January Quest: the last gasp!

[Yesletsgo]

Ooh, January is a long month isn't it, but here we all are. Still running (mostly), still exercising (mostly), still full of good ideas on how to maintain the momentum that comes from having a Quest and the little victories this can give us.

Thank you for being so kind about my first effort to do this. Thank you for sharing your Quests and all the mutual support.

So, now that the month is practically over how do you feel about your Quest?

My goals were to follow the NRC 10k plan and to run ‘further’. Well, I managed further than last January and then ‘smashed’ last month’s 31.10 km by achieving a majestic….31.41 km. Didn’t get anywhere near January 2022’s 46.22 km but then I took a week off, so I’m content. The NRC 10K plan is going well too, I did the last run of week 2 today so am all set up for next month.

How about you? Sticking to a Quest in January is probably more difficult than any other month so well done for even reading this far 😊

Let’s wait and see who’ll be taking over next month’s Quest, you have a couple of days to think about your goals. With 29 days to look forward to in February this year we’ll have even more time to do what we aspire to.

Yesletsgo 🏃‍♀️💨

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate10]

Good post from you Yesletsgo, that Photo is of my cat 🙀 Loki and Cheekychipmunks 🐶 dog Flossie. ✔️

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks, I thought it was my cat Mo and my brother's dog Bruno 😂😂😂

[Sax64 Graduate10]

Now where do those pics come from? You do realise that you've started something now. So glad your quest has gone well. Considering a couple of interruptions to the week first looking after poorly grandsons and then succumbing to the lurgy too, the stats seem to show that I've still been able to keep up with most stuff. I couldn't do my long run this week, too full of cold, but I did do a super slow 3k instead. I told myself I'd stop and walk if necessary, but it was ok. All in all, a huge tick for January ✔️

My stats and hellebore in flower

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Sax64]

Fantastic, the important thing is to just keep at it! Hope you and your grandson are feeling better, ready to take a running start at February!!

PS the pics are the product of too much time on my hand, an overactive imagination and AI!

[LottieMW Ambassador]

hi there!

Just to prove that you can pop in here anytime…and it’s not too late to state your quest 😬

So my aims for January were twofold…to complete C25k for the 3rd time, and to join in with 30 Days of YWA.

So part one completed…now consolidating and enjoying running with NRC and CB again. Currently 30 minute runs 3 (sometimes 2) times a week.

YWA: not always managing every day…but doubling up to catch up so I will complete the 30 days…but maybe in February! 😂

…as a side benefit, realised (unintentionally initially) that I was doing a version of RED January…with the E for exercise…so every day so far I have either run, walked, or yoga'd!

Once I realised I was on this RED streak, on the few random days when it’s not been possible do any of these…I have fitted in a home workout!

So what haven’t I done?…posted much on here…🤦🏻‍♀️

Promise to do better posting next month!

🏃🏻‍♀️🐌🧘🏻‍♀️

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to LottieMW]

🤣🤣

Congratulations on that C25k journey again! I’m right behind you ! (Or rather 6-8 weeks behind you) 🙌🙌🙌

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to LottieMW]

Good to hear from you, you've obviously been too busy to post! It's lovely to know you've done so well

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

I’ve had a weird quest month . Bits felt quiet because I haven’t run much but I’ve done really well with everything else. Super pleased with strength and swimming especially-feel like I’m in a good routine with those to carry on next month. I’m looking forward to the Feb reset to get the runs back to “regular” rather than “sporadic”!

Like LottieMW , I’ve ended up doing an exercise every day RED January. I’ve walked at least a mile every day for a garmin badge and loved that. This month I’ve walked 70 miles and run 20 so I’m really pleased with that.

Thanks so much for hosting. I’ve absolutely loved having you keep us on track! ❤️❤️❤️

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks MissUnderstanding , I've really enjoyed keeping up with everyone

Congratulations on the RED January, pat yourself on the back for making such an effort through such a challenging month. 70 miles of walking....wow! (especially with all the other stuff you've done)

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

I feel I can report a successful Quest to get my 2024 off to a good start.

I have checked in on Quest posts (and generally checked out my fitness forums here)

I have run a 5K again at last (medal is in the post) and in new shoes 😀

I have done more 'yoga', including the full Qi Gong programme of classes at Ekhart Yoga, and also continued with my personal yoga practice. Not every day but it certainly feels as though it is more reliably part of my life.

