I took many friends with me this morning. You may not have realised this, but you were all there. My oldest friends, the stalwarts, who have supported me through this, my first year of running, those at home, and those special folk across the seas; (You all know who you are x); newer friends who I have watched start, continue, and then, wonderfully, overtake me on their running paths and the very newest of friends, one of whom, (a certain Irish charmer), very recently, and possibly unwittingly, gave me a gentle push, on my running journey.
A beautiful sunny morning… I was setting out a tad later…but just early enough to see the sun showing through wispy clouds.
A blue sky…and the merest hint of chill in the air; Autumn, like a ghost in the cooler shadows of the gardens, and the warm up walk, that eases the muscles and loosens the joints, a result of a ‘rest’ day of gardening, shrub moving, hedge trimming and replanting!
The gardens, as I pass, still decked with summer trappings; shades of red, yellow and pink begonia, heavy-belled fuchsia, the late-blooming, blousy floribunda roses and everywhere the myriad shades of green.... too many for any watercolour palette. Still the chill, as I walked, making it easy to quicken the pace as turning, I began a gentle run down the hill towards the station. Over and up, past Rookery wood, and the long-missed, disgruntled bickering of the rooks back in their nests. The trees, still thick but turning now, from green to yellowy gold, I could not see the birds, but I could hear them. Up and along the shingle track leading to the field... brambles, straggling through the cobweb covered hedges, hidden blossoms too, faded now as they come to the end of their season. A gossamer mist hanging over the distant fields and the blue/purple haze of the far,far distance...The grass is wet, and glistens away from me, shimmering in the early sunshine, like the first silvery frosts of winter....
Gentle running, easy breathing, slow and steady, and the thoughts running through my head almost keeping time with my feet. So much to think about, relaxing the shoulders, running tall, breathing evenly and all the time enjoying the process. Laura’s voice echoes in my head, taking me back to the start of it all.
A journey of a year… to the day; I started this adventure after a French holiday of drowsy days, culinary delights and long evenings scented with wild garlic and the sound of the cicadas in my ears. So much has happened over the year, and I have learned so much…about other places, other people, other lives, but mostly about me.
The field is firm beneath my feet, the first shoots of winter wheat in the big field, brave and green against the dark loamy earth. Some of you know these ways, as well as I; birdsong above me, a skein of geese, heading over towards the hidden pond, and a lone dog-walker across beyond the steam railway line. This morning I had set out, simply to run, gently, without pressure or intent, until I wanted to stop.
The time moved on, no music no Garmin, just my watch. Running without distraction, except for the distraction of the world all around, is incredibly satisfying. The sound of your feet, your breathing, your heart and the distant rattle of a small green train as it slows, with a gentle squeal on the brakes, for the station. Passengers on journeys of their own, through blurred landscapes, past hidden places and hidden lives , enclosed in a capsule of isolation, with ear-phones and i-pod, as they travel to work or to play. I was glad I was where I was.
The shades of autumn are showing now, the gentle slide from the green to the gold, a reverse of my post, on returning from France, this year, when gold gave way to green. Some of the hedgerows are already trimmed and thinned, the first fat hips and haws, gleaming in the warming air, as I run past the trees, and into the next village. Quiet still, the morning school run, not yet started, the stocks, ancient, gaunt and weathered under the huge tree, which, is still in leaf despite the season. Round and through, up the Haunted Hollow and along past the Sheep-wash until I turn for home.
The run is everything this morning, simply running. The time has gone so quickly, and I am on the homeward stretch too soon, squeezing through the big gate, that is too heavy for me to lift, and across and down past the copse of trees, to my field path.
Round the field edges and along that familiar path and back down the lane.
My head is full of so many things, not least, the new adventure which is about to begin as we, in a very short time, welcome a new addition to the family. With that thought comes, the inevitable passage of time and how precious that time is. Another thought of my forum friends as I head past the station and the first eager, and early, High school students, chattering and laughing as they make their boisterous way to education.
I said, earlier, I started this running adventure last year...a year to the day. C25K. It seemed like an impossible dream. I had no idea where the adventure would take me. And yet, here I am….counting my blessings, every single day; I can see, I can hear, I can feel, I can think, I can write, I can love and am loved; I have friends, even ones whose faces I do not see, and I can run, I am, a runner. My first Runniversary.
Thank you, each and every one of you, my friends for coming with me on my journey and especially my run today. I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did…after all, it was my first 10K.
PS
See, my lovely friend PippiRuns , I can be quiet about some things, sometimes.
