CATCH-UP CORNER...LAST WEEK of NOVEMBER...WEEK 4...Come on in...Everybody is welcome!

[Oldfloss]

Hello everyone...

Welcome to the Corner... it's darker now, so the curtains are drawn, the cushions plumped up and the fire is flickering.

Perfect for relaxing easing back and just taking a moment or two.

Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I seem to have been meeting myself coming back, this last week. I have had to make sure that every now and then I ease back, slow it down and realise that sometimes, everything I wish or need to do, quite simply, is not possible!

Having had a short, enjoyable run on Sunday, with limited time to run it in, it kicked off some thoughts, about, time, and more specifically, about time, and running.

Strangely, again, it is as if some of the forum friends read my mind, as this last week I have read a few posts about this very thing. Finding time, not having time or not enough time to get a run in ! This can be so vexing and we may get into a bit of a flap about it!

If you are finding that sometimes you are struggling to get a run, then it may be of some comfort to know, that you, ( and me), are not alone.

We all, or most of us lead very busy and sometimes very hectic lives.

Many of our us have full or part time jobs. there may be children, family commitments, and really, even with out anything unexpected thrown into the mix, just the normal living of our lives.

Were not talking about motivation here, we are just talking , finding the TIME to run.

There are things we may try, to fit those runs in... and we probably are aware of them.

It might not appeal to everyone, especially here in the UK, as the winter draws nearer, but there is always the early run ! If you are able, and the idea does appeal... then you can head out whilst the family are still sleeping.

Plus, if you have got a family.... maybe, sometimes, they could join you; walking, on cycles, or even in a buggy! It might not give you the , me time, that you crave, but occasionally, may be better than no run?

The family that does a run together, has fun together?

I do know that lots of you do run to and from work, and run also in a lunch break! I am in awe of you! Truly ! Those of you who get a late run in too, after a day at work.. amazing.

Running to the garage to pick up a car after its service... running to the dentist. Doctor, shop, whatever, can be another quickie?

So, lots of ideas, but... YES, here comes the but...sometimes, try as we might, it just does not work out.

We want to run, we need to run, but we just cannot, because there are not enough hours in our day., and here is where you have to realise it, step back, and be kind to yourself.

If you cannot run, then there are other things you may be able to do in a short time; indoor exercise, yoga, Pilates, strength and flex work, all short and sweet... if you are at work... have a run up stairs and down, a brisk walk around the car park....and there are even office exercises you can do in a break !

The good news in all of this is, if it ain't possible, then you just relax and accept it, because , as I keep telling myself, ( and you ), the runs are patient, they wait.

They may have to wait a while, it may even be a little longer, because after time out, you need to build back … but be very sure, those runs will still be there and will be all the sweeter!

Okay people....I DO know how many of us are getting out right now, albeit intermittently. It can be so, so frustrating, especially when we are trying so hard to reach that Graduation podium ! But folk are managing it!

So, I am wondering, how many of you, ( like myself), have had to put the runs on hold, because of time constraints.. and how was it? I am struggling a tad, what with appointments, deliveries, family, and horrendous rain...it's not easy, but, I will get through it and all things being equal... a run could be on the cards this morning, it may be short, but it will be sweet and remember, a little is better than nothing!

Please, do pop in, slip of your running shoes and have a chat , we can't wait to hear from you !

Oldfloss x

IMPORTANT NOTE... and a Gentle Reminder.

It would be absolutely fantastic if you could despite this content of this post; find the TIMe to get a very special run in on Sunday !

Loads of us will be heading out, for a run ...THE run....TIM's RUN!

We will be running to celebrate the life and the legacy of our very own IannodaTruffe!

Run at any time, any distance, any pace, jog, it, walk it if you need to, but please do try to get out there.

If Sunday is not possible, then get that run in when you are able!

Please add a photograph of the location if you can too

It is going to be incredible!

Please check out the two links.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Floss x

[OldManRunning Graduate]

Back in the day (35 years of them) I used to run or cycle back and for to work as it was the only way to run with work, 3 children and life. I also used to run in my 45 minute meal break when it was the only time available. Being a shift worker I'd run up and down and around and around the multi storey car park next to my work in the early hours of the morning whilst on nights 😂 😂I will be on the cliffs above Funchal in Madeira on Sunday and from the research I should be able to do a run of some sort for Tim. A photo will be takem for posterity 😁

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to OldManRunning]

Welcome to the corner, good to see you!

