CATCH-UP CORNER...WEEK 3... Slip off your running shoes and come on in. You are amongst friends here.

[Oldfloss]

... and they'll be there, rain or shine, you've got a friend.

Well. Here we are again... another week of running, or resting, or even recovering.

The corner is cosy, and the cushions are waiting!

How is it all going with everyone? I have been reading all sorts this last week... New Graduates, Returning runners and a fair few sitting on the injury couch too! I have comfy cushions here for all of us .

I have managed to get some runs in, some in sunshine and some in thick fog! All different and all enjoyable in their own way. I have been thinking a lot too.

Not always a good thing, but this week, it was, because I have been thinking a great deal about friends and friendship

I have, over the seven years, ( nearly), since I joined the C25K family, made a heck of a lot of friends. Many are my faceless forum friends who I talk to, but have never seen face to face. Some I know better, because I have seen photographs of them, and a few, whom I have seen in person and got to know even better.

So. that got me thinking even more about running, runners and friends. Friends, including family

There is, probably, with many of us runners, somewhere, a friend, or family member, who is there, with us and for us, understanding, patient , (?), and very, very aware of all the times we take a run.

Our early runs, gained by creeping quietly, ( ?), through a sleeping household, our late night runs, when all the rest of the family want to do is to watch TV or go to sleep. Our trekking here there and everywhere, to events, also, here there and everywhere? Taking up any spare space in suitcase, rucksack, or car with our running gear, before anything else is packed !

It cannot be easy for them...unless of course, they are runners too I wonder how many of us have tried, to no avail. to get them running too..?

Goodness... these our true friends indeed!

They are our heroes and heroines, our rocks and our strongest supporters.

But, but, but...what about our RUNNING friendships. NOW, we're talking... and TALKING is what we LOVE to do.... about every aspect of our runs: our routes, our stats, distance, pace, speed, running gear, running events, weather, and even injury … we love talking about running.

To our non-running friends... this may sound like gobbledygook! But if you are a runner, it is music to the ears

Our running friends are trustworthy, and reliable...there for us no matter what. They understand!

Our running friends, support us and encourage us; the chatting about running, gives us ideas, strategies, motivation and maybe even a little bit of healthy, fun based rivalry ?

We love to talk, but, we also know when to be silent; when, during a run, it is perfect to run along, shoulder to shoulder. Simply enjoying the run and the companionship of the friend at your side. No need for words.

With our running friends, we don't need to dress up, or look smart... we just look at the run, the route and the weather, and dress accordingly, and no one would dream of telling us we were inappropriately dressed !

A running friend does not care what you look like... you are a runner and you are a friend

I am in some ways quite gregarious, but in others, not. I do not make friends easily... I think I am tad too loopy; I am mainly a lone runner. I had been running for quite a while before I even thought of running with anyone else. I was quite happy with this, running and then rambling about my runs... but maybe as time passed, there was a subconscious thought that I maybe, I wasn't good enough.

I was not aware if it and have never thought it since. I run for me

But, when I have run with others, over the years since, I have loved every moment of it.. every runner I have run with, has been warm hearted and encouraging, supportive and often inspirational.

I have made some of my dearest friends here, through running. Friendships made here, that will endure, whether I have been able to meet these friends face to face or not.

Now... whilst we are all here, sitting , relaxing and basking in the warmth of the fire, I would love to know how many of you have made friends through your running.

Friendships made here on the forums, in running groups, at Park Run or other events.

If you are just starting on your running journey, maybe you have not had chance to make friendships here yet, so look around, read each other's posts. Find folk who are on the same week as you, team up, on your posts maybe... We have had whole groups of folk here on C25K, all reaching the Graduation Podium together, after supporting each other through the nine weeks Much online celebrating has gone on

I do know that if you do that, you will realise, how much you have in common, and you will experience friendship that will carry you forward in your running and beyond

So,,, pop in and let us know what is happening with your running right now and see how many of us, without realising it, already have loads of friends..., right here

Oldfloss x

P.S

I am putting a link here too, to the JUST GIVING PAGE for one of my own dear

friends, and a well- loved friend to so, so many of us, whom we sadly lost on November 2nd. TIM'S RUN will take place on Sunday 27th November....

Here is the post.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

We have already hit the £1000 mark !

