The RUNNERS RETURN...

[Oldfloss]

Hi there Running friends.

Just when you thought it was a Floss-Free Week!

Well, the Catch-Up Corner is closed for a few months, for a major overhaul, but... fear not, there is a place for us all, right here, over the Autumn and Winter months! PHEW !

I do, as many of you know often have weird and cooky ideas, and am always looking for ways to support us all, here on C25K. Here are my latest rambling thoughts.

Now, what has become apparent since I started our cosy Catch-Up Corner, last year, is that we are not, simply, sharing the cushions with our new runners, but also, welcoming on a whole bunch of running friends who were RETURNING to running and REPEATING, all or some of C25K.

SO, ( you know what is coming don't you)? I've decided to open a special place for our Returning and Repeaters !

Every month, if this goes well, I shall be posting to see who is where and what stage they are up to in their running return.

Is this sounding good to you? It is to me, because as many of you know also, I have repeated C25K, after a few setbacks , all of it and bits of it. It has been a struggle but I am finally back to 5K level, but again, not becoming complacent and still on the forum, posting as and when I have time, and reading posts and replies to give me the massive support I feel that I often need!

Over the last couple of years, thanks to the Pandemic, we have had setback after setback. Illness, loss, work upheaval, our children out of school. We have some of us lost weight, gained weight, lost fitness and or motivation. We have suffered physically and mentally.

But we are runners, we are a special breed. We have strength ,we have determination and we have the passion for something that we know will enhance every aspect of our lives. We come back.

I would love to see as many of you as possible, popping in here. We need YOU and I feel some of you may need US. It is hard to make a comeback and all too easy to lose our way. We can help each other. You may have graduated , you may not have reached graduation at all at that first attempt... you may have been away from running for an age. We still want to see you here!

You are here on the forum, This is your COMEBACK, so READ the posts other runners are putting up, Read the replies, follow advice and links and keep popping in here to share how it is all going.

Post your progress, please, if you get the chance, so that me and our other friends here can see what is possible.

The comfy chairs are waiting, so slip off the running shoes and come on in.

Can't wait to see you and to hear what you think?

Oldfloss x

PS

I shall be tagging some friends to get this post rolling, and am hoping the will make an appearance. I shall let this run and see what the response is

PPS

There is a NEW post up for all our NEW Runners too...

Floss x

[LiisaM Graduate]

WHAT??!? A "major overhaul?" 😱 I LOVED the Cozy Corner.... Well, I've had a bit of a flop this week what with running only once. I've been up at night with One Who Has Alzheimer's and trying to catch up on sleep in the early daylight hours when I ordinarily would want to run. BUT! This morning I got a 12 minute run in with CB and it was a rejuvenation of sorts. I will try to do better. Not only have I failed to run, but I also skipped my muscle exercises. Here, too, I pledge to get busy on those.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

I knew I'd see you here.my friend... don't worry... I just have to re-organise things a tad! It is just as cosy here and will get cosier as the winter draws in!

You are still here and still getting the runs in, despite all the setbacks you have had and the difficulties that you face. You are a perfect example for this post. The setbacks you have faced and still face, just make your comeback more inspiring!

I know what you have gone through and how each day is a challenge. You ran... and you will run more. Your exercises as and when, happen! You have never failed in any aspect of your situation.

I am in awe...

Floss x

PS

Get to work on those muscle exercises ! x

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Oooooh!! - ‘Return & Repeat’ after yet another obstacle is the story of my running🙄🙄

- I often wonder what it’s like to have a smooth “keeping on keeping on” running journey - I have no idea - it evades me!

So… no surprises that I have just started C25K again (following my toe crunching tumble). Toes still tender, so I’m leaving at least 2 days between each run so they recover. W1 R1&2 already in the bag. 😄

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

I giggled when I read this. I can empathise completely! A smooth, uneventful running phase? Hmmm !

Funnily enough, I was going to call this post Run, Return, Repeat! Starting again is the only way for many of us, but gosh...how many times! I think I know every run, every week, by heart! You probably feel the same.

I am glad the toes are recovering and you are right to just give them time to heal properly. You are on the way and you know the form. I am leaving more than one day in between my runs regularly, but it is paying off., and you will find this too, I am sure.

Please do keep popping in and let us know how it is all going ? I shall tag you too ! x

[Annieapple Graduate]

Love this idea!!! Please do tag me Old Floss! Sounds just up my street! Week 5 Run1 today went well! Half way through my comeback & what a delight it is! We leave Canada tomorrow for a week in Hawaii courtesy of our children.. before our return home to the UK…watch this space for running pics… 🍁🍂🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Hello!!! This is great, and how good to see you here!

Wow... Week 5, and that is the week has that has, ( unnecessarily), struck terror in the hearts of many a new runner. I myself remember writing a post, the night before beginning the week! Then with the comforting words from our own IannodaTruffe realsing that yes, it is just another week with another set of perfectly doable runs!

