CATCH-UP CORNER...Decembrrrr...rrrr...rrr. WEEK 1. Come and join the fun :)

[Oldfloss]

Hello there Running friends...WHITE RABBITS!

Can you believe it ? Can you ?

No, not that... I mean, that it is DECEMBER !

If I sound excited, it is because I am!

I am absolutely delighted to say, that the Trial run, of Catch Up Corner was a success!

The response from you awesome folk has really been amazing and what you have all achieved over the last four weeks... just spectacular.

As a result, we are carrying on with this and because of you brilliant people, I get to stay here with you! (Oh no )!

You incredible people, have battled against, illness, injury, extra work, extra family responsibility and yet, you have still got out there...but... if you did not manage to get out there, you went easy on yourself.

You relaxed, you did what you were able, and you let NOTHING spoil your enjoyment of being a runner. Wow!

The location of your runs that you share last week were spectacular, and so varied. I think we all got a free virtual run when we were looking at your super photographs. Thank you all!

I am as ever, in awe of you all.

Now.. what have I been doing, while you have been achieving so very much; well besides whizzing around like a small whizzing snail, I have NOT run. I have had extra care days for a small person, I have been hurtling around indoors and generally being very, very active.

I have not run through laziness though, but because the weather has been dreadful... really dreadful. Snow, hail, more snow, wind and ice.

Well. Ice and I do not agree, and this ice was really icy and never moved for three days. The weather was so severe ( although not as severe as many folk have and still are, experiencing) , I was taken back to 2018, and the dreaded Beast From the East...and then , in 2019, a visit from the small brother, Dennis, he was a real menace.

Lost in thought, I decided to have a ramble... and write a sequel ! Oh no, I hear you cry, not ANOTHER one!

Yup... I am first here in the cosy corner and curled up on the cushions, so I am going ahead.

Ode to...The Force from the North

*

The Beast from the East

On a rampaging feast

In years past filled the skies with his roars.

And the Pest from the West

Well, he did his best...

To keep all us runners indoors...

*

The hail and the snow

Making us slow, try

To stop us before we've begun.

The force of each gale

Makes us certain to fail

As these beasts put an end to each run.

*

We've all been here before

We've heard worse than this roar

And we still know just what we must do

Through thick and through thin

We will never give in

These pests' downfall is still overdue!

*

If it's safe and with care

We'll head out, so beware

You Pests, we are NOT to be swayed

We'll stay strong on our path

In your face we'll just laugh

You'll see of what strength we are made!

*

Winter? Yes, it is coming

But, we'll still be running

Despite dark days, the snow, wind or rain

And, YES we'll still run

Until Winter is done

And you Beasts, will be thwarted again

*

SO there!

Now... Ramble over... SO...

For anyone who is just joining us this month, this is a link to the introductory post for Catch-up Corner.. It gives you an idea why I set this up

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Please, please, do come and join us, this is a great place to kick off your shoes and share your running

I look forward to reading your replies

Oldfloss x

PS

The picture is a paining I did last year in my online Water-colour class. All painted with a bank card... :0 I call the small farm and the painting... The Over-draught !

See what I did there... play on words and spelling too! x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Renidragas Instructor57 nowster quirkybee -David-G dijep Roxdog SueAppleRun Oldgirlrun Elfe5 skysue16 Lola-bear Marvincat doggytail Shandy1

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

3rd_time_lucky BS44 Katprid Jackapoodle Jell6 Mumpark LottieMW Ian5K Hidden Mum22boys Hidden Bluebirdrunner Greenthorn Week7 Mummycav

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh another great post! I am inspired!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

....Great to see you here again..looking forward to your posts!

