Hello everyone! 2022...Can you believe it? It is 2022!
Yes, I have opened the doors to Catch-Up Corner again; the cushions are plumped up. the fire is glowing and we are all ready to share, a little or a lot, about what is happening with our running. Whether you are just beginning the C25K plan, are already on the way, or have returned for a repeat. you are welcome
I hope, most sincerely, that all of you found your own ways, to enjoy the last week of December and the Winterval season?
What a year we have had; and the new one seems to be bringing a whole new set of surprises...but...here we are, and we are all set to take on whatever comes.
I was going to call this post Runners' Revolution, but, no... Runners' Resolution, because after all, this is the time when folk go overboard and make loads of unattainable promises to themselves which are impossible to fulfil! ( Ours will be more sensible).
We are going to be resolute, but, we are going, also to be realistic. ( Gosh I sound bossy, don't I )? I will explain.
The last few weeks I have not managed to run very much at all... plenty of exercise, but not the running. Extra care days with small ones, various appointments and the general run up to Yule and the following days. But, I was determined to stick to my plans. No overthinking, no over-worry and to just do what I was able. And I did!
So... I have one simple resolution for my running this year, ( well maybe two, but one is always with me). I am going to continue with MY mantra of slow and steady, and the second one? I am going to really try to remember to be kind...to myself. It may not be easy, the times we are in are not easy, and we all have our own issues, and I like you, have a few right now!
I will set myself challenges, in my running; personal challenges that are mine alone and if I do not always meet those challenges, however hard I try, I will remember that I am out there, doing what I am able and it is enough. I am enough. I will keep trying, I will move forward, but I will not be bowed down by setbacks.
Now, that is ME.... but all of us will have different ideas about how we move on through this running year. It is like blank pieces of paper, which we are about to write upon...yes, there will be blots, there will be crossing out, but there will also be line after line of wonderful, well written, running activities too.
So... if you are able, and as and when you have the time, maybe we could share a running resolution you may have for yourself? It is early days and maybe, we need to settle into the routines again after the celebrations? But, it will be great to share a few ideas and to let us all know how we are all feeling.
I will share a secret running plan I have for the future...in a future post Ha ha !
All I ask, is that when you think about where you plan to go with your running, that you just keep, in the back of your mind, a thought...that you are important, not simply for others. But for you. Never doubt your own importance
Okay.. well that was heavy!
I am about to relax now after my first day of RED January... which for me, was a wonderful, one and a half hour walk across the fields with my family! First Run day of 2022, in the morning... it starts!
Looking forward to hearing from you all, over the next few days
Stay safe, stay strong !
Love Oldfloss x
PS
For any NEW runners, for runners already on C25K.... and for those of us repeating parts of or all of C25K. Here is the link to the first Catch up Corner post, explaining what it is all about.
I'm also going to try to RED this month. This will mean me cutting back a bit occasionally so that I don't overdo it. I've planned that the runs will vary from about 2¼km to a Half Marathon. My first run of this year, this morning, was a new-to-me parkrun course.
Here's hoping the weather will let us do this! (Snow expected later in the week.)
I'm going to try that.... Is there a time limit for each activity I wonder...will check it out. I like the idea. I'm also planning dry January but kind of forgot today 🙃there is always tomorrow 😀
I try and aim for 3 runs a week 5-10k so I'll keep to that and aim for something different on the other days. I did think I might join the local gym for a few months to try a treadmill and use the swimming pool.
We're on parallel plans then, good luck! What's stopping you starting dry January today?? It's getting through the first few days that's hardest for me. I always have a glass of wine as I prepare supper🍷
I always join my husband at the pub on sundays for 2 glasses of lager, so thought. Its my first day back at the gym tomorrow so it could also be first day of dry January.Help this is going to be difficult not the exercise the lack of alcohol
I’ve not been around for a good while with injured knees and all sorts else going on. So my 2022 resolution is to get back into running, but gradually. I need to do a few weeks of the knee strengthening exercises I know I need before I will be restarting from scratch with week one of C25K. I am expecting to be called in for an operation at some point this year so want to get a bit fitter before that so I can recover better. And if I’ve already started the running programme as planned I shall be better placed to recover more quickly, I’m sure.That is my plan, anyway!