Every little helps

Floss x

[David_G]

Hi Oldfloss you’re absolutely right about our fellow runners. I’ve been running for about 4.5 years now and I’ve never met another runner who judges me, looks down at me or belittles me. We all understand just what an effort it can be to get out there and run in all weathers, no matter what else is going on in our lives.

Many of the friends I’ve made on here are closer to me than people I’ve known for years, even if I haven’t met them face to face. I have met some of you of course, and it felt straight away that I’d known you forever. The bond amongst us all is very strong, no matter how far or fast we run, whether we we do it just for fun or are more serious about it.

I never thought I’d take to running, but I was encouraged by a friend of mine to take up C25K. As she did to me a little while ago, ‘You’ve found your tribe’ and she was absolutely right.

For those just starting their running journey, I’d encourage you to carry on with it. It might just change you and give you a new perspective on life. You’ll never find a more supportive, helpful and welcoming bunch as other runners!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to David_G]

Everything you say David, is absolutely true. I can empathise with all of it...friends that we meet, it is as if we have known them all our lives.

I love your friend's description.... it suits, perfectly. x

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

A warm invitation as ever Old Floss…as my thoughts turn to HU friendships … my running journey would have never been the same without this forum… its unconditional acceptance at its best…encouragements….helpful warnings… fun… rejoicing and even tears…learning from each other… inspiring stories, perseverance & just humanity at its best! … No one understands a C25K journey better, than someone who is part of it or has been through it…the pain, the struggles, the gremlins, running when we feel like, running when we don’t…. Rainy runs… running at dawn, in the dark, in the snow… the day you first feel the runners high… the day you first feel like a runner… graduation day….what’s not to love about our forum friendships! No one understands us better!

Fun

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

You are so, so right.... we are a family.... and all that goes with being part of a family...thank YOU too, for being part of mine xxx

[LiisaM Graduate]

I’m feeling kind of blue and beaten…. I planned on running this morning and had picked a time to do it when I thought I’d be in beteeen snow flurries. So this morning I checked the weather again and (SHOCK!) it said we had a winter warning of 1-2 feet of snow. WHAT?!! Oh—over the course of the next 5 days…. That was followed by a call from my doctor’s office saying she wanted to send me to a specialist for consultation based on my recent bloodwork. Well, it’s well into the afternoon and I’m a ball of nerves and emotionally shot. Now I just don’t have the get up and go required to run. 🙁🙁🙁

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Oh Lisa what a hard day! That kind of news coupled with your weather would put any one off their run. Your Doctor is taking good care of you & being cautious by sending you to a specialist. Let’s pray it’s something they can get to the bottom of rather quickly & that won’t affect your running!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Oh goodness...this is worrying for you... stay strong my friend...xxx Just take it very slowly... and know that all the right things are happening... we are here. x

I have PM you x

[nowster Graduate]

Runners keep on running, whatever. We know our limitations. My run this morning had several setbacks: a trip, a "most urgent" visit to the loo, a field with bulls and wet cowpats. Did it put me off? Not one bit. Do I consider it a failed run? Of course not!

I had an unexpected request at parkrun this Saturday. A lady in my locality who is also a regular at my local parkrun asked me to run with her at some point as she is scared of running along the clay path that is part of my 10km route. (Her husband was right next to me when she discussed this.) Nothing has been arranged yet, but it's likely we'll meet up at a prominent landmark that I pass on that route, and then she'll continue on when I finish. We both work from home, so it's most likely to be a lunchtime run.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to nowster]

I read your post!!! Interesting challenging, but you did it! Your posts inspire and let our runners know that things happen...but they do not have to be the end .

You have also, demonstrated one of the very best bits about the running, the sharing ! Already, someone asking for support and you willing to arrange to help. Superb.

Thank you for popping in here x

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Well, what a lovely post   Oldfloss . You have said it all. I had not used any social media platforms before joining the HU couch to 5k forum, so it was a very steep learning curve, in addition to learning how to run. But I got there, with a little help from my virtual friends.

The excellent advice and sharing of experiences from both my peer group and the graduates who hung around to support us newbies was so important. The excitement we shared as we discussed new shoes and running gear, our first parkrun and later, our first races.

Where else could we ramble on about running the way we do on here?

