CATCH-UP CORNER...WEEK 4... Everyone is welcome ... Please, come on in... because...It's Time To TOE the LINE !

[Oldfloss]

Hello running people

Slip off your shoes and grab a cushion!

Here we are running towards the end of June. Hard to believe it I know.

Well, the view from the Corner today is a really different one... blue sky, blue sea and a breakwater that stretches almost to the horizon. Bliss!

I thought I would post this today, before heading back to our regular Catch-Up Corner

So, how has it all be going with everyone. I have been reading some incredible posts, from all of you. Our new runners, heading towards their first big goal, our more seasoned runners, heading the same way for a second, ( or even third time, and some of us moving forwards to our next goal. I managed a super short run on Wednesday before hitting the IC on a course of antibiotics! But, that gives me even more time to read your awesome posts!

It has been good to see, that many of the new runners amongst us are reading each other's posts and taking the advice to read some of the excellent pinned posts which give so much useful information.

The biggest recurring theme with our Newbies this last week has been Week 5 and Week 6... but the pinned post from IannodaTruffe , Week 5 Myth Buster, has set many minds at rest.

If you are in the Corner with us for the first time, please do make sure you check out the pinned posts and check out some past Corner posts too.

Now... my photograph, and the cryptic meaning of the words in the title of the post ?

Well, I have shamelessly borrowed a phrase from the NRC running app I am using right now, and tweaked it a little The breakwater shot, which I took on my run on Wednesday morning, seemed ideal as an illustration.

Every Finish Line is a Starting line and every Starting Line is a Finish Line.

What do I mean by that? I'll explain.

Each one of us, when we begin C25K, have come to a Starting line. The start of a whole new part of our lives. It is something completely new, and far, far in the distance, ( oh yes, it seems a really long way away), we can just, if we are lucky, see that Graduation Finish Line

It is the Starting Line for our runs which will take us to a healthier, fitter and maybe, happier, Finish Line.

But in order to begin this, we have just crossed a Finish Line.

If we are doing C25K for the first time, it means we have finished sitting on the Couch, it may mean that we are finished with unhealthy eating habits, it may mean that we are finished with putting up with the feeling of being mentally and physically drained; we really are ready to cross that Starting Line.

If we are returning to C25K, then again, a Finish Line has been crossed. What has happened in our running before, has coloured the journey back to it. We have had, maybe, illness, injury, mental or physical issues and, now we have reached the Finish Line and are eager to cross the new Starting Line once more...taking us to a new goal and new Finish Line.

Interestingly too, even in the C25K plan, every single run we take begins at a new Starting Line , built maybe, on the one before , but a brand new run, and one to be embraced and enjoyed.

This probably sounds loopy to you, but to me it makes sense.

Every Finish Line we cross, means it's time for a new start.., we cross the line and decide how to move forward, using the knowledge and skills , experiences good and bad, that we have gained, to help us.

We might increase some of our rest day exercise, we may spend more time on one aspect of that exercise... our stamina or our core strength, We may have realised that our running body has a weak point; our knees, our ankles, our breathing! We may want to find new routes, and try new terrain.

We may have realised that running three times a week is just too much and that we can still run, but in the way that suits us. We may have become aware that the running is not just helping us physically, but that our mental well being is dramatically improved too.; and we are going to nurture that feeling in other aspects of our lives?

Crossing the Finish Line with worries about moving forward, might be something that happens, also, to some of us. But... there is, on the forums, a wealth of support, guidance and advice.

We will run on , maybe on our own, but never alone. There is always someone who will cross that new Starting Line with you.

So... things to think about? I know I have things to think about as I move on and I know I shall be looking to all of you and my friends on here to support and help me in those decisions.

Wherever you are in your running, just grab a cushion, sit down and share what has been happening with you and your runs.

We can't wait to hear what you have to say

Oldfloss x

[nowster Graduate]

A breakwater, you say? Just be careful of groyne strains. 😆

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groyne

After a mad midweek spurt I'm taking things a little more easily, ahead of tomorrow morning's parkrun.

[Comfortnotspeed]

Wise words and a reassuring thought that there is always a new starting line.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

There is... and believe me, we do need them sometimes.

[LiisaM Graduate]

I have slipped a bit from regular runs, but it's been too hot here; we had one day with "real feel" 100 degrees F. I could not take it, being one who wilts in the heat--like melting butter.... I have also slipped from muscle exercises; I need to start those up again. I have a very hard time getting things done these days seemingly having no time. ☹️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

It will come ..we do what we are able to. YOU are going to have plenty of muscle exercise with your new companion.Rest whilst you can... xxx

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I did a half-hearted "Speed" this morning as part of the c25k+ programs, but as Laura says, "A bad run is better than no run at all." When I first started Speed this morning, I felt that I really wasn't up to it after being away from running for several days. The first spurt was not my finest, but as the recording went on, I got better, so I take heart from that.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Well done you! Just getting out and letting the legs do what they will can be so, so useful! The Speed podcast is a really good one. I used to love that, but it is energetic.. there are some really good and short, runs on the Nike Running Club app.( NRC). You are able to choose something for every type of run.. even a five minute one!It may be worth you taking a look ?

