CATCH-UP CORNER...WEEK 4... Kick off the running shoes and come on in... Plenty of room inside !

[Oldfloss]

Good Morning everyone. It is a glorious one here in the Staffs' Moorlands and set to reach a balmy 16 degrees later today. Bikini on then. ( Just joking) !

Here I am, a little later with this post this week. I was running late anyway, but then thought I would post this today and that gives us a great week, before the next Catch-Up Post on April 1st.

Well, I have had a good week running wise, and am feeling extremely positive about my running and my exercise regime. That is due, in no small way, to the posts that I have been reading, and the replies to your running outings.

You are amazing !

At whatever level of your running you may be, you are meeting the challenges of each week with strength and determination. Doing what you are able to do, acknowledging the times that you are not able to run , accepting that, and adapting accordingly.

BUT, the overwhelming feeling I am getting from the posts, is that of enjoyment... and it is catching!

These are dark times in so many ways; the pressures that many of us are under, which seem to worsen daily, and the horrendous events in the Ukraine. We might be forgiven, if we were to just curl up on our couch and hide.

But no. You are out there and you are running and the joy is palpable.

I could put a list of quotes from endless posts, whcih demonstrate this, that I have read this week, but it would take too long.

I am popping a few in and hope those runners who wrote them recognise them, and don't mind me using them. Please do read some of the back posts if you have not already.

“ Believe it or not, but I am actually really looking forward to run 2 this time, I might become a runner after all”!

“ Loving the progress I am making and really looking forward to completing the plan next week “

“ Such freedom to run. It's a great feeling “!

“ I remember my first run after C25K and I felt like a child let out of school. It was like look at me I can run, LOOK AT ME I CAN RUN! It was such a great feeling “

Newbies, just starting the programme, full of trepidation on many cases and then suddenly realising, that if they do the prep' read the advice and take it slow and steady, that it is fun and hey, liking it

Forum friends who are further on in the programme, settled into their happy pace, eyes fixed on the Graduation podium, looking around, learning more and more about themselves and hey, liking it

New Graduates, who having reached the podium and got the badge to prove it, who are now deciding, during consolidation where to go next, relaxing into their running, letting the new running legs do their stuff, not constrained by timings or distance, feeling the freedom and hey, liking it!

Our repeaters, folk who have been away from running for a while; injury, illness or life events having halted them in their tracks, are coming back and their posts reflect the familiar feelings, as they return to their runs. No pressure, nothing to prove, and hey, liking it!

What better advertisement for Couch to 5K could there be, than these posts. Physical and mental well-being at any level.

My runs this week have been coloured by YOUR posts. I nearly always enjoy my runs, but sometimes... things weigh heavy. Not so those week.

I ran and I ran as I did in my first runs after Graduation, because I am able, I ran for pure joy.

When yesterday, on the scrobbiest bit of ground, tucked amongst the dead leaves and the stony earth, I spotted this beauty, it summed it all up for me.

The power of Nature, the power of Friendship and the Joy that our running brings to our lives

Thank you everyone !

So now, time to let everyone else in the corner know how your week has gone, share the enjoyment of YOUR runs ..and what you have planned for the next ones, as we hurtle towards the Spring. ( Or maybe just run steadily

Looking forward to all your replies

Let's get out there this week and share the joy!

Oldfloss x

UPDATE :

Added this for folk to take note.

We are lucky enough to have some new visitors to the corner this morning, including our own amazing CBDB , who is joining us to repeat C25K, after a horrid time on the IC.

If you have not visited the Strength and Flex Forum, which she runs, ( pardon the pun), so wonderfully, then please, please do. So, so much useful stuff there.

Here is the link.

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Welcome everyone !

[BarbieW Graduate]

Hi FlossI just have to say I did W5R3 a few days ago and was so proud of myself I did it again yesterday! That acceptance that I can actually still run for 20 full minutes has really helped my mental health after my awful last few months, so definitely onwards and upwards from here on!

B

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

Yeayyyyyy!That is absolutely fantastic!What a super feeling....and this just shows you are strong and brave and, dare I say, beginning to feel the joy ?