Now that just proves how awesome you are! Finding the time, even with a family and work commitments !

I hope you have a super Birthday break and your run on Sunday sounds just so exciting! Take care,,, and than photo..it will be added to the other that I am hoping we can gather !

Take care and enjoy x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Good morning Floss, you are so right about finding time, it's much easier when the morning daylight starts early and the light evenings are long but it's so satisfying to get out this time of year, I'm curled up on one of your cushions right now wondering if I could fit a short run in before work, I'm working late today so the time is there, it's just pushing these gremlins and cat off my legs.Sunday's run is on my calendar soo nothing gets in the way

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Good morning x

Yes, it is very pleasing to get out there at this time of the year, as you say, very satisfying indeed.

I don't know whether you got your run in? I managed a very short 20 minute one with CB... we did just 3K and got soggy, muddy feet.

If you got out, I hope yours was less damp! Watching for those little chances, as you are doing... and before work... I admire you so much. I do hope the cats were not too put out? The gremlins have no right to be there anyway!

I am looking forward to Sunday, strange emotions but the thought of running with all our friends and with Tim too... it will be very special. Rain or shine eh! Running and smiling!

I'll keep your cushion warm x

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss 😀no I didn't get out but I've had a lovely morning xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

... and that is exactly as it should be xxx

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Good morning Oldfloss, great post from you, as I am retired and now live alone I do have plenty of time for running, I would'nt have done any running while I worked.

For 20 years I was a postman then went into gardening, after that I had to look after my wife as a carer until she went into hospital and then a nursing home, sadly she died 12 and a half years ago in that nursing home.

Up to 4 years ago I cycled a lot, it was only when I cut down the cycling that I started C25K on the 18th April 2018 and graduated 2 months later on June 18th. On Sunday which is usually the day I go a long walk, usually around 12K I intend to run a Half Marathon as "Tims Run", the weather looks good for Sunday with a temperature of around 7C which means for that long run I will wear shorts and a T Shirt, I'll report to you and everyone else on the Marathon Forum on how my run went, I certainly will take it 'slow and steady' and if possible I will 'keep running, keep smiling' as TIm used to tell us after each post.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Oh Al xYou have had a real journey getting to where you are now.

Working so hard and caring for your wife too x

A postman! I'd never have guessed...we have known all our postmen so well, they are wonderful! I bet folk loved you too.

I remember you beginning so well...and that first Park Run.

I christened you Father Christmas when I saw your photo...( I asked you first, if that was okay).

Now...! Half Marathon time...and doing it on our special day, in honour of our dear Tim.

Enjoy it my friend...take your own time...smile as you run.

You will do him, and us proud!

Thank you for popping in...your cushion is always here x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss, I don't mind being called Father Christmas /Santa, yes I will try to smile while running on Sunday 👍 😊 🏃🏾

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

I’ve just looked back and last week I was feeling thoroughly miserable post covid so all my runs were on hold. This week I’m much, much better. I’m still a bit more tired than usual so I’m taking it a little easy but I’ve had some lovely runs. One which was practically a swim because it was raining so much (I LOVED that one), one suspiciously fast one (I think my GPS went rogue) and a nice little 15 minute pootle. The rainy one was one of those magic runs where you feel like you could actually laugh out loud because it feels so much fun. It’s so good to be back.

It is hard when life means you can’t run as often as you’d like. I’m trying to focus on going regularly for shorter runs instead of thinking I need to go for a minimum time/distance for it to be worth it. To quote(ish!) Coach B, when you can’t run the run you want to, run the one can. My trainers are going on in a minute…

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

So good to see you here! Extra good to know you're getting back on the track too . You've had a rough time.

I agree with you entirely...at the moment, the shorter runs, when you are able, work.

This morning, I ran not the run I wanted to, but I ran the run I could...😉 CB gets around x

You have had some super runs and your rainy one sounds just splendid...I can image you, running, smiling and getting very wet, happily!

Take your time and take it gently my friend, you're doing beautifully x

[Mothmoss Graduate]

Hello - pulled up a cushion with my extra foamy speciality coffee. My barista son went off to uni in September and left me in charge of his coffee machine. I haven't got a clue what I'm doing, but I send him photos of the coffee bag and he tells me what settings to use - bit of a cheat, but it's the coffee that counts

Done week 5 run 2 successfully, but thought I'd repeat the run tomorrow and then run the big week 5 run 3 on Sunday for Tim - 😁. Will be great to think of all the other runners out doing the same, will help me keep going.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mothmoss]

Hello.. welcome, and make yourself comfy! The coffee sounds delicious too!