So good to have you back here, and a sound plan to take it steadily with your knee. There are some exceptionally good ideas on the Strength and Flex forum which may help. Getting in good shape for a future op' can only be beneficial.Looking forward to your posts and replies here x
I had set a goal of 100 books read this year and I ended the year merely over 80. I was angry with myself, but then I read a post saying to be nice to yourself and let some goals slide. After all, these were for fun and not for serious study and "Life happened!" It's kind of like my running program--"Life happened!" So I will run when I can and in the meantime, I do find time for muscle exercise continuation. We are getting whipped with snow here--3 to 6" in the next 24 hrs instead of the 6-10" they originally predicted--so that's okay! Happy New Year, Everyone!
You are doing wonderfully, keeping up with your exercises, when and where you can. Being nice to yourself is the key as you say. But sometimes easier to say than do.I read for many reasons, but my reading is simply led by my choice and my need Well done you
Well, I kicked off early by re-starting C25k a few days ago (at week 2). I've signed up to Adriene's beginner Yoga (January 30 days) as posted by CBDB in Strength and Flex.
I finally found out last week what LeJOG is! So I've signed up today with EndToEnd to do the virtual Land's End to John O'Groats (874 miles). Anyone else up for that challenge?
Huge well done you. There are a fair few of us doing the Yoga Challenge. Hopefully mind and body will be recharged by the end of the month!Looking forward to your posts on LeJOG too ! x
The yoga is a favourite with many of us ... well done you. Your plans sound straightforward and achievable! Slow and steady in your own time... we will watch for your posts and hearing from you, here in the corner x
Happy new year fellow catch-uppers! I might join you in Red January, it's been a woolly sort of idea of mine to do an activity every day anyway, so now I will be accountable 😁I did a run-walk two days ago, runs of 4,7,7,4 minutes long, so that's 22 minutes altogether, and I was beyond chuffed to run the 7 minutes sections. Now I'm thinking of joining a local running club's c25k, doing my own thing on my own runs until the course catches up to where I am, then carrying on. Went for a walk with Mr Grumpy today, but planning on another run tomorrow. Good luck everyone!
I hope you do join in... and it is good to have you back here. Joining in with a group, but keeping to your own plan sounds just right... just carrying on listening and carry on enjoying.
After a really difficult year,covid, bereavement injury and loss of motivation after running every day for GOSH in July, I lost my way with my running, was going to pilates and aqua aerobics, just lost my will to run. Now I'm back and determined to get back on track. C25k here we go again!!
I think running can be very 'confronting' sometimes, on an emotional level and sometimes we're just not ready for that. Redoing C25K sounds a great idea to shift the focus.
Welcome back. Our new runners are often popping in here, but since the Corner doors opened in November, many, many repeaters are here; including me:)What a year you have had. Time now for you to move forward gently and steadily. It is good to have you here
Hi - great idea. I graduated C25K in November and after a period of consolidating at 30 mins I've started to slowly increase the time again. Today was my 40th run, the 13th after graduation.
I had originally set an aim of simply still being able to run 30 mins at the end of the winter, based on the assumption that winter weather would make it hard to get out (I'm in Canada). I planned to push on from that next summer. But- I'm now at 37.5 mins, so my aim now is to be able to easily run 45 mins by the end of March, then use the summer to get to 1 hr by the end of July. As a stretch goal, I'd like to be able to run 10k by the end of 2022.
I'm really, really looking forward to an entire summer of running!!
You clearly have a sound plan in mind... and know exactly where you are going. The more runs you do, the more it evolves, and wonderfully, it is the slow relaxed longer runs that build up distance and yes, eventually speed too.Spring is on the way, and yes, the Summer will follow xx
My plan is to carry on alternating my 5k runs with a 14 week programme to get me from couch to 10k. I've just started week 4 and enjoying the combination of walking and running, I quite like being told what to do and ticking those weeks off!I'll also continue with weekly zumba and tap dancing lessons. I'm doing dry January up to Valentines Day, well that's the plan!
