CATCH-UP CORNER. WEEK 3. Come on in, everyone is welcome here ...

[Oldfloss]

Hello fellow runners.

A very warm welcome to the Corner, on what is a very blustery day here in the Staffs Moorlands!

The weather is very changeable and currently we are , seemingly, in for a few boisterous days.

But I have made up the fire and drawn up the chairs, so that we may share our running stories.

Another week gone and the year is moving on, and we are all moving on with it

I have been reading loads of very positive posts this last week, with folk moving forward through C25K and finding their strength and stamina growing stronger with each week, and the newly forming running legs beginning to relax into the runs.

It has been a week too , where some of our repeaters have moved forward also, completing this excellent programme for a second or even third time.

It does demonstrate just how good this plan is.

There are too, unfortunately, a fair few folk on the Injury Couch, for a whole load of different reasons; injury, illness and of course this wretched Covid. But, as we are, virtually, friends we can share the Corner without any risk to ourselves or others

Having been on the Injury Couch a few times myself, I felt it may not be a bad idea to just remind ourselves, whilst we are chatting, of the importance of really taking care of ourselves, whilst we are not running and whilst we are recovering from any ailments!

I do hope that we have all read the excellent pinned post on How to run C25K. In there, there is a section all about injuries. Injuries which, however careful we are, however hard we try to follow the rules and stay safe, may occur.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Lots of other pinned links too, about running with issues arising from the current crisis!

The Admin' team will always try to give sensible advice in the case of the more obvious injuries folk get when beginning the plan. But, we are not medically trained and the advice we always give, if the issues continue is to get checked out by a GP or Physio, Other runners on here may have similar problems, but wonderfully, we are all different and treatment for one person, may be inappropriate for others.

Illness of any kind, needs the correct diagnosis and the correct treatment and of course, the correct time to recover. This where we come in.

I am always rattling on about being kind to ourselves and whilst on the IC and as we recover, this becomes even more necessary. Family life may make it hard to take too much time out, but we have to try.

Our body needs that time, and sometimes our mind too. We should heed medical advice and listen also, to the best advisor we have, our own body.

If you listen, it will tell you very clearly when something is wrong and when the time is right to move again!

I have had to learn this lesson the hard way since October 2020, giving the advice out over the years, and when it was most necessary, not taking it myself! My goodness, never again

Top and bottom of this though... the good news in this slightly sobering post?

The runs wait ! They actually wait.

They are there, right through illness and injury; unwanted in the first stages, thought about in the, feel a bit better, stages, longed for in the, nearly there, but not quite, stages.., and shining like a beacon on the, day you set out again, stage!

Brilliant eh!

So... I am really looking forward to reading your running posts here and in the Corner; do try to take care of yourselves and stay well, at this time of year when everything seems to be doing the rounds again. Try also, to stay safe in this rough weather, using your head to judge a good or bad time to head out and if you are on the Injury Couch, cuddle up, rest easy and enjoy the snowdrops that are just outside the window

We are all waiting to hear how it is all going

Oldfloss x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I had a very steady and a very muddy run this morning, before the winds and the heavy rain later... it was hard going at first, but ended up, enjoyable

[LiisaM Graduate]

What a gorgeous picture! I'm glad you told us what they were as I have not seen those where we live. What I did see this morning, however, was a wild turkey taking flight fairly high up--about a story and a half when I saw him. He looked like a heavily loaded cargo plane taking off. What a sight! Well, I did what I was supposed to do this morning, OF, and now to wait for Friday for my next muscle exercise iteration. I think it is unusually warm here for February--46 degrees Fahrenheit! Yikes! The snow is melting in our driveway, but we are due 6-10 more inches tomorrow! We can't put the snow shovels away yet!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Goodness, you are lucky to have seen that wild turkey, and the temperatures... what on earth!You are really getting the full run of weather changes .

Well done on your strength routines, and it does look as if you will be getting more of that tomorrow, when you have to start shovelling snow again! x

[dreamrun Graduate]

Hi Oldfloss, beautiful snowdrops. I read your post about the tunnel run and could imagine how you felt - also spellbinding writing! I wasn’t able to comment as I am not part of that forum, however, I rejoin you today as a graduate ☺️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to dreamrun]

Just fantastic ...GRADUATE !!!Yes.. It was an extremely odd experience. but I did get the run in despite the fear factor. What are your plans for the next stage of your running now ?

[dreamrun Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I think I’d have chickened out - I do think as women we sometimes have to triple think these things too. I hadn’t actually planned on going back to 10K, but I think I will. I was at one point running a 10K a week as well as two 5Ks, but I think I will go easier on my future self and look at doing one a month instead. But for now, consolidation before starting the magic plan. 😊

[Hidden]

Hi from the IC Oldfloss, where as you already know, I’m one of the present incumbents of the plumped up cushions. 🛋 Reading your post made me smile. I’ve been on the IC often enough now to recognise all the stages you mentioned. I’m currently in the “frustrated but know I’m here for my own good” stage 🥺. I look longingly at other runners on my walks, wishing that it was me running through the woods. You are right though, I know the runs will wait.