Do you find you have more or less time for yourself since your son went off to University... I was still working when my girls went, but I know I had a lot more time for me things

You have got a great plan there... making sure that you are happy with the run and then doing the Run 3 on Sunday. Tim went to so much trouble with his, Myths about Week 5, post, that he would be thrilled that you are running it on that day!

It is super that so many of us all over the UK and beyond will be doing this run, and that Tim, will be with each and every one of us!

Well done you... slow and steady and smile as you go. I shall watch for your Tim's Run post and a photo too maybe

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Mothmoss Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi Oldfloss - the coffee tastes good, but I haven't quite got the hang of the milk steaming yet.... my son said my latte art looks more like I've entered a meringue sculpting competition 😂

I work part-time and still have one teenager at home, but I have definitely found it easier to get a fitness routine going and stick to it without unexpected life diversions. I am hoping that when I get to the end of C25K this time, I'll be able to go onto Ju Ju's magic plan and keep going. Thanks for letting me know about Tim's week 5 myths - will make me smile as I am going along 😊

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mothmoss]

It still sounds good to me... maybe start a latte art club!Getting a routine going is a sound idea..even if I can't run...I do my regular daily exercise routine .

Going forward to Magic Plan will be great...easy to follow and fun too...a whole new adventure! X

[dorarunning Graduate]

Hello all, I returned briefly a few weeks ago to this forum as I was embarking on Couch to 5K again and I remembered how much strength and support was offered by everyone back in lockdown #1. Blessedly life is a lot busier now than those still and lonely days, but that does mean I have neglected HU this time around.

I'm due to do Week 9, Run 3 this weekend and I'm so shocked and saddened to see that I_T has passed. The generosity and encouragement he offered to everyone who passed through here was incredibly special, and to the admins and regulars I'm so sorry for your loss.

I'm seeing my baby godson on Sunday, but I'll try my best to fit in a tiny run beforehand. Sending much love to you all.

p.s. I do have some words of encouragement for early starts, but I'll save them for next week.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to dorarunning]

Hello and welcome to the corner . There are lots of comfortable cushions here., and folk to chat to.It's good to see you back here, there us always so much support for us all, at whatever level we are at.

We are still trying to move forward after losing one of our dearest forum friends. Tim was an extraordinary man whose legacy will live on.

Time spent with that small person is so important.. so if you cannot fit that run in, then do it when you can x

Enjoy your day and we'll hope to see you here soon!

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

Good Morning-I’m new to this, just on week4.

Sadly I only just found Tim and his wonderful inspiration, only to find that we have lost him.

Please could you tell me how I can find his lovely posts as they now seem to be ‘Hidden’ ?

Will do a run in his memory and with thanks to a man who sounded such a super person.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to JeremiahObadiah]

Hello... and welcome!

I am sorry but currently, you cannot find any of the past posts, other than the pinned information posts.

We have indeed lost an inspirational and much loved member of our Team and our running family.

Please, do that run, take a photo if possible and remember to run and to smile x

[Chinkoflight]

Hi Oldfloss,. Hope you manage to find some me time and get a run in. Today was a glorious Solent Friday after the storms, or should that be between the storms. The seas are mountainous for the Bay and continued to build from yesterday's walk when the sun appeared at the end of the day. Photo attached.

So off for a tentative run . So very pleased to be I hope finally on the mend as I had a the biggest smile on my face. It's such an indescribable feeling, that buzz at the end of a fabulous run. Couldn't hear a thing except the crashing of waves. Nothing like a roaring elemental sea.

So back to see a red wall on TV -Yma o Hyd seems to fit how I feel after this year.

Keep running, keep smiling.

Chinksoflight over the distant Needles.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Chinkoflight]

Thank you, I did...just a 3K, a tad grey and very soggy feet, but wonderful!

What a glorious photograph!! That is so beautiful! You take in every single moment, that is clear...What a fabulous.... fabulous run and feeling... finding the time and making the most of it... thank you for popping in xxx

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Chinkoflight]

What a stunningly beautiful photo. Thanks for sharing it and the story of your day.