We're in Suffolk for a few days, my first run of the year will be on the beach today while husband follows with Stanley our lab.
Lovey stuff! Running by the sea... perfect! I am hoping to be at the coast for a couple of days this week !I think what you have planned is excellent take it at your own pace and enjoy
It was Sizewell which is a mixture of sand and shingle. We walk the dog there, dogs allowed all year on that beach. I'll never try to run there again! My legs still ache!
My training plans have gone pear shaped over the festive period, roll on kids going back to school!I’m around 2/3rds through a Garmin HM plan - hit the 21k once, but using a ‘Jeffing’ plan. To give myself focus, I’ve entered the Manchester half marathon in October (focus = forgetting about it for 9 months and panicking for 2 weeks).
Will try and increase the run/walk intervals (currently using 3’30”/30” intervals)
Wouldn’t mind seeing if I can improve my 5k pace as well if that’s not too greedy 😂
I’m aiming to beat last years Strava stats, which I completely forgot to save on New Year’s Eve but it’s around 930km
I love your plan for an October HM! Ha ha ! Maybe think about it before the two weeks There will be some great support on the Marathon and HM forum! Just take it gently... and listen to what is going on in your body and head. You will know what is best for you !
Good morning, your post is very motivating to me and like a lot of people RED dry January is my goal.As for my running I have been in isolation with Covid all over Christmas so haven’t run for 10 days. However I am released today🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️ So my plan is lunch out with my daughters - I’m so excited - then a resolution to restart my running.
I was up to 5 k more frequently and my best run for a long time was on Christmas Eve 5k in 39 mins- must have been the thought of Santa arriving- then Covid arrived instead😩
So intend to go back to running 3 times a week I’m not into speed or any further distance - slow and steady at my age😂 but need to also strengthen my core.
Kindness to ourselves and to others should be a resolution to us all.
Just super... all isolated and a reunion with your daughters too! So, maybe steady as you go, you are recovering your strength still and need to take care. Some simple core strength work will be really helpful.
Enjoy Red January, but maybe mix up the exercise each day? I shall be watching for your posts and replies here
I'm also doing MOVE. I signed up for YWA last year (my younger daughter got me into it) but restarting C25K as well. I haven't run for 6 months: Covid, then broke my ankle. I sneakily went for my first run on New Year's eve because I just couldn't resist any more! It was amazing. I really hope I can get back to 3 runs a week and be fitter again.
Slow and steady and you are going to get there and having enjoyed it. Enjoy your running for RED January and your return to C25Ltoo! You will enjoy it...no pressure, you know you can do it and it is fun x
Another glorious post from you Oldfloss 👍🏻🙏🏻.You are saying things that I’m already thinking. Being kind to myself is at top.
As for running, I like the sounds of sitting by the fire side you mentioned 🤣.
Seriously though, post Covid I have felt zapped. I enjoyed my mini Boxing Day run but since then I have been more than happy to stick to my little walks. Some days I have to give myself a little push to do them.
That being said I set myself running goals last year to achieve 5K and 10 k runs but never met them as I got injuries late January.
So this year I am continuing with the mentality I gained late last year. Just enjoy any running I can do as simple as that. I’m still learning my new gait and that makes running more challenging than before. It takes quite a while to change how you run.
The best thing I learnt last year is that injury taught me to appreciate the little things. A little running is better than no running and that’s what I’m taking into this year! 🥳😀
That sounds perfect to me...a little running is better than none. You are doing exactly what is right for you.This vile Covid has taken a huge toll, and the legacy lingers on! You take your time and at your own pace.
Who knows what this year will bring? I feel anything that we can do to keep ourselves fit, mind and body, will forearm us for any pitfalls.
I shall watch for your post and for you popping in here. ! x
Ha! I just read nowester’s reply and was planning to try REDJanuary this year but on the back of a couple of hours sleep ahead of a long shift at work and 5 yes 5 loads of laundry and a carpet shampoo (remind me i don’t want kids) I didn’t run on 1st so my resolution is to run more kilometres than in 2021 😀
I've started building up my running again after 6 months off with a torn piriformis. Facebook 'helpfully' reminded me I ran my second half marathon this time last year. Today I ran 7k and was just as proud of myself! I'd forgotten how good it feels to be pleasantly worn out and relaxed.
