CATCH-UP CORNER...JULY...WEEK 4... It's cooler... the cushions are here. Everyone welcome. Starters, Second timers, Repeaters, Returners!

[Oldfloss]

“Let your running be about more than running and your running will help you get better at more than running”.

CB.

Hello, running friends...

Well, I hear you say, this is a fine time be showing up to open the Corner.

I agree, and am able only, to apologise... a few very hectic days, with all manner of issues has served to hamper normal service. Then the heat... well that simply, closed it down... no air con'!

But.... today the Corner is open.

Ready for, unbelievably, the last week in July! The shades are up currently as it is raining here at the coast. The air is cooler and fresher and there are views waiting out there for the return of the sun,

I have not been able to run since last week. Lots going on, here on the forums, me and mine and as I am still very under par, I am quite ready to sit a while here.

Which does, by coincidence :), add weight to my ramble today.

The quotation is from from of the guided runs which I have been using lately, and whilst running, I thought a lot about the words.

So... during those very hot few days, where, thankfully, (including days caring for small runner in training), I was fortunate enough to be able to stay cool and do little, and, since being on the IC again, I have had even more time to think about them.

So!

Bottom line is ,when we begin C25K, there is an almost overwhelming amount to think about!

Breathing, foot-strike, pace, fuel, hydration.... taking it at a comfortable pace... not pushing too hard!

Then as we move on... we may think about how we run, how others see us, why we are not as fast as, running as far as...the list goes on.

After Graduation, the running thoughts, run on... where to next, how to progress... races, trail runs, marathons... and on we go.

Now, as running evolves, we are able, if we simply let it happen, eventually, to take control of our running thoughts.

We find what is right for us.... what our happy pace is.... what our unique style is... where we want to be and how we want to get there.

Yes, there will be times when we make a mistake, we have a blip and things upend us...but, there is always another day, another run and another route.

NOW, here then, is the clever bit...if we use the way we feel and think about our running, we might suddenly realise that we can use that, in a really beneficial way in so many aspects of our lives.

To think about things, yes, but not overthink...to get a tad worked up sometimes, when we don't get it right, but use that stress and make it work for us...move us on in a truly positive way.

I am using some of my really successful running techniques and they are helping me in so many ways... The best one of course, for me.... slow and steady

Isn't running amazing!

So, enough Mindful Mumbles I hear you cry.... what about US!!!

I need, WE need, to hear from all of you... how has your week been.. did the heat, help or hinder.... have you slipped behind? Are you stressing about the runs you missed..?

How is your running helping you?

Whether you are at the beginning, middle or nearing Graduation....if you are making a comeback, as many of us seem to to be, right now,; grab a cushion and tell all...

Looking forward to hearing from you...

Oldfloss

[Tbae]

Lovely read as always Floss.You make running amazing.Just ticking over for me at the moment Floss.Been here 10 weeks sorting stuff.Hopefully be home on Anglesey in 4 weeks.Done my best and if it is not good enough I do not beat myself up anymore.Every best wish Floss.God willing I will never die on the couch.lol.🏃‍♀️🌟💪🙏❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tbae]

You won't!Hold fast...you'll be home soon and the runs will be there xxx

[M0use Graduate]

I've found that running regularly has made me calmer and less obsessive about things in the non running part of my life, I don't pretend to understand why, but the heat and family commitments have stopped me from running as often as I have been and I miss it. I'm feeling desperate to get back to 3 times a week and hopefully next week, temperature permitting that's exactly what I'm planning to do. I don't want to go back to being that stressed, grumpy person who had to plan everything and freaked out if plans had to alter. My husband doesn't want that person back either 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to M0use]

This is sounding good...and as with the runs, we learn , as we move forward.

Trying not to over worry, if we are not able to move on in the way we had planned... and to channel that spare energy into something else.

This is where our strength and stamina work may come in. Just short workouts, low impact and fun to keep everything moving and get those happy hormones jiggling about.

