LEAF-SCRUNCHING...COLOUR-CRUNCHING... QUEST ! NOVEMBER Week 1

[Oldfloss]

Good MORNING, QUESTERS!

Yes... It is me... and just like that proverbial bad penny, here I am !

Hard to believe but, it really is November!

Well, what a month October was, all manner of weathers, wind, rain and some unseasonable warmth, but you got out there. As did I, albeit intermittently.

My running has taken a bit of a hit over the last few weeks, but I am not downhearted; I have adapted to the changes and am embracing the shorter runs that I can fit in !

I am moving slowly and steadily, ( what else), upping my strength and stamina work, and surprisingly, my runs are feeling easier, but the run, and I am, gradually, building back distance, within them.

Because of this I am able, on those runs, to focus more on different things. I can focus on my form, my running style... my breathing... and I can focus on what is surrounding me, as I run.

Nature's Autumn colours, late though they were here, have been incredible... a truly blazing background to many, many of my runs. These colours are dominating my runs.... every hue in Nature's Autumn palette...and over this month, we shall see them all, from gold to grey, russet to blue, and we, we shall run through them all!

I have used those runs for the purpose they were intended; to lift my spirits, ease my soul and fill me with joy. For me. The key is joy.

Now

A few of us have had aches, pains and some nasty run-stopping injuries...) Dexy5 , even had a crow attack! A few folk now, getting ready to run again after injury or illness too! We wish them happy running returns .

I really hope anyone on the IC makes a very rapid recovery, and if you have to be there a while longer.. take it from me, the runs do wait. They are so patient.

If you are on the IC, do head across to the Strength and Flex forum where there may be exercises ideas to keep you going.

So.... This month's Quest... what is it ?

For all our new visitors.

*********

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, we want to know what you're aiming for!

So... your turn now, who is in this for a wonderful run, through the colours of the season?

Come on and join us please!

Oldfloss and the Team x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

good morning Oldfloss …lovely quest post for the start of November…I am going to be the first to join your quest…I would like to go out and crunch some leaves 3 times a week to get my running back on track xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Welcome.... first of MANY... I hope!

That is a great goal... Simple and hopefully... Do-able !

Get out there and do some leaf scrunching, colour crunching, to get you going again !!!

Looking forward to your posts and photographs too !!! xxx

[HouseworkCanWait Graduate5k]

My first challenge! I’ve had two weeks off (so far) after a couple of nights away and then straight into a cold, sinus and chest infection. I’m really missing my 3 x week jeffing runs and hoping that by Monday I’ll feel well enough to go out and test the waters with a short gentle run. So my challenge is to be back to 3 runs a week ( 1 of those at least 5k) by the end of the month. Hoping my goal will be met sooner rather than later but this chest infection doesn’t seem in any hurry to leave!

(Any advice on running post chest infection would be most welcome, if permitted.)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to HouseworkCanWait]

Hello!!! Welcome to the Quest,! But oh my...this is not a great start at all...poor you! Sinus infection alone...horrible...

Feel better... before you head out... make sure your chest is feeling clear and easy breathing too... Take it steady and see how you go. We always say, above the neck.. maybe... below the neck..do take care and don't run if you do not feel on form.

The runs will wait and we are right here for you... x

[HouseworkCanWait Graduate5k in reply to Oldfloss]

I’d stopped coughing (though sinuses still being a pain) so I went out for a short run on Monday, yay! Just 20 mins of jeffing and I took it really easy. Even shortened by running sections to 20 seconds so the whole thing felt easy, which is exactly what I wanted for that first run after my chest infection. I’ll go out again tomorrow. 👍🏻

[RunByTheSea64 Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss I'm also going to commit to 3 runs every week, gradually building up to 10k again (first did this back in July, using JuJu's Magic Plan) Then perhaps starting HM training..... 😨😨 but let's see how Nov goes...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to RunByTheSea64]

On you go and welcome.. three times... a great coal... and building back... perfect ! Ju ju's plan is so good.

Many of have used it more than once...or twice Me included !

HM ! Okay... all sounding quite exciting... watch this space ? Welcome to the Quest! x

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Afternoon…or is it evening? ! I can’t get used it being dark so soon. I was about to head out for a run but realised my head torch was dead…I’m going to need to get more organised! I love the leaves on the ground. I’m definitely going to be making the most of the dry weather! They become slip hazards in the wet!!

This month I’m hoping to do some good base preparation for marathon training. I’ve got a plan but it feels too far away to start in earnest right now so I’m just focussing on building up and getting strong. I’m hoping to tick off a whole year goal I set as a new years resolution…do twelve parkruns. I’m currently on eleven so (hopefully) that will be an easy win! I also need to book a couple of events along the way to help stay motivated.

