🍂🏃‍♀️🍂 October Quest week 4 : Don’t FALL at the final hurdle! 🍂🏃‍♀️🍂

[MissUnderstanding]

Welcome to the final week of this month’s autumn themed quest! It’s turned very chilly here, and from tomorrow I’ll be in full winter mode on holiday…temperatures forecast between 0 and 5oC every day. I’m hoping to fit in some super Scandi runs. Watch out for photos!

Last week was a tricky one for me. It’s been really busy with deadlines so I haven’t managed to run at all. That’s really unusual and I’ve missed it! I’ve still kept up with the strength and been to Zumba so I’ve still got some ticks. I’ll take that! This week’s plan is to use the hotel gym at least once, try some holiday runs and have a great time away!

How’s your week gone and what are your plans and goals for the week coming up?  Mummycav has kindly agreed to help keep us all on track while I might be on planes and without Wi-Fi!

Good luck everyone! Let’s finish strong! 💪🏃‍♀️🍂

MissU, Mummycav and the team xxx

PS: It’s never too late to join in! Last week’s thread is here…

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto...

For any newbies, here’s what it’s all about:

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 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...”

Any questions, just ask! Come and say hi!

[beth_f Graduate10]

Hello MissUnderstanding

Ooh your trip sounds wonderful and look forward to seeing your pics. ❄️

Following on from last week, I kicked (the absolute wrong word to use!) the Plantar into touch and was pretty much recovered within a couple of days. Lots of exercises to aid this, plus magnesium spray twice a day for 3 days seemed to do the trick. It has highlighted that I need to work on my feet and ankle strength as well as this is an area I completely neglect.

I did do core or strength work every day, fitted in a walk on the treadmill when the weather was awful and have done plenty of stretching.

And yesterday I went for a lovely chilled 5km run. The weather was glorious first thing and was wonderful to be out. I did discover that my shoes are in dire need of replacement so headed to our independent running shop and came away with a nice fresh pair, so am looking forward to getting a run in soon.

So my quest for this week will be to work on strengthening the areas that I have neglected, keep going with everything else that I have been doing and aim to get a parkrun in this Saturday now that it is half term.

Thanks so much for hosting this month, have a wonderful break ❤️

New Running Shoes

[Annieapple in reply to beth_f]

🍏👏Well done Beth! You have managed to do a lot this week & love how you gave TLC to your feet including those beautiful new blue trainers!!! A very apt quest for next week!! Enjoy that ParkRun too!!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to beth_f]

😍😍😍😍 those are pretty!!! I’m in between sizes on Hoka shoes (gutted) and am very envious of those they suit. Wishing you many happy miles together!

Really glad your plantar fasciitis has settled. Hope it’s a one off. Those sorts of things are never nice but as you say, it’s great to know you’re neglecting it and know what works. I feel exactly the same about ky IT band issues. Horrible to be off but it’s had a really positive effect overall.

Have a great week. Hope that parkrun is a fun one! Xx

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Not sure about finishing strong  MissUnderstanding but I shall do my best! 😬 Still getting out and happy to be back at 5k but niggles remain on every run to some degree, so I’m not feeling the love as much as I would like at the moment! 🏃‍♀️❤️

I do have a sports massage booked for Wednesday and am hoping that this will help with the remaining tightness in my glutes, otherwise I am seriously considering a couple of weeks break to see if that will help things settle?🤷‍♀️

In the meantime, I am also still doing all my strength exercises too, which I hope will help in the long run (excuse the pun!)

Hope you have a fab holiday - sounds exciting!🙂

Happy running and questing everyone! 🙂

[Annieapple in reply to Sandraj39]

🍏🤣Sandra we love running puns! Glad you able to continue with your strength exercises & hopefully that sports massage will loosen up those glutes! It’s hard to enjoy the runs with tight glutes that’s for sure. A few weeks off, and time out, then some short recovery runs, before doing your 5K’s again may help you find your mojo before winter sets in. Take care of precious you!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you Annieapple - fingers crossed! 🤞🙂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Totally understand the feeling of not quite feeling on top form and a bit unsure about where to go. Hopefully your sports massage therapist might be able to help. If not, a (private) physio appointment could be just the thing you need-that got me on track with sorting out my weak glutes which were causing my knee pain. The main thing that is gave me was hope that things would improve because I had a plan for getting there. They really did get better and I’m absolutely sure you will be able to get there too. It just might take a bit of time to find what you need to do.