[Indielass00 Graduate]

Another great post Oldfloss Loved the poem 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 and that Catch Up Corner is here to stay! 👍🏻 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Indielass00]

Thank you!!! I am thrilled to bits... I love it and I love reading about what we are all up to x

[Indielass00 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Definitely! We are a community and connecting is so important! 🙏🏻 x

[Indielass00 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

My week has sounded similar to yours (minus the ice and snow). My 7 yo daughter has Covid. So last weekend made Isolation happier for my girl by putting up Christmas decorations and tree up. She loved it and it was nice to focus on a different C word for a change! 😀 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Indielass00]

Oh my goodness. That is very frightening. I do hope she is making a good recovery.getting the tree up and making things special sounds perfect to me...xxx

[Hidden in reply to Indielass00]

I hope your daughter is on the mend! My ( just adult) daughter has also had Covid this week, but after a few days of 'flu type' illness, she has been fine.

[Indielass00 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

My daughter is loads better thanks. Thats good that your daughter is too! my 3yo son got a positive PCR on Thursday and I’ve had a positive lateral flow today, so that’s Only my husband left to go. Just awaiting my PCR results!

[Hidden in reply to Indielass00]

I do hope you aren’t too poorly!

[Indielass00 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I got my positive PCR this morning. Felt like my head has been in a vice most of the day from intense headaches 😞

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Indielass00]

No! This is so not good!!! Fingers crossed that you are all not to poorly. xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

I am so glad that she is recovering x

[Indielass00 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss . My girl is out of isolation tomorrow and back to school. I got a positive PCR this morning and had intense headaches and muscle aches so far. My husband still got the all clear for now. My 3 yo son doing well. It’s all go!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Indielass00]

Oh...dear. I am glad the others are doing okay...is husband able to help with things.Do take care of yourself ! X

[Indielass00 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I’ve felt rough today and hubby has had kids all day. He will be taking day off work tomorrow to look after our son. Thanks for checking in xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Indielass00]

That's good. You just rest...x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Hello Floss, what a lovely poem and post, we ran this morning and the other day were lucky enough to be on the seafront as the sun went down and the sky was blazing

Pier

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

That is stunning... how wonderful it is to see all the photographs and share where folk are. That looks glorious and we are hoping to get to the coast ourselves on Tuesday... Pandemic and Wales permitting!Thank you xxx

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Ooo I hope you do get to the coast, it’s so healing to be by the sea I love seeing everyone’s pictures of places they walk and run

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Me too, seeing where everyone is running makes me feel so close to people. All running together, all sharing our ambitions, our dreams and our worries too x

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes that’s exactly right it’s great to share a good run but lovely that people are supportive of the not so good bits of our lives too xx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Love you poem Floss and Cosy Corner is a lovely place to spend time...No running here at the moment either, I've been a bit under the weather... however, you have inspired me to say,

The North Wind will blow,

And we will have snow,

And what will Bluebirdrunner do then poor thing,

To her mat she will go,

To breathe, stretch and flow,

Keeping safe, warm and sound,

With her feet on the ground.

Forward fold, tree and frog,

And more downward dog,

Namaste she will say,

Keeping the gremlins at bay.

She will feel calm, still and at rest,

Present and blessed,

Thank goodness for dear Adriene!🧘‍♀️🙏

Apologies for this🤗 I couldn't help it😉

I will try and fit in some runs of course.

xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

This fabulous!!! Just terrific and yes, I image you, with Adrienne; keeping you fit, strong and stress free. Sounds perfect to me :)Feel better soon, my friend x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Another lovely poem from you Floss, would you believe it, I have now been on this forum for just over 3 years, it is there best forum on the Internet 👍👍🏃🏾

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

It has been a delight to have had you join us here and you have become one of our stalwart members This is, one of the best places to be, definitely. x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I remember the morning of my very first parkrun when you sent me a private message wishing me all the best, I received it just 10 minutes before I left the house, after I received my result I sent you a private message telling you before I posted it on the main forum.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

You did indeed my friend ...and how far you have travelled since then; sharing your advice and your love of running with all our friends here x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes Oldfloss, I have run 77 (not) parkruns, there have been only 77 of them, one a week, 31 official Parkruns, 20/10Ks and 5/10 mile runs, that's nothing compared to some runners on those forums, however, I did not run 1 Kilometre since leaving school, I took up cycling instead of running until I began C25K in April 2018 just before my 72nd birthday in May of that year.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

You joined later than me I was 65! I remember seeing a photo of you on one of your posts, and it reminded me of a favourite painting I have of St Nicholas... I hope you don't mind me saying that! You have done amazingly since you began !