Huge well done to you ! X

[Me_time Graduate]

I am really enjoying your posts Oldfloss , they are full of positivity.I have started JJMP & completed w1r2 after a terrible first run on Tuesday. Today's run showed me how my fitness had slightly improved since I started c25k

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Me_time]

That is just great ....Some runs are tricky for any number of reasons, but, equally , some are a dream. It really is wonderful how our fitness level improves, almost unnoticed, as our running evolves.

Quite suddenly, things that felt difficult, are easier and of course, much more enjoyable.

Well done you!

[Roxdog Graduate]

A wonderful heartfelt post again, brought tears to my eyes.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Oh dear...but thank you xxx

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hi gang, lovely post as usual Floss. I'm still not running, but I'm on the mend and Mr Grumpy took me to RHS wisley today as a belated birthday trip. I managed to toddle quite a distance in the sunshine, it was glorious 😎

Cherry blossom at the entrance to Wisley

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Hello ! What a beautiful photgraph... I think Spring really is in the air at last

Wisley sounds absolutely beautiful, bit of a way for me though !

Really glad that you are on the mend and managed to get out for a little way too. Those runs will wait, and the weather hopefully will conitnue to get warmer and drier too.

Take care x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

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

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Lablove Mormor1 slipstick Nomorechocolat Hidden Indielass00 Mum22boys Greenrunner47 Elfe5 Frenc GailXrunning 123gogo

[Greenrunner47]

Hi Oldfloss! Thanks for another lovely post. Happy to report that I am on holiday this week, it’s lovely to have a complete break from work but not from running or walking tho! Me and my running mate (who is also my Mr) went to the lakes yesterday and had a marvellous day on the open top bus, we also managed to buy some new walking boots, long overdue as I’ve had mine since 2008! The only other thing I am interested in buying right now is running gear and I even bought a running magazine last week! Well and truly got the bug (and liking it - well loving it!) I smashed week 5 run 3 on Tuesday and decided to repeat it, just got back now and feeling the good chemicals buzzing round my system this run was a bit different as it was dark and away from our usual sport but it was great to get into the flow of a twenty min run, I’m starting to feel like a “proper runner” and hopefully in a few weeks I will have the badge to prove it! Planning to repeat this run again on Saturday to build up my stamina for week 6 - can’t wait !

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Greenrunner47]

This is all sounding so good,and your holiday sounds wonderful. Walking is a great way to build everything up and in beautiful locations too. Perfect.

Ah yes...the addiction that is running! Running magazines, running gear...the signs are there

😀

You are doing really well ; keep it slow and steady as you move forwards.

And, by the way , you were a runner from the moment you set out on this programme. You just didn't know it!

Enjoy the rest of your holiday xxx

[Mum22boys Graduate]

Hi Oldfloss. Sorry, I've been missing in action. I need some serious kicking up the bum. I feel like I keep coming on here and saying the same things. 15 months ago I was running 10k, I'd given up sugar, I was full of energy and motivation.... now I just feel bluuurghhh. I need to find a way out and I am motivated but it feels like obstacles keep getting in the way. I've had a heavy cold for coming up to 2 weeks, it is getting better, and hasn't stopped me doing day to day stuff but wasn't conducive to running. Oldest boy bless him is getting over slapped cheek syndrome so he's been at home all week. And maybe they could all be classed as excuses...

I feel a bit silly coming and saying how I feel but I also know that acknowledging it will help a bit to give me that kick up the bum.

One day I will come and post with something positive.... that's a promise!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

There's always a space here for you. And, they're not excuses...it's life and at times it stops us in our tracks.It happened to me October 2020 ...and I thought I'd never run again!

We do what we can do ...when we are able. You have a family and right now...they are taking front seat.

But...somewhere, somehow, you need to find a small moment in time for you.

Five minutes exercise...(Bodyfit with Amy)...Arms, legs or core strength..

A brisk walk in the park or to the shops.

Just something, one thing that gives you breathing space...and is the first step forward...

You need to take care of you...not just for your lovely family...but for yourself .

We are here and we will keep supporting snd encouraging you xxx

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss, I have subscribed to the bodyfit with Amy youtube channel... a small step... the smaller boy has today come down with slapped cheek syndrome, although at the moment doesn't seem to be as poorly with it as his big brother so fingers crossed he recovers quicker. I'm feeling like I have more energy after my cold so this weekend I will aim to put a small and realistic plan in place for next week.... fingers crossed I will have something to report next week.

