Welcome to the final full week of this month’s autumn themed quest. I did a bit of googling and apparently “pumpkin spice” is considered autumnal, hence the slightly random title! It did get me thinking about how we might go about spicing thing up when runs get in a rut. It happens to us all! Maybe life has got busy. Perhaps you’re coming back from illness or injury and you’re wishing you were where you used to be. It could just be that you feel a bit stale doing similar things every week. It’s sometimes demoralising not seeing the regular milestones like PBs or new longest distances regularly like during Couch to 5k any more.
Firstly, I think it’s important to say this feeling is normal! It doesn’t mean you’re suddenly a worse runner than before. It’s just you’re in a bit of a slump and it will pass. For me, the best way out is to find a new challenge. That might be a new plan. It could be booking an event. It could be chasing a specific goal like a 5k pb. It might even be as simple as committing to running three times a week come what may (barring illness/injury). Shake up the routes and try running something new.
Maybe this week try adding one thing to your quest that will spice up your running a little. I’m going to try a new speed run from the Nike Run Club and report back on the wrap up post next week! Does anyone have any other tips for getting spicy with the runs? Would love to hear them!
I nailed my quest last week! I ran the Worcester 10k and absolutely loved it. I posted about it over on the Fun Beyond 10k and Race Support board…
It was everything I wanted it to be and more. My running feels well and truly back on track. I’ve also run twice more and done some good strength work. Finding new plans didn’t quite happen but I’ll try that this week instead. I have another 10k coming up in about a month and I’d like to try that as a PB attempt. So…my goals?
🍁 Three runs this week including a new speed run and a long run around 8-10km
🍁 Two 45 min strength sessions in the gym plus a couple of stretchy yoga classes
🍁 Find plans to follow for both strength and running!
Now it’s your turn! How have you been doing with your goals? What have you got planned for your week-especially to make it spicy!!
Can’t wait to hear from you!
MissU and the team xx
🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁🍁
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:
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★ To slowly increase distance
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MissUnderstanding
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Please may I join the Quest for this last week of September.
I know you have recently made a 'come back' to running from Covid, so know how hard it is to prise yourself off the couch and see where your running legs are!
It feels like ages since I last ran (it is!) and I worry that I am using my recent brush with Covid as an excuse now I am feeling a lot better.
My Quest is therefore to get my runners on and get that first post-covid run done...and then to keep it up again. I have started my daily YWA practices up again, and found I have strength to hold those planks and knee hovers, and have been out for walks, so its just that first run I need an extra push with.
Hopefully, I am now accountable and can report back with a successful run under my belt very soon. ☺️
You are always welcome on the Quest Bluebirdrunner ! It’s great to have you here, especially with a great set of goals.
Comeback is hard! I also was avoiding running when I was probably ready. Not really through laziness but because I didn’t want to feel out of shape (which I was!). Just getting out regularly really does make a difference. Once the first one is over with, it gets easier. Love a bit of YWA. It sounds like you’re in a great position to make a run return. I’m sending loads of good wishes your way! Can’t wait to hear how you get on this week!
Woo hoo! Great to have you here, (re)graduate!! 💪🏃♀️🎓🎉
Nice goals-I’m sure you’ll have a lot of fun on the rowing plan and exploring the new post Couch to 5k section on the app. Have fun! I’m already looking forward to spotting some fresh pumpkins on next month’s quest!!!
Well done on your Quest 👏 👏 👏. My quest is to get the 10k done carry on with the NRC get to the gym 🏋️♀️ 💪 and don't worry about missing a run because of work or don't worry about times
Oh yikes! You are not wrong about needing to spice up the Quest - in my case anyway.
So... here's how I've done:
1) the 5K medal run and the extra run... I set out one day with several inappropriate goals for all the circumstances... only one of which being running 5K. And then, after turning back, I had a big grin, because in doing so, I realised I was giving myself the gift of 'having to' do another run for that 5K and this little (but tough!) run was the fulfilment of a goal in itself.
2) Pelvic floor exercises - somehow seem to have missed 2 of 3 sessions yesterday. Did I just not hit save? Otherwise, full house.
3) Brisk walking - on target to average 10 brisk minutes a day, but behind with my quest to achieve 30 'Active 10s' - in fact will have my work cut out to equal last months total.
4) Yoga - getting a bit more done. Enjoying getting back to personal practice. Can't find any records so don't know specifically how I am doing!
There is so much that’s brilliant about this post!! Loads to celebrate. Medals. Bonus runs! Congratulations and hoping the final days of the September quest are just as fruitful. Good luck!
Sorry to rub it in but I'm not feeling very autumnal at all. I'm staying on a boat so to get to land I have to travel by paddle board or persuade Mr Y to give me a lift in our little dinghy. As a consequence I'm hardly running at all, though I suppose I reached my goal as I ran on Saturday.
On the plus side I did get a badge from Garmin for sleep data 😂
Final week's goal: one more run 😁. Nearly did it this morning but it was too hot 😂
Oh gosh... I just sneaked or squeaked in here before the last Quest week goes up...
I am here, I am running , here and there, granted, but.. I am running, and, weirdly... I DID spice my last run up and yes, it is Autumn.. so it was AUTUMN Spice!
I did not realise it, but it was bit of a challenge, a new route, with bits I would not normally do, and it turned out to be, just what was needed!!
Yeayyy... Go me...
Strength and stamina wise... I have loads of exercise for that! Not your every day, S and F work, but long periods, where strength and stamina was involved.
So,, because I am so late getting in this week... I shall get organised before the next post!
Thanks for this... maybe it was meant for e to be able to post that run in !
Sometimes running just has to be like that-fitting into the gaps and just working around everything else that’s going on. I wonder if we appreciate them more when they’re harder to plan. You’ve done brilliantly with everything wlse going on. Keep acknowledging, accepting and adapting! ❤️❤️❤️
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September Quest: Week 3