Life, weather and all manner of things have delayed me ; but here I am!
I know many of you, (especially some of my oldest friends), have been waiting patiently for this post and wondering what on earth it could be about!
Speculation about my running a triathlon, swimming the channel, publishing my book, going into Space and even appearing on Strictly, have been flying around; well THIS here, is for me , much more exciting!
I fear my awesome, oldest friends, may be sadly disappointed...but as for me, I am really fired up about this new venture!
I have been around the C25K forum for ages and we used to, always have a, Weekly Chat... or a What's your week, post.
It was great. I knew many, many folk by name and was able to follow and watch the progress!
Folk , who did not want to, or have time to, write a long post, could pop in and just chat to each other. It was a place to talk about your running, your successes and your set backs. Just a relaxed line or two, to see where we all were and where we might be going. I relied on those chats when I started Couch six years ago.
The chats were a place where we felt we were not alone, that there were others out there who were feeling just the same as ourselves with our running.
They really gave meaning to the words, “Friendship is born at that moment, when one person says to another...what, you too ? “
Well, a while back we were desperately short of our volunteer Admin team members and with all our other duties, some posts had to go and these chats were included. We lost our meeting place
As I have popped in here, I have felt for a while, that we needed 'Something' back here on Couch again.
We need to chat, we need to share and we need somewhere to do it.
SO... I have put myself out here and am hoping that this will take off again.
I am going to trial this for a month or so and will gauge our response.
The number of folk on the forum increases daily, the numbers are just mind blowing... and although it is increasingly tricky to keep up with everyone's progress... it is great to have a little, fun post, so we can see who is on which week of the programme, and hopefully it will help everyone to feel more included on the forum.
We can Support, Encourage and generally Help each other, in a positive and friendly way, with no thought of comparison. We can have a little moan and we can pass on our ideas too.
You can chat here, wherever you are; just beginning, in the middle, or nearly at the finish line of the C25K.
You can chat here, even if you have Graduated, and are repeating bits of C25K again !
Please remember it doesn't matter if you stay on the same week for a while, that is fine; it is a journey and it really doesn't matter how long it takes, it will be so worth it when you get to the final run. Just pop in and tell us all about it!
So, I am really hoping that some of you will give this a try, and will pop in, in a sort of regular way
Catching up, as we are finding out in these strange times can be great fun!
I shall post Catch up Corner, each week and be giving some ideas and links here and there, ( and maybe popping on some of my famous ( infamous??) rambling and rhymes!
YOU can add things all through the week and I will be here
So please, please, do think about joining in the fun...slip off your running shoes, relax, and just let us know how it is going?
Fingers crossed .
Oldfloss x
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Hi Oldfloss! Nice to see you! I’m more into Jeffing than straight running now but still keep up with the forum. The posts from fellow travellers have always been an inspiration for me (and others, too!) keep up the good work please! X
Well hello my lovely, lovely friend Oldfloss 💚 I think I needed to see this today, so I hope to join in as and when this busy, battered life allows.
We all need somewhere to go to just share our thoughts, read the journey of others or even just to browse, and like you said Oldfloss, actually read that others are going through similar to yourself and we can say, "you too?"
Even though I'm an oldie, not ran in nearly 3 years, but did a mile a few wks ago to buy scourers from a nearby shop 🤣🤣 I walk daily with my dogs, anything from a mile to 5 miles and since diagnosed with Fibromyalgia in Nov 2020, resigned from my job that I enjoyed due to ill health and the loss of my special mum, I've invested in my mental and physical health since the beginning of this year when I started feeling better, so I do a bit of yoga, HiiT, cardio and weights.
Anyway, thank for posting this Oldfloss, I always remember the support you gave me during C25K 🧡 I hope you are well in mind and body and I look forward to catching up with others here too xx 😍
I am well thank you... like you too, a bit battered by life in some areas...but still holding in there. It is good to know that you are able to continue your exercise and get those walks in.
Post sand replies like yours again, are really useful.
Set backs and illness do not always have to mean a full stop to everything, and reading your experiences will encourage others with similar issues.
