LEAF-SCRUNCHING...COLOUR-CRUNCHING... QUEST ! NOVEMBER... WEEK 3... COME and SHARE!

[Oldfloss]

GOOD MORNING

Here we all are again, and I really, am hoping that some of our original Questers from Week 1, will check in here, today

I am here, and I am running,.. still short, still sweet and using those three As more than ever. Acknowledge. Accept. Adapt.

I have shaken the runs up a bit, with times of the run etc... and enjoyed the real differences I see, of those times.

This morning I should have a run...but I really am, going to have to employ those three things this morning. I had a very twingy knee last evening, and significantly more twingy, as the evening progressed. Walking downstairs particularly. So... I shall do my morning exercise routine and depending how that goes.. I may need to adapt my plans!

As ever, a few of us have niggles and twinges right now and, as ever, listening to our body is key... even if it means putting our goals on hold for while ! This is as our friend Coach Bennett would tell us, about running and, absolutely , not about running

But enough rambling from me...I and we, want to know how it is all going for YOU... how are your Quest goals coming along. Or not? I have been reading your running exploits and, as ever, am in awe of those super runs you are taking!

SO, how is it going? Please share!

AND, if you have not joined us yet, why not!!!! Come on and join in with the fun, we would love to hear your goals and targets as you move forward!

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 and the increased crunch, of the season?

Come on and join us please!

Oldfloss and the Team x

PS.

Photograph shows some of the shots, taken on the Downs, yesterday, during a much needed and appreciated, walk/talk session with my Counsellor

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10]

Good morning Oldfloss , am I the first one here? Unbelievable! Sorry to hear your knee is playing up, just what you don't need. Some rest and TLC can make the world of difference.

Acknowledge - Accept - Adapt, what a wonderful philosophy. Applying it to my Quest I am acknowledging that I can't seem to get into the NRC Get Started plan. Accepting that I really just wanted to use it to spur me back into regular running and now Adapting to that, in so far as I'm doing the runs I want to do. For me, the doing the runs is the important bit of all this.

NRC tells me I've run for 5 weeks in a row, which is good. I've run five times this month so, as long as I get out tomorrow morning that'll be about three times a week which is also good.

As for the regular strength etc exercises, hmm, well, not really happening. I just can't seem to make them into a routine and if I have to think about it I just forget or procrastinate. Having said which, the day after my 5k run I got up and, whilst not in pain, was creaking at every joint. Hobbled down stairs like a genuine old lady. Decided that the answer was to do some proper stretching so tried a Nike Training Club warm up workout, just 10 minutes. Apart from the standing on one leg with my back at an alleged right angle to the floor, my other leg behind and an arm in front it went pretty well. Annoyingly the app didn't register it so I can't recommend it by name. It definitely did the trick and far more effectively than a paracetamol.

So for this week, the goal is to do three more runs and a couple of workouts. Gotta aim for more consistency

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Here I am now! Phew....!

You have got your head around things... finding what is right for you and what is important!

The exercise bit... ? Well... if you cant get into a routine, then finding some exercises you enjoy? as and when, would seem to be the answer..

You have got your goals... and you are on track... we will watch for that consistency !

Well done to you!

PS

If you find it... pass some over to me!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

The power of the Quest: after writing this I decided I really should do some exercises. Found a 'Goddess Pose' workout on the Nike Training Club app. Had no idea what a Goddess Pose was but I do now, great little 10 minute workout, lovely instructor, thanks Oldfloss for inspiring me

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

Yeayayyaay! I LOVE the sound of that ! Brilliant ... well done you!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

Morning Oldfloss! I think I’m first (EDIT: Yesletsgo snuck past me on the finish line!!)! Sorry about your twingy knee-I hope that settles quickly. I was also going to run this morning but I’m a bit tired so I’ve sat with a cup of tea and a biscuit instead. I’ve got a Pilates class coming up but it’s been very nice to have a chilled (chilly!) morning.

I’ve had a good week. The distances are ticking up which is nice. The highlight was a lovely, spontaneous 8k in the sunshine. I’ve also run twice more-technically three times because did a double last Friday when I ran out of time to fit my full run in! Next Thursday is my 8km event. The forecast is snow so I’m not sure if it’ll get cancelled. Hope not-I’m looking forward to it!

I’ve done well with my other goals too…two strength sessions as planned and I’ve ordered some glow sticks for Thursday! All ticks here.

Next week is going to be event mode- focusing on sleep, eating well and light strength and flex/runs. I’ll pick up normally again the week after.

The last update is, inspired by  Folkylass , I’ve signed up for the Great Run Solo Christmas Challenge. I wanted something in December but couldn’t find a suitable local event. This looks a Great ( pun intended!) alternative! It’s 12 runs from Dec 1st to 25th for a medal. I’m excited!

Have a great week questing all!

[Yesletsgo Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Have to confess I double checked before I clicked 'Reply' Remember speed isn't everything MissUnderstanding 😂😂😂

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Yesletsgo]

🤣🤣🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Better late??? Here I am and here you still are!

You are having sone great runs, you really are and that 8K !

Strength work, Pilates, Yoga and all manner of stuff, that is clearly really impacting your running too!

You really are dong incredibly especially with life commitments!

Cannot wait to see the post for the Thursday run!

Next week sounds just right... focused and gentle?

That December Challenge, I may take a peek !

Happy Questing!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I think there might end up being a few of us doing the Christmas challenge-I’m loving the idea of a bit of solidarity! Have fun having a browse for a virtual run, whatever you end up doing. I love having a look at all the events that are out there!

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Oh yes, I did this last year and loved ticking off the individual challenges and taking the photos to prove it.

The medal was a Christmas tree decoration so I look forward to hanging it up next month . Do post your pics for us MissU.