Good luck for the sports massage. I’ve seen your threads so you should be mentally prepared for a bit of an ordeal that is hopefully worth it. My lovely physio told me I’d hate him while he did it but love him afterwards and he was right!!!

Come back and let us know how it goes. Have a great week xx

[Sandraj39 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Ah, thanks for that. I have been seeing a fab physio - she is the one who suggested the sports massage with a colleague, so I feel like I’m doing all I can do at the moment…will post how things go.🤞

[Annieapple]

🍏Thanks Miss U for hosting in the midst of a very busy time. A Scandi holiday sounds amazing & we look forward to those photos in due course. Enjoy ☺️ Enjoy 😊 Enjoy ☺️

Delighted with my runs especially managing to do a longer one so I will keep up that goal for this week…… x3 runs, one being slightly longer.

However my Pilates x3 didn’t materialise although I have been doing a bit of S& F … I must persevere to get into the Pilates habit. (Difficult on holiday, out of routine!)

Happy questing everyone!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you so much! Glad you’re having a fantastic time on your Canadian holiday. We’re in the “packing chaos” phase but there’s a list and things are slowly getting ticked off. It will be worth it. Airport taxi coming at 4am!!!

Celebrate those runs and your s and f! Pilates will get there. Have a super week! ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Hello!!!

* Still here, still moving and Week 6 Run 2 done! Hoping to finish that week on Wednesday!

* Regular exercise routines ongoing... adding a bit more on core strength and ab work...

* Appetite is increasing and I am slowly getting the weight back on.

* Mind set is positive and Mr OF continues to make progress, which helps greatly!

Thanks for keeping me going.. and not just the running ! Have a super break !

Happy, safe questing everyone... stay safe say dry! x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi Oldfloss …well everything sounds positive in your corner!!! I’m so happy that things are going well for you…I did run 1 of week 4 this morning and it was wonderful…here’s hoping the last week of October is full of fun xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Yeayyy Go you! Well done... it's fun isn't it... !

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

It is…I felt so good when I got home…like YESSS I am still a runner 🏃‍♀️

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

That’s fantastic! You’re flying along! ❤️❤️❤️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you lovely xx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

So many things to celebrate in your post! So pleased for you. Long may that positivity continue. Have a wonderful week! ❤️❤️❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks you xxx

[CBDB Graduate10]

Quite late to the party and I had to look back to week 1 to see what I said, as I had not posted to the quest since then.

What I said in quest week 1: “I’ll be recovering in the next 4 weeks from my pulled calf, slowly starting regular rows and runs again.”

Where I’m now: I’ve recovered fairly well and quickly and have already 3 small runs under my belt! So still at the beginning of a recovering running journey but getting there. I’d say I’m 17% to full strength.

Rowing I was able to start even earlier and I’m back to ca 3/4 of my former full strength and distance in rowing.

I’m still wearing my compression sleeves on runs, rows and walks and will probably look into compression socks. Also attending to calf strength and flex, including cross-fibre massage.

Hope you have fun with your ScandiRuns!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

This is all looking really positive.. well done you!!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

You’ve made great progress! A very successful month of questing. ❤️

Scandi runs ended up being lots of Scandi walks. Freezing but beautiful. Bring on the British runs and a new month and fresh start tomorrow ❤️

[Folkylass Graduate10]

Hi MissUnderstanding. Well I’ve fallen at a few hurdles.

I have ran though and I’ve been so wrapped up in RWC 2023 that I’ve hardly had time to post anything of value and half decent.However all that aside England did come third so all the hard running carried out by HU Team 20XX has paid off ! Anyway I’m back on it now and my quest for the final hurdle of October is:

To run at least twice a week.

I might manage some Pilates.😂😂.

Prepare for my virtual race for Remembrance Day 5k All proceeds going to charity for limbless veterans.

So there you have it ! Have a great Scandi holiday 👍🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🥰🥰xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Folkylass]

You are going great guns... well done you, despite those trip ups! RWC was great and third seems a great place to be!!!