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Oldfloss
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Wow well done on your first 10k! No idea how you do it. You're such an inspiration - you may not have seen me but I tagged along on that lovely run earlier (I left you at 4k to continue your journey with your other many friends). X
Oh wow! Such a lovely post. I could feel the unhurried rhythm of your run, I could see the countryside and I could hear the different birds you mention.
I don't really want to say more, I think you've said it all so eloquently. Just, how lovely that you are so in love with your life and also your running even after a year.
A truly contented message, one to treasure - thank you Oldfloss!
Ooh Oldfloss that has truly made me misty-eyed. What an unbelievably, wonderful runniversary. I was imagining a pencil-drawn map, like Winnie the Pooh's Hundred Acre Wood as you ran. I would so love to see Rookery Wood and the hidden pond. The haunted hollow and the sheep wash. Beautiful words, beautiful run. Beautiful Grammyfloss (soon) xxx
I have a large map of Hundred Acre wood that was my daughter's !!! I will try and draw my route and photograph it and post it...I can still hardly believe I made it
Oh floss, you little tease! So much to celebrate in your gorgeous post!
Happy Runniversary to you our lovely lady. Your posts always shine with depth and humanity and they have lit a path to our hearts. This place just wouldn't be the same without you, don't you ever leave us!
And then the 10K thing!!!!!! I am so, so pleased for you, I knew you'd do it. You've worked hard, you've been persistent and you have done it in your own special way and at your own pace. A massive well done to you my lovely friend 🎉🎈👏🎖
Sending you a big hug and I just wish we could all meet up and have a big C25K party 🤗
It was only sort of planned for today.. you never know how things will go.
I did just set out to run...weirdly, Irish-John posted, today, about simply running.. and that was my intent. Then, as Realfoodieclub said to me in a reply on the Quest, a few days back,..it will come when I am ready. I am a bit shocked, but I so enjoyed it. I really did.
I wish we could have meets... but there are so many of us
Huge Hug back and thank you for every bit of love and support you have given me x
A load of us were in the lotmemt shop t'other day when the plaintive din of over flying geese was heard. We automatically piled out to wave them off, assuming they were leaving for sunnier climes. There is something very sad about it I reckon 😕
Wow Oldfloss i really enjoyed that read, such terrific escapades vividly described with such aplomb! And as a bit of an oldie I definitely understand your regerncies to time passing, and counting each blessing daily!
But double WOW on your 10k run, absolutely outstanding. You are ably setting the bar for us younger oldies now on our own running journey and able to benifit from your wise words and encouragement.
Savour your latest achievement and celebrate endlessly, you deserve it!
Happy runniversay Floss, such beautiful words and exactly right, my legs are recovering today, but my mind came with you on every step. I have nothing else to say. 🤗
Yes... feeling like Floss again... it has been a year... I cannot believe it... another Autumn and winter heading this way... who would have thought it? Thank you for all your support on my journey, Ully x
Happy runniversary! -and what a way to mark it with your first ten k and so beautifully described. Even though I'm on the injury coach now I felt I was running with you. Lovely.
That was a lovely post. Thank you for sharing that. Your words have lifted my spirits and reminded me what this is all about! It's the simple things in life that bring such joy! You, along with everyone else, have given me the motivation and encouragement to keep going and complete the couch25k. I am only on week 6 but loving the whole experience. I hope that In 1 year I will be posting something similar to you! Well done!
Oh, Oldfloss, here I am, getting all emotional and teary-eyed. Congratulations on your Runniversary and on your fab first 10K. There will be many more to come, but today we celebrate your first! Your first year as a runner, your first 10K. Brilliant that you waited until today!
You have come such a long way and I consider myself lucky and honoured to be one of your travel companions. Thank you for always reminding me why we do this:
I loved how you kept that little nugget until the end, just like a proper writer 😉. I also started a year ago but am nowhere near your achievement - yet! You are a real inspiration to so many and you are one of the reasons I haven't given up yet, so thank you 🙂
It was a run to remember, although I am still a little shocked now... thank you for being part of my journey for such a long time...and for having faith in me...when i needed it xx
An absolute pleasure, my dear lady! I thank you for showing me the way. I was in awe of you when I first started running, you were all so far ahead, proper graduates, proper runners. Now I realise we are all still learners and with any luck always will be😈
... and you have been an inspiration to me... We are all on this terrific journey, twists and turns, meeting and parting , but all on the same path...I love it x
Our gorgeous, lovely, kind special lady, our darling Floss xxx
It was indeed a very special day when you entered our lives and joined this fabulous community, and you have become such an important part of it . This place just wouldn't be the same without you.