Thank you once again for your kind and encouraging words, they're like a big hug and a pick me up 😊 xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

Oh goodness ...poor small one! Hope he feels better soon x

Well done you on that small step...x

Just take it gently...things will settle...and you will find the right time to move forward.

Sending you a virtual hug ...xxx

[Oldgirlruns Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

But you’ve come to the right place to get it all off your chest Mum - so welcome back and we look forward to hearing from you whenever you can!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Totally agree xxx

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you 😊 and it feels a very dafe place so thank you for that

[123gogo Graduate]

Your posts are such a joy to read, Oldfloss. I just settle comfortably in my chair, happy to be in your corner.

I'll be tackling W8R2 tomorrow. I'm not sure that it will be all that easy. There might be hills involved. No matter. I'll get 'er done.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to 123gogo]

Fantastic, and it is so good to have you here in the corner!

Just take the run tomorrow like any other. Slow and steady and knowing you are ready for it.

Hills?

We just get over them...and yes, you will do it.

You just need to have confidence in the programme and yourself. And you've got that!

I'm out tomorrow too...there's an 8 in my run too..

😂I shall watch for your post! X

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

I love your posts OF, they’re always full of positivity! I feel a bit of a fraud when I sneak into the corner because I’ve done so little running recently! I sailed through C25K for the second time but for some reason I ground to a halt at week 8! I was away for a few days with family which was lovely, walked parkrun last Saturday because my bod felt like cement, then came down with a cold on Sunday which sapped my energy. I’ve never really been bothered by colds or flu but these days they knock the stuffing out of me! But hey ho, I’m feeling OK again now so W8R3 beckons tomorrow - it’s all good!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Loads of things flying around at the moment and not just Covid !I hope that you are feeling better now?

You must never feel like a fraud and never sneak in, you are welcome and it is so important that we all see and accept, that there will be times when we are no able to run or achieve what we had hoped.

Time spent with family, especially in these current times is so wonderful, and does us good mentally and, ( in my case). physically; try catching a small 5 and a half year old playing tag!

I hope that your run goes or ahs gone well ? I look forward to your post x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss, my run went well - the usual faffing and the wrong clothing are my hallmarks! Should have opted for short sleeves not long but I did remember to move my buff from neck for warmth to wrist to wipe brow! 28 minutes run and I move on to week 9 on Sunday. The beach looked gorgeous in the sunshine and a lot of the pebbles have been moved by the tide so that it’s sandy for a change and the greenery is starting to show through as well. Glorious!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Now that sounds just great...I can empathise with the clothing issue. I end up stripping layers off!

A happy run and 28 minutes of looking around at the beauty of the world.

Well done you x

[CBDB Graduate]

Just thought I’d join you in the cozy and beautifully readable catch-up corner, as I have finally come off the Injury and COVID couch to redo my 5k journey. Today was week 1 run 1 and I’m looking forward to experiencing this journey again, different and more confident whilst familiar and new in other ways.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Oh my!!This is so good to have you here, and I hope everyone finds time to read your progress posts AND to visit the awesome Strength and Flex Forum which you manage so amazingly.

The really great thing is that, at last, you are off the IC, and the next great thing is you get to repeat this programme.

So many of us have done and are doing it right now. Familiar and with no pressure at all. ( Unless self imposed)!

I look forward to reading your progress posts and replies as I feel it will help so many of our runners, new and more seasoned!

So... you are on the way, and you know what I am going to say ? Slow and steady as you go ... and ENJOY! xx

[CBDB Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

🥰😍😘

[WhaleSongC Graduate]

Gosh, Here 24 is too cold, and 28 is getting too hot to run! Tropical excuses.

I finished all three runs of week 1, did two on the hills, and the last one on the flat. Dare I say I’m looking forward to the next one!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to WhaleSongC]

Oh yes!!!!

Positivity is what we need here... " looking forward to the next one" !That is fantastic...!

HUGE well done you and those hills.... they will set you up.

