Hello everyone, and yes, it is that time again and here I am waiting for you in the Corner... we have a different view from the corner today and some great cushions.
The Corner may be different, but the welcome is the same... in fact there is always a welcome here. ( Can you guess where I am)?
First off I would like to pin a couple of links for any of our NEW runners visiting today...and maybe some repeaters or recent IC occupants may want to take a peek.
Do please check these out, essential reading yes, but there is a wealth of useful information on both posts.
Okay.
I have been thinking. Probably a tad too much, which has brought on these musings. I have read a lot of your posts this week and am in awe, as ever, of the way you are moving through C25K, either for the first time, or as a repeat, Following the plan and taking each week as it comes. You are doing brilliantly!
But as ever, also, we have quite a few, worried posts.
These are very, very uncertain times for us all, and for us as runners, there is a long, long list of things which may be impacting negatively, on our runs and taking some of the enjoyment out of this great plan!
We may worry about the pandemic, the news, bad weather, illness and family; about not being good enough to run, not running fast enough or far enough, and even, failing ultimately.
So what are we able to do? Well, I was lying in bed thinking, and I came up with three words.
Acknowledge
Accept
Adapt
Having had those pop into my head, what followed was;
Acknowledge + Accept + Adapt = NOW
Weird eh? But to me it makes perfect sense.
We are in a situation, and basically, that is it.( Here that situation is our running). The situation is as it is, we are doing what we are doing, and overthinking, and over-worrying is going to change that, not a jot.
How then do we handle it ? Well, those three words may help to make it simple.
Look at the photograph.
I acknowledge that it is wet and cold ( rainy and foggy too) .
I accept that I need to run.
I adapt to the fact, by wearing my wet weather gear, and I run.
Now.
So, applying the three words here;
If you are following C25K , whether at Week 1, Week 5 or Week 9, it is simple; you just follow the plan.
You acknowledge the plan that is C25K.
You accept that each run will move you onto the next and to Graduation.
You adapt, to wind and weather and to any obstacle that may occur, but always confident in the knowledge that you will move on at some point.
This is running in the NOW.
The Now is the thing .
You take each run as it comes.
It's all about being focused; on each run, acknowledging the run, accepting what is happening, ( good or bad), and adapting.
I don't want to use words like mindfulness, or in the moment, but I suppose it is a bit like that.
It's about each run and the NOW of that run.
Each run may have similarity in the now, but in some the, now will be different.
Is this making any sense to anyone?
Yesterday, I was in a situation, not a running one but a very tricky one. It all resolved, but I think that was where all this kicked off.
I suddenly realised, that what happened, in that sort of situation, was going to be a permanent thing, which would always happen, so, I acknowledged, I have not accepted, yet... that is going to be hard, but I will and I will then, adapt.
Some runs will be like that. E.g.
There may be pain or a twinge, so, acknowledge,( listen to your body)
I landed awkwardly, the ground is lumpy, accept.
Ease back, take it gently and stretch well, post run, adapt.
The more difficult time to do this, will be if you become distracted.
Try to just focus on you, your body, and your mind too, on your run...be aware of you, running in the now.
Let thoughts come, and they will come, thoughts about speed, distance, style or pace, it's perfectly natural, but then, let them go, or label them and put them in your memory jar and then try to re-focus again on you and your run.
If this has made any sense at all to any to you, the message here is, for all of us, not just our new runners, positivity not negativity, trying not to over-think or over-worry, trusting in the plan and believing in yourself.
I look forward to your replies and to finding out what you are all up to and how it is all going
Happy, safe running, everyone
Oldfloss x
PS
That day was cold and wet and foggy and I thought I was being chased by the Hound of the Baskervilles...but that's a story for another day x
PPS
I have put shout outs out for a few friends, I have a horrid habit of wondering if folk are okay ! I do know, though , that some folk are really into their running at the moment and life is so busy, so please forgive and old worrier snail!
I do miss posts sometimes too!