Do please drop in now and then and maybe a phot with that smile... the one that lifts me every time I see it xx
Ah-ha! Got you! And how lovely Oldfloss! 😊. Catch-up Corner is going to be a hit. I remember the Oldfloss Rambles when I did C25K - nuggets of wisdom and gentle encouragement that kept me on track, especially during spells on the IC and my first tentative steps off it….. The current C25Kers are in for a treat. I hope us oldies can pop in here occasionally for a natter too? 🤗
Please do.. I truly feel that the experiences of us all, are so worth sharing. You repeated Couch with Dabby-dot, ( hope she is doing okay... and you are all well). Knowing that we can repeat and come back to things is great! x
Thank you 😊. Dabby is doing well, keeping the running going when she can between her studies and other student life events! . I visited her last weekend and took her some winter running gear as a treat.
hi Oldfloss and running friends! I'm so glad I've been able to keep in touch with many of you this year through this forum, it made a real difference when I was injured in the summer (remember that? 🤣) Now the nights are drawing in I've been lucky enough to join a lovely running club which meets twice weekly. We chat to each other before going for a run, then chat again when we all get back to the start point. It's great to be able to talk about running to people who understand what it's about. I'm afraid my poor family just don't get it! 🙄
For those new to running, it might be worth considering in the longer term. I've found the advice and encouragement from more experienced runners very helpful, and no-one judges you or looks down on you for being slower or unable to run longer distances.
I DO remember and how great that you are in a group now, where, everyone, understands what you are talking about :)I think quite a few folk here will find it useful reading about your experience of groups; particularly if they are able to find a good on that caters for all levels. Now that the darker days are approaching, it is good to be together
I always remember a post you did when I had just started C25K all about one of your runs round Criccieth, it made me want to get to a stage where I could actually enjoy running .
You have me a taste of what running could become. Thanks for the inspiration X
Such a brilliant idea, I'm sure everyone will enjoy reading about each others journeys.
As an 'oldie' on the forum (well, if you count 2 years' participation as me being an oldie - I certainly feel old sometimes 😱), this sounds like a great idea, rather than constructing whole posts. Feel a bit like a newbie again sometimes due to periods on the IC!
I know the feeling, only too well! Just popping in here and there and seeing what folk are up to. We are able to find ideas and support... I felt like a New runner when I began C25K again after a real blip last October !Please do stick around and I shall watch for your replies etc x
Couch needs a place to share... loads of great things as the runners here move on, but it is good to have support on the first stages of the runs x I know I totally relied on weekly chats and posts by some of our stalwarts on the forums and some who have moved onto new tracks too! poppypug kept me running many, many times, as did the wonderful Realfoodieclub . Thank goodness for our awesome Team now...they have kept us all going !!
That’s it exactly, I’m not sure if we would have carried on if people here including yourself hadn’t encouraged us or answered questions, this is such a good idea for runners to share their experiences
the 'what is your week' post was a real success in the past. A really useful space for everyone to chat and share. As you know I have just recently finished the C25k program again after my injury and am still consolidating and building up stamina with 30 minute runs. I will be checking in with catch up corner if that's ok. Some of my runs go better than others, the old toxic ten catches me out sometimes...😏
Will keep an eye out for your posts, wouldn't miss your poems and rambles!
Please, please do pop in here. There are so many ideas and useful tips we can share. We can have a wee moan too if need me, and give each other a motivational friendly shove !Talking is good...sharing is good... so, a real winning combination ?
A brilliant idea-I nearly always run alone and am almost certain I would not still be running without all the information and occasional silly chat to keep me going.It's the virtual running buddy experience that is sooo important!
Why not... I once got a silver medal in Ballroom dancing!Thanks you... I think we really need to push this, so that our new runners at which ever stage they are on feel supported
Absolutely agree about the newer members .I spent a couple of weeks reading before plucking up courage to join in and post and even then wondered if my post was important enough to add-. A casual chat would have been the perfect introduction.
It was a real help to me... and I picked up so much ; when we begin we are so uncertain of things, and even with great advice from those who know it is still so important to talk to folk at the same stage
‘Catch up Corner’ - now that’s a catchy title, love it! 😉😀👍 How wonderful for folks to have the opportunity to have a chat about how things are going. Thank you for hosting this OF.
What a brilliant idea Oldfloss, a huge thank you to you for taking it on! As I (hopefully) come back from grumbly hip syndrome which has plagued me all year, I shall be taking things slowly and Catch up Corner sounds perfect for airing my thoughts and finding out how everyone else is doing! Thank you again!