I also feel very privileged to have met some people around the country, who I would never have met in normal circumstances, as a result of both this platform and parkrun. I can now call them true friends. Some lovely people I haven’t yet met, but I’m sure I will if we happen to be at the right place at the right time.

I am lucky to have a hubby who has always run, but we had completely different experiences. His idea of running was to get from A to B in the fastest possible time . He didn’t understand the concept of looking around and enjoying the sights, sounds and smells, and would definitely not stop to take a photo on a run. But he now enjoys the occasional slow run with me, and it has helped him as he increased distance. I would say running has added to our relationship and our social life.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you! I suddenly realised, just how precious our friends are.

You know so, so well, from what you are saying, how good it is to be a part of a running community. The support and shared knowledge is incredible... and you have moved so far, meeting new friends along the way,

Your posts and photographs demonstrate this so wonderfully and I do hope some of our new runners will read some of them. What Ambassadors for running you and UTS are!

I do know that you and husband are different runners, but you are right, when you say that it works... and that shines out from all your posts too.

Mr OF does not run , but we walk and cycle together, and he has , from Day One been my biggest supporter on any level. Sometimes over protective, following any of my injury spells or blips, but always there. My rock.

We are indeed, blessed with having found this safe, and incredible place. x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

This post is from one of our running friends here  BarbieW . I am posting it here as it escaped to an older post

" hi Floss, not been a good time for me I’m afraid. Just started chemotherapy after a mastectomy in September and feeling really rough. I know I need to get off my backside and go out, and I have moved to a new flat that is close to the town gardens, which are only 1/2 k round, but at least that gives me a measurable distance to improve on. I did have a try just before the operation but the knees couldn’t cope with more than one circuit , so I’ve taken a serious break from running for a little while.

But at least I made sure the new flat had somewhere to store my running gear so I’m sure I’ll get back in time. I do need to keep myself fit after all, the hospital have advised that! "

Gosh.... you are having a very hard time.

Be kind to yourself here, and just take the time to feel stronger? Moving is a traumatic experience in itself too...but having some gardens to walk around, and maybe a tiny jogette as and when...perfect.

Store that running gear, make some plans and yes, you do need to keep fit and there are loads of lovely links on the S and F forum and I have loads of low impact stuff that I used when building back to full weight and strength after my blip in 2020... I have just made my weight up to 8 stone 2lbs!! I can share them with you.

There is a lovely comfy cushion here for you at any time. xxx

[BarbieW Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

There is a cancer support group at our local parkrun too “5k your way” that I have joined as I have continued to volunteer there despite everything, until this last couple of weeks. Many of them walk and some only do one circuit, but they are definitely out there.

But it is amazing how much support there is out there, for everything, running, cancer etc. it’s that Friendship thing again isn’t it! Makes me give thanks for the human race!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

Only going to prove that there really ARE good people out here... who care, and share, and support, with no thought of payment of any kind...

Very well done you, and especially on that volunteering. x

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

Well done BarbieW for getting through your op & starting on the chemo journey. I feel for you & admire your determination to keep fit having had the same op a few years back plus the gruelling effects of chemotherapy. Be very kind to yourself during treatment. Just getting out for some fresh air will be all you will manage some days…it’s so up & down … however once you have recovered, the C25K program will be a wonderful story for you… we are cheering you on in the chemo journey as well as waiting with you for those future runs. Hopefully meet you at OldFloss’s fireside from time to time! Xx

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

It’s been a mainly miserable week here with covid as an unwelcome guest. The worst is over now (I hope!) but coughing at night is knocking out all my energy. I’ve been for a couple of nice walks. Missing the runs but know they’re waiting for me when I’m ready for them.

You are so right about needing run buddies. I’ve said more than once that this site has been superb for my marriage! MrUnderstanding runs a little bit and is the best support crew for race days and practice runs anyone could want. There’s only so much discussion about which energy gels taste the least disgusting, which head torch is best and exactly how many pairs of trainers you need that a non geek can put up with! It’s great to get all that out here amongst friends!

Thanks for yet another thoughtful, supportive post from you, my friend Oldfloss ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Oh my goodness. You are having such a time and it is horrid... and yet, you are still on the forum, still supporting folk and sharing your knowledge. How lucky are we and how amazing are you?

Coughing at night is so, so tiring and saps every bit of your strength. I am so glad that you have had some lovely walks too.