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Hello old floss from a very windy Feurteventura I am on my holiday - first one since I graduated, I have my trainers with me but there is no even ground-I feel I am surrounded by sand, there is a gym with a treadmill but I have never run on one so a million things go through my head that basically causes me to overthink. Your post spoke to me in volumes - I need to acknowledge I am well outside my comfort zone- I need to accept its a different kind of running and if I am to run I need to adapt- sounds simple but in my head it’s not- I need to do the last bit and believe. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and your messages I do hope that you are okay and that acceptance is kind to you xx
We find it difficult to accept things sometimes don't we?
I still think I can do what I did years ago and it is a heck of a shock to think I cannot. But I am learning... new ideas and new ways to keep moving forward.
We will get there.. You just have fun and relax, the runs will find you
I have just read your post about the sand goodness me you are strong, I just walked about 3 miles on the sand to the nearest town here and it was hard going, mind you it is blowing a hooley.You are so right we age in our bodies but not in our head which is one of the reasons running brings us joy, I feel like a child again when I run.
Ever onwards though and thank you for your reply as always 😊
I feel exactly the same... and forget that I am 72 in a week or so... !
But Saturday did take it out of me and I was very glad after a day's rest and some leg exercises, to get in a run on more solid ground! I did have lovely surprise last evening when a photo finish popped up on the park run FB page!It proves I was still running anyway!
Well done you on the walk ! I have postponed my run until tomorrow as it is bucketing down here at the coast!
Thanks Oldfloss...your words ring true...and loud. Yes, sometimes I overthink when in fact I know I just have to get out there. Even if I managed to talk myself out of running, I wouldn't be happy...so the best thing is just to go out and do it, accept it, adapt to it and DO it. I find that I am often pumped up after the run and for the next day. But then when the day of running actually comes around, I need to kick myself in the butt and get myself out the door. But once I AM out the door, it's great and I enjoy it. Saying that, I haven't run in wet weather....yet!
Thanks for the comfy cushion and the invite to your corner.
And ps, good on you for getting out there and doing your stuff!
Hello Floss, you adapted and you ran, brilliant, I’ve had to adapt and yesterday was a bad day, today is the start of being the best me that i can so i can face whatever results i get, so we went for a walk, not early while the sun shone in a bright blue sky because i’m tired and slow but later and it was perfect
That is a lovely photograph and you are going to adapt beautifully. Slow and steady is the only way, right now, and the fact that you managed a lovely walk is a real bonus.It is good to have you here with us
Running in the rain can actually be a very pleasant experience.
There are two types of rain: rain that happens in the middle of a run, and rain that's already happening when you want to start your run.
The first is something you have to accept; the second is something you need to make a hard decision about. It takes a lot of determination to go out when it's already raining.
When I'm properly warmed up and have two layers on top and one on the legs (and a cap and gloves), I barely feel it. Even the stinging cold rain I encountered on Sunday afternoon didn't stop me.
In summer it can be really nice to encounter a brief shower on a longer run. In winter when it's blowing a hoolie, much less so.
And some of my PBs have been set when it's been drizzling!
I don't mind rain when I am out already, but I really do not enjoy heading out into rain. I wear a lightweight jacket, showerproof only and my cap has a BIG peak!
Summer rain is different, as you say and often very welcome, although I do remember one such shower, which turned into hail, one Summer, when cycling around Carrington Water!
You are an example to many of us with your determination to get out there and run, whatever the weather "
I tend to follow IannodaTruffe 's philosophy that we're waterproof.
As long as the kit you're wearing can trap the moisture and prevent it from circulating, the water will warm up after you've had the initial shock, and will actually insulate you in the same manner as a wet suit does. That breaks down if there's wind chill in the mix.
Hiya Nowster, I feel lucky in that the first couple of weeks when I started it was when had those awful storms so I got the getting wet bit out of the way early and actually quite enjoyed getting soaked! Like you say, the right clothing is the key and I had 4 layers on plus a waterproof so I was actually too hot! So the rain will not put me off in the future hopefully. On my run yesterday there was a light shower that started about 5 minutes into the run which was refreshing and welcome.
What? Wait! The Hound of the Baskervilles??? I want to hear that one!Anyway, I'm plodding along trying not to go crazy answering 50 questions from Hubby as I read your post. (I've gotten 20 more questions since writing this far.... omg!) Anyway, I'm also plodding along in the program; I've re-done Week 2 5 times now and am going to move to Week 3 next time I run. I have my blips but this Cozy Corner is helping me stay sane and on course.