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Of course I don't mind, I have trimmed down my beard a good bit, despite that, a runner this morning at my 22nd Parkrun said "good morning Santa" I don't mind the least bit, ho, ho, ho🎅🎅🎅🎅🎅🎄

[Frenc Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I do enjoy your posts Al. 😊

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Thanks Frenc🏃🏾👍

[Hidden]

A lovely Floss Ramble-Poem. ☺️ I’m so glad Catch-up Corner is here to stay. It brought back memories of running through last winter brrr 🥶 I’m afraid I haven’t run recently either. …..

I’ve been sitting on the bench, which is fortunately not quite the dreaded Injury Couch 🛋 , having developed a bad cold which turned into a nasty dose of sinusitis. I’ve had a quiet couple of (maybe 3 ?) weeks, with no running at all as my energy’s been zilch, but I have enjoyed lovely dog walks in the woods. My walk through our little market town high street this morning offered up a little knitted surprise sitting atop the postbox - a lovely knitted Christmas scene, so I include a photo. A few weeks ago the same postbox was adorned with crocheted poppies. Somebody has been busy!

This week I’m going to run a few favourite C25K runs to ease myself back in gently. It is lovely to catch up on everyone else’s progress, those graduating, starting or rerunning and those who, like me, pop and visit from over the bridge to enjoy the fun here on C25K.

Happy running everyone. Wrap up warm 😊

Christmas decoration on our local postbox 🎄

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Isn't that beautiful. Folk have really shown their talents since this dreadful virus , slowed us all down.A few folk are suffering with seasonal illness and sinusitis...yuk! I totally empathise. It is so painful and draining too.

It will be wonderful if you are to be out for a few little jogettes. Thank you for popping in here and telling us what you are up to; it is so good to be able to share with our friends on all different levels of running x

I hope the children, ( can I call them that now)? are well x

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi Oldfloss - yes, you can call them that 😊! They are both well, thank you. There are so many sniffs and other viruses going around just now, we forget that sometimes with everything that’s happened. I’m hoping to squeeze in a little jogette over the next few days, though work seems to be taking over a little at the moment for obvious reasons! 💉 😷

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

That is good...and I do hope you get a run in xx

[Roxdog Graduate]

We all need a lift! Some of us are, or have been, under the weather, but this makes us smile with hopefulness for our winter runs!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you , so much. Sometimes the smallest, silliest things make us smile and give us that welcome lift.. Smiling has such power too, the more we do it, the more we get in return. I have a poem I wrote for my Year one children when I taught, all about the power of a smile.. you have just reminded me of that

[nowster Graduate]

No run today. I tried. I even kitted up my bottom half with the idea of nipping out at lunchtime or between meetings. The first opportunity was scuppered by a downpour of rain and the second by finding extra work that needed doing between the meetings. Then it got dark, and I didn't fancy doing an hour's running in the cold and dark tonight.

Also, my bum is still a little tender from slipping on ice on Monday. I'm planning to run first thing tomorrow. It's going to be quite cold then.

And the photo is from yesterday's short walk. This time last year I'd be running down this as my really short run.

Path through woods

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to nowster]

Beautiful little track through the woods.. Sometimes, life really does throw things at us, to a greater or lesser degree.Ice is a real danger. Black ice particularly. I fell some years ago and it was so painful. I hurt my back. It was one of the reason we got a treadmill...

Hopefully you will get out this morning, although, here, we have awoken to a snow covered world again

[LiisaM Graduate]

Dear OldFloss!Again I have not run, but I have done my muscle exercises.

I am worn out from trying to get my recalcitrant husband to eat a diabetic diet. Mostly I have succeeded. (He is eating a couple wedges of raw cabbage right now, which he likes--unbelievable! I'd rather have mine in coleslaw.) I'm finding that if I put a lot of proper foods in front of him, he actually eats them, but finding, washing, preparing them is wearing! He's had a massive change in diet--no more 4 scoops of ice cream after every lunch and dinner, and that's hard for me to be the refrigerator/freezer police.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Well, here you are and here you are, still exercising and still standing :)A huge well done to you for all your efforts and for sharing them with us. The strength you show in such tricky times is enviable.

