A Poem for my Two Year Runniversary... - Couch to 5K

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A Poem for my Two Year Runniversary...

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
97 Replies

Two years ago, the week before Christmas, I graduated from C25K:)

Yesterday, I did my Runniversary run...it was slow, it was steady and wonderful. I am still running, still slow, still steady, still learning and still enjoying every single moment.

So......

...With apologies to Lewis Carroll

“You are old, Mother Oldfloss”, the Young Runners shriek,

“And your hair has become very grey

And yet you incessantly do three runs a week-

Do you think, at your age, that's okay”?

“At the start”, Mother Oldfloss replied to the crowd

“I feared I might drop on the spot

But now running 10K,out there and so proud

Each week I'm out there like a shot”!

“You are old”, said the runners, “we mentioned before

But speed up, if the surface is flat.

Yet you run on the fields and on the sea shore

Pray, what is the reason for that”?

“Two years past” said OldFloss as she shook her grey hair;

“C25K took my eye ,on line;

By slow and by steady – I, in nine weeks got there

And now I am doing just fine”.

“You are old, said the runners, and your legs they are weak

“You run,and you surely must rue it

But you run for 10K, with a flamboyant streak,

Pray how do you manage to do it”?

“Two years past”, said Old Floss as I said once before,

“The running just freed me from strife;

The running has strengthened me, made me more sure,

And really has enhanced my life” !

“You are old”, said the runners, “we would hardly suppose

That your pace is as steady as ever,

Yet you run on the fields, or trails or on roads

What made you so awfully clever”?

“I have answered three questions and I think that's enough”

Said Oldfloss, “and the answer's quite clear

The reason I do it, all of this running stuff,

Is because of all you friends, right here” :)

Thank you everyone, every single one of you, older friends and new, for making my running journey, ( thus far) so very, very special!

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Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
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97 Replies

Brilliant! Love it. And a very trim pair of legs you've got there. I seriously covert your running tights/leggings 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

I love those leggings... ran in them yesterday! Thanks x

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate

I always say that colour pattern on our running gear is essential and, on evidence, you are The Master. Eighties with an edge, rock singer mode, encore time, all hands on deck, up to 11!

I pale in comparison although today l tried another basketball top, green Boston Celtics, and passed even the most sternest test - my son liked how l looked. After that l galloped like a man possessed, the world was mine! ;)

Happy anniversary, Oldfloss!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to mrrun

Thank you! I love the funky gear.... from Grey snail to loud and proud :) x

PS

That green top looks amazing!

mrrun profile image
mrrunGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Top is just one third of our job, and you nailed the whole apparel stone cold.

In this business it's just one step over the line and you look like an extra from a Woody Allen movie. ;)

I often wonder why some people look at me go...

Wizziewood profile image
Wizziewood

... and thank you Oldfloss. Your support and wise words have helped and encouraged me on my journey, I hear your voice in my ears every time I run.

Congratulations on your second runniversary and I look forward to reading your posts in 2018.

Happy Christmas!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Wizziewood

Thank you.. this journey just goes on!

davelinks profile image
davelinksGraduate

Happy Runniversary Floss!

You know what I've told you time and time again, you're never old! Seeing this picture again proves it, the lady means business! I mean look at the size of that utility belt, don't think Batgirls was as big as that!😁

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to davelinks

Mine is big...!!!! I run lighter these days... :)

Trouble is Dave, I actually feel about 30!! My body has to keep giving me a gentle reminder that I am not! xxx

Thank you

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Wishing you many, many happy returns, oh wise one.

I think Mr Dodgson would approve.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you, my friend :) I think Mr D would forgive me :) x

LiisaM profile image
LiisaMGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

...or happy "re-runs".... :D

McFitty profile image
McFittyGraduate

Genius! Nuff said.😘😘😘

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to McFitty

Thank you... special friend on my journey!x

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

Ha ha, Happy Runniversary Oldfloss!

We are so lucky to have you...

Your poem made me chuckle love, love, love it..

