ChannelRunner2Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57

If you ever need it, a trick that helped me get walking more: Listen to interesting podcasts or an audio book! I've gotten myself to go on a walk just because I wanted to continue listening... (and wasn't allowing myself to do so while sitting...)

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply to ChannelRunner2

This is how I learned to look forward to my long runs!

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10 in reply to ChannelRunner2

Music or podcasts , I use them both 🙂👍

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Instructor57

I use music and sometimes nothing and sometimes... just listen to the voices in my head:)

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

I go out to get away from the Voices in my head 🤣🤣🤣

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Instructor57

Ahh but mine are sensible voices.. ha ha !

Instructor57 profile image
Instructor57Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Of course they are 😜

David_G profile image
David_G

Hi Oldfloss and running friends! My goal is to be ready for the Worthing Half Marathon on 30 April. I’ve been increasing my long run by about 1KM a week, while still doing two or three shorter runs (3-5KM) as well as very short runs on the other days each week. I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone but it works for me and I’m doing it under the supervision of my sports physio alongside strength and mobility exercises, which is fine. Today’s run was 11.56 miles, so just about 1.5 miles short of HM distance. Wish me luck!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to David_G

Hello!

This is so good, seeing you here!

What a super goal and how much progress you have made! You are doing it the right way. too; taking the advice and following it. I can hardly believe that a HM is on the cards for you ...just super !

I have not been to Worthing since my girls were very young... is it a flat course?

You are so close to that distance... you are going to have a really enjoyable time ! x

David_G profile image
David_G in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks Oldfloss yes, it’s a relatively flat course. There’s a 10K too, so the HM is two laps of the same course with a bit extra added on. Hopefully some of my running club friends will be doing it too so we can support each other on the way round 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🤞

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to David_G

Celebration lunch after maybe, too?

David_G profile image
David_G in reply to Oldfloss

Oh, I think so, Floss! 🤣

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to David_G

Xxx

lovefabric profile image
lovefabric

Hi Old floss, I haven't been on this forum for ages. I'm only running once per week at the moment (Park Run) as it wasn't easy for me to run through the winter, but now we've got the lighter evenings I'd like to see if I can pick it up again. I'm already doing lots of other exercise via classes, but an extra run would be good. So I'd like to join this quest please, and aim to run twice per week.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to lovefabric

Hello and welcome...that sounds like a sensible and achievable goal... take it gently... keep up those classes too... and I am sure you are going to make that goal. We shall watch for your progress !

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate10

count me in, just recovering from another virus that has prevented me running 😡 so still resting but want to be back to my 3 runs a week by the end of April 🙏

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Wavy-chick28

Three runs a week goal by the end of April.... that sounds a doable target...slow and steady as you go?

Counted in! x

Dendev75 profile image
Dendev75Graduate10

Hi OF 👋🏻, love the photo 😘 I’m hoping to run at least 3 times a week and hit the 10k mark this month. I’ve managed it twice before in November but weeks of nasty bugs and a calf strain mean I haven’t got my fitness levels back yet but I can feel I’m on my way there ☺️. I’ve got a 5 mile event in just over a week (my first event) so I’m looking forward to that, then I’ve got a 10k next month whoop whoop! Loving this running lark. After running a Parkrun on the beach yesterday I feel so lucky to be able to run. Good luck to you and everyone on their April quests xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Dendev75

Great goals there... and sounding as if the fitness is beginning to return too...which is evry good news... Those events sound to be fun and it is important that you really enjoy them.

We shall watch for your progress.. well done you!

Dendev75 profile image
Dendev75Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you so much OF and many happy returns - enjoy your special day and run 🏃🏽‍♀️ x

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate10

I have started and lost my Quest post several times now...

Going to be a funny old month - leaving the country for a short break for the first time in well over a decade and, after years of us fighting for it, my younger son is moving out to start the Summer term at residential college and I won't be organising his life (quite so much...)

So, here's the plan...

Get in the bluebells

Forage (nettles and wild garlic, not the bluebells!)

Average 5,000 steps a day

Get back to some audio accompaniment to my runs.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to GoogleMe

All sounding good to me...a holiday break, a new start and a few steps on the way.... please, do keep us posted x

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10

Thanks Oldfloss for hosting this month.

I had almost run every day for three months, only to fall at the last hurdle.

My quest for April:

- Get back on my feet after the tumble on March 31st.

- See how things go.

- Try to get back into my older routine of six days of runs and a "rest day" long walk.

- As it gets warmer and lighter, try to get out and do activities earlier in the morning.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to nowster

Good to be back here. I am sorry I missed your posts... thinking too hard re-my race. I have just read both.

Goodness, that fall was a hard one, you were lucky to have been near home and good that folk did stop, and were concerned. I hope things may have eased and that the shoulder is no worse. I do have some great knee exercises which I was given after my long period on the IC a while back,

Okay. Those targets...

Back on your feet... most definitely the prime one, and get back, fully prepared ?

See how things go... again yes, I know I over worry, I am over cautious for folk and as Tim used to say, ( jokingly), a nannying old fogey.... but we should listen to our bodies, and we should always try to hear what they say.

Your planned routine sounds a sound one... but again, do maybe be prepared to ease back if it is not working?

The early starts.. well, I back that one wholeheartedly... realising that as a retired old person it is easier for me... but those ever warmer, lighter, fresher runs are a joy. The day starts filling you with a strength to face the day and its challenges... positive and recharged.

I shall watch for your posts and your progress. Heal well x

LottieMW profile image
LottieMWAmbassador

Hi Oldfloss

I plan to keep running 2 or 3 times a week, with walking days in between. I’ve completed the NRC10k plan…so at a loose end as I love a plan!

S&F: my own home workout most days…and possibly re-engage with YWA…

er…post more???

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to LottieMW

Hello... good to see you!

Your plan sounds very doable... keeping the run days flexible and with walks in between. Your own s and f workouts too. They do work... I have a regular one which I add to when things appeal, like the YWA.

Posting more... ? That would be really good, it does help to keep us right on track!

I'll be watching for them... x

LottieMW profile image
LottieMWAmbassador in reply to Oldfloss

No pressure then 😂

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoGraduate10

Hello Oldfloss , thank you for hosting.

I managed to escape the dreaded Covid but got another bug instead. Lots of coughing and spluttering, lost voice! Then we set off and sailed to France, and now I'm back home. All this in the course of a week and not a single run this month.

I'm still not 100% recovered but might run a km or 3 tomorrow morning if I get a good nights sleep. We will be returning to France in the next week or 2 to carry on with our travels (the only person who can do the work we need to continue onwards is on holiday or we wouldn't have come back) so my goal for this month is simple: find somewhere to run at least once a week and don't let the momentum drop!

I've no idea where I'll be this time next week - could be at home, could be on the way to Paris, maybe life will intervene another way? I just want to recover from this cold and put my running shoes on again :)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministrator60minGraduate in reply to Yesletsgo

Hello!

Sorry for the late reply, I am hopping around a tad like an Easter Bunny! So0 many of us with colds and other stuff still blinking hanging on... me included!

I hope you do get a short run in... those short ones are very sweet... I have done a 20 minute, and a 15 minute this week and they felt just right! Just take it steady and let us know where and what you are up to over the next few days! x

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