Sometimes.... I simply have to ramble....

[Oldfloss]

Well..it has been a while. Those who know me, my long time and long-suffering friends on the forum...know I love to run and ramble... but I don't have the time I used to and there has been a distinct shortage of Floss rambles!

Since becoming a Mentor and then Administrator here on the forums...... I seem to whizz around like a demented snail...

But, I am, despite all, still a runner... just like all of you... I am here, because I love running...I run whenever and wherever I can... but like you , I have setbacks and like many of you at the moment, injury or illness affects me too.

March 24th saw me complete my first Half Marathon...now, after three weeks or so on the IC... give or take the odd short jaunt... I am building back up to where I was... and it is slow...... oh, and steady

So today.... I had a longer run planned.. 3K... yes... 3K! I had managed two 1K and one 2K in the last week and this morning was the longest distance since April 20th!

It was glorious... the morning was stunning with a gin-clear sky and the sharp tang of ozone flavouring the heady mix.

It was a morning for me and for ... ABBA!

These songsters have carried me through some amazing runs... I hear the song, I feel the beat and the legs just do their own thing...

This morning was no exception... a slightly speedy 1K... and slower second and the last 1K... I was going to just let it happen.., and it did... 3K was run, in a very decent time too I may add; my head was filled with music...my brain adding my own words to the melody and pure unadulterated joy in my heart.

Sorry about this folks... those who know me, look away now... those who don't... be warned ! Sometimes I just have to!

To the tune of Thank You for the Music... and as ever... massive apologies to ABBA.

-----

I'm nothing special, in fact I'm a bit of a bore

If I say SLOW and STEADY, you've probably heard it before.

But I have a talent and one that's such fun,

'Cause I have discovered that I'm able to run

I'm so grateful and proud

All I want is to sing it out loud.

----

So I say, thank you for the running, the runs I'm taking,

Thanks for all the friends I'm making

We all can live without runs, I know, in all honesty,

But what would life be

Without a run in the sun, who are we?

So I say thank you for the running

For giving it to me.

----

I started this plan walking faster than I was able to run

Mmmm... but with SLOW and STEADY the adventure was quickly begun

We all know the history, of the C25K start

But who'd ever think that this could capture a heart.

Like a gentle run can...

And I am absolutely and completely a fan.

----

So I say, thank you for the running, the runs I'm taking,

Thanks for all the friends I'm making

We all can live without runs, I know, in all honesty,

But what would life be

Without a run in the sun, who are we?

So I say thank you for the running

For giving it to me.

----

I've been so lucky... I am the snail with the Golden shell,

I want to sing it out to everybody,

What a joy , what a life, what a chance!

----

Thank you for the running, the runs I'm taking,

Thanks for all the friends I'm making

We all can live without runs, I know, in all honesty,

But what would life be,

Without a run in the sun, who are we?

So I say thank you for the running

For giving it to me.

----

It was sublime... and I am so, so lucky, that not only am I able to to run... but that I run with all of you too... and this morning... @Delly-dot was right there with me.., I know now that she is okay with ABBA too !

Flossx

PS

The snail really was there.. on top of the rock...

[David_G]

Thanks Old Floss, you’re an inspiration to us all! 🏃‍♀️👍👏👏😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to David_G]

Your're lovely.. it is great to be a runner here

[18Windmill Graduate]

Brilliant!! So pleased to read that you are finding your running feet again. Wishing you all the very best. 👍👍👍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to 18Windmill]

The legs still work... always a great relief..thank you xxx

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

As someone who really hates ABBA, thanks for getting that tune in my head... I may now find myself watching Mama Mia 2... which I’ve been successfully finding excuses to not have time to watch with Mrs UNM. Football season is done and if I’m caught humming that tune I’m doomed 🤣🤣🤣

Nice to hear about you back out there and sounds like a great 3k to me. Happy running.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

My cunning plan worked... altogether now...!!! ABBA have got me to the most amazing places.. Waterloo got me my first 10 miles!!!

Embrace your feminine side and go see the movie xxxxx

So good to feel like a runner again... there is only so much satisfaction in unlimited Strength and Flex!! 😏

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

It’s worse than that... one hum and it’s downloadable on sky 😂.

Yeah, much as I love strength and flex and cross training, nothing beats the run.

[JoOnTheRun Graduate]

What an uplifting post! Wonderful! 🏃‍♂️ 🎶 ☀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to JoOnTheRun]

Thanks you.. we can all join in with the chorus when we run

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Fabulous Floss! This is brilliant! I’m singing it right now and doing a little dance too 🙄

I didn’t realise you’d been on the IC for so long! Poor you. But it sounds as if you’re back and on the right track again. In more ways than one 🙂

We love you and your rambles. Never change xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

My dear dear friend thank you.. it has been a blessed cough that has just refused to go.. tree pollen kicked it off, early! I had a niggly back first and felt fairy dire over April

But back on track, slow and steady as ever

I planned on getting the tune in everyone's head..it is great for running too... it really gives a lovely lift to the pace

[Richard7 Graduate]

Well done OF glad you are getting back to your running self .. and where would we be without your musings and painted prose.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Richard7]

Thanks Richard.. this last setback really hammered me... the tree pollen has been dire... and left me with a racking cough.. the sea air has helped! I had a great run today.. so pleased x

[Sandie1961 Graduate]

Just love it 😍 Nothing more to add xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sandie1961]

The urge was upon me... and I went with it... I addled too, today... it was lovely !