They can feel so hard at the beginning but there will be a day when you use them to warm up; honestly!

I run faster up things, than on the flat ( although I am improving ), and when I did an actual HM, I had to practice on flat bits first!

You will be amazed how strong you get and how each week, strength , stamina and eventually speed and distance will evolve.

I even finished a run last week that had an uphill at the last Km!

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto......

Some one on here told me when I posted about what I called hills. way back in 2015, that they were character building. Like the weather here in the UK!

Go you... I look forward to watching your progress!

P.S.

Tropical sounds wonderful to me... ! x

[WhaleSongC Graduate in reply to WhaleSongC]

Week 2 run 1 done! Ooof, that was hard. Again on the ‘flat’ bit, tho flat is all relative :p. I thought I was done after five runs, so the dogs got to join my on the 6th one :p.

Total distance (including warm up/cool down, and ten minute dog walk) was just over 3.5k, so I am definitely making progress!!! I don’t need to be able to run 5k by the end of this, but I do want to be able to run + walk it :).

Dogs sniffing by the sea.

[Jackapoodle Graduate in reply to WhaleSongC]

Gorgeous pooches 😊 and a beautiful view. Very jealous 🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to WhaleSongC]

Well done you...you're doing just fine...and the dogs too!No need for 5K...just get to 30 minutes x

[WhaleSongC Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Yes, I’m not going to rush the 5k, but when I can do it, it opens up some awesome (but hilly) hikes :).

[WhaleSongC Graduate in reply to WhaleSongC]

Week 2 run 2 done! I’ve settled into mostly using the flat bit, but each run going a little further up the hill, so that I get a little more practice coming back down each time :).

Now to patiently wait for Friday :).

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to WhaleSongC]

Huge well done you!

[LiisaM Graduate]

A dandelion! We don't have them here at all yet--cold and rainy today, but before the rain hit this morning, I did my first Week 4 in this never-ending quest to repeat last year's graduation and that of the year before in between snow breaks. Later, while working and feeling a little down, I thought of the wonderful cheer in the walking part of Week 3's beginning song "It's a beautiful day...." which I enjoyed last week. Some music, (like that,) I love--and some I tolerate! I'm still leery of running out on the road because of covid; I'm more cautious than most of my acquaintances here so I run around on the lawn around our house or up and down our driveway. BTW, my "trail" on the lawn is still showing from last summer! Well, enough of my blather....

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Yes.... one of those flowers that make me smile. Like daffodils, our cheap and cheerfuls.

You did Week 4 and whether it felt, never ending, or not you are doing it ! It took me 6 months to repeat it again in 2020/21! You are doing so well!

Yes, Music does have a power, to bring us up and to belt out a song can surely clear the blues.

You do right to be cautious. Covid has not gone and never will and we will learn to live alongside it, but right now, until we know al lot more, we must do what feels right for us.

Your running around the garden made me smile. You have a larger garden and drive, than I. I started in mine during our lockdowns here and found that with a little effort I could get 2 kilometers out of mine!

Your lawn trail will go, as the weather improves and improve it surely will.

Huge well done to you my friend x

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh, my! I have to run around in multiple circles to get any mileage--certainly not 2 km! Oh--and "garden?" Not really--we have a small vegetable garden in the back--that's all. We don't have flowers in a garden other than routine, boring landscape. I just could not do flowers what with my life being what it is. ☹️

[CBDB Graduate]

❤️🏃🏽‍♀️💙🏃🏾💚🏃🏿‍♀️🤎🏃🏻‍♂️🧡🏃‍♀️💛🏃‍♂️💚

[annatonina Graduate]

Love this post! I'm definitely feeling the joy at the moment, early spring is my favourite time of year and I'm loving seeing the daffodils and cherry blossoms all through my running routes. It feels like a symbol of coming out of the dark and into better times, which matches up with starting week 8 today and feeling almost back to normal after COVID. Onwards and upwards!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to annatonina]

This is great news and so positive!! I am feeling the joy!It is a beautiful time of the year...and the sunny days, the sounds, smells and the sights of Spring do give a lift to our spirits.