I've come to the conclusion I'm a better human being when I'm a runner.
I think many here would agree with you, for so many different reasons. Build on what you have done...use it to build further. You will get stronger and you will get back to where you wish to be. I can barely remember what running HM felt like...but I do know that if I stick to my mantra, then I may get back there too.
I shall watch for your progress and do pop in here to keep us posted please
Hello Floss and everyone in this cosy corner.Started back today with some January 2022 YWA yoga to begin to take some time for myself again after a troublesome December. I had a funny memory loss incident in mid December and was checked out by the doctor at my husbands insistance. The doctor was good, thorough, and he put it down to Transient global amnesia. I am fine again now, but it was unsettling. My blood pressure was a little high that day, so we have bought a moniter and will keep an eye on ourselves.
I intend to start my running again, but will ease back into it after some yoga sessions and try some of the P.E with Joe Wicks sessions that I enjoy to see where I am physically.
Being careful and kind to ourselves is so important, and having you reminding us of this Floss is perfect.
Oh goodness. What a worry for you and the family and so good to get it checked out! There is so much going on leading into Christmas, it is little wonder we get mind fog.
I am glad that it is being monitored and maybe the high BP was just a reaction to the seasonal hurly burly!Just take care and start as you intend to, steady and slow, and with your yoga which you are so good at and find so helpful!
Take your time and carry on being kind to yourself, you are so important to many ( including me), but YOU are important for you too. xxx
Happy New Year 🥳 Had a trot out during the hols, hadn't run for 8 days and it was awful 😱 everything hurt and couldn't wait to get home. Ran this morning, sunny and mild outside, put on some music instead of a podcast and couldn't take the smile off my mush. I'm sticking to my cunning plan lol which is to get through winter running for 30 mins every third day, and in spring, move forward to a 10K plan. Always my ultimate goal and excited and nervous in equal measure 😁Slow and steady, and remembering to be kind to myself, will be my mantra as well. And popping my feet up in this cosy corner every now and again ☺
Good luck to everyone, may we all achieve our goals this year. And if we don't, we'll rewind and try again - if we can x
Just super and how really fantastic to be taking care of YOU! I bet that run felt fantastic... and you will get to that plan! By Spring I may be at that stage too !We shall keep you a place in the corner too, always welcome here
I recently started c25k again from scratch after a bit of a stop start running year for various reasons, and following a stint of over 3 months out due to a back injury. It's my way of stopping myself from trying to do too much too soon.
I ran on Christmas Day and New Years Day and am about to start Week 3.
I know I need to ratchet up the strength work, (I haven't done any since I hurt my back) and am hoping a visit to the physio will provide some sound advise on exercise progression and what best to do to avoid relapse.
My resolutions are simply these:-
To complete c25k again and return to running regularly. And in the theme of being kind to myself - with no particular pressure of time or distances.
To treat every run as a gift, enjoying it for itself, for the freedom and headspace it brings
To remain injury free
Garmin told me I was on an 11 day streak on my afternoon walk today, so maybe I should add RED January to the list?...
I think your resolutions are absolutely excellent and particularly , " treat every run as a gift". I shall hold that thought, if I may?So sensible to just take it at your own pace and not pressure yourself. The injury free one...oh yes!
I think you should add Red January.. you will do it, no problem
Good to repeat C25K. I have done bits in the past and after my October 202O blip.. I graduated again in April 2021! Another life issue this last October has set me back a bit, but I will as you are move forward.
Get that strength work in, it pays absolute dividends and taking your physio's advice is the way to go.
Well done you, I shall watch out for your posts and in the corner x
Thanks floss - yes hold that thought for as long as you wish. I think we are blessed to have running in our lives - and it still amazes me that I am saying that
I will add Red January but I have another life event to get done and dusted next week. Hopefully it won't throw too big a spanner into the mix
Remember that RED doesn't require a run every day, just an exercise activity of 10 minutes or more. You've probably satisfied it many times in the past without being aware of it!