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations on that rendition of Thank you for the running I thought it was from ButtercupKid, but no it was from Oldfloss, excellent.

"There are plenty of people here on C25K that, Knowing Me Knowing you applies, and when the song Arrival comes on they will have completed a run, no doubt running to Dancing Queen while they ran.

Does Your Mother Know that you are a great runner? I am sure there are no runners here on C25K running for Money, Money, Money?,

I hope that you will never need to send out a SOS when running a 5K, Mamma Mia that would certainly not be a good thing by Taking a Chance on me, I suppose some runners think they are at Waterloo as running makes them feel as they are battleling with themselves while the other runners are the winner that takes all.

Other runners run like Tigers when they run a parkrun. Finally Gimmie Gimmie a man after midnight after you have ran a HM or full marathon the previous day, just relax with a piece of bread spread with Honey Honey. 😊 "

I hope you liked that little post made up of Abba title songs. 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I did..it is brilliant thank you...

No I have rambled for a very long time and have out my own words to so, so many tunes over the years..I did one after a knee issue, to the tune of Chiquitita!!!

A forum friend started me off on the words to tunes , the Christmas I graduated!

Incidentally Waterloo is absolutely great when you feel a tad tired at the end of a long run...in the same way that Men of Harlech gets me up the hill from Criccieth!!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Well I say to you Floss, thank you for all the great advice you have given to everyone here on C25K, everyone appreciates it.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

You are lovely, thank you xxx

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

👍

[linda9389 Graduate]

😍😍😍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Feel like a runner again!!

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

The best feeling!

[Tinker5393 Graduate]

Lovely post , abba will be downloaded onto my Amazon music for my next run. Love them , they were my dad's favourite.❤

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tinker5393]

They are great for pacing yourself..I have entertained folk many a time singing along! xx

[Hidden]

Oh what a brilliant post!! Made me laugh, smile and then sing! And then I got to the very end - so touched! It was our agreement to check-in with each other that guaranteed I got out there and ran. Thank you so much for all your warm encouragement and advice. So glad you had a great run too. Big, big hug 🤗 xx

PS. I’m running to ABBA all the way to Week 9!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

A big hug back my friend.. s We all support each other.. and I sometimes just have to go with how I feel..however loopy it is... x

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great post and pictures 😊😊😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Glorious place and a glorious morning, and just to run for 3K and feel good... how blessed am I

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Thank you for that music in my head now Oldfloss ! Glad you’re building up again. It really is a rollercoaster ride this running, isn’t it? For months we’re all doing huge distances and then suddenly it’s back down to 1, 2 or 3ks. I certainly can never take it for granted, but I suppose it means we don’t get bored😎

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Haha.. ear worms are great..my husband keeps humming it now!!

It really is a roller-coaster... and we never know when things will hit us... I was beginning to feel really down...but as you say.. never boring and having the strength and the support here to pick ourselves up and get going again... xx

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Fabulous that you’re getting back to normal - running and poetically too ! That’s a great song x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Slow and steady as ever my lovely friend....we can all sing along together with this one Miss you x

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I’m still here ! Not running much at the moment, but doing some serious walking and enjoying it x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Xx

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Wonderful 😁 just wonderful 💛

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thanks you... i was overwhelmed this morning..I had such fun.. I paddled after my run and got my leggings soaked

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

The very best kind of morning. 😁 I often write huge long posts in my head but forget them once I'm back 🤣 thankfully we can depend on yours 💛

[Dowat Graduate]

Fabulous and inspiring. Your joy for running shines through. Have to admit I’m partial to a bit of ABBA on my run playlists too!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Dowat]

They have a great beat for pacing yourself... Chiquitita has a perfect 1.2.3.4....

I do love my runs and I am so lucky to be able to run in some beautiful places too! Thanks youx

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Glad to hear that you are running again Oldfloss. Just love your song 🎶🎵🎶🎵🎶

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

A bit of fun my friend and, beside the snails on the shore I saw loads this morning..but I beat them all to the finish line xxx

[skysue16 Graduate]

Wonderful Old Floss, that got me singing! So glad that you are out running again Lovely photos too.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to skysue16]

So beautiful here, like your lovely locations... aren't we lucky? xxx

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes, so lucky. I did my 10k event today along the sea front, such a beautiful day for it (just finished my post!)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to skysue16]

I just read it..I've been waiting for it!!

