… and why should we ? We are runners and We are amazing!
Hello there everyone. It's me again. The fire is bright, the cushions are comfy...come on in
Well, here we are in the last week of this month... and the storms and the rain, have really given us a few challenges haven't they?
I have been able to get a couple of decent outings, but I'm afraid I had to take my own advice from last week's post and ease back a tad, as I was feeling under par.
I was hoping to get out today, but woke up this morning, and my body said no. I listened.
So a lovely drive, a walk under Stanage Edge and a picnic in the sun has set me up nicely and I shall watch and wait for my next opportunity.
Like we say. The runs wait
I have had a great time reading all your posts and replies this month and it is so super to see so many of you Graduating and ready to move onto the next stages of your running. Some of us are still on the way and it is great too, to see so many new runners joining us here too. Our repeaters too, are well on the way to gaining their strength and stamina back. Well done All !
It is interesting too, to notice that some things never change. We do have lots of posts at the moment, about how folk feel, when they are running for the first time, and many, many feel very lacking in confidence.
There can be many reasons for this and all of them very valid for the individual. It may be the location of runs, body image, lack of speed, style or whatever!
We do try to encourage each other and reassure; but if we feel it, we feel it.
I started this in 2015... 65 years old and dressed in grey. And black. Not exactly trying to blend into the background but very conscious of my age and my lack of expertise.( I should say, in other aspects of my life I have NEVER been known as a shrinking violet) !
It did not, however, take long for me to realise that folk are living their own lives and thinking their own thoughts, with their own issues, and they hardly gave me a glance.
Over the years I have got to know folk in my area and to have become a waving friend, to so many people; and over the years too, my outfits have got brighter and funkier.
I am still a snail, but by gosh, you can see me coming!
I know also, that I am lucky, I have fields to run in and lanes and trails as well as pavement pounding, and I have only once been err... got at ? A white van man who tried , quite deliberately, to drown me ... but that's another story!
So, let me try to reassure you. If you are feeling unsure or uncertain of any aspect of your running, that is fine and quite normal... but, by accepting that, you can adopt, hopefully, some strategies to help develop your confidence,
Choose if you are able, a time that really suits your running. A location that you are familiar with, that you feel safe in and that you enjoy.
Wear what you feel comfortable in, ( the right shoes obviously)... and the brighter the better, especially at this time of the year.
Lots of tips on this in the C25K How to Run guide.( Pinned post).
If you have a friend who is interested in running with you, that might be something that helps, even running with a small one in a buggy, an older one on a cycle, or a partner who will do a bit of walking whilst you run?
You may be lucky enough to have a running group in your area, check it out, many will have the provision for new runners
Okay... so... pep talk over... now we want to know how it has all been going.
Hopefully those folk on the IC are off it now, or well on the way and those of you who are getting closer to the Graduation podium too, we want to hear from you, and those of you who are feeling a tad uncertain. We want to hear from you too and what plans you may have for getting over these fears...let us share our worries?
I am hoping you all have a super running end to this month; stay safe, stay dry and remember and this applies to us all, what is the best outfit that we can wear for running?
It is Self Confidence... wear it for every run and wear it with Pride.
You are all awesome
Oldfloss x
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Wonderful post, OF! I am still keeping up with my (by now) boring report on muscle exercises. BUT! I feel spring is truly almost here! I just hope I can run around our lawn soon without becoming mired in muck! I think I hear birds saying spring is just about here. My son has been urged (for short periods) out of the basement in which he has been residing. He is asking me when I am going to run and suggesting times when Hubby is sleeping such that his "work" in caretaking will be fairly nonexistent. This is new and a step in the right direction; I may be running soon and will have to start the program all over for the third time, but that's okay. I will be happy to be in it once again.
This is promising news indeed... small shoots of hope, a little like the first shoots of Spring.
Good news on the temporary and short emergence of your son from his basement too!
Your muscle exercise will never be wasted... it will stand you in such good stead for your future runs and there will be future runs.
Keeping up our strength and stamina when we cannot run is essential and although I am getting runs in, it is not enough to just rely on them. I do what I can to keep moving and strong.
Starting the programme will be fun... and we will be here to run with you . every step of the way.
Good post from you Oldfloss, you are not a snail, I took advice from you when I began C25K now coming on for 4 years ago, it was the 18th April 2018 that I ran, run 1 and graduated on the 18 June with run 3 of week 9, 13 months later my first parkrun which you were the first person I told what my time was, sadly Keith the man who took me by car to 13 parkruns in a row died on January 25th so once again I go by bus to parkruns..
That’s another lovely post you are so uplifting and motivating. I am 61 and really don’t care what people think anymore and the more confident I’ve become in my running the brighter my clothes have become, my teenage daughter asked me the other day If I felt embarrassed to run in a bright yellow jacket 😂 so far this week I have done 2 runs in the sunshine how much easier it seems in the sunny, dry weather listening to the birds and the sound of the stream flowing rather fast at the moment. We’ve had a lot of storm damage and my daughter has been very testing but do you know what? instead of stressing I ran and I felt so much better on my return. Running really is the best stress Buster, happy running all, I’m off to my mothers 90 birthday bash. 🥳
Week 3 completely passed me by, for which I apologise.