This is a reply from Over60sRunner .. I have cut and pasted from last month's Catch-Up Corner posts
Hi there all 👋 Well, I completed my fourth run since 29th December this morning. Slow and steady, and nowhere near 5k but I am out there again and one can't ask for more than that!
I'm back at work tomorrow and, frankly , I'm not looking forward to it but unless I win the Lottery then needs must after being robbed of 6 years of my retirement by successive governments! I know it's going to throw a spanner in the works as I can't manage the 7.30am runs I used to do before I got Covid in October last year as I'm still struggling to get going of a morning whilst still suffering from post viral fatigue aka long Covid.
However, I have ordered a folding treadmill and the plan is to do a couple of shorter 30 minute/3k-ish runs during the week at home either before I start work at 8am or after I finish at 6pm and heading to the gym on the weekend for a longer 50 minute/5k-ish run on the bigger mill which has more bounce and is less like hard work on my crotchety old spine.
I'm still speed walking 2.5k or so daily with the dogs in the hills, so even on 'rest days' I'm still getting something in. I've also found a few low impact workouts with resistance bands/using body weight on YouTube that I'm going to give a go.
It's 2022 and I have to get back on track! I still have another 2 stones at least to lose and have been maintaining for too long now following a concerted effort last year where I shed just over a stone. Blood sugars are rising again and my blood pressure and resting pulse have both been negatively affected by my illness last year - however, I can't use that as an excuse forever and have to get my a$$ back in gear if I'm to avoid being doubly medicated, which I want to avoid at all costs!
Good luck to us all. Whatever we can manage to fit in, it's better than nowt, so well done one and all 👏😀👏
I copied your post from December's Catch Up Corner. so that folk will read it on here and see exactly how awesome you are!
You are doing incredibly and despite everything you are STILL staying positive and still doing what you are able to.
You have had a heck of a lot to contend with and are still battling away, but you are out there... walking or doing short runs when you can. The folding treadmill is useful. I found mine invaluable after injury or in icy weather ( I really will not venture out when it is icy).
You are getting there and, persevering with the strength and core work linked with, your exercise and a healthy eating regime, will pay dividends for you.
I cannot help with the retirement I am afraid. I got out just in time , a year before it all went pear shaped... and that was ages ago! My daughter reckons she will be 90+ before she gets her retirement
HUGE well done you, and as you say... anything we do is worth it..absolutely.
Stay strong and try to smile when you return to work tomorrow , of nothing else it makes folk wonder what you are up to xx
I am reposting this from a December Post reply... for Nannyto2 .. sharing this as it is a really helpful motivational post for any new, more seasoned runners! 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
Not long started back to C25K week 4 run 1 tomorrow I’m finding it all hard enough 🙈 where I’m staying at the moment I can’t get away from the hill so I start off going dow and end up coming back up it’s a killer but I’m sticking with it just taking it slow 😊🙏🏻
Very well done you! Hills pay dividends, but they are hard work. You will be amazed how much your running will benefit from hills. I use them still as warn ups and weirdly, am faster on up and down runs than the flat!Just stick at it, take it slowly and steadily, that is perfect! Your legs and stamina will get stronger and you will find that the rest will follow!
Hi Oldfloss, yes I’m still here and have been lurking on the forum but as I’m still not running I haven’t had anything to post! But I’m off to the physio next week and hopefully will be cleared to restart C25K- fingers and toes are crossed!! Hope all is well with you and that you have a great 2022!
Another shout out, how to see how folk are and where it is all going with you :)Yesletsgo LiisaM Indielass AlMorr Tbae Frenc Hidden Lablove Poppdog Mormor1 grumpyoldgirl slipstick AmateurJogger Nomorechocolat
W4 R1 done woohoo! Between the hill back up and the wind tonight I can’t believe I ran 5 mins without stopping 😊 In a different note can I ask if this is ok? I’m not doing 3 runs a week I’m doing 1 every other day is this ok?? Thanking you in advance 🙏🏻
Well done you! As long as you take at least one day's rest between runs that is fine. As the runs get longer, you may want to ease back a bit....and do try to get in, on some of your rest days, some core strength and stamina work.