[CBDB Graduate10]

Acknowledge. Accept. Adapt.

That’s the lesson I have to learn now. It was all going so well, and today I’ve come down with a cold, hopefully not flu or the dreaded Covid. But scratchy throat. Sniffly nose. Teary eyes.

Adapt.

So no quests from me this week until I see how I feel by end of weekend. Resting is the priority now and drinking plenty of fluids.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Oh blimey... I had scratchy throat etc a while ago and it was just a short lived cold... I hope yours is the same .

You quest is rest, hydrate and feel better soon... We shall watch for your recovery post! Take care x

[GoogleMe Graduate10]

Hello, hello... my week has had what might be termed a spiky profile (if you know, you know)

The number of days I put my running togs on... and after quite a burst of yoga classes (not vigorous, often not movement based at all) I had another slump. Similarly walking...

However, these weekly check-ins are helpful because I realised that I have done more brisk walking than I thought: found a new walk by the Derwent - with goosander, and I do love a goosander, and there were sheep with full tails too.

Things are going better than they were with the daily pelvic floor exercises. I have missed a couple of days but just a couple means I'm doing them most days. Did a bit of decluttering - of a satisfying sort, getting houseplants into better spots and bulbs planted, which are so old few if any will come up - but the packets are not cluttering up the house any more and most importantly not silently reproaching me!

And although I've still done nothing about a meet up with a particular local friend, I am meeting up with a friend and making an overnight trip to do so. (This reminding me that it is a two way thing) I've also finally got round to sending off a belated birthday card to an old friend, and written to a newer friend.

I am hopeful about the week to come - it's better scaffolded for working on my Quest goals.

Thanks to Folkylass and MissUnderstanding for alerting me to the Christmas solo challenge - I don't think I'll actually sign up (I like to see what the medal is like for one thing) but I was tickled by their 'advent' ideas as add ons.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Morning and what a great post to wake up to! This is positive !

Yes.. you have had slumps but on heck of a lot of targets met! Plus... ( and this is a tad like my activities).more walking than you thought! By the Derwent too... so, so beautiful It sounds idyllic! Food for the soul!!

Friendship bonds too, strengthening you and your friends.

Hopefully, this week will enable you to meet those targets you wish to reach... !

Looking forward to your post next week!

PS

That Solo challenge looks good... if you click on the site, there is a picture of the medal... I am looking at the RNLI Christmas one... I did not do the Mayday Mile this year.. so I think I may try this one!

greatrun.org/virtual-runnin...

[GoogleMe Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Ooh, thank you for that. That's a very cool and very tempting bit of bling!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to GoogleMe]

Welcome!

[Xmrkn20 Graduate10]

Hi Oldfloss , what lovely photos. I do envy those of you who are able to run in countryside, although I suspect it’s a deal harder than running on roads. I was away for a week so did no runs, but a lot of hill walking which was glorious. This week back to the runs and have found that I have increased speed a bit, think it’s the cooler weather. Hurrah, I’m really not good in heat at all! So quest is to continue my runs 3 times a week and hopefully increase distance gradually by Spring.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Xmrkn20]

It can be harder yes, but it has so, so many wonderful joys too... The muddy runs too have their moments!

Your goals look as if they are definitely achievable... and those walks, how useful they are!

Three tines a week sounds good, and working gently towards the distance increase, perfect! Well done you...on you go!

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10]

Late to the party as ever, this past week has been dogged by builders and childcare! So no running until this morning hallelujah !!

I still had my NRC plan and today’s run was a 1 minute run …….what !!! But no I did the minute run then switched on Strava and went on a short 4 k run was a bit puffy but so good to be back out there.

Have however kept up my yoga at home practice and this morning joined in with our local Zumba gold for a little bit of fun.

So although no runs physically all week something was going on and my frozen shoulder is nearly healed ready for the next stage of diy.

Grandchildren are a joy so plenty of action there too, what a ramble but I’m here and I’m active !

Autumn leaves and back of small child

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

Glorious photo! You have kept up wonderfully! and that shoulder is recovering well too!

Life does have this habit of hitting us hard sometimes...but looking at that small one... there are really happy benefits there too !

On you go!

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss hope the knee is less twingey too.

The little one fills me with joy ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Wavy-chick28]

I know exactly what you mean... our, not quite so little one, is the light in our darkness right now x

The knee is still twingeing... but I am doing some knee excercises, gently...thank you x

[Tessie66 Graduate10]

My goal was to get this 10 miles run done and not only did I do it I carried on to the half marathon. Well done everyone on your goals

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Tessie66]

Huge well done to you!!! On you go!

[Tessie66 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss building up nicely for the half marathon now

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Tessie66]

That is good news!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Floss,

Sorry to hear your knee is giving you trouble, I hope rest from running and your careful knee exercises does the trick. 🤞

Late to post my Questing for the week, I am happy to have run twice and backed them up with a daily YWA yoga practice (on all but one day).

A longish walk into town and back, plus time spent with our little one 💙 has kept me on the go as usual.

Re-doing the c25k plan again to build stamina, desperate to avoid injury ready for April, I move onto Wk 5 on Tuesday.

That Christmas solo challenge sounds interesting, I will take a peek...

Happy Questing, or recovering all!

🍁🍂xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

hey you! Good to see you here... I am hoping my twinge is less twingey.... I intended trying until Tuesday, but now we have snow forecast, so maybe a bit longer rest!

You have had a couple of good runs haven't you, and your Yoga... keeping you moving and supple and relaxed! I remember saying to you, that when small one was here , your feet would not touch... do you remember that x

The Solo looks good but I think I may go for the RNLI one.... let us know what you are doing ?

Keep up the Questing.. it looks like you are right on track!