Your husband is making small steps, slow and steady and apart from putting the ice cream under lock and key, he is eating healthier.

We do have an ice cream here in the UK, Frank's Dialicious ice cream, which can be eaten by diabetics. ( I am sure there are other brands. Are you able to get anything like that where you are.?

A Huge well done to you...keep up those muscle exercise and know that for you, and me and many of us right now...the runs will wait x

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

We probably can get such a product here, but hubby might complain and want his original stuff so I'm just trying to change his eating habits instead.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Right.. well I will PM you with some ideas!

[Hidden in reply to LiisaM]

Have you looked into Low Carb diets- brilliant for diabetics (and the rest of us)?

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Dear Helen, my husband's doctor has recommended this one: smile.amazon.com/Neal-Barna... and my husband seems to be really reviving from his previous state. This doctor does not recommend low carb which is apparently bad for people and harms one's organs long term. Instead, I am concentrating on whole foods containing plenty of fiber--like cabbage, other vegetables, beans, and fruit. So he's not getting sugar or juice and he's not getting bread for awhile though, as I understand that it is metabolized too quickly. Also, my husband wants butter on it so it's not going along with Dr. Barnard's recommendation for low fat. I recently learned that excess fat in one's diet can clog up the sugar receptors in the body's cells which then causes sugar to circulate in the blood and causes "high sugar." I was amazed when I learned that!

[Hidden in reply to LiisaM]

There is considerable evidence for low carb and the NHS are not always up to speed about this. There is a forum on here (LCHF) or look at Dr Jason Fung, diet doctor, Tim Spector or Michael Moseley to understand the science. Low carb allows for plenty of fat, which makes food taste good, fills you up and reduces the blood sugar spikes that lead to type 2.

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hi, Helen, have you seen this? nutritionfacts.org/video/lo...

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Hidden]

and this one.... nutritionfacts.org/video/wh...

[Hidden in reply to LiisaM]

I would just say, do your research!

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Hidden]

You don't agree with the science reports above? Because my grandmother was diabetic, I have done a lot of reading about it. I think we are on the right path with the support of Earl's doctor.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

I am sure that the advice from your GP is suiting Earl and you; so probably best to follow their advice Keep strong x

[Hidden in reply to LiisaM]

Do what you think is right. I just don’t agree with you and I have also done a lot of research as my husband is type 1.

[Hidden in reply to LiisaM]

This is a subject that raises strong opinions and I don’t really want to engage in that debate. What I do has worked for me and mine. I would just repeat: do your research and do not necessarily do what the doctor tells you.

[Jackapoodle Graduate]

Hi Floss and everyone. Love the poem 😍 and chuffed to hear that Catchup Corner is here to stay!So, on Monday I did my final run of C25K thus completing the programme for the second time 🥳 so pleased and *whisper* shin splints held at bay so far. So my physio pleased too, bless him. Due to run my first consolidation run tomorrow but I'm meeting a friend so will go out on Friday. I invested in some thermal leggings to help me in my celebratory final run of the programme and I'm never taking them off again (except to wash them, obvs). Love em 😍 Are thermal undies a thing?? #askingforafriend 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

I am so thrilled that the Corner is still open...it has been a real joy to see how well received this has been for so many of us x

Thermal undies are indeed a thing! Many of the well known suppliers of our running clothes stock them. Thermal leggings are a must, certainly for me and I di take an advantage of the Black Friday deals!

Well done you... and HUGE well done you for completing the C25K run for the second time!It is still quite a feeling isn't it? Different, but still so special and I am really glad that the... shhh.. nasty shin splints are not in evidence.

Enjoy your day out and hopefully... tomorrow on your run, I may be able to join you.. as we have awoken to snow covered ground again this morning!