My quest this week? Like lots of fellow Questers, the most important goal is going to be getting out three times a week. Although I do have a training plan, I’m holding on to that loosely because it’s a really busy month. It’s the longer runs that might he hardest to fit in and they can definitely be pushed back until later. Running is going to be my de-stress so anything that makes it feel more stressful is going in the bin!

I’ve got an event in three weeks-that’s an 8k night race and I’m doing it for pure fun! The distance will be fine. I’ll be gearing up to have a nice time for that…by buying glow in the dark make up and glow sticks!!! A nice goal for the week.

I’m also making sure I’m keeping up with some strength work and cross training to keep me on track.

So basically ..,

🍁Three runs a week

🍁Two strength sessions

🍁Buy glow in the dark fun stuff!

Have a great week everyone!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Laughed when I read this... inspired by you, I was going to head out later... err.. dead battery! Not a plan!

After a busy time...ongoing too, your goals sound achievable and fun !

The three times a week, is popular... it is going to be one of mine!!! And that night race... it sounds terrific... I hope photographs will be taken ! Three weeks gives you time to hone up S and cross fit...great goals...they can only do us good!

I look forward to watching your progress here... welcome to the quest! x

[HouseworkCanWait Graduate5k in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I’m loving the sound of that glow in the dark run! Let us know how it goes! 🤩

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to HouseworkCanWait]

Will do!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to HouseworkCanWait]

I got out there, last evening... not late, late but going dark... the trees were glowing so much it was truly beautiful ... ! Thanks for the nudge... I shall do it again, at a slightly later time, though, next time. x

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Fantastic!! So glad you enjoyed yourself. Hope your next run is just as fun! That twilight time is really special to be out ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

I loved it , and, contrary to my expectation..it was really quiet, with hardly anyone around! I may try my fields next, I was short of time, yesterday and very tired too! x

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Hello Oldfloss , well, I've been thinking about November and what to do and I've now got a couple of goals

They are:

- Complete the NRC Get Started plan. It's only 4 weeks, the longest run is 42 minutes, the shortest 5 minutes, so well within my capabilities. Like the other NRC plans there's a good mix of different runs so it should get me back to regular running and extending my horizons a bit.

- do some sort of strength or similar exercises regularly. I've started a Nike Training Club Pathway to Pilates plan and did one of the short 10 minute workouts this morning. Reading everyone else's Quests last month made me realise I'm really not doing enough of this sort of thing.

I love your photo of the autumn leaves, it's a bit bleak and windswept here, just bare ploughed fields so maybe I need to go somewhere a bit more forested

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Hello

These are really great and interesting goals! It does seem as if they are the kind of runs to get you back on track after your lovely holiday and all your travels too!

S and F really is useful. if you find a routine that suits YOU...it can impact so many aspects of your running.

Yes... so so much colour around me at the moment... I have a maple tree that has red and gold leaves that just look like hanging raindrops... before they fall... so lucky!

Good to have you with us!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks, autumn leaves and sunny days can be so incredibly beautiful.

Regarding the S&F, I need to find something I can just do without thinking so it becomes a routine!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Exactly.. like my morning yoga wake up and teeth cleaning squats xxx

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

If I'm stirring porridge I try and do 30 seconds standing on each leg in turn as it cooks

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Go girl!!! x

[CBDB Graduate10]

Aren’t autumn leaves beautiful!

My month:

The first two will be the absolutely normal routine which I need to stay happy; 1) run 2-3 times per week and 2) row 2-3 times per week.

The next two are fairly new-ish, and I’m still so excited about these: 3) continue getting better with my rope flow, and 4) add five treadmill walking workouts into each week, exploring my new Treddy, the Treadmill’!

Very exciting!

Inbetween, do some outdoor walks as well, engage in some forum fun and … oh yeah … almost forgot … do a bit of 9-5 work work as well 🤣🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

I am so sorry that I missed this!!!! I am really whizzing and missing stuff ! I do apologise!

Yes, indeed... the leaves are absolutely wonderful!

Your Quest plans are as I would have guessed, organised and sound...but those two newish ones? They sound quite exciting and a wee bit challenging too.

I know you are enjoying your new toy, Treddy!

The outdoor walks are essential aren't they... just soaking up the sights the smells and the sound of Autumn!

Perfect too, for supporting that 9-5 grind ...it has to be done! Looking forward to your posts and Happy Questing!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Floss,

Here I am coming home after a two week holiday, and raring to get back into routine again.

Please may I quest with you with a daily yoga practice (YWA) , and my two runs per week. Still building up I would hope to achieve a 5k run by the end of the month (fingers crossed)

I hope we can all support each other through the month, strong and steady and succeeding.

💚🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♀️🏃xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Hello and happy homecoming..Great goals. You shall be my yoga guru!

The goals seem sound and achievable.

Strong, steady and successful .