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

How do I find them? (I've seen you talk about them with "your" coach.... 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Just type NRC running app into your phone..x

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Perfect!!! Thanks! I've got it!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Excellent..xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

A Reminder to some friends who may think I have forgotten to post!030961 Tbae Bluefly FrankyC BarbieW Shandy1 Marvincat Katprid Mumpark Week7 BS44 slipstick Greenthorn

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

and.. a few empty cushions. I know I am in Wales, but I am in the Corner here:)Elfe5 Liono Hidden MaisieR M0use Hedgehogs123 Spannerz20 WhaleSongC FrankyC Pymander10

[Bluefly Graduate]

I am still here and definitely done with sitting on the couch. Last few weeks hectic with work and weekends spent at uni open days for my eldest (today we are at Warwick) but still running regularly - c25k has truly changed my life in so many ways. You're so right as the end of the programme was a new starting line. So much more to look forward to!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluefly]

Glad you are still here. and still running too! New starting lines for everyone ! How exciting University choices. Warwick University, beautiful. New adventures for someone definitely!

[Mum22boys Graduate]

Ahhh hope you feel ok Oldfloss and the antibiotics are doing their job.

Beautiful picture. Made me reminisce of out trip to the Llyn Peninsula a few weeks ago and look forward to our summer holiday to Norfolk ☀️

Just finished week 3, all good so far. Not quite so much yoga this week... my shoulder is much better but just making sure I don't push it too much... a definite characteristic of mine 🙈

Off today for a post having baby little get together for my sister-in-law, with everything that's going on, it's so easy to focus on the small people so we're going to give her some tlc. Taking my smallest one with me, he was 3 in May but the most amazing company, plus I'll get my weekly dose of baby cuddles (my little nephew in 4 weeks old now) so it's going to be a good day!

Look after yourself xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

So glorious here for the last few days...and lovely to have warmth. The Llyn is looking at its best against a backdrop of blue.We are back here in a week or so. Hopefully I may get a little run in!

You are doing so well ..and that yoga helps. Staying firm with yourself. Excellent!

We all struggle with that sometimes.

Have a lovely time with your sister in law and family. Most definitely new starts there fir a snall newcomer. Enjoy those cuddles.

Enjoy ...and thank you for popping in!

[WhaleSongC Graduate]

Ahh love it! I think our start line will include a few evening walks outdoors to begin with. It is all of our first bout with covid, so don’t really know what to expect.

The dogs are watching me carefully for signs of that walk :p.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to WhaleSongC]

Just slow and steady... the starting line can change for our needs. I do hope it goes well. x I shall be walking for a while I think... but it will give me time to look around more Your dogs will enjoy the walk too... take care!

[WhaleSongC Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

15 minute walk and I’m shattered! Usually I tire out the dogs, now it is the other way around :p.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

This might be my first time grabbing a cushion. I’m having a great time with running at the moment. I’d been feeling like my mojo had deserted me after a bout of illness and a too hot to run holiday but after a fantastic first every race, it’s now back with a vengeance. Looking back, I think I’d been a bit stagnant for a while. What’s really made the difference is starting running with audio guides again…more specifically the NRC app and the lovely Coach Bennett! It’s shaken me out of my comfort zone with some interval runs , distances I wouldn’t have chosen and really nailing the recovery run. I’m finding four runs a week bizarrely much easier than two. It’s probably the routine and the regularity of it. It might be getting the tick on the app when I’ve done it!

I’m staying realistic in that this phase of huge positivity and feeling like I’m really making progress won’t last forever but I’m determined to make the most of it while I can. There’s a race I fancy at the end of august which could be a 10km or it could be a half marathon. At the moment I’m undecided about whether to do 10km again and go for a faster time or whether to try the longer distance. I’ve never run further than 10km. Dilemmas! For now, recovery run planned for tomorrow and that’s enough.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thank you for popping in here... it's nice to see you! Good to for our new runners to see where their running may take them after Graduation.So many starting lines and so many goals to reach. The choice is endless It took me a while longer to build up to a HM after I Graduated C25K, but if you decide to take that route then you will find a lot of support on the Marathon and HM Forum.

Hang onto the positivity. x

[Liono Graduate]

Hello Oldfloss - I hope you're feeling better now?

I've got 2 x 30 min runs under my belt now so am just about to cross the finish line and I've started to think about where my new start line will be. I've joined the B210K forum, where I've been reading and absorbing all the info for after consolidation. Exciting times ahead!

My W9R2 was fun as I am away this weekend with my eldest daughter, who is 10 and had to tag along. Her initial confidence at being able to keep up with me soon dissipated and I had to leave her at various benches or run loops around her as she walked home. She told me how impressed she was that I could run that far without stopping and I felt chuffed to bits 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Liono]

Fantastic!!!! That is great news... really well done to you and to your small supporter!Such exciting times ahead.. we always say, this really is a new beginning....and you will find the support on Bridge, so helpful; and supportive lovely folk there

Enjoy the consolidation and after a couple of 30 minute runs shake it up a bit too

I'll be waiting at the podium as will all the friends here...badge polished and champagne, ( or soft drinks) chilling.

On you go! x

[Liono Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Definitely wine or champagne for me, see you all there! 🥂😄

[Week7 Graduate]

Hello there! Love the picture and post. I am " busy doing nothing " on my first holiday since it was cancelled this time 2 years ago in the first lock down. Back to my favourite hotel in Lanzarote and another running first- a short holiday run. Just a 2k loop around the marina but wow what a difference-can't believe that those short steep slopes and "that flight of steps" which we used to slog our way up are actually great to run up !!!!!

What a difference 2 years makes.

2 years ago I was part way through c25k as a lockdown fitness boost- what a 2 years- first graduating, then consolidation, my first 5k, JJMP, my first 10k run, my first half marathon run, my first proper grown up half marathon event and now first holiday run- all thanks to those first tentative week one "shuffles" and these this forum.

That startline you mentioned- it really takes you places!!!!!! Thankyou to all.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Week7]

Enjoy... and soak up the sunshine...as you say, we never know where standing in a starting line will take us to.Well done you!

[Liono Graduate in reply to Week7]

How inspiring!