We do need each other and Mr MU sounds to be a great supporter for you. Yes, the running jargon must seem very alien to any non runner!

Please, do recover gently, you are such a part of this community, we need you back to full strength and we do want to see you enjoying those lovely runs again !

Aren't we lucky that they are patient... and wait for us ?

Floss x

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the lovely reply! I’ve been quite fed up being stuck at home and it’s been great to have the forum to stop me slowly going mad! The sun is currently shining here so it might be a short walk. I’m finally testing negative so I might even treat myself to a coffee somewhere.

Once again, thanks for cheering me up! ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

The forum is so good for keeping us going, I felt the same when I was unable to run for quite a few weeks...

Negative at last and hopefully you may have got a walk in, and a cup of coffee too x

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Good to hear you are negative now MissU. Just take your time in increasing your activity.

[Frenc Graduate]

What a smashing post OF. I have had great fun during runs trying to imagine what various VRB’s personalities are like! And they all come across as smashing - good fun, kind, and helpful. I’ve wondered what people would make of my routes and even had pretend conversations with some of them as they mentally get me up a hill. Perhaps a little dotty, but it’s lovely to bring other folk along in spirit. And then there’s my OH who has championed my running from the get go, as well as a work colleague, neither of whom run, but they have genuine interest! And of course we will all be bringing one special person along with us on 27th November I’m sure.

On the actual running side I have been doing some very short, slow runs on my physio’s advice - and after my hero or idiot run in a torrential downpour recently, have been trying to avoid the rain as soaking leggings and a niggle don’t get on with each other whatsoever 😁.

All the best OF! 😊😊😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Frenc]

GHello!

It is fun isn't it to imagine what forum friends are like and I love the idea of you chatting to them as you travel uphill! I take friends with me so often! It can be odd meeting them in person... they either look exactly as you imagined or very, very different!

Your husband sounds to be the kind of friend that is just right.... your very own champion. Friends too, who are non runners can be really supportive as well.

Your short slow runs? I really need to get checking some past posts... but am glad that you are heeding your Physio's advice . The injury couch is not the best place to be, even if we are amongst friends

Take care of you... your cushion is always here for you x

And yes..a very special friend on the 27th!

[Swimming24 Graduate]

What a delightful full. It has made my morning full of energy and light. Ready for anything now😊 except that I would like to donate to Tim’s charity but do not have Apple Pay. Can I donate in another way ??

[Mothmoss Graduate in reply to Swimming24]

Hi - if you go to the justgiving page

justgiving.com/team/timsrun... (or click the link above)

and choose the charity (from the two his family chose) that you wanted to give money to, it takes you through the leave a message page to a payment page where you can use paypal or bank details etc. xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mothmoss]

Thanks you.. saved me doing this x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Swimming24]

I am glad that this got you ready for anything... how great that we can share things and help each other .... it really is the most amazing place to be !

Hopefully. Mothmoss as answered your query too x

[Swimming24 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you and thank you Mothmoss. Sorted 👏

[Mothmoss Graduate]

Mothmoss here - just wanted to pull up a purple fluffy cushion, join the catch up corner and say I did it 😁 - got back out there after my 2 jab disaster week and am repeating the last runs. Good news was that I was actually on week 4 rather than week 3 as I thought, so I feel like I'm nailing it. I had a great run in the rain today, where all the other soaking wet runners smiled at me as we dodged and weaved between the seaweed piles thrown up by the ferocious sea.

Thank you for the support, reminded me what I am getting out there for.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mothmoss]

The cushion was fluffed up and waiting for you!

You are doing so, so well...a bonus with your weeks and a superb run in the rain... with, who else but fellow runners ! All, kindred spirits in this amazing thing we call running!

I jave this wonderful image of you, soaking wet, all of you, running and smiling, as you raced along the windswept beach!

Just fabulous!!! I shall think of this, on my next beach run, here at the coast!

On you go!

Thank YOU!

[Getfitok Graduate]

I’ve had a problem getting motivated to restart C25K with various setbacks, but now seems the appropriate time, so this morning I ran w1r1 ready to join in on Tim’s run on the 27th.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Getfitok]

Sounding so good to me... a great time to restart and a great cause to head towards next Sunday !

Restarting is something many, many of us have done... we know what is coming, we know we can do it...no pressure, and no need to oush too hard. Relax and enjoy!

Well done you!