Lovely photo of the snowdrops. 😊✅

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hello you!Yes... comfy cushion by the fire, and we will keep you occupied whilst you are there.

I feel the worst time in recovery or waiting time, is the longing just to get out there, for even a short jogette!

It is really hard. Are you able to do strength and stamina work and not impact on the injury ?

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I can do Pilates and yoga but my foot is not keen on downward dog, so some tweaks are needed to Adriene’s yoga as she does like her down dogs! I’m walking my own dog, but having to RICE after each walk, so that’s when I stretch out on the IC with my foot up and enjoy a coffee and a biscuit ☕️ 🍪 😋!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hi Floss and friends, I'll just pop my virtual mask on before joining you all on the virtual plumped up cushions. 😷I managed a week 4 run on Friday but started sneezing on Saturday. Did an lft on Sunday and a red line instantly appeared. So I'm mostly on the sofa, and Mr Grumpy and myself are doing a strange Pas de Deux as we try not to bump into each other around the house 😁

I don't feel terrible, but if I do anything at all active, it wipes me out quite quickly. So I'm not expecting a quick return to fitness, but we'll just have to see. Starting the lft's from tomorrow - but I'm not really expecting it to be clear yet. At least the weather is rubbish, so I don't mind being tucked up indoors.

I can see the spring flowers poking their heads up through the fallen leaves in the borders, which always lifts my spirits

🌱

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Oh gosh! This is such a horrid thing to have happened and we are getting similar reports of this from so many friends on the forums.You got a little run in and I know that you are sensible enough to wait until you are really feeling back on form before getting out again.

As you say, one of the good things about harsh weather is, that the best place to be is indoors.

It is amazing how resilient nature is, despite all, it just keeps going !

Feel better soon, my friend x

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss - I've just had a potter round the garden, clearing away things that might get blown about. Lovely to see so much colour already appearing, and I didn't feel like I needed to get the secateurs out (well I did, but I didn't have the energy😅)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Sounds good... just a breath of fresh air works wonders. I secured things yesterday and husband is tightening a few things as we speak...Just take care xx

[Oldgirlruns Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

So sorry to hear that GOG - hope you feel better soon!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks Ogr xx

[Lola-bear Graduate]

Hello thank you for the post and a timely reminder to read the link. I have been running for nearly a year now however since Christmas Covid and the dreary weather I’ve struggled to do 3 runs a week. I have done 2 this week though and would have run today if I could have braved the weather, tomorrow doesn’t look’ any better either but I am not stressing as you say a run is a run. Must be learning some sense in my old age😂Running in the rain is not for me either so I’ll pause, breathe, stretch until the next time. In the meantime your posts keep me entertained, thank you so much. Batten down the hatches and take care all

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Lola-bear]

Being, ( gulp) sensible is not the easiest thing is it? I have definitely got worse as I have aged!Doing what you are doing is fine. We do have to go with it , however hard it is.

You are still probably feeling the after effects of this wretched Covid so it is really important that you do listen to you!

I find it easier to be sensible when the weather is dire, like you do . It is an ideal time though to catch up with strength and stamina work and general keeping moving, exercise.

Well done you, and hopefully, the weather will ease after the weekend and we may all be able to head out. Stay safe x

[Jackapoodle Graduate]

Hi Oldfloss, what lovely snowdrops ☺ I can't wait for spring to start properly and colour to fill the lanes again. I finished week 2 on Monday with a 39 min run. Reckoned that would roughly be my time for a 5K so did a 5K Headspace run with Cosch B. How different was that, running to distance, not time as I've always done! Really enjoyed it, only started raining on last km so can't complain lol.

Had granddaughter today and managed to get out for a walk before the wind got too bad. Thought I'd share a pic of little runner in training with dog who never leaves her side 😍 the other one is attached to me; he's a hooligan who resists all attempts at recall 🙈🤣 )

Small runner with best pal

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

This is all sounding very positive. Well done you and your run sounds great! I am enjoying running to distance on Bridge, a lot!Yes, Spring has sent her foot soldiers ahead and the green spears of the Daffodil Platoon are showing everywhere in my garden right now!

Gosh these small ones! Our small runner in training had me racing up and down their field yesterday to the pond and back! I had already done my 6K in the morning. She beat me hands down ( I cannot run in wellies)!

What a lovely, lovely photograph and what a joy our grandchildren are... they do really keep us on our toes don't they?