I use loads of Bodyfit With Amy short workouts, as part of my routine and even whilst I may not be fit to run, I am still able to keep everything supple.

Five minute arms, five minute legs, five minute core... some gentle stretches... my squats whilst I clean my teeth,,, and then some restful short breathing exercises.

These things we can do when life , family or weather hamper our progress.

What you have gained so far you will not lose, what you need to try to do is focus on that. Stay calm, stay relaxed and celebrate that achievement.

Get a mantra...it works.

When I feel the overthinking is creeping in... I begin each morning with...Calmly, slowly, steadily.... that works for me.

You are doing brilliantly... believe it and you are more than half way there x

[M0use Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF, your replies always make me feel better ♥️😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to M0use]

I'm glad.. Reading your posts and following your running has the same effect on me!

[LiisaM Graduate]

Dear, dear OF! I'm sorry to hear that you're still struggling. (I know, I know--you say you learn from the struggling....) I'm struggling myself with some mental demons, but I'm working on them and have gotten a few c25k+ runs in. I'm so sorry to hear about the horrible heat in your country and here we've been complaining about mugginess and mere 80-85 degrees F. I'm happy I dismantled a heap of empty boxes into flat boxes for the garbage bin this past week. (Good grief! I'm reporting THAT on a running forum???!) Well, actually, I expended quite a bit of energy doing that which helped banish those mental demons--at least that day!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Thanks you... yes, these things do happen but we do have to try and put things in perspective. Just like our running...some you win and some... you learn by, tuck away and move on.

Well done you... strength and stamina work is never wasted... and those cardboard boxes count!

You have got some runs in and that is good... the ones that you didn't are patiently waiting for you...

I am glad that you are staying strong and that some of those pesky demons are at least being quelled.

Stay safe and stay cool xxx

[Flaraflarkin Graduate]

Hey Floss 👋 lovely to be here again! Last week we were in Scotland and guess what...?? I ran in the Highlands! a couple of very short trots but I'd packed my running kit and got out there on my set running days 😁 Noticing how easily I give up when I'm doing a solo run and how much I appreciate the group I run with, they keep me going! Hope everyone here is well, happy running runny folk 🥰🦋🦋

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Hi there... That sounds wonderful... running in the Highlands!It is great to see you back here and how good it is to know you are running!

So important too for our forum friends here to know how different we all are.... as runners. Some of us, preferring our own company on our runs and some of us enjoying the comradeship and support of likeminded folk!

I am a solo snail.... but love the occasional times when there are a few friends at my side... our Isabel Trail Run, meet up, being one of the favourites!

Well done you and please, do keep popping in now and then, it will be so useful to see how running with a group can be so beneficial!

xxx

[Me_time Graduate]

Hi Oldfloss sorry to hear you are injured, it does provide a forced rest though. At times we get so busy and don't take enough rest or stop to smell the roses. I hope you are not too sore. Get better soon!

While completing c25k in Summer, I kept wondering how I will run in Winters when it gets dark before I finish work, is wet & windy and cold most of the time. To add to it, I dont prefer running in rain as it gets in my eyes and I cant see properly then!

We are half way through winter and I have not missed a single run, I postponed one to next day but that's about it.

Trying my best to disregard the weather and keep running 3 times a week, slow and steady. My slow is reeeeally slow though 😆

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Me_time]

Thank you... forced rest is sometimes what we need,. Just like the run that maybe we are not able to do, or the one that has to be abandoned.

My husband lives us being at the coast... he says it makes me rest!

Winter running... ?

Well, I began C25K in Winter, 2015, and Graduated the week before Christmas. It was wet, wild, windy, dark and on occasions cold. Wet is what I remember most weather wise.

But... the benefits! Wow...

Firstly, the right clothing is essential...

* Light and warm if , warmth is needed and waterproof and yes, there are waterproof jackets that do not cause excess sweating,

* Layers for warmth.

* Gloves if needed... I have fingerless compression which are super.