I am so glad that you are enjoying the comeback and my goodness... what a reward for you?

Canada first and then a week in Hawaii! Your children are obviously very determined that you have fun! That sounds absolutely amazing. Will you be able to run whilst you are there? I have little idea of temperatures at this time of the year.

We shall look forward to seeing your photographs and will see you here next week ?

Consider yourself tagged! x

[Sparkey5000 Graduate]

it’s like you are talking to me! Since my first graduation the autumn before the world stopped I have not got back into a proper groove with my running. A couple of attempts fizzled out. An Achilles problem this year really got me down and I wanted to start again but had to be patient….not one of my best traits! Here I am walking the dog plotting the days to start back with week one, jumped on the daily highlights email and into your post. Count me into this posse please! You’ve just firmed up the plan!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sparkey5000]

Hello again!

I am so glad that you heard me...it is great to see so many old friends reappearing

Gosh, you have had a time of it and things can weigh heavy and one setback seems to impact on other set backs! Achilles issues! Ouch... I tore mine years back.. in plaster, ( three different), for a long time and comeback even to walking properly, took time!

I am going to put you on the list and we will be her to support you and to help you move forward. I've done it and I am still building back... it is slow and steady but, it will get me there, as it will you.

I shall watch for you update and I shall be looking for your first Week One run ! Well done you...in advance!

[Sparkey5000 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

week 1 run 1 completed yesterday 🎉🎉and I can still walk this morning which I feel fantastic about

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sparkey5000]

Fantastic news... well done you!

[Brixcos Graduate]

Can I pull up a cushion? Having completed C25K earlier this year and lots of lovely consolidation runs (as well as 3 parkruns), my knees started giving me jip so I had to retire temporarily to the IC for 3 weeks. I wondered if I had lost my motivation, but no! Out I went this morning and ended up doing a lovely slow 3km (which Strava tells me was pretty much the same pace as pre-IC.) But best of all was being out in the crisp fresh air, being greeted by three people within minutes of starting, and just feeling totally FREE!! (To put that into context, my daughter has just had my 1st grandchild which is a blessing, but they live in my house, which is more of a challenge!!)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Brixcos]

Congratulations ! A new runner in training ,maybe How wonderful.

Well, you got out there and there it all was, friendship, fresh air and freedom! Perfect.

I imagine life is very hectic, with a small family within the family home...but so great too. To be part of those first months of the new one's life. I was lucky enough to be part of our small runner in training's first months and the bond between she and I, is amazing., and the bond between I and her Mama even stronger than before. She will be 6 at the end of this month EEk! Blink and it has whizzed by.

You are going tp need some quiet refresh time just for you, to keep you mentally and physically strong. I did a slow and steady 3K this morning too! My cared day for our small one was yesterday! Time for me today

Your run sounds just perfect... please do keep popping in and letting us know how it is all going... I shall tag you on the list! Have a lovely day ! x

[Brixcos Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you, I will do!

[Fitnewme]

Sounds good for me, C25K is a bit of a hobby, post C25K running always seems to be scuppered by something or other. Just trying to find the right level to get back to after 3 weeks away. This community does keep me wanting to get back, thanks to all!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Fitnewme]

Come on in and welcome... there are so many folks around just feeling as you are. We can keep each other going and we can get back on track!

Slow and steady as you go and first, maybe, just take a little exploratory jogette to see how everything feels... your body will tell you, and it never lies. Your mind might try to, but your body is honest.

See ho it goes and maybe just pop back at the previous level, as a warm up.

Do let is know how it goes please... !

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Wonderful idea Floss! I've had so many setbacks and restarts I've lost count. Currently mid-setback but when I get started again, I'll be back.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

I am glad you are here... and I know that you will be making that comeback as soon as you are able. We will be right here, ready to share your experiences and to offer our support. x

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi Floss, me too 🙋‍♀️ making a steady comeback to regular running... likeBrixcos I have been enjoying becoming a first time grandmother which has eaten into my time in the best way possible.

I missed that level of fitness I had before my achillies injury and Plantar faciitus put me on the IC.

Last month I decided to include run days into my week, so now keep a couple of days free and its working well. Mr BBr is still having a nice walk (with his headphones instead of me for company) and I am getting to run some nice routes while I consolidate and build up my stamina.

Those runs are doing me the world of good, that time to myself is lovely.

Still getting plenty of time with my daughter and grandson too, and some walks with Mr BBr time seems to have expanded to allow running back in!🏃‍♀️❤xxx

The c25k plan really is a life changer.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

It really is a life changer, my friend... and YOU have had some real life changing events... that certain small one for sure.

As things move forward, then time does seem a little more flexible... and I know that getting the runs in will be so good for you, and your well being. Body and soul.

Finding the right balance is key and you seem to be on target with that. Your comeback seems to be happening at just the right pace for you and the family. Quality time for you and for them.