Thank you x

PS

No badge this time around so just a trophy from me x

🏆

[Jackapoodle Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Aw thank you so much x You're right, it did feel special but in a different way. So thankful that time, patience (and a lot of stretching!!) paid off. I'm looking forward to spending the next few months joggling along for 30 mins, no goals other than that for now, I'm in no rush. My dream is to reach 10K and that will wait for me ☺

Tomorrow I'm googling those thermals!!

That's a very special trophy to receive. Thank you 😊 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

Hope you got the thermals and tootling along at 30 minute stretches will be perfect for testing them!The runs do wait...I as in no hurry to get to 10K and it did evolve wonderfully! eventually the first HM came along, but it waited too, until I was ready for it , ( aged 69) !

The strength work seems to have really paid off for you and I feel the importance of that cannot be stressed enough. Keeping the rest of our body in tune with the running legs!

Well done you x

[Jackapoodle Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Wow that's fabulous. I'm a wee bit younger at 57 but get so many people saying you can't start to run at your age, you'll hurt yourself, and so on and I can't understand it. I'm happy ageing (the alternative is worse) and I think these people should come on this forum for inspiration 🙂Only managed a quick Google yesterday but thermals are most definitely going in a virtual basket this weekend. I need these in my life (something else I'll be sneaking into my running drawer 😉 ) x

[Yesletsgo Administrator in reply to Jackapoodle]

M&S Heatgen thermals are great, very thin but so warm!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

I wear those normally! Bought them over the years...I think I have most colours and some snazzy sparkly ones for winter time indoors... great price too!

[Yesletsgo Administrator in reply to Oldfloss]

I live in them for at least 3 months of the year!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thank goodness.. not just me!

[Jackapoodle Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Ooo thank you, I can't believe I didn't think of M & S!!! 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

I’m here Oldfloss …got my fluffy socks on …..I’ve finished week 2 now so starting week 3 this evening. I love the snow, when I can look at it from inside, although my last run was down by the canal on the snow with my swan friends keeping me company & although it was freeeeeezing, it was exhilarating so I was one happy runner.Your poem is so lovely, you have a beautiful way with words xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Morning , Mummy Fluffy Socks!Huge well done to you, with life and work being so busy for you ! So great that your new role has taken off so well x

We have snow again here, ( not forecast ),and yes, it is so pretty, as long as we take care.

Your last run sounds delightful...I have a lovely image of that.

Slow and steady as you go and have a good run this evening.

Have a good day, my friend x

[Frenc Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Swans are beautiful aren’t they. We had a sign up nearby recently, “Warning - Temperamental Swan!” so I always really skirted round that area. 😊😊😊

[Hidden in reply to Mummycav]

Fluffy socks are the business! I am glad to see you running mummycav. Life can be tricky with so many demands on us (particularly for women perhaps), but really important to make the time and space for ourselves x

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hello everybody, so nice to see everyone snuggled up in this cosy little corner of the forum, I finally got out for a little run today, first one since my booster (wow that was a so-and-so! glad to have it though)It was sunny and snowy in places, so we proceeded with caution, making up a little run/walk with the runs getting a little longer as we went along and realised that we could still keep going after 3 minutes! We stopped to walk when we reached slippery patches, and we chatted all the way. No records were set

😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

That sounds perfect to me...no records, but a wonderful run, plenty of chat and a snowy sunny day :)Glad you are boostered and feeling more like yourself. Aren't we lucky to have them!

Good to have you back here with us... x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Lablove Poppdog Mormor1 Frenc Tbae slipstick AmateurJogger

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Standing by the window in Catch-up Corner, and hoping that everyone is okay... we have had snow again here and it is bitterly cold. The ice yesterday was really treacherous. So folks do take care out there, especially if it is icy.

Hoping too that quirkybee , Renidragas -David-G Elfe5 skysue16 Lola-bear Marvincat doggytail and Shandy1

3rd_time_lucky BS44 Katprid Jell6 Mumpark LottieMW are all okay out there

Now you know that my reputation as an old worrier is a valid one x

[Katprid in reply to Oldfloss]

Hello, sorry its been a while since my last update. I ended up chucking in the running again when it got so cold and dark 🙁 I have reverted back to my walking again for now. Might be back when it warms up a bit!!