You are always so supportive of everyone , always so positive and kind.
Many Many Congratulations to you on your First Runniversary and what could be more fitting than celebrating with a 10k !!! . What a fantastic achievement , I always knew you'd conquer it and here you are !
You are now entering a new chapter, exciting times ahead with the little one due, and lots of more running adventures to come .
We all run with you Floss, Big hugs for you (((( ))))) xxxx
Poppy... .I am pleased, shocked and completely grateful that i got here. I am a runner... yes...I am ! But.. without the support and love from the folk on here..well, where would I be?
You, you Poppy, have been unbelievable.Really, I have no words to say what I would like to...just... thank you x
Wow what a lovely post!and 10k too for your runniversary! Just perfect!I wasn't expecting that at the end😊😆!you are a great teller of tales and a lovely caring lady who has brought something special here. Well done flossy and here's to the next year and all your personal and running experiences! Xxx
Something about the way you write seems to draw everyone close. It speaks to the heart in a rare and special way. Heres to happy running and writing. Congratulations on your first 10k and looking forward to the day I can join this type of run in more than my imagination 😊
Oh Oldfloss, this was lovely. I love that you completed your 10K on your runniversary. How apt.
I definitely need to take a leaf out of your book. Less pressure on myself, just love for running!
Lots of admiration to you on a special day xxx
Good luck with the new arrival! We had a new arrival almost 2 years ago in the form of my little niece and she has totally transformed our lives in the best way imaginable. My parents are the happiest, most-besotted grandparents in the world, and I am the most besotted auntie! I hope your new arrival brings you all the joy in the world
Thank you... I loved it too..I had to double check on distance this morning... a bit like a dream! The simply running, has been a huge part of my running journey, since Graduation...along with my silly antics!
Yes...we are so excited, the journey to the little one's arrival has been a bit fraught...but nearly there now
That sounds like a very special run for a very special anniversary. I am only a newbie graduate but have loved all your words of encouragement for all of us. Thank you, and heres to many more anniversaries to come.
Oh Floss, congratulations on running your first 10k...and on your runniversary too.😊...
I was just loving reading your post, had settled in behind you looking at the cobweb covered hedges and Rookery wood. Knowing this was just a run for pleasure with no music or garmin. Your thoughts of other c25k runners and of course your precious LMTB and things to come. We were almost back. Your special way with words had painted the full autumnal scene....a lovely runniversary run.
What's that...10k.. I gasped and smiled. That's brilliant..and you kept that til the end...😊So pleased for you, lovely Floss. We knew you would do it...and of course your timing was perfect.
Thank you... I was not being over secretive, I just was not sure whether i would make it.... then it happened... A year on and what a journey we have all had!
Th support you have given me and keep giving is priceless...thank you
It was fitting that my special places were where it happened too... familiar and friendly. This morning I have had to check my route again, to make sure it happened... I keep pinching myself xxx!
Wow!! Massive congratulations😊🌟🌟👍👍🏃🏃🏃🏃what an achievement and such a beautiful post you should take up writing books!!! I felt I was with you on your run!! This is such an inspiration to me a beginner at 59 and wondering what on earth am I doing running at this age 😄😄!! 10k!!! Amazing . You really are helping me to just keep going I'd love to think il still be here in a year! First aim is to graduate start week 8 run 1 either today or tomorrow as a bit of a hectic day today! It's been tough & nervous about 28mins never mind 10k!! Already thinking after c25k what then... I have loved the structure of this and of course the lovely support of this forum has really really helped! 😊. Happy first running anniversary!! Your new arrival will bring so much joy & happiness I have 3 gorgeous grandchildren and they are such a delight . You will be running round the park runs with them. Here's to May more running years!! Wow 10k 😄 🌟🌟🌟. Phyllis
Many thanks. It has been an amazing journey, and one that has been full of adventure and surprises...like yesterday. I can hardly believe it myself
The programme is great, follow it slowly and steadily and just do it your way. We all have the potential to succeed, and the prime aim is for enjoyment on the way
Keep posting, especially if you feel you are struggling... we have all experienced it, The running and the forum are about so much more than just a run
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. Lovely post, as always, hope you're enjoying the glow! (I aspire to do 10k by the end of my first year... )
Who am I? I AM KATY AND I BEAT W5R3!
Am I going down with something?!
Graduation! I finished where I began.
W5R3 - Who knew I had it in me?