Moving on is the thing... and I know that I do not have to tell you, take it slow and steady. We have been together long enough for you to know the form !You have a situation that has impacted on you for so long and yet you manage to keep your head up and still answer those questions.
I am hoping the weather is a tad warmer for you, and Week 3 is beckoning.
A shout out to the folk who I may not have seen for a while... we have a few empty cushions here. I do knw that some folk are really, really busy with their running though and have read some wonderful posts on other forums...
I'm here👋👋 I did get out today, it was dreadful but I did it!. A combination of covid at the end of January, not testing negative until day 10 and then a steroid injection in my shoulder has kept me in. I am desperately trying to get back to running 3 x a week, but will probably have to settle for 2 this week, but that's better than my 1 last week 😑, still an upward trend!
You have had a very unpleasant time and to get out at all is incredible. The gentle run ideas sounds excellent, but you know as well as I, to listen to the most important advisor; yourself,
We still know so little about this virus, and so many of our friends here are still battling against its relentless hold, even after they test negative!
Just go with it. If you have to stick to 1 run a week for while, with maybe some other, very gentle strength and stamina work, then that is the right thing for now.
Good to know that you are here with us and I shall really look forward to your posts as you move upwards. Slow and steady ? xxx
I have seen replies from these folk on other forums, but just doing a check in to make sure you are all on form and on track ( yes, I am old worrier) !
Hi Oldfloss . Thanks for checking in 😀. I’m doing really well. Haven’t posted for a while but after that brief hip pain and a little rest from running. I continued with the programme. I’m due to do my final run of W6. Got our first pet, a puppy on Thursday, who is absolutely gorgeous! Kept it a surprise from my two kids and my animal loving 8 yo daughter was so thrilled when she discovered our new family member! 😍So have been waiting for my husband to be free to watch him so I can get out. Our youngest child is poorly too so all go!
Good to here from you, that all is well, apart from your youngest one...Your new addition sounds delightful and I guess there is on highly delighted little girl!A rest can be so useful, and when you do get out, I am sure you'll feel the benefit. There will be a LOT of getting out too as the small puppy grows, walking a lot and maybe much later a little jogette now and then
Enjoy the rest and any short runs that you get in and we hope to hear from you soon ! x
I am okay. thank you ... working my way through Bridge to 10K, (again), but I run with far less pressure and do what I am able. These strange, frightening times weigh heavily on us all sometimes x
Thanks Oldfloss . I managed to get out for my final run of W6 this morning. So lovely to run for 25 mins solid. I have missed those runs.My son is so much better now thank you. He was up most of the night bless him. My daughter had the bug first and I’m the only one not to have had it. I’m hoping it will miss be out.
Puppy is an absolute joy! We are all enjoying him joining the family 🥰.
All the best with your return to Bridge to 10k. I totally get what you mean about not putting yourself under any pressure. I’m the same redoing C25K. I’m just happy to be running and that’s all that matters xx
Found your posts. That’s great news - 25 minutes is such progress after your setbacks. Many more lovely runs to come, I hope. (Loved reading about the new arrival too.)
Thanks GailXrunning . Have been meaning to write a post recently but it’s hard to get a moment. Have missed reading posts too. Hope you are doing well too xx
Hi Floss - well there's not much running happening for me at the moment sadly. I appear to be suffering from post covid fatigue, and any exertion results in extreme tiredness the next day. (I seemed to be recovering ok, but suddenly felt faint half way through my Pilates class - that was the start.)
So I'm limiting myself to my stretching exercises, and small amounts of activity each day.
I did see your posts a few days ago... oh gosh this is not good news. You must be totally fed up with how it is going on.What a dreadful thing Covid is and the legacy it is leaving too! I know so many folk are feeling exactly like you.
All you can do is what you are doing and give your body chance to recover. Just trying to keep everything moving ?
I do know that Bodyfit with Amy has some gentle chair exercise, for after injury etc.
I use a lot of the short low impact ones particularly.
Yes please, this is a new experience for me, working out what I can do - there's nothing actually stopping me doing anything, it's just that I might "conk out " at any point. I returned to choir practice the other day, and after ten minutes I realised that I could stand up, or I could sing, but not both. So I sang sitting down.