[Frenc Graduate]

Old Floss, Old Floss,She may not have run,

But she’s gathered no moss!

Well, I’ve been meaning to sit down and catch up for days, but have been so busy with work etc, I’ve been chasing my tail a bit. Thank goodness it’s Friday evening is all I can say 😁.

Luckily the weather here hasn’t been too bad, very cold, but nice and bright with a smattering of snow, and not on a run day so that was ok.

My only concession to it was a route change at 6am the other day, it was 0 degrees, and I figured my usual country road route would be a bit slippy so I did something a bit more sensible. It was a great run - for the first time in an age my legs felt really good! I’m hoping they behave themselves on Sunday, as I’ve decided to tackle a pretty hilly route for the first time. If I manage it I’ll be super pleased.

I listened to a podcast with the snooker player Ronnie O’Sullivan the other day, all about his love for running (10k in 37 mins or something crazy like that), Anyway, he said that the winter is for putting in lots of hard work and then reaping the rewards in the summer, hence my routes are getting a bit more undulating just to mix it up a bit.

But I’m feeling a lot less pressure than before, I’m starting to enjoy it more again. Just being kinder to myself! I’ve been stretching like a demon too, and it seems to be starting to pay off a bit.

I’m so glad that catch up corner is here to stay, it’s brill!

Old Floss, Old Floss,

Your catch up corner brings a bit of gloss,

We all really enjoy it, and that’s because,

After a run we like to read and need to defrost!

All the best! 😊😊😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Thank you! What a poet! That is brilliant!

Your running sounds to be really exciting at the moment and really enjoyable too. It is great to mix the runs up and to set a few different personal challenges.

I never imagined Ronnie Sullivan running! Gosh he must be fast !

But, using the winter months to try new things and to build up, everything, ready for the better weather sounds like a plan.

I am trying to keep the strength and stamina work going, but the weather her has played havoc with the running a bit!

So glad that your legs are feeling strong and we are really looking forward to your report on tomorrows hill run!

Enjoy !

[Frenc Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Ah thank you 😊. The strength and stamina bit takes, well, a bit of stamina doesn’t it! Do you find that sometimes the running bit can be the most straightforward, it’s all the other little things we need to do around it that can be quite hard work! Eat right, water, stretch, strengthen, right clothes, weather, traffic! My little brain gets fairly muddled 🤣. Definitely worth it though!

Here’s that Ronnie O’Sullivan podcast of you have a spare half hour:

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podca...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Thank you!

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate]

Im a bit late, but I'll join please 😀🏃‍♀️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Come on in and join the fun. Please do let us know what you are up to, this is a perfect place to share x

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

Hello Oldfloss, I'm still in Russia and it's cold. Not as cold here in western Russia as in the far East of this massive country, the weather forecasts show places where it's -45C ❄️❄️❄️I'm afraid I've got lazy. I don't fancy running in snow, I left my merino socks in England and the thin ones I've got here just aren't as warm. Husband keeps encouraging me to get out there but it just doesn't appeal. Right now I should be running with his friend's club but it was dark and cold...

I'm hoping that the sun will come out later and stir my mojo back to life.

Yours, hibernating

OBK

[Frenc Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Oldbadknees, that’s rather cold! Not surprised you miss those socks 🧦🧦. But I hope you enjoy that run when you get out there. 😊😊😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Goodness...I shall not be wittering on about the cold here! That is seriously chilly!Well done you on waiting for a bit of sunshine...

If we have the right clothes it can be a different matter, but feet and fingers really feel it.

Hibernating for a while sound perfect and here in the corner, it is getting very cosy.

Do let us know if you get out there today please. Will you be back in warmer climes soon ?

[Yesletsgo Administrator in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes, back to the UK on 12th. It's nowhere near -45 here, around -1 but I'm a terrible wimp on the cold 🥶❄️❄️❄️😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

My fingers and head have to be kept warm...I am a hat wearer!🥳

[Hidden in reply to Yesletsgo]

I'm feeling nosy about why you are in Russia, but please don't respond to that unless you are comfortable. I think that running in different places is really cool and can be added to the memory box!