* A Cap with a large brim... I have Trailheads, and if warmth is needed, your BUFF or chosen neck scarf is ideal underneath, to keep the ears warm!

My BUFF stopped draughts and drips....and snow and hail was kept out of my eyes by my cap.

Well done you on not missing a run...all too easy to make excuses.

I am not sure where you run, I did a lot of pavement pounding then, along through my village and the lanes. I had not discovered my beautiful field runs and trails then!

I loved the dark and the streetlights and as it got lighter, the early morning sky; the shuttered windows with everyone asleep and the first early morning risers, off to work, or preparing to go.

As Christmas approached.. the lights in the small shop windows and the ones that folk forgot to turn off at night... followed by the glory of the trees decorated by my railway station.

Bliss!

I would love you to post about your runs... they must be so different than mine and the ones here in the UK !

Slow is perfect... like life, take it gently, let it evolve... let those runs and life find their own happy pace... you will be amazed where it takes you too x

[Me_time Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thats a great list for winter running, thank you!I do layer up and start feeling hot a few minutes into running. I normally just put a light jacket on so I can tie it around my waste later. Its the rain that is just so annoying and my fingers freeze due to being wet & cold, they dont get any exercise.

I have tried a couple of rain jackets but I am still ending up getting drenched.

Might try a hat to keep the rain out of my eyes. In Summer, every time I wore hat to protect from Sun, I ended up with headaches. Will see how it works in winters.

[doggytail Graduate]

Hi floss sorry to hear you are on th ic again. My running 🏃‍♀️has slowed down and not in the way I wanted it to., just not back to 3 x a week, blasted weather. Anyway off to Malta this week with my son and 1 of my daughters and their families. My son who has lost 5 stone in 26 weeks says he will wake me at 5am and we can watch the sunrise whilst doing a 10 mile walk🚶‍♀️😞. Stay safe and will catch up in 2 weeks x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to doggytail]

Wow... that holiday sounds awesome!

Your son has done amazingly and what a wonderful walk to look forward to!

There are times when we have no control of our running schedules and perhaps this is a good thing...the runs when they arrive are all the sweeter.

I clearly need to sit back and let things evolve right now x

Have a wonderful two weeks xx

[Lola-bear Graduate]

Hello OF I hope you are back to full fitness very soon. I know exactly why you mean about thoughts, I have been in holiday with all the family and 2 dogs- no running there. Then had a horrid virus which knocked me out for another 2 weeks then I got to overthinking about running- Eg from my brain - I’ll never run again after 3 weeks gap- oh I’ll be so slow - where do I start again- I’ll only be able to do 10 mins- instead of taking my hubbies advice to just do it 🤣

Sounds ridiculous but I put up so many barriers through my overthinking yet I found when I did go out to just do it- it was fine, my legs and body knew what to do it’s just my brain that put the doubts there.

I think I’ve said before that neither my friends or family run so I do rely on this forum to give me a boost which is just what you’ve done this morning OF so off for a run I go.

Take care and have a lovely Sunday all xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Lola-bear]

Thank you for this... and it is so good for folk to read it and know that we all, or most of us, experience all manner of setbacks which we feel will put an end to our runs!

Your holiday was just that... time for family and time for you... and then to be knocked back with illness.... you feel as if you need another holiday! I know exactly what you mean by the, I will never run again, thought!

But out you went... and your legs knew exactly what to do, and they took you and the rest of your body with them

HUGE well done you... enjoy that run and we shall watch for your post! xx

[Chinkoflight]

Hi, a great thoughtful read for Sunday breakfast cereal! Busy busy is my week, school holidays are here and time to catch up with grandchildren! So Thursday, a long 14k walk in West Wight, a Friday morning run, then back to home and up early, the grandchildren that is (!) and two more got up even earlier to travel over and join me for Parkrun 3. Unexpectedly warm for the run but a lovely summer holiday feel, consistent time, the boys ran on to post very impressive times, and the girls kept me company at my pace! Well enough I suppose but having had a lovely day, a great meal out and the house full of chatter, I was buzzing early this morning. What to do while everyone slumbered - well run of course!