HiI’ve started doing the knee strengthening exercises as I promised myself. However after day one the non dodgy knee hurt more than I was expecting so obviously I have some work to do there! I didn’t quite need to lean on something to get up off the floor this morning so that must mean something I’m sure.
I have selected 31 Jan as my day to finally restart c25k so now I just need to get those knees sorted! No more excuses - I’m putting that date out there to force myself to get out.
Well done you! Something to plan for and move towards...just take it steadily and as you are doing, keep listening to your body! We shall watch your progress
I just wanted to say hello 👋 I’ve made a return under a new name to this wonderful forum and have been so warmly welcomed back. I am overweight and unfit, far from where I was at this point last year. It does make me very sad as I feel I’ve neglected my health, but I am focusing on staying patient and trusting the programme - small steps lead to big change!
Hello... and welcome to the cosy corner... it is snowing here now, so I am curled up checking things out.
You have come to the right place, because by repeating things maybe and setting out again, you will have the support and encouragement you need.
These past years since Covid hit us, has had an impact on us all and sharing our running and the way we are handling, it is so helpful. So many of us here right now
Do, please, check put the pinned post on How to Run C25K and then pop in here whenever tp let us know how it is going!
I’m hanging on in there bad foot much better still no results from blood tests and X-Ray .but I’ve been doing slow 3 mile runs some with my daughter and granddaughter in the buggy egging each other on.Making granddaughter laugh with my antics around the park woo wooing and doing the twist I’m fast becoming nutty Nanny.
I’ve loved this week.
On my own this morning blooming freezing but still good
Just fantastic.. except for the waiting game! Nutty Nanny sounds just perfect ...our small runner in training thinks Grammy is quite loopy and I am!This slow runs sound just fine. Well done you!
Hi everyone, lovely to hear all your positive and kind-to-self plans :)I've kept running over the school holidays and made it into week 7 which I'm totally amazed by. There was one hilarious run when I took all 4 kids, 3 on scooters one in buggy, out in heavy rain. I spent a lot of time running in circles with the buggy while scooters hurtled repeatedly through mega puddles, but was glad to keep up with the running.
Feeling positive as both my husband and a friend have been inspired by me and have started C25k. Yes that's the same hubby who told me on week 2 that I couldn't call my slog jog running!
So the plan for the year is pretty simple, keep going as much as possible round the family juggling act. I'm confident now that I can complete C25k and I'd love to make it a long term habit and bring hubby and friend along with me. Small blip in the plan this week as I've had raging toothache, but what you lovely lot have told me every week is that the next run will wait and its OK to rest and let the problem pass before running again. So thankyou so much for that!
Waaah Oldfloss, so sorry it’s taken me a while to catch up with you. It’s been a while since I’ve posted in general as life has been a bit overwhelming (just this week I had a tooth extraction and then 2 days later had to go to the hospital for some tests). Luckily all is fine, but my anxiety has been through the roof and life has got on top of me a bit.
Having said that, I’ve still been running just about, although I don’t really have any resolutions to speak of at the moment. As you so wisely say we sometimes need to settle in to them, so that is what I intend to do. And same as you, I shall aim not to be bowed down by setbacks.
I just had a lovely run which meant the world to me as I felt really good, and that’s what it’s all about and all we can ask for isn’t it.
Totally off topic but talking about plumping up cushions, I could really do with some new ones - mine are looking decidedly tired, the covers anyway. So hopefully for next catchup corner I’ll be the proud owner of some fancy new plumping cushions!
Thank you so much for catch-up corner by the way, it is really wonderful to read how you and everyone is getting on.
On my goodness! What a time you have had!We do what we are able, which is exactly what you have done...and, sure enough, the run was there, when you were ready for it
That sounds perfect to me.
PS
There are some real bargains around at the moment...lovely cushions should be available .
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🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️ Catch Up Corner June 1: How’s it going?🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