Happy, safe running my friend x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

A gorgeous photo OF - I love snowdrops but for some reason have had only one solitary flower this year! You’re so right about the IC, it’s not much fun being stuck on it but we know it’s the right place to be and the runs really will wait! But it’s not a lonely place is it - whenever I’ve been plumping up those cushions, there have always been other lovely folk there too and the support and friendship is just awesome! As for me, I’m up to week 5 on my C25K (Revisited) with run 3 next on the list - and I’m really looking forward to seeing if I can still do 20 mins non stop! Happy running!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Floss,

Puts down my nearly finished baby jumper knitting, and plumps up my cushion.

I have had two runs this week! One at the weekend up through the nearby agricultural college, then a there and back run on Tuesday in the rain.

I feel like the daily yoga I have been doing has given me strength, my legs ( and glutes) are working well and breathing has been no problem. I still need a few more runs to build stamina because I reach my limit, but I'm pleased with how it's going.

Yet to manage a 5k all running again, but not far off.

Love your snow drops, I saw some like that on my rainy run and thought of you. Also rounded my feet and relaxed my shoulders which improved my form as I heard you suggest in my head😊

Batten down the hatches this weekend everyone, take care. xxx

Picks up knitting again ☺

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Keeping the small one in woollies is so important

You are beginning to get those runs in and enjoying them too, that is so, so important.

Your yoga is very clearly standing you in such good stead, as you are finding out with your runs. Those glutes, so, so useful!

That 5K will come, when it and you are good and ready....if it came for me... ?

The snowdrops are so beautiful...and I love that i was running with you and sharing the beautiful sights...

Huge well done to you!

Stay safe and stay warm xxx

PS

Go get knitting

[Mum22boys Graduate]

Hi Oldfloss. This is a very timely post for me... I'm not running... again!! Started with what I can only assume was some mild sciatica pain a couple of weeks ago which I believe is due to a flare up of hip bursitis I had during pregnancy and post having boy number 2. So very swiftly started the exercises the physio gave me!! The leg pain has gone but hip area still quite tender. Add in to that I felt an unusual "area" and went for my first ever mammogram on Wednesday (thankfully all perfectly fine), it's been a slightly head mashing couple of weeks! So... I need a strength and stability plan before back to running. I know I will be back running but I want it to be more sustained so need to approach this differently!

On another note, your lovely picture reminds me of the snowdrops and crocuses that have started to pop up in the garden. Spent an hour or so out there yesterday morning doing some trying up (I wonder why with what's coming today!!).

Hope you don't get too much wind damage xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

Oh my goodness... you are really going through things ! How you stay standing is beyond me... awesome Mama indeed!Well. The clear mammogram first....brilliant! We are so lucky to have this available to us!

The sciatic/ hip pain... agony! I had a trapped sciatic nerve... twisting with small runner in training, when she was a babe in arms whilst opening a low cupboard door!!!! It is a horrible draining pain, but you have got onto it right away!

It still sounds very unpleasant... but will ease I hope, soon.

Any plan you do does need to be very steady as you say, maybe take a look at the S and F forum, there may be ideas there. Bodyfit with Amy does some very gentle exercise work too, chair exercises and low impact ( which at my age suit me very well!

I will have a look around and please, let me know if you find anything.

Glad you got outside too.... always cheering to see those first little signs appearing in our gardens

Do take care and stay safe, especially yourself and those small ones too ! xx

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Ah thank you Oldfloss. It was a mentally tough couple of weeks but very relieved and happy to know all is ok.

Yes, I need to spend a bit of time looking through the strength and flex forum. Half term this week so might get a bit of time next week. And once the storm passes I'll be back out doing some walking. I seem to keep making faltering starts at the moment... I need a proper realistic plan that I can actually stick to! Watch this space....

Take care xx

[couchvssofa Graduate]

Hi everyone, it is great to read everyone's posts.

Week 7 completed yesterday and I actually look forward to each run. This started recently and I didn't think I would look forward to running before.

Also, running in the rain is actually a nice thing, something else I would never have thought when starting this programme.What is going on? It is as if like I am enjoying this. 🙃

Previously I got up to W7R1 so now on the second attempt I am further along and I am looking forward to what is next tomorrow. I am hoping I can treat myself so to speak by running at a local park for the final run in the programme. 🙂

The post stretching routine video is the app is wonderful, started doing those around week 5.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to couchvssofa]

Huge well done you.... and so glad that you are enjoying it too! That is what it is all about:)Slow and steady as you go and I am sure that Park Run Goal will be yours for the taking!

[nowster Graduate]

I'm having to fit my runs in around the weather.

I don't mind getting a little dampened by rain during a run, but I do not find near freezing torrential rain with driving wind behind it to be particularly pleasant.

My routine recently has been: Saturday parkrun, Tuesday 10km, Wednesday short run, Thursday 12km. I have planned other runs but life (and weather) has got in the way.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to nowster]

Yes... doing it when and where we are able. The description of the freezing torrential rain and driving wind does not sound appealing at all!Well done you on getting the runs in... !

[Birdlady64 Graduate]

Oh - sorry, I think I missed this completely!

I think I may as well save my update for Week 4 now