[Yesletsgo Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Married to a Russian so just visiting family 😁 it's so interesting to be somewhere different!

[Hidden in reply to Yesletsgo]

Yes indeed. Must be great to be able to visit after so long. My son is in China and I cant wait to see him in person and give him a hug!

[Yesletsgo Administrator in reply to Hidden]

Oh, I feel for you! The restrictions on international travel since March 2020 have made the world seem so much bigger and sadder. Won’t it be great when things sort themselves out?

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

I almost psyched myself up to go running after I posted this but then I looked out of the window and it was snowing again 😂 went for a gentle 3km stroll in a nearby resort town instead!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

That sounds a much better idea x

[Hidden]

No ice or snow here but I've been brought up short by good old covid! I just completed week 4 before we began mass isolation, two adults and four children 10 and under has been hard going stuck in for 10 days. Weve had a lot of Mario kart, Christmas craft, and getting lights and tinsel up.

Three of us definitely positive, but very thankful to have just had booster jabs as symptoms no worse than a shocking cold.

I won't be free till at least weds when the last child finishes isolation, im itching for fresh air. I resorted to running on the spot with the wii fit but it's not the same. Sadly the garden is much too small to run round!

Any advice on how to restart? Ive only been running 4 or 5 weeks and I'm worried about losing the momentum I had. Should I repeat week 4, or go back further? Or just get out and enjoy some sort of run and not stress about the detail?!

Thanks for being here, at least I have somewhere to ask and i will let you know how I go

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Hidden

Oh my goodness...that is horrid and thank goodness that you were all, not too ill with it. Thank goodness for booster shots!

Running on the spot is no substitute, although roseabi put up some links for indoor walking sessions. (I'll see if I am able to find the link!). They were fun and maybe the children might join in with follow my leader! They were with Holly Dolke.

When you feel okay.. and you will know when that is... then I suggest maybe, just head out for a jogette and see how everything feels... your body will soon tell you what is what,

relaxed and steady as you go. We are all reacting differently to the injections and the dratted virus, so just be aware. The runs do wait for us... and though it is tempting, best to err on the side of caution.

If all feels well, then start Week 4 maybe as a warm up. and then you will know you are ready for the next week

Do be kind to yourself and a HUGE well done for staying strong with everything you have had thrown at you... all of you x We are here, anytime you need to pop in :)x

I found the link...

youtube.com/watch?v=XvClcfV...(Not working as expected?)

I know it says weight loss. but I did it anyway, just for the exercise.. x

[Hidden]

Love the painting Floss! I am thinking about learning the ukulele next 🤔.

I turned 60 this week and I have to say that 4 years ago, I never would have contemplated running to celebrate! Today I ran a very relaxed 6k as a nod to the next decade. Listened to the end of' My Little friend' by Donna Tarte which I have read before, but is a great and powerful book.

It was cold today, and I was wearing insufficient layers; the wind blew squally showers in from the east and the trails were muddy. However, I felt strong and like I could've kept on forever. I saw a small group of walkers but otherwise it was deserted.December is always a good month for me as 2 weeks off over the holidays means that I can get some miles in. I will try and run every day I think.

😄

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Helen.. it was fun and I had a lot of old cards I was able to snip! I enjoyed the challenge.I am learning ballet too.. Using the Silver Swans site... ballet for the err, more seasoned of us. Bought myself a barre last year and follow the online lessons!

Happy belated birthday!

Gosh I celebrated mine in the Cotswold, it seems like an age away with all that has been happening.

Your 6K sounds to have been interesting. And although you had tricky bits, you obviously enjoyed it. Interestingly 6K was always the pint where where I passed it, I felt that I too, could run for ever.. in my first HM,, I was so relieved to reach 6K and knew I would complete it.

Just super that you have time off to enjoy and relax into runs too.. running every day too, keeps everything in trim ready for the coming of better weather.

Huge well done you, and have a good Sunday

[Running_at50 Graduate]

Loved the poem 🥰