[David_G]

Thanks Oldfloss I'm getting back from injury now but I'm not quite ready to run yet (gait analysis and possibly a new pair of shoes due next Wednesday) so I'll do a walk for Tim on Sunday instead. Hopefully by then the seafront will be a little better as I know it's been covered in shingle in places due to the recent weather. I'll take a photo while I'm out and post it on here.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to David_G]

Hello! I do know that you are back on track and off those crutches!!! Hooray!

You will be back out there doing what you do before we know it... but a walk will be absolutely wonderful for our friend! We look forward to that post and photo... and your return to running too!

Just take it gently my friend... slow and steady! x

PS

Noo shoo photo too as and when please

[nowster Graduate]

Finding time. Always a problem. Take yesterday for instance. I knew I had a window of about an hour at lunchtime before the storm hit us and was mentally preparing to do a short run.

Then the phone rang and I had to go out to do an urgent errand for a relative. And when that was done the rain was torrential and the opportunity was lost.

The last few months have been full of these incidents, either from external influence or from my own making (eg. oversleeping).

Such is life!

I got a lovely long walk in this morning's sunshine instead.

A sunny view of a stile and path through a field beyond. There is leaf litter everywhere.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to nowster]

That's a beautiful photograph... and worth taking the time to walk and enjoy!

I do know that you are sometimes really constrained by time with work, that life and family are a huge part of that x

You get out when you are able and you do manage to get some runs in... and you have demonstrated perfectly... we run when we are able... and when we are not able.... then how perfect is this ?

Thank you for popping in!

[Vespina Graduate in reply to nowster]

Right there with you on this one. I had a fantastic lunchtime run planned and then my boss rescheduled a meeting. I thought I’d still have time but that was pure optimism. I’ll know for next time.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

“Close the door, Light the light, we’re staying home tonight “ & joining Oldfloss besides the fire… & pondering about getting out when those runs are squished out as life intrudes, gets busier & the darkness lingers…

The only way out the door for me, Oldfloss is routine.. & when that is broken it doesn’t happen…as you say it’s so much harder as the days get shorter..

I think the injury couch taught me to appreciate how hard it is to get back… how desperately I wanted to run again…

So for me it has to be the discipline & routine of rolling out of bed into my gear Mon Wed Fri (or Sat) & out on the run….if I snooze I definitely lose! When life happens & it does, I remind myself about how hard the comeback was…& get back into it asap…The benefits outweigh the losses so we need to keep on keeping on until the Spring🌼

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Sorry for the delay ...it's been hectic and I ran out of time.You have your routine...and you clearly know what to do...when it goes pear shaped..

It is so hard to come back..but sometimes it is inevitable. Then we try even harder.

Keeping on...and enjoying every moment!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

used the I don’t wanna run, run 🤣 today & it was great….

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Brilliant!

[Vespina Graduate]

Blimey, this is exactly my month. Triple challenge of getting back from holiday, the clocks changing and then starting a new job exploded my running schedule. It’s been a perfect storm. I’m getting it back under control now (hopefully) but it’s been an experiment that hasn’t always been successful. Always feel like work and lack of daylight have been conspiring against me.

In some ways I suppose it’s inevitable and while I wouldn’t wish the battle on anyone else, it’s nice to know I’m not the only one.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Vespina]

You most certainly are not..alone. give it time...be kind to yourself...life does even out...eventually xxx

[Vespina Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks. I’m hoping that one weekday run-commute and switching the other two to weekend runs will carry me through the winter. So far so good.

[LiisaM Graduate]

I'm in a right snit; I haven't run today and just finished a tedious job here at home--using some lead cleaner on an array of disorganized wrenches. At least the wrenches were gathered by moi after Hubby left them all over the house--in the drawers in a bathroom, in his bedroom drawers, in a kitchen junk drawer, in the basement, in the garage.... But then came a new garage roof and wouldn't you know it, debris dropped down on everything, including the wrenches which I now need to repair my washing machine. I wanted to bound up out of bed this morning and get that done (the washing machine,) and a run in, too, before lunchtime. But did it happen? Well, no, of course not! I didn't get EITHER ONE done. I'm glad the runs "have patience" and "will come."

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Sorry for the late reply...it has been a case of too little time. Because of Tim's Run!Yo have had a time of it too!!! And yes....the runs really do wait!

Well done my friend....! X