The swims took a back seat last week. I opted instead for some walks in the woods with Mr B. Then the pool was closed because of storm Eunice
The physio exercises suddenly seem to be making a difference - 3 times a week seem to be about right without creating undue pressure
I re-graduated c25k on Tuesday. It was a really enjoyable run, apart from a rather unsettling experience on encountering a lone male walker in a usually deserted part of the woods. It was suggested to me that maybe your tale of the tunnel had spooked me somewhat
It was also the first time I felt like my strength and stamina was returning to anything like it was at the end of last summer. I'm looking forward to consolidation now.
No apologies necessary... I am missing folk's post constantly!I am pleased that the Physio' exercises seem to be impacting on your progress.
Congratulations on your Re-Graduating... I sometimes feel that need a fanfare or a Graduate bar for our Graduate badges when we do this.
Oh gosh, I am so sorry that my tunnel tale, maybe put unwelcome thoughts in your head, but I do feel that caution when meeting a lone male in a quiet location is not, unreasonable.
Where I was yesterday, on the deserted road, above where I took this photo, a lone women runner passed...clearly experienced ( she looked great ), she had a waterproof around her waist and I assume a mobile phone, but it did occur to me, ( not from an attack point of view), the wisdom of being so far out if she fell ?
Shortly after that photo was taken the sunshine disappeared and we had a light snowfall!
But all was well, and what great news, to know that you felt that your strength and stamina beginning to creep back to where it was. ( I wish I did ).
You are well on the way and I look forward to reading the posts as you move forward. I am finding Bridge to10K repeated, as useful as it has been in the past., and like C25K repeat, there is no pressure at all.
As ever, wise words Oldfloss! I’m sure you did the right thing in listening to your body but I hope it lets you get out there again soon! I’m still trotting through C25K and have just done week 5 run 3 - a whole 20 minutes non-stop and I haven’t done that in a while! I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to the longer runs to come! Can’t believe Feb is almost finished - but March means spring, whoopee! Happy running one and all!
Congratulations Oldgirlruns on running non-stop, the 20 minute run of run 3 of week 5 of C25K, well done, it won't be too long before you can run a full 5K parkrun again at Southsea.
A lovely uplifting and warming post old floss.I'm still not back up to par after my concussion and swollen toe. I can now walk without a limp with my running shoes on cos these are one and half sizes bigger but limp with ordinary shoes on, my toe still bruised a little.
I joined a ladies only running club on Monday and started C25K again, enjoying the company. I thought because of these blasted headaches I still get it would be wise not to attempt runs on my own.
Love reading all the posts but not contributed much of late.
This is not good news, and although I read your fall post, i am sorry that I missed your updates. I apologise for that x
I am sorry that you are still suffering the after effects of that fall and really hope that the headaches ease. At least you know what is causing them and can take the right steps to stay safe.
Just keep on as you are, taking it very slowly and steady. Our body is still our best guide to what we do and you do exactly the right thing to listen to it.
Just pop in when you feel like it and let us know briefly, ( no intensive writing) how you are.
Hi Oldfloss, hope you are well and managing to fit some outside activities in around the sormy weather. I have nothing to report 😕 2 years ago when the littlest boy was 9 months old I had the time and energy to run 3 times a week and do yoga at least 5 times a week. Fast forward 2 years and I can't manage either! I'm hoping spring might bring me some motivation to start with some yoga and strengthening work and then hopefully the running will follow. However I can't promise anything at the moment... if I'm honest I feel like a total fraud even posting!!!
But... got to keep trying and hoping things will kick start again. And once again, thank you for your continued guidance and support 😊 one day I might actually have something to report! Xx
You have had a heck of a lot to contend with over the past weeks and quite simply, your role as Mum is a daily exercise in itself. A welcome one :), but non the less, all consuming and exhausting at times.
We can all look back at what we could do, I look back currently and think how I feel now, and sometimes I could weep!
But, there really is no mileage ( pardon the pun), in that.
We do what we are able to do, and small step by small step we find ourselves moving forward. Easy said I know, but losing the weight of overthinking, makes that forward movement much less formidable.
This time of the year... gosh... it can be so draining and depressing at times; storms , rain and greyness too. Come the Spring, and it is coming, at least we can simply get outside; so important for you and the small ones...just walking with the buggy and playing in the park will be welcome for you.
All I am able to say is, just keep doing what you are doing , and try to stay positive about moving on to a time when it all seems a bit easier.
Just a thought... have you thought of doing a little bit of Yoga with the children... Cosmic Kids Yoga is great fun and do not be fooled , it is very pacey and fast moving.
I do it with small runner in training and frankly.. Yoga with Adrienne seems like a doddle afterwards!
There are all sorts of sessions for all ages, story lines and themes... maybe that would be a small beginning for a wet morning? But it will be an exercise for you too.... be prepared!
Thank you Oldfloss for your reply. You really are a tonic 😊 The kids yoga is a fabulous idea! The 5yr old does yoga in school so I'm sure he'll be up for it and anything the 5 yr old does.... the 2 yr old does! So sounds like a win win situation! I will go and look up cosmic kids yoga. I also plan to spend some time looking through s&f... it's still on my to-do list.