Hi gog, I have just seen your post & thought I would get in touch to sympathise 🤗🤗 – you could be describing my post Covid experience.…But it improves! Mr E & I can still be very tired the day after some exercise – (slower smaller exercise than usual) – but I can see the gradual improvement week by week. I am just listening to my body, going gently & resting when I need to (which sometimes seems unexpected and a bit random).
Thanks elfe, I've just noticed that the reply I thought I'd posted hasn't appeared 🙄I'm so glad you're improving, I've realised just the last day or so that I'm gradually feeling better. Not up to exercising yet, but my normal day is looking more... er well, normal I suppose😁
Hi was just about to post. Graduated again today week 9 run 3 - 30 minutes on the treadmill this time, Fitbit say 3.5 km. Thankfully made it post Covid. Still get fatigued and brain fog but getting better. Took more rest days in between but I made it. Will now consolidate again and hopefully nothing going to stop me this time
Hi Oldfloss, I’m still here although I haven’t run for a week. I took myself off to see family for a few days and had a wonderful time on some muddy walks, playing with great nieces and nephews and just nattering with my sister ! I’m back in harness now and will be off out into the sunshine this morning!
Hi Floss,I have been keeping away from your comfy cushions and cosy corner this month too with my Covid germs.
At last testing negative at the weekend and feeling like I'm coming out of the fog. I have started doing some of the gentler YWA practices and had a couple of nice manageable walks in the fresh air.
I have to accept my situation, but just knowing I will be capable of getting back to my running (for my enjoyment) makes me happy. The c25k program is my safety blanket, the confidence and knowledge it has given me is priceless and I'm thankful for that and the support being a member of this community has given me.
Lovely to see you back here again. The cushion was waiting.
This virus is laying so many folks low and really hanging on afterwards. Your Yoga will be helping you to get stronger with plenty of rest time in there I am sure.
As the weather gets better, I am sure too, that more walks will be possible, especially with a small one accompanying you?
The C25K programme really is terrific isn't it. How many folk has it encouraged to run in the first instance and how many has it brought back to running and supported a return ?
Thanks for the shout out OF - I was a bit slow getting here, wading through the jetlag!😂 Yesterday was “absolutely disgusting jetlag day” - happy to say that today is “much better jetlag day” - and yes I am going to run, when my brunch has settled! Thanks for your very wise words - I think your AAA is a really good approach to a great many things in life & I use it with the tough, unwelcome stuff that I cannot change.
Now running- I did my last run on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean in Massachusetts - and was in “might need to adapt”’mode even before I set off. - Post Covid weariness has made me adapt my running and be kind to myself. I set out in light misty, moisty rain, trees dripping gently all around me, oddments of left over snow and birdcalls, that, mostly, I cannot recognise yet. (Chickadees & Blue Jays, I’ve got you sorted!😄) This run should have been W4 R1, but I went thinking, “if necessary it will be an extra W3 run.” 1st 3 minutes padded through slow & gentle- “Ooo I might manage W4”, thinks I… and I did, super slow, gentle “joffling”. (I also gave a feisty terrier the best moments of his day – tearing around his garden (sorry, “yard”), telling me I was dog meat! I was very relieved that he had invisible fencing to prevent him from eating me! - The disconcerting thing about invisible fencing is – well it’s invisible – you don’t know whether the dog will leap out of its territory and get you or not!) He didn’t, phew! But he had great fun trying!
You can’t see him, but feisty terrier lives just to the left!! - Extra speedy photo!
Wow, this is exciting and worth waiting for...! What an evocative photograph too, despite scary dog! It is like something out of a movie!Invisible fencing sounds odd, and yes, the not knowing whether the dog could or couldn't get you... that would have given me a PB!
I am so glad that you are recovering from the Covid hang-on. There are an awful lot of folk still really suffering the after effects, and of course still getting the virus.
I hope the post jet lag run went well and that you are feeling a tad more human runner, than flying tired bird!
I love the , joffing , expression.. it is perfect! Sums it all up in one word.