I hope you manage to get those runs in... I am finding fitting runs in as and when a bit tricky and the weather has to be ignored or otherwise we would never get out!

Thanks for mentioning the Remembrance Day runs too... I nearly always do that run and forgot ! Well done you on that Cause!

Stay safe and go steady!

[Folkylass Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much Oldfloss . It was great for England to get third place.

You’re right about ignoring the weather and just getting out there come rain or shine is what you have to do. However I confess to being a bit of a fair weather person sometimes.Today though it was a super day which for us was not supposed to be on the cards at all so I took my chance and out I went.🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😂😂.

I’m looking forward to running the Remembrance Day 5k. So all good there.

I hope that both you and Mr OF are managing to enjoy your days better (and Mr OF is starting to feel a lot better ) than you had been earlier on in the year. You’ve both had such a difficult period.xx 👍🥰🥰

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Folkylass]

Such a good time away thank you! It went a bit too quickly but it’s nice to be home for the (comparatively!!) warmer weather.

You did a super job hosting the Run World Cup! 🏃‍♀️🏅🏆 Third place is brilliant. New quest month and new start for both of us tomorrow. Hoping November is a good one! ❤️

[Folkylass Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you so much MissUnderstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed hosting the Run World Cup and well for England to come third was just brilliant and made it all worth while and of course the great contribution from HU Team 20XX.

So pleased that you enjoyed your break. Just what the doctor ordered I imagine. It’s good to have you back🥳🥳

So tomorrow is a new start and looking forward to everything November brings for us all 👍🥰🥰xx

[chrisl72 Graduate10]

Hi missunderstanding, hope you enjoy your holiday!

So after last week's epic recovery requirement I had a wonderful 8 mile run on Sunday - my furthest yet! And followed it up this evening with an intervals run on the treadmill (NRC Run fast. Repeat. Which is 20 reps of 30s at mile pace. Quite a workout.)

That's pushed me forward into the "8 weeks to go" part of the HM plan so making progress.

So for the remainder of October that is the plan - gradually progress through 'the' plan.

Still working on getting enough sleep, we've managed our target bedtime a few times in the last week, still working on consistency.

All the best to my fellow Questers!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to chrisl72]

This is all sounding really good... well done you on your progress and I love the idea of, gradual!

Bed time... and sleep, crucial for me... and yes consistency... definitely! Just mentioned that in the Changing Room Chat! Well done you!

[chrisl72 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss , always encouraging replies

First parkrun today too, was on my Quest for several months and never did it, but finally today the plans fell together nicely. Hopefully the start of a new habit!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to chrisl72]

Well done you!! A great habit to have !

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to chrisl72]

Eight miles is one of my favourites to run. Congratulations! That HM plan is really working for you. I remember that Run Fast Repeat run. It’s certainly a challenge and amazing when that last interval is done! Well done on parkrun too.

Lovely time away. Absolutely freezing and runs didn’t happen but lots of gorgeous walks. Looking forward to getting back on track with the new quest starting tomorrow!

[chrisl72 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Can't quite yet wrap my head around just how far I can run now! The next long run is 9.5 miles!

Glad you had a nice time, sorry it wasn't ideal for running but the walks sound really good!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to chrisl72]

It was a full on sprint from one end of Amsterdam airport to the other wearing hiking boots and sitting on two planes making my knee really grumble that ruled out the runs. I didn’t want to risk amping it up again and spending the whole week in pain. I ran home from the airport (saved the extortionate cost of a taxi!) in the moonlight and it was fine again so I’m happy I made the right decision to let it settle. Walking everywhere was really nice. I’ve got thoughts of doing the Helsinki marathon next year…

It’s amazing to think how far you’ve come. Don’t ever lose sight of that!

[chrisl72 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Not quite the run you had in mind there! Sounds like you had a fantastic time though

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Got home on Sunday and you're right, it's cooling down. Lots of rain too so I haven't been for a run yet. The paths get very muddy and I'm not that keen on running through town Still, it's been a pretty good month, 7 runs so far so on track to average at least 2 a week 😁

VO2 is still 'excellent', fitness age now 22 years less than reality 😁😁

All in all a pretty good Quest (providing I swap doing a Parkrun for getting my covid jab) 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

You have and are doing well ! It is cooling down a lot here...freezing fog yesterday on my run..brrrrr

Great to lose 22 years off the age... wow! Well done you !