It would be so, good to have you here, and it is already looking as if this may be a post which is really useful, for some Couch re-visitors...including me! The wealth of experience of folk here will be so useful for the new runners too!Just take it steady and do pop in.... I shall repost this later today too...x
Smashing inspirational photo and post. You have got me thinking! Is this form me? Shall I put my trainers on? Perhaps convert or contract the idea to a jog in the park? Well I'm gonna read up on what's it all about. Thankyou Oldfloss.
You most certainly should think about it... Check out the pinned post, How to run C25K... loads of great advice there. Read up about it.... and then give it a go... slow and steady is the way, and it really does get you where you wish to be!
I began in 2015... Winter... and I thought, on those few weeks I may not survive them...but weekly chats and great advice from the more experienced folk got me through...( I was 65 then ). I was only ever going to do 5K...but in 2019 I did my first HM ! Slow and steady is my infamous mantra on here, but it works!
One of the joys for me, is the mental as well as physical benefits.... and I write, ( ramble), about my runs.
I think you will really enjoy it! I'll watch out for you now
PS
Just had a quick look at your posts on your other forum... you write ramble rhymes and words to songs too... You are going to LOVE being here... Check this out
Hello and he lovely to have somewhere to share my new going love of running. None of my friends and family run and they glaze over when I talk about my runs, some even try and give me kindly advice that I shouldn’t be running at my age (61)😩 I generally struggle with the Winter blues and wondering how I’m going to keep up the motivation to get out there but maybe the answer will be you kind people. Just the post I needed to read this morning so thank you Oldfloss and everyone for sharing 😊
Hi Lola- bear (great name) - lots to look forward to in winter running- you don’t get too hot for a start, running around Christmas lights is really pretty and there is something really special about running in the dark and having your own “personal mind bubble space” in places that would usually feel populated. As for being too old - rubbish, I’m 62 and just restarting after an injury thoroughly encouraged by my GP (who is a runner as well). 😄
Aww thank you and yes I’d not thought about that and running in the dark. I do need to get some Winter running gear though as I’m not very well equipped clothes wise. Thank you
Think layers.. I just move into long leggings, sometimes, (but not always), long sleeves under my usual light running/cycling jacket- if it’s super cold I add an extra t-shirt & woolly hat. 😄
I'm a newbie! I graduated in May and have been running ever since. I still find 5K difficult and have been alternating my runs with walking/running ones. At my age (60s), I don't want to injure myself! I also do a weekly zumba class which is a lot of fun! Many years ago I did a half marathon and 2 10ks with barely any training, I was a lot younger then! I've had my running shoes for 4 years, I bought them to do the London Moonwalk. I'm looking to buy some new ones and will go back to Cotswold and have another gait analysis. I have Brookes and they've been great so will probably buy the same brand.
This weekly catch up chat room is a great idea. I don't always have time to look at the posts on a daily basis. I will certainly be checking in here. Thanks for setting this group up. 😊👍👏
Slow and steady is just fine...it is my life mantra! I lose sight of it occasionally but something always brings me back to it. ( I started at 65.. in 2015 )!
You have done great things and will do again...maybe different ones, but still successful achievements.
Taking care of the rest of our running bodies is so useful, as well as the running legs.. The Strength and Flex Forum has loads of super ideas.. I posted there a lot a while ago with a set of ideas for the running body, top to toe!
I’m relatively new to running started c25k in May and I’m still running. Recently I’ve regressed to the couch a bit but still tried to do some running.
Started afresh on Monday using NRC training plan for beginners. I hope to run 3 times a week and want to increase my speed and distance. I’m never gonna be fast in fact I’m really slow but it really helps to read about other runners on here that are the same.
This forum has helped me so much with advice and support 🥰
Slow and steady is absolutely fine... as Confucius said..." It does not matter how slowly you go, as long as you do not stop"!Keep popping in here and there, read the replies and add your own thoughts too. Good to see you here !
🐌 Slow is good BS44 😊. Oldfloss taught me to embrace my inner snail when my Speedy Gonzalez mouse wanted to take over. A snail’s 5k is the same distance as a gazelle’s 5k after all 😊. Sometimes my Speedy Mouse makes a return , which can be fun, but I’ve learned to shift my gears now thanks to the wonderful advice on here.