Maybe rest up now, keep warm and it is so good to have you back with us
Hi there Oldfloss -I have to put my hands up as one who puts things off because "what if things change -again " so your post really hit home for me in quite a few areas-I think you are right -acceptance of things we can't control is the key .Thankyou.
I have been a bit lazy about my replies of late but have been plodding along and reading about everyone's achievements and challenges on these forums .
My runs recently have been hard work for some reason so I have not worried about goals but just kept plodding along, hoping for that elusive good run.-and today...
It was chucking it down with rain and my current training plan was only asking for 1.6k -I was unsure if it was worth getting wet for-but so glad I did!
Old running me, starting off slowly , tiptoeing around puddles. Then it happened, I accidentally stood in a large puddle and I was off! Couldn't get any wetter so just kept going getting faster and faster (for me!!!) ,running through every puddle in sight and giggling away to myself as I ran.
My shortest, wettest, fastest most enjoyable run for weeks. THAT'S WHY I RUN-
That sounds fabulous... wet, wetter and wettest and fastest too!!! That is an all around successful run! We do have plodding phases don't we, and then something just clicks and it all comes together.
The acceptance thing.. phew.. it is hard. I am struggling with a few issues that have all come at once, but they just need prioritising...
When we do get a really good run, it does help to put things in perspective doesn't it?
Problems / changes always seem to come at once don't they?! I find that running helps to reset the mind I little. I guess it allows time to mull things over without getting stuck in a loop as we need our wits about us to avoid the pot holes and make sure that we don't miss out on the next splashy puddle!Take care of yourself and have a little flop in those inviting cushions!
Hi Oldfloss, I'm now a week on from a nasty flare up of a condition I have that knocked me off my feet (my body's way of saying I've been too complacent about it) but have been feeling much better this week and back out there running!What truth in what you say, it fits my situation very nicely. I'd got myself in a right tizzy about this flippin (fun event!!)10K, switched over on the Magic Plan to the distance version for no sensible reason, and generally started getting all serious about it. Mr JP was then driven to having firm words with me (along the lines of stop behaving like an idiot 😂). So, I've acknowledged I'm trying to progress too quickly for me and that it's not being fun any more. I've accepted my body just isn't up for doing what my brain thinks it can and that what I want most of all is to run and enjoy.
Adapt? Oh yes! 3 runs a week - recovery run, 5K continuous run (may vary slightly so that I don't get 'stuck') and I'm jeffing my longer runs. Did 7K jeffing run this morning and finished feeling really good, and positive. I know it's not for everyone but boy is it helping me right now. I feel really good about the doing the 10K event in this way and longer term, I'll still aim to do a 10K by continuous running - but will only progress to that at my speed!
I gave a lovely Staffie one heck of a shock as we both came round a corner to meet face to face. His face was a picture!! After meeting his owners and having snuggles (with the dog!!) he ran with me for a bit, then decided I was holding him back and went back to them 🤣
You might have to bring me my tea over, please, I don't think I can get out of this bean bag.....x
Well done too, Mr JP for having those words with you. ( They do make sense sometimes our long suffering partners)!
This is a great example of the three As... and shows just how well it works when we listen to that inner voice, ( and with a bit of help too from Mr JP... Mr OF has done the same for me a lot lately)!
That adaptation has clearly worked for you and you have clearly found a pattern which is doable, and it works and you are enjoying it... AND feeling confident and happy re the 10K event!
Jeffing works just fine... someone used a lovely variation of the term today too, Joffing... I like that as well. If it works for you, then that is great and I know over the last two years I have used it a lot... it means the difference between getting out and enjoying and not getting out!
This is just brilliant ! Your tea is on its way ! Thank you! x
Hello there and sorry I’m late to the cushion plumping! I love the old black and white Hound of the Baskervilles film, I sincerely hope you weren’t being chased over the moors by a big mean old dog 😊. You are very right about adapting. There are situations we cannot change and have no control over, but we can change how we react to them. A lot easier said than done sometimes, but we can start small. Anyway, not too bad this end OF, still running, still smiling! Mostly, anyway 🤣. I’m absolutely loving my early morning runs at the moment as finally the long winter is giving way to being rewarded with beautiful sunrises (rain not withstanding of course). I’m in need of a long run, so hopefully that will happen this weekend. My legs and everything feel strangely well behaved at the moment , so I may as well make the most!