The most wobbly bit of my Quest was to do more walks and this could have been better than it was. I made some choices to add a walk onto routine errands - that disagreed with me somewhat, I did a really fun trip to somewhere I'd never been to do a walk to see lots of sculptures and a few other bits and pieces... so not a washout, but I need some better strategies!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Just read your post and can relate. Walking has always been the most challenging part for me, even at a time where I was running regularly 7-10ks. Or maybe because of it? But even running only 3ks regularly, I feel my walking could use some improvement and desire for it to be easier and more enjoyable.

Sculpture trails are also just the things that would get me motivated! Fab!

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

My activity levels are definitely capped and other important things have to be cut out in order to be active (You can often see that the steps average out rather than increasing) There are specific reasons for me BUT I seem to recall reading Chris van Tulleken's Ultraprocessed Food that there's research evidence which suggests it also pertains to a more 'normal' population.

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

What a fantastic effort you put in GoogleMe ! New shoes (minus cat wee) are a definite incentive to get out there and run.

Well done on the 5k and the yoga. Now you are in a routine it should be easier to keep up the momentum.

I love to walk, the only trouble is that the place I used to love walking most is now the place I normally run. If I walk the route feels too long! Having said which, we did a huge walk over the fields last week and it was so enjoyable. Most of my walking is of the 'it's not worth taking the car for a walk of just under a km to the shops'. Maybe I should do more of the epic walks next month

[CBDB Graduate10]

Thank you for hosting. Looking back at all weeks, I seem to not have posted at all, but have immensely enjoyed you cat and dog running images! Thank you.

My goals had to be adapted through the months. From starting out at the beginning of the month by starting the new NRC 10k plan, being thwarted by a shoe-sock-ankle-wound calamity. This threw me on the running IC for the next four weeks (but I continued rowing and yoga, and a bit of walking)

Finally in the last week, here I am, having commited to doing the Runkeeper equivalent of C25k for the next 6 weeks, to get me back on track.

And now, I feel I’m back to regular running, two runs under my belt, my work calendar all prepared with running slots, and listening to a Women’s Running podcast that follows another persons c25k journey. (Thank you MissUnderstanding for the tip)

Here I am, end of month. Finally running, rowing and walking regularly, again. (And I have a walking plan all ready to be started as well!)

Happy running and thank you for the pics and posts and hosting!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Lovely to hear from you CBDB . Your January has been full of ups and downs but you've reacted with all the resilience and strength that's your hallmark. I've seen your posts about the Runkeeper C25k, it's good to know you're getting back to where you want to be. Who would think that socks could cause so much trouble?

Thanks for your kind words about the images, you've inspired me to make one specially for you!

Cat in headphones using a rowing machine

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Awwwwhhhhhhh, that is sooooo good! My indoor rower pics always turn out weird!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Missed this! I’m really enjoying that podcast. I like how they’re covering the basics so well and feeling smug that I’m finally doing most of them now. Nothing like an injury to motivate you to try an stay off the couch!

Enjoy your programme. I’m really interested in how the progression compares with the classic Couch to 5k.

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Lol, yeah, I know that smug feeling. Maybe that’s why we are not the presenters … I might just sound too smug 🤣🤣🤣

I’m not sure I will be able to compare the programs, as I only had a 4 week break, and week 1 felt very easy. I certainly didn’t feel like that when starting C25k as a newbie.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

😂😂😂

Sorry, I just meant it would be interesting to compare the timings. I like looking at different plans and seeing how similar (or not) they are. On a recent episode of Women’s Running podcast, Esther talked about how she has three plans on the go and picks the bits she likes from each one. I’m very much the same! Although I’m doing the NRC 10k plan, I’m also sort of following what my Garmin suggests as well as HM plan!! I’m such a floozie when it comes to running plans!

[CBDB Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Oh me too! Running plans are the equivalent of candy in a candy shop! You can never have enough, and the next one might just be better than all the ones before! 🤣🤣🤣🍬🍫🍭🍫🍬

[GTFC Graduate10]

Congratulations Yesletsgo ✅ Well done on your hosting and achievements this month. We're both really pleased with our quest. We have run everyday and achieved our 100 miles. It's a super start to the year for us and we're looking forward to whatever is ahead 😊

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GTFC]

Congratulations to both of you, that's a brilliant achievement! What on earth can you do to top that?

[Folkylass Graduate10]

Thanks Yesletsgo for supporting me in my January quest and those brilliant pics and posts too. How do you do your brilliant pics? 👍🥰🥰x

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Folkylass]

Thanks Folkylass . The AI does all the hard work - Microsoft Designer and an overactive imagination 😂

[Folkylass Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Well it very clever as are you too🥰👍x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Just squeaked in the last run of Week 1. Ju's Magic plan!!Thanks you for this great quest! You helped keep me going!

On I go!! X

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Am I still allowed to post a big 'well done' and thank you for the kind words ?

Just keep going.....