Hello, Although I joined the site ages ago it is only this week that I've started to run (in the loosest sense of the word) and read stuff on here, still very much finding my way. So far this year I've lost a stone in weight, another one yet to go and now feel more able to start with exercise. Run two tomorrow morning. Anyway, sugar free coffee and walnut cake...recipe please..... Jeffing? What the heck is that? Fi
Fartlek possibly wins the award for most amusing term in running, but it is actually Swedish for “speed play”. Fartlek is an informal and playful type of speed work that can be used by runners of all levels. Rather than reps of a specific distance, you increase your pace during a run between objects you can see. For example between lamp posts or “from here to that tree”. This is fun activity when running with friends as you can take it in turns to shout the landmark to increase your pace to. It is good to vary the distances between objects and all the running in between should be at an easy pace to allow recovery.
Jeffing
“Jeffing” is a phrase coined, to describe the Jeff Galloway method of Run/Walk training. It is a well-recognised method that claims to help runners to extend the distance they cover with a reduced risk of injury and fatigue.
Great, thanks, I'd never heard of it or him but then, this is all unfamiliar territory for me. Second run done earlier this morning, colder but not so wet.... looking forward to being part of this community and hopefully getting fitter, lighter and healthier.
That is going to happen... suddenly you will realise you are feeling different ! It often happens without us noticing. The cold days have their own beauty and their own joys!
Hello, I am a super newbie and am planning on doing my first run on my lunch break today in exactly an hour and a half 😁
It's been many years since I attempted C25K and I have never gotten more than half way through so a little apprehensive! I will let you know how it goes.
Welcome and a HUGE well done for you. Did you check out the C25K pinned post? ( How to run C25K ?Loads of great ideas there...Please stay around and we will watch for your reply here, or a little post of your first run too?
Slow, steady and simply enjoy How exciting. I shall be thinking of you at lunchtime!
I did it!! 😁 I can't believe I actually made it the whole way and I managed all of the 60s runs! I was worried that I had gotten too unfit so I am so happy.
My biggest issue is the I get really bad stitch around the second to last run and usually end up walking. No idea what motivated me to push through today.
Looking forward to the chat as I definitely think I need some accountability 😉
Huge well done to you... I thought I had replied but I might have deleted it! Stitch can be a real pain and can be caused by different things and many of us have different ways of dealing!There may be some useful tips here?
If I get stitch.. ( which is rarely...) I stop, touch my toes.. stand and take some deep abdominal breaths.... it usually works
You did that run. Because you are a runner.. you are on the way and, if you keep it slow and steady, relax into it.. and enjoy, you are going to be just fine
Hi Oldfloss and everyone here. Thank you for hosting this, an informal place to chat sounds fab. I completed C25K last year, consolidated on increasingly sore legs (!!), and then had to rest my shin splints for months. Had stuttering re-starts as I was nervous about running again as I think I was telling myself if you don't run, you can't fail 😐 Started again during the summer and to keep me going, in October entered the Race at Your Pace thingy. No greater motivation for me than bling 🤣🤣 that really helped me stay focused.On a weeks break in Aldeburgh at the mo, and did my W7 R1 down the coast path towards Thorpeness. And it's lovely and flat 😆😆
This is so good to hear! Aldeburgh sounds perfect... I have been there, but a long time ago.It is so hard when we set out to run again, isn't it? We think we won't be able to.. and yet, when we do... with no pressure and just taking it gently...it is fine.'
Looking forward to some posts maybe and you popping in here for a chatter
Catch up Corner is a great idea & lovely to “see” you OF. 🤗 It also gives me a place to say that, after months of no running, I have permission from my physio to do 5mins of run/walk alternating lamp posts – so that is probably…… erm...Week 0.25??😂😂
Ahh, finally the great reveal. My contribution is that I'm still here, struggling a bit as I suspect I have a torn rotator cuff and that's causing quite a few problems ( first physio appointment on Monday) I am managing 2 runs a week, 3 is a bonus and feeling a bit of a let down because of this. That said I'm trying to be kind to myself!
Ouch! I do hope that the Physio, is going to help with your injury. Any run, if you can do it is worth doing...I have not run in two weeks... weather and life are getting their share in right now!Please do keep us posted
Hi OldflossI’ve popped in and out over the years joining after running for 9 years then getting a knee injury I hope the little bits that I have added have helped people asking questions.
This year I have completed the Lejog 9 in 8 and a half months and it really kept my spirits up during lockdowns I am now 200 miles into the south west coastal path.
I do resort to a little bit of Jeffing every so often but I love my running now and hope to carry on as long as I can.