On another note I went to the V&A last Friday to see a long awaited exhibition which was fab, sometimes we need a bit of art and beauty especially these days. It meant I missed my run, but the next one I had was all the better for an extra day’s rest.
I hope we get to hear your Hound of the Baskervilles story at some point OF! All the best 😊😊😊.
This is all sounding so positive and so much fun too! You sound as if the running is going so well for you and having beautiful early runs!The sunrises are stunning and some of the sunsets too, especially here at the coast.
The V and A.... gosh. So long since I was there. That must have been a really wonderful day and I think as you say, the rest made the run all the sweeter.
Well done you..keep on doing exactly what you are doing, it sounds perfect!
Here is the link... I added the photo for a bit of fun... I love Photoshop !
What a run you had that day! I’m still quite amazed that even when we’re older, fairy stories, or horror stories, call them what you will, still play a big part in our psyche and we convince ourselves that something ‘other’ is on our tail, hiding behind bushes, and generally out to cause mayhem 😆. I know when I did my first early run in the dark I was absolutely sure there’d be monsters and madmen hiding behind every tree and bush. Well, so far so good! Have a great day OF 😊😊😊.
So true, and I have great fun writing about the experiences. Our wonderful Irishprincess wrote a post years ago about Two Mad Axe Men.. ( they turned out to be perfectly harmless folks), it is a great post and we still refer to it sometimes).
I am hoping to get out in the next hour, and hopefully, apart from wild seagulls or the odd snapping crab, I should have a good run.
Ah brilliant! I’m pleased you didn’t get carried away by naughty seagulls or had your ankles nipped by cantankerous crabs 🤣. A nice long run on a nice sunny day, what better 😊.
Hi Oldfloss! Thanks for another inspiring post, your wise words have helped me conquer week 4 of the programme! I was struggling with the first two runs, 5 mins seemed like such a long time to run and I think the block was more mental than physical, but the third one was much easier after reading your post and running even more slowly! I feel more confident going into my first run of week 5 tomorrow. Still some nagging knee pain and also some for pain now (in the arch) but hoping this won’t hamper my progress!
That is absolutely fantastic!!! A HUGE well done to you.
Make sure you get a few knee exercise in and that you feel comfy when you head out again.
This is a link to some that many of us have used and still use, ( Mr. OF does too, as he has a crocked knee from rock climbing ) !
Just keep it at that lovely happy pace, which is all your own... I did a run today and it was a little bit challenging, but I eased back and I looked around and before I knew it, it was done
Thank you so much, it does feel like an achievement ! I am a bit worried about the foot pain having never had it before until I started running but I’m hoping it will just go away, it’s just sort of on the bottom, on the arch of my left foot. I have got proper running shoes and explained all my issues to them (flat footed with hypermobile joints!) and I run with orthopaedic insoles rioted by an nhs podiatrist, although these are quite old now! Maybe it’s time to get them replaced altho I could be waiting some time for that!
Maybe a plan to get the insoles checked out, and few simple foot exercise too, if you know what you are able to do ( I am no expert on hypermobile joints).I don't know if anything like this is helpful?
Hi Oldfloss, happy to report that I completed my first run of week 5 yesterday and it was a doddle! couldn’t believe how easy it was and most aches and pains seem to have lessened for now thankfully. I was careful to stretch afterwards do that helped too. Thanks for your advice, I really appreciate it!
I really appreciate your replies to my (often moaning ) posts. Sometimes after a glass of wine in the evening, I start to over think my situation. I know that I am so lucky with my health and fitness, but I do have a vivid imagination. The C25K has been so beneficial in my life, and I respect all the advice I receive.
Did a long walk today instead of the run, and thoroughly enjoyed it thank you again
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Week 9 Run 3- I've graduated- I am a runner now!
Welcome to ‘What is Your Week?’, November week 1. Pull up a chair, let’s talk running🏃🏼♀️🏃🏻🍂
YES! Week 9 Run 3 IS HISTORY. Graduation here I come! Pinch me, it's true!
Advice for Week 5 Run 3 runners :)
New here! week 1 run 3 complete