Hope you get away to Wales and have a fabulous time xx
That is great!!! I love The Hungry Caterpillar one... and there is a Space one... You just do what you are able... it will come!I hope we do... got some stuff together today.. and packed my running gear! Of course
Hello my lovely, it's always nice to see you whether or not you are running. We can keep you company on and off the Couch! (Oldfloss has some lovely cushions 😉)
Well, I've finally turned a corner after 10 days of covid. Not sure how to feel about ending my self isolation the same day that self isolation gets scrapped, but hey ho, that's life🙄To be honest, I hadn't felt like going anywhere before today, but today I did some tidying in the garden without needing to lie down for an hour afterwards, and later I even went for a little walk to the end of the street and back ( only about 15 minutes, would have gone further but it was freezing, and my fingers were turning blue) 🥶
Progress. One step at a time and taking it gently too. I am glad that you have got a short walk in. This weather is not conducive to a slow relaxed amble. I am still putting my buff and hat and gloves on the radiator before heading out anywhere!
The garden will have welcomed a little tidy up, I love it when we are able to get out an begin the pottering that comes before the real gardening
The runs will come, as sure as the Spring is on its way...do take care of yourself my friend x
Hi OF, that is such an awesome post with beautifully written wise words.I completed c25k a couple of days ago. Wanting to start consolidation. Haven't found a consolidation club post as mentioned in the link provided by IT.
Would you be able to kindly direct me to the post?
Oh Oldfloss, you are awesome too 😊. Your posts always make me think anything is possible. The confidence thing is interesting isn’t it. Even though I’ve done it before, I always have a few nerves before a run. The body can be fickle! Even if I think I’ve been treating it like fine china, it can have other ideas, which makes every run a bit of an adventure and a leap into the unknown 🤣. TOTALLY agree about bright clothes!!! They are a must. Even on a glorious day like today, people so easily blend into the background, especially along country lanes. Talking about country lanes, I’ve started to get a bit obsessed with OS maps - I think it’ll take a while to understand the legend though, there’s a lot of info on them!
I hope you’re feeling more above par now Oldfloss, have a lovely weekend whatever you get up to 😊😊😊.
Thank you!!!I am beginning to feel a tad more like myself thank you... I should have done a run today, but still felt it was not the right time yet... so I did some strength and stamina low impact work and some arm exercises !
Hoping for a short one tomorrow if the weather is good and the sky here is so beautifully pink I think it may be!
Yes, the self confidence, is weird... I still get tummy turns before runs, but usually that is sheer excitement, as you say, every run is different . Even the same routes throw up different things!
All weathers and all seasons too, so much to see and take in.
I LOVE OS maps.... absolutely fascinating and you can find amazing places!
We did 2,000miles in France one year, me navigating by map, ( before Sat Nav, etc).. and only made one wrong turn! Mind it was a corker... turning a caravan on a sort of tow path by a canal!!! That was in the Dordogne!
Gosh I miss France!!!
I bet you have had some great runs in the lanes and with the weather getting better all the time... do you wear funky gear ?
I have just treated myself to two new pairs of leggings ( sale on Tikiboo)... Beachcomber66 gave me the idea... a gift to myself for my second graduation of C25K... it is belated, but he said that didn't matter!
They arrive tomorrow!!
Enjoy the rest of February... Happy running to You!
Yes today was a lovely run, although feeling a little bit unfit after all that enforced couching due to bad weather 😆. I’m pleased you’ve bought some new clobber, you’re worth it! I don’t know if my gear is funky really, and my hair sticks out at all angles, but I ordered a new long sleeve bright top from Running Woman today. I have one in another colour and it’s so handy.
We are off to Lille on the Eurostar next month, 2nd time lucky. Last time France went into lockdown while we there and I caught covid - hopefully we’ll have better luck this time round 🤣. Well done on all that map reading - you are obviously an OS legend master!
A beautiful photo, and I hope the rest of your Feb is good too. 😊😊😊
What a joy, something to look forward to next month! Glad you had a good run and yes, that slightly sluggish feeling after a period of non-activity. is always unwelcome, but does soon vanish as the legs do their own thing
It was beautiful.., and some fresh clean air in our lungs did set us up.We did not have the terrible time many of you have had,,, and the sight of those folk flooded yet again is heartbreaking.
I am glad that you are feeling stronger and I know that your runs have been successful. It is good that you are getting out there and making time for yourself too
I do wish that I could knit !!! I can crochet, but not knit.... !
Lucky little boy to have you kitting him out!
I like it here too, we are seeing new and old ( in running terms) faces... it is great to share and support our running and exercise regimes... just nice to be relaxed and amongst friends!
Take care you and enjoy the rest of February! March 1st, Pancake Day... cheers? xxx
Yes... slow and steady.. I may jiggle runs 2 and 3 as I don't know if I can get out tomorrow.. that would mean a longer run on Wednesday in.... wait for it.... Criccieth ! Yeayayayayayya
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