Well done you, and do take it gently if you're not feeling totally back on form. Xx

[Jackapoodle Graduate]

This week I did a hill!! 😆 I thought I would use my short run as a way to tackle different things and I've been avoiding hills like the plague. Tried fartleks and did not enjoy those at all. Either barely noticed any shift in speed or set off like the chippy was about to close 🤣🤣 just couldn't get the pace right 🤷🏼‍♀️ So thought a bit of a hill might be nice. It wasn't but I did it 😁

Did my 5K straight running on Tuesday and due to Jeff a 7K tomorrow. These mornings have been just gorgeous and it's so lovely seeing all the gardens spring to life 😊 the rooks and jackdaws nesting nearby are squabbling away and they always make me smile x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

All sounding very positive and your enjoyment shines through. I just love hills. I have them wherever I run from..short and steep or long , and not so steep.

They do build up everything...the more you do...the easier it gets...!

The chip shop closing could set the scene for a new PB!!

Well done you x

[Jackapoodle Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I rejoice that I live in flat N Lincs but it has niggled at me sometimes that I wasn't giving it a go. We have a decent hill in the village which the local running club use for hillwork and a second one - a nursery slope, we'll say. I did the latter (obvs 😁). I read a reply on the forum recently that better form is to keep the head up so I'll do that next time. Ooo that's a thought. We have a mobile chippy van come round occasionally through the villages. There's motivation for distance/time PBs right there!!! 😳🍟🍟 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

Head up and try not to lean forward ...light steps...I try to focus not too far ahead and to imagine floating rather than running!

[Jackapoodle Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

That's really helpful, thank you. I was definitely looking down and leaning forwards quite a way, to try and lean into the hill I suppose I was thinking?! I'll focus on not doing this next time x

[Hidden]

Hello Oldfloss. I’m still lounging on the lovely IC cushions, but finally have my long awaited appointment with the foot specialist coming up next week…..I’m thrilled CBDB is off the IC at long last! Yay! I shall be revisiting C25K too hopefully when my turn comes.

In the meantime, I’m enjoying some lovely walks in this glorious sunshine but think I might be tempting fate to say spring is definitely here to stay. I’m glad to read that you’ve enjoyed some sunny outings too. 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Phew, that appointment will be so welcome... lounging around is good but gosh. the sunshine is tempting :)Hopefully you will be joining CBDB , very, very soon !

Enjoy the fresh air on those walks and even if Spring is a tad reluctant to appear, ( cold here this morning), she will eventually arrive.

Take care my friend x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Hi Oldfloss …I’m still plodding…taking inspiration from here..you…and all my running buddies…looking forward to a meet up next week with a VRB x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Plodding sounds perfect to me, especially in the sunshine ! A meet up with a VRB sounds fantastic... ! xx

[Voldatort Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Nuffin wrong with us plodders 😄more vit D opportunity 😎

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Voldatort]

Absolutely x

[Voldatort Graduate]

Thought I'd pop my head round the door to say my Torty girls love those dandylions too! I brought some back from my jog in the park today....

Tortoises

[CBDB Graduate in reply to Voldatort]

🤩🤩🤩🐢🐢🐢 Now they really know how to take it slow! 😃😍

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to CBDB]

About a Km an hour apparently ?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Voldatort]

Excellent and great companions too

[Over60sRunner Graduate]

Well, here I am, slinking back in after a disasterous few weeks (well, months, truth be told!). I won't go over the whole sorry post-Covid, post- PVS, post can't be ar*ed, saga - just to say I got on the mill yesterday for only the third time this month and I am gutted at how much condition I have lost

I've gone back to week 6 of the C25K programme which I did without anything hurting too much (my right, previously operated on, knee is mithering today mind!) in my usual tortoise style, but I knew that I had done it. Hopefully my mojo will keep working - I really don't want to throw away all the hard work I've put in since June 2021 🙄

Due back on the mill for W6 R2 tomorrow and I am definitely going to have to force myself!

dynamax

[Indielass00 Graduate]

Lovely post Oldfloss . Last week I comfortably made my way through W7. Started W8 this morning. Saturdays run I went along some country lanes. Nice to escape the streets and opt for the countryside. Enjoyed a lovely walk Sunday through woods with my family. Got some beautiful flowers my little ones got me. Bless them 🥰 x

Mother’s Day treat