I still have a lovely, illustrated copy of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland from my childhood... always a favourite😊x

Happy running lovely Floss. xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

I am lucky to be part of this... :) Thank you...you and I, together on this running journey... it is fabulous!!

Gaspode1 profile image
Gaspode1Graduate

Happy Runniversary 😊

Love your poem ❤️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Gaspode1

Thanks you xxx The journey goes on!

Pm3eak profile image
Pm3eakGraduate

I love the poem: Father William would have been proud.

Congratulations on your Runniversary.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Pm3eak

Hopefully... :) Thank you... the journey continues!

LiisaM profile image
LiisaMGraduate

Love it!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to LiisaM

Just a bit of fun :)

LiisaM profile image
LiisaMGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

and is that you in the picture? (when you were 35 or so?) :D

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to LiisaM

No... it was when I had done a 10K...about six months ago... I was 67! :) x I felt about 35!!!

Looking fabulous and fit, happy runniversary!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

Thanks you x

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate

well old thing this old duffer loved that

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to rolysmate

I am pleased :) I can hardly believe two years have gone by !

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

oh tempus fugit, it is all rather scarey

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to rolysmate

Just a fantastic adventure:) x

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

just entered the next chapter and it's very exciting

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate in reply to rolysmate

as long as I don't find out the butler did it

Decker profile image
Decker

Happy Runniversary Floss and many happy reruns! Many thanks to you as well. I for one, would not be doing this running thing were it not for your early encouragement. You are looking great in your 10k pic too btw!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Decker

Thank you my friend....you are doing amazing things!!

Congratulations to our very own inspirational mentor. Sometimes we maybe forget that you too are on a journey... lovely post and fabulous anniversary x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

Thank youx

Fishypieface profile image
FishypiefaceGraduate

Brilliant I love it :) Thank you for all of your advice. Us, only slightly younger, whippersnappers come on the scene, eager and over enthusiastic and you calmly and kindly help us with the main thing we really need to know 'slow and steady'. Sometimes more than once! And it takes a while to sink in, because we are new and wet behind the ears and the whole experience is such a lot to take in. But with your patience and understanding we get there in the end... and we are eternally grateful that you took the time to stop and listen and put us on the right path :) xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Fishypieface

Thank you... sharing your journey is a huge part of my enjoyment. x

PS

I do go on a bit about slow and steady... it works...:)

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate

Happy runniversary, darling Oldfloss. I want to be just like you in 20 years time! Actually I want to be just like you now! You inspire me. Happy running. And thank you for supporting me through C25K. Not sure I would have made it without your always sage advice and sloooooowly mantra!

Sadie-runs x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Sadie-runs

Thank you x

It has been one heck of a journey...little did I realise where this path would take me on that dark winter's morning in 2015!!!

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007Graduate

Happy runniversary and thank you for your encouragement over the last few weeks x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Bridget007

You are very welcome.. I am loving this and being part of the journey of all my friends:)

Polly2810 profile image
Polly2810Graduate

Happy runnaversary!!! Enjoy!!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Polly2810

Thank you... I do.. every run :)

Imeviesgranny profile image
ImeviesgrannyGraduate

Congratulations! Oldfloss. I love that we can all say it to you!

You deserve a medal for all you’ve done on here... or maybe a trip to the palace😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Imeviesgranny

That is really kind, thank you... I am just enjoying my running journey and really enjoying being a small part of the journey of yours too :) x

Love it!!! 😃

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

A great time is being had and this was a little bit of fun.. :)

SaskAlliecat profile image
SaskAlliecatGraduate

Happy Runniversary OldFloss! What a wonderful poem written by a very inspiring, wonderful lady. Always a joy reading your posts.

Love, love, love the pic (and the tights! They are absolutely lovely!)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to SaskAlliecat

It has flown by! Thank you.. I am still having fun..and loving being part of this family forum. My tights... well they are my favourites and getting a tad thin now:( xx

Pc59 profile image
Pc59Graduate

Happy runniversary🏃👍😊WOW!! Inspiring,amazing,writer,runner,you are definitely one talented lady & we are so lucky to have you keeping us all going!! I just love your posts and you certainly keep me going!! You are with me on all my runs & when i so often doubt myself i hear you saying slow& steady... slow down & keep thise legs moving!!.. and guess what i make it past those gremlins😂😂 love the outfit... i must see if Santa can help me look that good in running gear..😊happy Running x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Pc59

That is really kind of you!