Carry on with what you are doing. I shall add you to the list, and look out for you here x

[nowster Graduate]

The Runners' Return? I have visions of Ena and Minnie nursing a couple of milk stouts in the corner of the snug whilst being scandalised about Elsie's latest leggings pattern.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to nowster]

You could be right at home here then, Ken Barlow , Jack Walker. .Stan Ogden ? 🤣

[nowster Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Anyone as long as it's not Mike Baldwin. 🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to nowster]

Okay!

[Getfitok Graduate]

Just what I need! I have restarted so many times.Running helps me sleep &I could definitely do with more of that.So I’m hoping to restart-yet again. Wish me luck 😆

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Getfitok]

So good to see you here I think many, many of us can identify with your issues. Do really think seriously about restarting. It can feel a tad daunting especially after a long break. Back in 2020, I thought my running days were over.

You know the form, there are no surprises and you know that you can do it.

So many friends here all ready to read your posts, share your experiences and share their own too. Just choose a route you know and enjoy and head out. Slow and steady and see how it goes. Focus on relaxed running and that good night's sleep !

We will be here to support you. x

[Jackapoodle Graduate]

Sometimes i think I'm on a running bungee which keeps twanging me back to C25K. And not complaining 😊 Grumbly Achilles has left me running sporadically and just now building up again with 3k plods. And a gazillion eccentric heel raises during the day (dramatic, me? 🤣🤣). Anyway after a massive sulk over how unfair it all was 🤦🏼‍♀️, I decided to just get on with it, build back up and take it slow, slow, slow 🦥 🙂 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

Join the club!!!

Gosh , that's a great description ...a bungee...exactly! Up and down..back and forth. How many of us still on that bungee line?

Achilles issues? I really can empathise ...pesky critters....and heel raises..my bottom stair was worn out!

Well...you are here...amongst friends, and of course with me..the founder of the Slow and steady Brigade.

It works...I have been using the lately found, for me, NRC guided runs. I run with Coach Bennett, he is my coach, despite what other runners may think,

He keeps me buoyant, on track...knows exactly the right run for the day and....he keeps me slow...and easy...

No more sulking ..smiles all around....you can do this !

Please stay around and keep posting ...I'll watch out for you! X

[Jackapoodle Graduate]

Aw thank you 😊 and you've reminded me about Coach B. Doh! I've been running just to music for some time and maybe the soothing tones of Coach are just what I need. I may borrow him later if I may. I promise to bring him back 😉 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

I'll keep you to that! But do. borrow away... ! x Let is know how you fare... I began with a Tough Day Easy Run!

[LottieMW Ambassador]

hi Oldfloss 👋🏼

I thought that I may drop in here if I may…been around the block twice now with C25k 🙂

Did carry on with The Magic Plan too…got up to W6 (9k) in August…and then couldn’t be bothered with doing a long run 🤷🏻‍♀️

…so I’ve been doing mostly 3k with the occasional 5K with no pressure felt. Have taken CB along for the craic too!😂

🏃🏻‍♀️🐌🐢🦥🍂🍁🧡

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LottieMW]

You are very welcome here.. it is so, so important that we share what is happening with our running.

You clearly have found the running routine, ( lovely one), that you are enjoying and it sounds wonderful for me. The shorter, enjoyable 3Ks are just perfect and with the odd longer jaunt.. well that's a change and it proves you are still strong and fit and having a good time!

Pop in again please... we will be glad to see you and to hear how things are going as the year moves on?

Take care x

[LottieMW Ambassador in reply to Oldfloss]

thank you Oldfloss 😊

[SlowRunner46 Graduate]

Here I go again!!! 2nd time round finished in July and stopped running in August due to a sore knee. Just restarted last week on week 5. So pleased I got the 20min run this morning - with the most lovely sunrise. Do we keep stopping so we can enjoy the restart so much?🤔🤣

Early low sun across the field

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SlowRunner46]

Do you know, I think you could be right, because restarting again, even if it feels tricky to begin with, is done with the knowledge that we can do it!

That photograph is beautiful! This time of the year is stunning isn't it...what a perfect start to any day... well done you!

[PickingUpThePace]

Morning all, popping in to say hi! Thanks OldFloss for inviting me around.

Finished Week 1 last night (woohoo!) and feeling alright for it this morning, so far - I'll see if my head hits the desk at 2pm today though. Might need a cup of coffee at about that point 🤔

I'm a returning graduate, after completing c25k a while back but for the life of me I can't find my old account details, so I just created a new one. As I mentioned in my first post I'm rebuilding my stamina post long-Covid, so I'll be taking it slow and steady.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to PickingUpThePace]

Lovely to see you here and great to see that you are building back slow and steady too! Rebuilding your stamina is crucial, especially after Covid... listen to your body and take it gently. Well done on finishing Week 1, hopefully you stayed awake!

A new account , a new start... and it is going well. Stay safe and we will look forward to seeing you on Runners Return Week 2 !