Also going to Parkrun every Saturday working towards my 250 shirt now.
It’s lovely to hear from everyone especially the names from when I joined in.
This is so good to hear, and so good that you are still running. All the experiences of our runners are so useful supporting our new runners!We seem to go from strength to strength, and the Pandemic has encouraged far more folk to get out there. Very well done you and please do keep popping in to give us your tips!
Hello, I'm new to running and to social media so haven't quite sussed how it all works but fell over catch up corner!Just finished week one of couch to 5k, just because I've got to get fitter somehow. I've never been a runner but got to start somewhere
Biggest issue was the embarrassment factor, I'm running with my youngest child in buggy, and no proper kit, but I'm really glad to have completed a week and a dog walker said something encouraging so tomorrow I'll start week 2
Huge welcome and a HUGER well done for starting this. Welcome to this little chat corner too... new post comes out tomorrow... I'll add you to the tag list
Hopefully you have checked out the pinned post on How to run C25K...and are taking it gently. Lots of great information on that link!
Now, lose that embarrassment for starters. You are doing this and you should feel proud of yourself.
Many of us began trying to blend into the background, but this is a super programme and we should flaunt the fact !
Kit wise... if you have got some decent running shoes that will be the most important thing. There are great offers out there and not costing the earth too! A comfy top and leggings are fine.
Just keep it slow and steady as you run with your small one... take everything in, and use it as time for you too.
Remember;
" Self -confidence is the best outfit, rock it and own it ".
Thanks!Week 2 run 1 went fine this morning, I'm really happy to stick with slow and steady with my little lady shouting 'dog' to keep us entertained
Re kit I'm OK with the top and leggings but currently running in my old skechers trainers, any direction on finding cheap running shoes for wide toes would be helpful, I often buy mens trainers for width. Was tempted with second hand ebay as not keen to spend much when I'm only just starting, but I hear its not a good idea as the shoes shape to your feet...
But feeling positive to be moving forward and glad to find encouragement here
The fact I'm only noticing this post from 5 days ago indicates how things are at the moment 🤪🤣 don't know if I'm coming or going 🙃 A fabulous idea, I hope it provides encouragement and safe place for everyone who needs it. I seem to be on the slowest path to re-graduating ever!! Last run was almost 2 weeks ago (week 8 run 1) and just recovering from a cold so not sure when next run will be... but hopefully this week 🤞
Hello there. You have your hands full and you and I know, we just go with it
The runs wait... it took me from December to April to re graduate, this time around. I got my first run? in, this week after 3 weeks previously.
You have full time exercises with those boys! Awesome!
I shall post Week 2 of this month's Catch up Corner tomorrow. Just pop in, when you can and let us know how it goes. Just being here, means we can share what is happening with us x
Another great post to motivate me, thank you!Onwards and upwards to 5k 3 times week via c25k. Happy New Year. 66 I'm June and as WASPI. woman who has had to wait an extra 6 years her her state retirement pension, need to be fit to be able to spend it
So true,... we all need to be motivated and to enjoy the experience too. May I cut and paste you onto the January Post For Catch up? I would like everyone to read your post?
Having recently turned 75 after doing C25k and being a regular here eight years ago, I have sorted out my New Years goal. It is to organise myself to keep on doing what I am doing for a further 5 years - and hopefully maybe even longer?? I am eyeing off and event midyear - which is called a "running Pentathlon" - appears tough at first glance but the cutoff time are quite generous and will suit my slow pace. Basically 5 "races" over the course of 2 days - a HM (3 hours) followed by a 5k bush bash ( 1 hour) followed by a 5K road race (1 hour) on the first day - and on the second day a 10 K all uphill ( 2 hours) and a final 1 mile sprint down the mainstreet of the town involved in the event. I am combining my experience with C25k, Galloway run/walk/run and slow jogging to train for this. Currently doing 2 days per week of C2fk on the treadmill, a hard go at parkrun on Saturday and long slow social jogs ( I actually jog alongside faster walkers) on Sundays - with some walking and light weights on a couple of days. Who would have thought that C25k would have led me to where I am - and mostly injury free too. Here is a pic of my running shoes - did a Marathon in these .
This is a great post for us all to share.. could I copy it onto the Catch-Up Corner post for January please... I would like everyone and all our new beginners to read it:)Fantastic post and what an inspiration you are x
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