I am having a heck of a lot of fun, and being part of folks' journeys too, is a wonderful bonus ... you are doing brilliantly and it is truly amazing how much running benefits us physically and mentally!!

Pc59 profile image
Pc59Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

You are so right im with you on that & i had never run in my life till this program at 59!! 60 now & i have been struggling with stress this past two weeks & eventually got out on Monday o it was great... wish we could bottle that feeling😂 for me its this lovely running forum thats keeps me goung & sane😂😂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Pc59

You can.. you hold the feeling and tuck it away ready for a stressful or a dark day :)

JaySeeSkinny profile image
JaySeeSkinnyGraduate

Lovely poem, Floss, lovely lady and a brilliant picture. 2 years eh? That's ages - and yet it seems like no time. 2 years ago I was still lurking on here and hadn't "screwed my courage to the sticking point". Starting the programme was a spontaneous decision one day in mid-January (don't know when exactly!). And even then you were encouraging us all with your actions and wisdom.

You are indeed a mentor for so many of us! Happy running. Stay fit and healthy - and here's to many more years of running.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny

You and I have done this together...except you are one heck of an awesome runner! It has been a fantastic journey so far hasn't it? It has whizzed for me and I cannot believe how far I have come! Thank you so much xx

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

I’m late to the party....again!

Lovely poem Floss, lovely photo too.

Happy Runniverary my friend! 🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Millsie-J

No you are not :) Thank you my running friend :) x

TJMazz profile image
TJMazzGraduate

Love this poem. Looking good in your pic Old Floss. Keep on running and inspiring us. Thanks for all your encouragement. Have a wonderful Christmas 🎁🎉🎄🌟

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to TJMazz

Thanks you.. you are doing wonderfully... :) Happy Christmas to you too ! xx

siobhp profile image
siobhpGraduate

Congratulations! And thank you for all the invaluable support and wise words that help us all through this amazing programme. Reading your posts and especially your advice to myself and others has more than once got me out the door when I'm sitting on the couch going over all the reasons why I don't really need to go!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to siobhp

That is just great.. thank you so much ! The journey goes on :)

siobhp profile image
siobhpGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Looking at that brilliant photo of you inspired me to go and and do the 7k run on ju-ju- 's programme today. I have never run so far, just got back and I feel great! 😀🏃

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to siobhp

Well done you! That is brilliant.. the 7K was my Nemesis a year or so ago!!

Lorraine3 profile image
Lorraine3Graduate

Did you have another poem in mind - ‘When I am an old woman I shall wear purple’? Anyway, you certainly don’t look old!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Lorraine3

One of my favourites.....except I like champagne and not brandy :) Thank you so much.. this running lark does wonders for us ! :)

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

Happy Runniversary our wonderful Floss. I love your poem.

This place just wouldn't be the same without you, you touch so many runners' lives and in such a positive way. Two years! Where did that time go?!!!

A very Happy Christmas to you and yours xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Irishprincess

It whizzed..just whizzed...:) Thank you, Maj.... and have a Happy Christmas... you and all the Royal family! xxx

TiredOldMan profile image
TiredOldManGraduate

Brilliant Oldfloss! Happy Runiversary 😁

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to TiredOldMan

Hey.. thank you.... I am so glad you are here.. I see there is a new post up, I shall read it ... I wondered where you got to after your daughter's wedding!! x

TiredOldMan profile image
TiredOldManGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Hi Oldfloss

I'm afraid I never did do week 9. I took my trainers to Spain with the intention of finishing, but it was too hot.

I got home and spent some quality time putting all my weight back on :(

My wife bought me a treadmill as an early Christmas present so I decided to go for the graduation badge. I confidently started at week 5 and thought I would easily do it. How wrong I was. I got to the end of the first minute and had to stop. It was a real slap in the face.