Parkrun

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Chinkoflight]

Wow... well done on that run and what a wonderful week.Full of life, laughter and that endless energy our small ones, or not so small bring to us !

Make sure you get some rest in.... you are going to need it over the next few weeks!

Great photograph too ! xxx

[Liono Graduate]

Hello Oldfloss, joining you on the IC this week I'm afraid. Very frustrating as no obvious cause and I've been so careful not to risk injury. Also worried I'll lose the progress I made as I had only managed 2 weeks consolidating. But reading other folks experiences on this forum is helpful as always. Physio appointment tomorrow so will see what that brings!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Liono]

You won't lose it... you have it and it stays... We may do everything right and still something can upend us...

But, depending on the Physio appointment things may move slower than you imagine... but that is fine... slow and steady? It gets us to the most amazing places.

Meantime, we can sit here on the cushions and rest easy... it will sort x

[Swimming24 Graduate]

What wise words floss and so apt today. I should have done Week3 run 2 today but after a longer walk than planned yesterday and a complaining knee I gave myself permission to defer the run to tomorrow. My old yoga teacher used to say during difficult stretches, breathe and take a moment to give yourself permission to relax. It always worked and use that philosophy when things get tricky. Slow and steady is just fine with me 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Swimming24]

Just perfect...and your yoga teacher? Spot on. Being kind to ourselves... using the feeling we get, acting on them and not beating ourselves up or over worrying.

That run, will be all the sweeter... and as far as I am concerned.... slow and steady is the way

HUGE well done you!

[Swimming24 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Floss. Supportive as always 🏃🏼‍♂️

[Dendev75 Graduate]

Hi Oldfloss, I’ve learned last week that if I miss a week due to whatever reasons - it’s not going to set me back at all. I missed due to the heatwave and life just getting in the way and was worrying if I could complete the final run of ct5k, I did and it was no harder than had I not missed. X

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Dendev75]

Just great... the runs are so patient and, no matter how long we may be away.... there they are... waiting to bring a smile back to our lips !Well done you.... hoping everyone reads this!

[Tetleyteagirl]

Hi Oldfloss, my first post on catch up and for a while on here. Lovely reading your posts and everybody’s stories. I’d not been out for a jog (still can’t call it a run🤣) for nearly 4 weeks, due to holidays, coming home with covid, exhaustion then this heatwave. So last week decided as I’ve been awake early anyway to try my first early morning run. Went out thinking if I manage 20 mins I’ll be happy😊 , well surprise surprise I carried on going, 30 mins, 4K. Pleased with that as it’s been a while. I’ll plod on when it gets cooler as really can’t go out in this heat. Hope you feel better soon.

Some flora to make you smile 😊

Agapanthus lovely this year

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tetleyteagirl]

Thank you...I did smile xI'm smiling too because it is good to see you, and after all the ups and downs, lovely to know you are feeling better and, had a super early run....!

Wow!

Just do what feels right and comfortable....you are very sensible!

Well done you...and what beautiful flowers xx

[Tetleyteagirl in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss, early mornings is the way to go in this heat isn't it. Another small thing, when I post I can't see graduate10 or 60mins by my name? is it not visible to the postee??regards x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tetleyteagirl]

It is...your Graduate 10 or 60 minutes..Will only show on the Bridge Forum...x

[Tetleyteagirl in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF mystery solved then x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Tetleyteagirl]

No worries..any issue on Bridge..just let me knowx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Shout outs today to a few folk we have spare cushions for... Elfe5 Mum22boys Hidden Greenthorn , Hedgehogs123 Mumpark grumpyoldgirl Katprid Hidden slipstick Bluefly

[nowster Graduate]

Just got through a very busy weekend, which started with me fetching a huge iced birthday cake from Costco on Friday evening. It was my sister's 50th birthday on Thursday, with a bit of a low key party on Saturday afternoon. We honestly never expected her to live to 15, never mind 50. She was one of the first to have long term remission from childhood leukaemia. (Acute Lymphoblastic. They didn't get a handle on Myeloid type until many years later.)

