Better late than never! But, finally; a full on day, yesterday, with Small Runner in Training, zapped me, and it was very late when I thought , uh, oh, post!
NOW, fear not, there will be a place for all of us runners to chat, because, on November 1st, we shall all find our way. again to the CATCH-UP CORNER. Revamped and reopened! ( Deafening cheers)! New Autumn cushions too!
I had thought that a different meeting place might be helpful to all of the runners, but the October trial runs of a separate meeting place for our new runners and our returning and repeating runners was not as useful as I had hoped.
So, I am returning, as promised, to the original, and really well received, CATCH-UP CORNER. I started it, this time last year and it has been running well.
But for this last ramble here... I am thinking of something a tad different?
We are all here, we are runners. Many of us have run this way before, ( once or twice, some of us)! We know the form, we know the programme and we know ourselves. We talk a lot, we support each other, we share ideas and we share our suggestions for moving forward; we share our successes and our setbacks, all very useful, serious stuff! Time for a giggle?
Okay... I have been running for nearly seven years, ( in December)! Every run I take, has been different, the routes may be the same route, sometimes, yet, every single run is different. The feelings I get from my runs are different... the weather is different... the terrain is different, because of that. but... one thing that all my runs have in common?
My odd little personal habits, preparations, before my runs. Not the warm up, the stretches, the get going, exercises... but those quirky, totally individual things that just I do.. Don't panic.. it's very ordinary? Really! What are they?
The night before:
I decide on my route.
I look at the weather forecast.
I set out all my running gear the night before; with an option for warmer or colder run.
I put the road shoes or the trail shoes out accordingly.
I place my running belt and my earphones on the counter top in the kitchen.
I put my cap, buff, or beanie hat on the hall table.
My Garmin is placed by the side of them.
On the morning of my run;
I swing my legs out of bed and I do the first exercise of the day. This is not simply because of my run, It is something I have done for quite a while to warm my knees, and ankles, calves and toes, up before getting up! ( Yeah, okay, weird). MY Nan did this for as long as I can remember.. and she was still climbing tow flights of stairs and own right up to 98 years of age... if it worked for her?
I check the weather.
I have a quick look on Map my Run at my planned route.
When I am ready... sip or two of water before leaving the house , and I am out!
All this sounds as if it takes an age, it doesn't. I might due to unforeseen issues, faff around in the mornings but generally, it runs smoothly.
NOW!
Besides wanting to know how the running is all going for you, and how you feel you are moving forward, I and we would love to know, what, if any peculiar or quirky or downright odd, little habits you may have , before setting out for your runs!
Please... We are so looking forward to your replies. ( nothing overly personal obviously, there are separate posts for that
So.. who is ready to share ? Grab a chair and tell all :
Oldfloss x
PS
I do my leg rubbing to the tune above Knees and ankles,, calves and toes, calves and toes!
PPS
Usain Bolt, always points at the sky, before a race.. no wonder he is faster than me, it does not take him any time at all to be ready to run
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i drink a lot most days but always more conscious about it the day before a run
i usually wake up early around 5:30 most days and will go and make a cuppa, feed the cat , and if I'm running I'll have a glass of water while waiting for the kettle
then (as I'm usually going out around 08:30 these days) I go back to bed
another check on the weather and think about what to wear , a quick watch of the news on TV while still in bed 😊
and check the forums , up again around
8. Quick wash to wake up , brush teeth , kit on ,another cup of tea , Dynamic stretches, another small water , quick trip to the little room and then out
You start earlier than I... we are awake at 6! Do you ever run later in the day? I have only done it on a few occasions. Love the earlier starts.
I have to say, there are lots of similarities in your routine, and my own. Hydration at all times paramount as you say... I drink loads of water too, but always have.. Adam's Ale, my Nan called it.
Your little cat is gorgeous and clearly used to your routine! I forgot about checking the forums! Rain running is not a favourite of mine... but if forecast I like to be prepared rather than caught out. You sound very organised indeed!
Thanks for popping in! I'm looking forward to what other folks routines are!
love reading these posts and hope there's many more, intrigued to hear what others do!
I too get everything out the previous evening, check earbuds or earphones are fully charged, check I have a little sweet still tucked in my running belt, if it's dark and usually by the time I get out now, it is, check my beanie hat with the light is charged, running chest light fully charged, hign viz vest and high viz arm bands all present. Check NRC app is working ( sometimes it doesn't load properly and I have to go through all the lig in details again), decide whether I want tunes in Spotify or Amazon music, set off the safety beacon thing in Strava ( although don't know why I do this, as other half doesn'thave a smart phone, so he can't follow my run anyway!)
And then out the door, into the dark rural roads! I like it like that as I can see for miles if a car or anyone is approaching so I feel perfectly safe, if it's raining ( not pouring) even better!! 😃🏃♀️🌧️
This all sounds terrifically well organised and how great to see how many of us do the same sort of thing.