Get that jab... it is still very much around.. and the Park Run will be too? xxx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

For me, coming home means warming up again! I don’t think that feeling will last though. I’m making the most of it!! 22 years younger is a brilliant achievement. Just make sure you don’t slip below our minimum age of 18 to post here 😂

Let’s hope we can find some nice gaps in the weather ❤️

[CredenceRainyDay]

Hi MissUnderstanding. Will you be doing another quest, winter one ? I've been consolidating for a while now after graduating C25K and am looking for a bit of structure to work to. Managing 3 runs but not every week and life demands make a Park Run something for the future, not right now. Would love something to keep me focused through the winter. I loved running on cold dark nights last time round doing C25K but think I might need wee boost 5 years down the line.🥶🏃‍♀️🌬❄️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CredenceRainyDay]

Hello... MissUnderstanding is having a well earned break, for a few days. I am here though.. you are doing so well and it is hard sometimes, to be kind to ourselves and just accept and do what we are able

There will be a Winter Quest of course

It can be exciting running on the cold dark nights, although, as a morning runner I have only done this once on a Marcothon... running for 50 minutes every day in December. The winter lights were truly magical! But, I had been running for a few years when I did that!

Wrapped up warm and steady and slow... you could have a wonderful time and post your runs with photos maybe

As a fairly new Graduate you are doing so well and you may enjoy some of the Nike Running Club, Guided runs... all distances and times, mindful runs and runs for the mood you are in... like the Struggle Run...or the I need a Run...or Don't want to Run, Run!

Take a look and see what you feel maybe and let us know.. ? x

[CredenceRainyDay in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss. This looks just the ticket and I'll for sure have a look before my run 3 of this week, tonight, when the temptation is going to be S2C2K(that's Straight 2 Couch 2 Kip) 😂 I know I'll be grateful to my self for running and it's set to be dry so better get one in. Loving my new life as a graduate and am working hard on the kindness to self bit also. Popping in and out of this forum certainly supports that. 😊

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CredenceRainyDay]

Thanks to Oldfloss for stepping in while I was away. It was a super time but freezing. I’m most definitely in need of a winter quest to keep me on track. We run one every month so watch out for Mummycav ’s new post tomorrow. I’ve slipped off track while in holiday mode (I’m not beating myself up over that though) and need the focus! We all need a boost sometimes ❤️

Those Nike Run Club runs suggested are brilliant and I totally second giving them a go. A LOT of fans on here too!

[Sax64 Graduate10]

I'm a bit late for this week's questing update, but I'm here now. So Sunday, as some will know, I ran 10k for the very first time. I'm still ridiculously pleased with myself, so with the S&F that's a big tick to say October goals well and truly accomplished. I have had this week off though for a family holiday with 2 tiny ones to entertain. So the only running, was running after a toddler and the only lifting was of a toddler and a baby. Happy days. Have a fabulous holiday MissU

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sax64]

Huge well done to you! You did that 10K... Whoo hoooo !

AHUGE tick for October...and all this... whilst working out with a baby and a toddler on a daily basis... You have Quested.... and HOW!!!! Happy days indeed!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sax64]

I’m super late with replies after the week away and all the post week away catch up!! You totally deserve to be still smiling over that 10k. Massive milestone. Just enjoy that pride! ❤️

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

I've not so much fallen at the final hurdle as curled up for a snooze in front of hurdle 2 or 3! Seriously little has happened this month, for good reasons and reasons I need to address... although... it wasn't nothing, there were runs, there were walks, there were some yoga classes. There was even 'swimming' which is what my Fitbit thought I was doing when I was sorting and putting away a large pile of underwear 🤣 Who knew that pairing socks counts as being active?!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

😂 at Fitbit’s randomness sometimes. Mine often used to think a conversation in sign language was a swim.

Celebrate all those positives. Sometimes life is tricky and you can hang on to the good stuff. Tomorrow is a new month! ❤️