So now I've been going through the program from week 1 and getting better and better. I'll soon have that badge.

My wife has even started running by the way. I told her how supportive everyone is (particularly you) and she joined the forum. Look out for 'Classybirdannie' and say hello.

All the best

Ady

Great poem ! But thank YOU. I don't often post, but I read and remember, and very much value your advice and that of IannodaTruffe, and the support of all the lovely people who DO post. I am 65 and have just done W5R1, which I shall repeat before going on to R2. I LOVE this running lark. I got off to a painful start before finding HealthUnlocked, so I am very grateful. I am the slowest runner on the park, but with a huge red-faced grin, and I shall keep going for ever. Did I say I love it ?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to

You did... and that is really what it is all about! Thank you!

Curlygurly2 profile image
Curlygurly2Graduate

Many runn-y returns xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Curlygurly2

Love it :) Thanks you!

AnneDroid profile image
AnneDroidGraduate

Happy runniversary to you. Only two years? So many of us have relied on your wisdom that I assumed you'd been at this forever... :)

That is a VERY lovely outfit too. x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to AnneDroid

It feels like it has whizzed by for me... but still having fun! Thank you...my favourite outfit!!

Mummycav profile image
MummycavAdministratorGraduate

Three cheers for Oldfloss ....hip hip...Hurray....hip hip....hurray....hip hip....hurray....and most of us would say that it’s because of you that they’re here too!!!! You are a true inspiration xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Mummycav

Thank you lovely lady xxx Loving my running and loving being here with you all!

poppypug profile image
poppypugGraduate

Happy Runniversary to our darling Floss xxxx

The pic says it all , we love you Missus ! :-) xxx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to poppypug

Thanks Pops xx It has been an eventful two years...and so much fun! x

LookNannyruns profile image
LookNannyrunsGraduate

Wow, action shot or what? Happy runnyversary to you. Thank you for your slow and steady mantra I hope it keeps me running towards a picture like this. .... just off for some awesome leggings shopping

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to LookNannyruns

Thanks.. the slow and steady gets us to the most surprising places :) The leggings are my favourites.. go shop!!

Razouski profile image
Razouski

Fabulous poem and I’m sure Lewis Carol would approve.

Congratulations on your two year runniversary, your help and support in this forum has been invaluable to so many, including me. Thank you. X

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Razouski

A bit of fun! Thanks you... :) x

ancientrunner profile image
ancientrunnerGraduate

Happy Runniversary Floss. xx

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to ancientrunner

Thanks you xx

Gillma profile image
GillmaGraduate

Well done, OF! And thanks for all your encouragement to me. Am still not sure whether to aim for 10k but maybe this will inspire another grey snail to conquer the backache and keeep running. So lovely to ‘hear’ you enjoying your running .

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Gillma

Thank you :)

Just run and enjoy.

Take it gently.. and you will be amazed; a grey snail travels at its own happy pace and sees everything around it:) I was never going to run 10K, but, it just evolved :)

Well done you :)

Noaky12 profile image
Noaky12Graduate

Oh happy runniversary oldfloss. I loved following your journey from the start to graduation. Its delightful seeing that you're still out & running strong.

Here's to miles a plenty & injuries few & a very merry christmas from me to you x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Noaky12

Hey you! It is great to hear from you! I am still here.. still running and still having a terrific time, thank you! Hope all is well with you too!

A very merry Christmas to you and yours too xx

PashleyPedaller profile image
PashleyPedallerGraduate

Happy anniversary, Floss! Thank you for encouraging me through c25k; your words of wisdom are with me on every run. Wow, your’re looking great, girl! Love that gear. Happy Christmas and here’s to all our running adventures in 2018

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to PashleyPedaller

Thank you! I agree.. here is to lots of new adventures in the New Year xx

johnm12 profile image
johnm12Graduate

Great post. Made me smile. Thanks for your help/encouragement.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to johnm12

You are most welcome:)

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

..another classic one I missed during my absence! Great poem and great pic!! 🙂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Sandraj39

Tee hee... a bit of fun :)

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