As to running, I didn't do any on Tuesday, not with the thermometer not dipping below 25°C overnight and hitting 40 by lunchtime. I kept it light for the rest of the week, but didn't get my planned walk in on Friday due to heavy rain.

Saturday was parkrun (at Plas Heli). It rained lightly, the sand was softer than usual and the return leg was into the wind. I did get to say hello to Ted (tall guy with curly hair wearing Vivobarefoots) and Louise (Run Director from my visit in April) again, but missed spotting Steve (again).

The rest of the weekend was party preparations, the party itself, its aftermath, then a busman's holiday of doing tech maintenance of stuff at my parents' place including updating all the software on the laptop of a friend up the road from them. (It was last done over three years ago, and the web browser was so old his bank wouldn't let him use it.)

I had planned to run 10km on Sunday morning, but I'd been given too many glasses of bubbly to drink. I didn't sleep well. The wind and rain outside was the deciding factor.

Looking forward to putting some faces to names next Saturday morning at Pwllheli. I've moved things around to make it possible to be there. I hope people turn up.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to nowster]

All sounding positive and with lots of celebrations to boot!

Well done you on the Saharan Slog... wind on the return leg would have been very tricky.. especially for me:)Saturday hopefully could be fun.. all fingers crossed. for the Kat family!

It was very windy here in Criccieth yesterday and very very wet Saturday and Sunday! Unless the bubbles were helping you float along. you did the right thing.. the runs always wait... !

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Hi OF, great to hear from you!😄 I hope you are off that IC soon. Xxx

I have “slipped behind”, but not stressing (a bit frustrated maybe). Been a bit off colour & running in the heat, even early/late, doesn’t work for me. Once my core has warmed up I cook from the inside & can feel quite distressed with heat…but cycling in this weather is fine - all that self made breeze when you pedal along! I will resume running when the weather cools off a bit. 😄

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

I missed this, and I apologise!Frustration is not the same as stress and it is so hard, when we enjoy our running not to think "..not fair" !

The heat we get, is so debilitating and we do not get time to acclimatise, and I am not sure if, like me you find it draining?

Cycling is wonderful and yes, that breeze! After reading this, I think I need to do a lot more !

The runs wait and are all the sweeter, and the cool weather will come... for sure!

Hoping you are feeling better now x

[Elfe5 Graduate]

No worries OF. 😄I was reflecting about “running as you can & not as you can’t” - maybe I need to experiment with run /walking in some form in warmer weather - just to keep “ticking over”.

Meanwhile that cooler weather is here today in the NE - oh the shock of not wearing shorts!😂 Maybe a trot later on…

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Hope you got a little jogette in It has turned very warm here in Wales today... after a coolish afternoon yesterday... the body cannot get used to it !

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

No, we are hardened northerly creatures! 😂Sea bathing for you OF! Xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Funnily enough..I just got my gear out!

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

👍🏻😄

[Comfortnotspeed]

Very much enjoyed reading this. You reminded me of all the stages in this running journey.. Mindfulness is sometimes pushed to the back of the list of "important" running priorities:Sort tech out

What's my pace?

Where's the dog?

Don't drop the last jelly baby.

Did I buy shampoo or am I in for a sweaty hair day?

Am I faster?

Can I really do this distance?

The runs for pure pleasure and living in the moment are to be savored. It is great motivation to have goal to train for. I certainly need one. But, I think more and more about running steady just to explore and well, enjoy.

Perhaps that should be my next goal.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Comfortnotspeed]

It could be a great goal... or to choose a goal that celebrates mindfulness... there are some really innovative things around,,, even a virtual run for a charity could be a goal ?I forgot the running for joy for a while and it was very good to re discover it again x