That sounds good to me xxx

[VG11 Graduate10]

great post - I’ve had a bit of a running hiatus due to work and family commitments. I’m determined to carve some time out for myself so do something I love, so I’m committing to a minimum of 2 runs a week for November - will review for December!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to VG11]

Hello and welcome to the Quest !

Oh yes ... life can really get in the way of running Well done you though... sound and achievable goals...ones we can attain....but with the proviso' that if things hinder us, we do not let it get us down!

The runs are patient and they really do wait! Well done you !

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10]

Morning Old floss, trying to stick with three runs and daily yoga! Frozen shoulder much better but still up a ladder doing DIY so busy busy busy!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Hello and HUGEST apologies... I have no idea how I missed this !!! I am literally whizzing around with Mr OF and his appointment after appointment, I lose track sometimes!

I hope that the DOY has gone well... and that the frozen shoulder is even more, much better too!

Hope the goals are going well....

I have tagged you in this week's update and I promise to reply!!!! SO sorry! x

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Don’t be silly no worries at all ! It’s good to be busy we have no time to think 🤗

[Scruff55 60minGraduate]

I’d like to join your Quest group too please. After a fall I would like to increase my runs back towards 30 minutes at least twice a week.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Scruff55]

Hello and welcome to the Quest.

Gently does it...building back can be fun and sometimes very useful in our running skill set I am certainly finding the shorter. slower runs I am doing , to help me build back are proving useful right now.

That works for me and I know you will find a build back route that suits you. Yesletsgo mentioned a plan she is going to use, I am wondering whether that would help me and maybe suit you too?

I am looking forward to your posts !

[Scruff55 60minGraduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you I’ll look it up too

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Scruff55]

I took a peek and realised that I have used some of this before... it is a good one!

[Run46 Graduate10]

Morning Oldfloss, for me after some ill health that lingered a few weeks back it's about getting out 3 times a week.

The last couple of weeks has been 2 short runs in the week of whatever feels manageable at the time (that reminds me, must charge body torch ready for darker after work runs coming soon). Then a longer run at the weekend.

I did 6k last Sunday and was wanting to get back to 10k on my weekend run but that may be a December Quest as I've got a cold so missed my Thursday run so think it's going to be an easy run tomorrow 🤔

Oh and as always, must remember and not let myself get away without stretching out after a run...on Tuesday it was nude at the side of the bed as I remembered I'd not done it just as I was going to sleep 🫣...maybe that explains the cold 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Run46]

Goodness me,,, I am so, so sorry that I missed this post... !!! Please forgive me!

Welcome , welcome, welcome...

Yes, the year creeps on and brings all manner of little reminders for us, in our running plans...

Some sound Quest plans there and good to see the little adjustments, when our bodies tell us to wait.,, !

That longer run, ( I love long Sunday runs), will be all the sweeter for a fully recovered runner

Stretching nekkie ??? Brrrrrr.... I do not fancy that idea... but the stretching, yes indeed.. and some lovely ideas that I just read on the latest S and F forum , Changing Room Chat post... Bluebirdrunner mentioned a stretching one called Yoga for Lizards!

I am going to take a look!

Happy question and we look forward to your posts

[Run46 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

No worries Oldfloss, if it helps I'd forgotten that I'd posted! 😉😆

May have a look at Yoga for Lizards myself, sounds intriguing 🤔

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Reporting for duty...

Yesletsgo had some wise things to say about the value of my goals last time, the ones I didn't achieve, and was right that they did in fact have a positive impact so rather than tweak or abandon those, I am keeping them for the November Quest on a 'see how many you can do' basis.

1) 5K run for a beautiful fox medal in the Virtual Racing British Wildlife Series - and 3+ other runs. And getting that 5K in the bag much earlier in the month!

2) Average 10 brisk minutes a day on the Active 10 app and achieve 30 'Active 10s' (last month 24)

3) 30+ 15 minute de-cluttering/sorting sessions (last month 8)

4) 30+ yoga sessions (asana, meditation, breathwork, whatever) (last month 17)

5) Meeting with a friend - and that might take the form of arranging a time to sit down with a cup of tea and have a long phone call.

6) Pelvic floor exercises... these were in a couple of previous Quests and I did well but oh boy was it boring. So I gave myself a month of them as a target... and did none. So I've reset the Squezy app for just once a day instead of three.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Hello... that is quite a list!!! Makes me feel lazy!!!

All of those sound achievable. and all in a month? You are certainly setting the bar high! But... you know what you are doing...!

So... I am full of admiration... and I am looking forward to watching your progress... I need to get myself into gear I think... !

On you go and enjoy... especially the meeting up with a friend x

Happy Questing...

PS

Tweak away as necessary? x

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Probably looks like more than it is... and note how long I forgot to post that!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Ahhhh !