I can just imagine you, out in the countryside , a moving, shining beacon on the darkness! You are really well kitted out to be seen, which is so important. I have flashing lights on my shoes for the darker mornings.
My NRC Run glitched today and I had to stop, start another one and ended up running further! I don't bother with the safety beacon thing.. my OH never has his phone with him.. I just hope hell notice if I don't turn back up for breakfast!
Your runs sound wonderful and all this preparation...Perfect!
Please do pop into Catch-Up Corner on the 1st November too... I'll save you a cushion!
Please do!!!! The flashing lights are great and the battery time seems endless! My small runner in training, granddaughter, keeps borrowing them to use as warming lamps for her small pets in her, 'veterinary surgery'! !!!
She is determined to become a vet...she is 6 at the end of October...but has been playing at being a vet since she was about 4! I am in awe of her ...very much an outdoor girl..never still...can almost outrun me...I keep on running ....to keep up with her! Got to stay healthy and strong for her as well as myself!
used to run later in the morning after breakfast, but I was having real problem with upset tummy… so I tried an early start after cup of tea and a couple of digestives. Like OF pre run visit to the loo drink of water then off out. Seems to have done the trick. Fingers crossed it continues. Certainly helping to re build my confidence to run further away from home 🤣
Great stuff...and so good that you have found a routine that works for you! I only ate breakfast once before a run..but that was because my HM did not start until 11! I ate at 8 and took oatcakes and cheese all rolled up, ready for after!
Confidence building is surely helping your running to evolve...you've got this!!
I love it... especially the shall we, shan't we? Yes... lucky me , I have time to sort and faff, but you awesome workers!
Just running after work is totally amazing. I'm not sure of I had been running when I was still teaching ,that I would have felt like getting out there.
Yes.. small one keeps us all on our toes! Good thing too! x
Start by having a vague outline of running days for the week…looking at weather/planned trips etc.
Get up, look out the window…anything worse than vague drizzle is a big no. Faff about making morning drinks, check radar on weather app. Have a double espresso and a mug of tea to kickstart my day and decide defo yes or no to running…sometimes I’ll forgo the tea if I’m running.
On a yes day, get dressed (running gear is usually draped over the landing bannister), visit the loo one last time…I *really* need an empty bladder!)…and head out.
If running from home, I’ll do pre/post stretches in the house, otherwise by the side of the car when I’ve parked. Start all the apps…and off I go.
I should say I usually drink around 4 litres a day, so can defo head out the door on just an espresso! Haven’t run further than 10k/95 minutes, so don’t take anything with me on a long run…although there’s always water in the car for after.
I need to make sure I plug in my phone the night before. The morning of I have oatmeal and berries and check the weather. If there’s rain, I check the radar to see if there’s a nice break A cup of tea, and I’m off!
There is some thing about running in the morning after breakfast. It is just the perfect time of the day and I feel perfect at that time of day for running.
my routine is up and out of bed, brush teeth, wet hair, to get rid of bed head! Quick sip of water and out. Everyone says to stretch, but I find that the 5 minute walk is enough for me. I shuffle, which is a cross between running and walking. No great speed, more like an oil tanker, once I get going don’t ask me to stop suddenly! Had to change my route now the mornings are darker. Week 9 starts on Monday! I’ve purchased the ‘proper’ trainers, now just need to sort out the clothing. Tight leggings do not appeal, might put the shorts back on! Wish me luck
Brilliant..no faffage at all... just do it...oil tanker... wonderful! Slow, steady and unsinkable! I wear, for very cold weather RAB's, Artic leggings, not tight at all and really warm.. but I got them in sales.. a tad pricey!
Edit
Just checked... these are now £80 !!!! Blimey... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
My quirky things (when I’m not on the IC as right now! 😠):
- go on tip-toes, balance-training, calf-strengthening slow-motion walk when moving around the house on work-from-home days (I’ve not dared to do that in the office 🤣🤣)
Morning routine on run days:
- on wake-up ca 6am, take my medicine, then 6:30-7am coffee and water with a splash of HU forums. (Always breakfast AFTER running)
- follow my needs and go to the bathroom (x3… it’s as if my body knows, as I do that only on run days)
- brush teeth, put on my gear which now lives in a hanger in our orange room (guest/rowing room with orange carpet)
- out the house by 7:30
- in my home office by 9am with a breakfast protein drink. I tend to not put my runs on days where I work in the office (2-4 days per week, depending on week)
My current quirk is also that I’ve moved my running gear from our bedroom into the orange room and I’m fine tuning how I prepare my running gear for donning on a run day.
At the moment it “hangs” but I’m so inspired by posters who lay it all out! I might try that.
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