Super run and super post...really well done..that last bit sounded very hard!! X

[Hidden]

I love this, keep running and keep singing! Brilliant!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks you... you are doing so well... nearly there now? x

[LoungeLizaard Graduate]

😍💪 welcome back OF 😍💪 don’t mind a bit of ABBA but haven’t seen the films..... now the song is playing in my head..... like a proper ear worm!! 🤣🤷‍♂️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LoungeLizaard]

Ha ha.. thanks you... I love that folk are humming and singing along! So good to be running freely again.. this 3K was as special as anything... I felt like me again!! xxx

[Ang33333 Graduate]

I'm smiling!! 🐌🐌🐌🐌

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Ang33333]

... and I am pleased that you are... I have been smiling all day xx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Yay! A much missed Floss Ramble. They have been few and far between of late, but it just makes them that much sweeter! Such pretty pictures, I'd love to run by the seaside. The smells, the sights, the cool breeze off the water...it would be so lovely. And an ABBA ditty to top it all off...just perfect. I may have to put on some ABBA on my next run in town ☺️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

A seaside run... not quite as dramatic as the trails you run, but really beautiful and a gorgeous day !! ABBA was the perfect choice this morning... back home again tomorrow, but then here for a good long stretch in a fortnight... I think there may be a few more rambles then! xxx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yay! I’m looking forward to it👏👏👏

[Wimborne]

Well your ramble was just what I needed 😊. I am singing away now..... along with everyone else on here. God knows what our families think of us 😂. Sounds such a perfect run and so happy to hear you are feeling better and out running again. Happy days Floss. I am just waiting to join you all again. 💕

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

Oh my.... how are you feeling.. I did take you with me, as I do all my friends... it is so, so hard, but this will show you that we can and do make a comeback.. I cannot count the times I have felt almost like I would never run again!

This last bout of whatever really got me down... but... slow and steady ( yes I know ), we do get back to it...Be patient, keep popping in here and there and post maybe, with some running tips etc or about you running adventures to date? ... it does help folk to know that we are here, even when they cannot run and they will see that they can post their recovery progress.

I giggled all last night thinking of us all singing away.. even UnfitNoMore , who is about to view Mama Mia 2

Stay bright my friend... this too, shall pass xxx

[Wimborne in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh Floss thank you. your lovely words made me cry 😢. I am trying hard to keep everything in perspective as it’s not the end of the world but my inner drama queen keeps creeping out. I will keep on singing and replying to everyone’s posts to keep me going.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Wimborne]

Chin up... we will get there xx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

🎵Who could run without her,

I ask in all honesty,

Where would this forum be,

Without Floss and her lovely rambles,

Giving such joy and fun to we ( us)😆🎵

So happy for you, getting your Mojo back Floss!😊xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

It was such fun and I love your verse..thank you my friend... It just felt so wonderful and I was so happy to be out there in the sunshine...xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I woke up singing it too Floss!😁xx

And I added an extra line!😆xxx

[Clay-girl79]

Go for it & enjoy! Good luck

I understand that feeling I loved running too,

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Clay-girl79]

It kind of takes over... I have little control! x

[Katnap Graduate]

Was this mighty snail doing hill reps? 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Sort of... Sea sail on skates???? xxxx

[roseabi]

😊😊😊

Awesome stuff, Poet Lady 💗💗💗

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to roseabi]

A bit of fun... and... my speediest 1K to date !!! Yeayayayayayaya! xx

[Prettyrandom Graduate]

Brilliant!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Prettyrandom]

Fabulous location, fabulous fun and a super little run too x

[HinchleyMum Graduate]

Marvellous!! 😍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to HinchleyMum]

Thanks you x

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Hey!! 👋🏽👋🏽👋🏽! How fantastic to read about your glorious ABBA run! Slow and steady rules!! 💪🏽! Love it!! Thanks for sharing Floss! ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Welcome lovely friend.... it was fun

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Now that’s my kind of running! 😂❤️

[quirkybee Graduate]

Super post Floss. I absolutely love ABBA, have them on my USB disk in the car. I was singing along to your chorus on here, haha, how fantastically lovely. Plus, I am seeing a tribute band next month in town 👍

Steady and slow advice from you has always remained in my mind when I get out there. Its not about speed, but endurance. I will never forget Floss. We all love your life's rambles for sure.

You've been a fantastic mentor to me, despite that I haven't ran since end of Jan, but I will at some point, there's just too much here to focus on right now and I'm not the sort of person to just get out and run unfortunately.

I'm going to be humming and singing this tune now today, haha, inspired by our Floss and it is a big 🎶 "Thank you"🎶 for

giving me the inspiration to 🏃‍♀️run🏃‍♀️ Floss ❤️😘 xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to quirkybee]

That is so lovely of you xxx You are doing just fine.. and getting out there for your runs as and when and lots of lovely walking too!

You will get where you want to be... you are so determined... Thank you for these kind words xx

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Aww, thanks lovely Floss xxx

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Love love LOVE it 🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

I had such a lovely run x

[Jennypenny2]

Great post ,love your big stories 😁🏃🏼‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jennypenny2]

Thank you 😊

[msneverending]

I love your photos, and of course, your posts! It's nice to connect on the same highway, even if we are on different sides of the world!

Is that a coastline? It's gorgeous! I live on a tropical island. Why am I not doing more runs on the beach?!!?

I have to now create a playlist of ABBA mixes with Amberian Dawn (they're like a metallic ABBA)! On top of the list "Move On"!