Here I am, cuddled in the December Corner... the fire is warm and the winter sun is doing its very best to creep up into the grey clouds above it.
Gosh , it has been quiet on here, over the Christmas days. I am hoping that it has been because so many of you have been able to have a restful, relaxing time with family, friends or even alone, just doing the things that make you happy over Winterval. I do know though, that many of you have been working and that many are back at work now too.
One or two folk made Graduation before Christmas and even on Christmas Day, very well done to them... and the first few Newbies are showing their running shoes here already!
Well, as you know, the early Christmas gift of Covid put paid to my running, but.. two negative tests, one on Christmas Day, have been very welcome. I know it will be a while before I get out for a run again, but I have plans for some walking when I get the chance. I shall be using some of the excellent ideas which CBDB has been putting together on Active10 and the Strength and Flex Forum too. If you haven't visited those sites yet, please do. There is so much there to support all of us, whether we are able to run, or not.
I have been reading one or two posts, here and there, but I cannot remember a Christmas period as quiet as this year! If you did get out, for a walk or a run, maybe grab a cushion and share
Anyway... It would not be Catch Up Corner at this time without an Oldfloss rambling rhyme... I woke up in the night and the poem , The Night Before Christmas was in my head! Yes I know... loopy!
So, with HUGE apologies to Clement Clarke Moore... Here goes!
*******
'Twas the days after Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The trainers were tucked in a cupboard with care,
In hopes that a runner soon would be there;
The leggings were folded all snug in the drawer,
The t shirts, the socks and oh, so much more.
The newbies on Couch and the ones with badge won,
Have all been determined to have Christmas fun.
When all of a sudden, there is a feeling about
That makes all the runners just want to get out!
Away to the bathroom, they go like a flash,
Get all the gear on and to warm-up they dash.
The weak, early sunlight that shines through the day
Gives a sparkle to routes that they'll take today.
So out into the daylight the runners they go
Into the sunshine, the rain, wind or snow.
With bob hats and sleek shoes, maybe ear-buds too,
Gifts that were asked for, and bought just for you.
Too much may have been eaten, just one chocolate more?
We know that we'll feel it as we head through the door.
The tummy is turning, as we tighten the laces,
Will we be able to go through our paces?
Steady the breathing, as we start on our way,
Relaxed, slowly warming up, just as they say.
The voice in the earphones, tells us the plan.
Measuring steps and we do what we can.
Over the pavements, the fields or the trail,
A smile on our lips and we know we'll not fail.
A turn-around point and it's time to turn back
Now return homeward as we head down the track.
The end of the session, the finish in sight
Hearts full and minds eased and steps, oh so light
We cool-down and stretch, we've completed our run.
And murmur with joy .. “ Now wasn't that fun “ !
********
Yes... it's bad isn't it? I missed a big chunk out too... but that's artistic licence for you!
Have a lovely last weekend of December, stay warm, stay safe and if you get a moment, pop in and let us know how it is going. If not... I will see you all . January 1st, 2023 !
Oldfloss xxx
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Hi Floss. It’s been very busy here - and very wet, but I’ll take that over the ice. I’ve kept running throughout the holiday period, despite being on Christmas hosting duties.
19th - strength and conditioning
20th - 5k
21st - strength and conditioning
22nd - rest day, press ups
23rd - Rainy 10k
24th - Rest day
25th - Rest day, bit of S&C
26th - 30 minutes very muddy trail run
27th - rest day
28th - 5k hill repeats
I’m happy with that and to make the most of being healthy and the weather cooperating. Enjoy your walks and you’ll be back out running before you know it.
Blimey.... positive and healthy news... that is fabulous... a really HUGE well done to you! That makes me feel tired just reading it...but what a great time you have had... Brilliant !
It really has been great. It looks a lot but that’s over more than a week so didn’t feel that much at the time. And so much easier once you’re not working too
Another run up to Christmas (no pun intended) COVID victim here followed, just as I’d recovered, by the traditional Christmas cold. The latter now improving so hoping to get out and about again in the coming days. A lovely sunny start to the day today. Onwards …
Oh my goodness... we had a lot of unexpected Christmas guests didn't we... just take it steady and listen to your body...if it complains... then ease off...
Did your read the Comeback post on Bridge... so many folks and their experiences there which is so helpful.
Hi Oldfloss I'm gradually getting back to running after my injury, which is great news. I'm keeping up with the exercises my physio gave me and I'm exercising (walk or run) every day. My plan is to marshal at parkrun on Saturday this week then to run Parkrun on New Year's Day, so I have something to aim at for 2023! I also want to make greater user of the gym and swimming pool in 2023, as I'm already a member and it seems a shame not to make more use of it.
Happy New Year everyone, hope you have a great time and many more running adventures in 2023!
It is so good to know that you are out there again and making steady progress. Volunteering too, sounds just wonderful! Swimming.. ahh, yes... a very good rest day exercise... just the idea of it sounds good too.
Keep up those exercises and we shall watch for your posts! x
Good morning Oldfloss, I love your days after Christmas poem. It is just perfect! I hope you recover well after COVID. I haven't been running this week, I told myself I didn't have the energy or time to get out there and the weather has been less than encouraging.
However, today I have booked a training session on the beach with a friend. It might be slow and sluggish, but the sun is peeping through the clouds, I will enjoy it and be pleased I made the effort. Take care 🙂
Thank you... yes, slow and steady but some improvements are showing!
A few folk have struggled to get out, but as the Catch Up, last post said, we do what we are able to and the runs are all the sweeter when we get to them
I really hope the Beach session goes well, do post and let us know about it please xxx
LOVE the poem OF, you are very clever with words 😊👍 Sorry to hear that you had Covid in the lead up to the festivities. I have been very quiet on the forum…..but lurking! Runs, that I have done, were not interesting enough for a post! Unfortunately last run was Nov 5th because I have been visiting Mum in hospital for the last 6 weeks 😢. I am thinking that maybe I need to start C25K from the beginning in January……🤔 🏃🏻♀️
Oh goodness, i am so sorry. Good to have you here with us for a little chat though x There are so many of us with family ill or off side ourselves, right now,
There will be a fair few beginning Couch again...and the great thing is, it works. It takes folk back, gently and safely and enjoyably to where they left off...and with a few beside us for company. Things should feel smoother!
I do hope things are settling for you... and you are welcome here any time xxx
Another lovely poem from you! That brought back the Christmas cheer as I’m getting ready for a bit of work today.
The big news from here is it’s my one year runniversary! Hopefully I’ll be posting later about how my celebration. It’s been an excellent year and great to look back on. I’ve been running every other day since restarting after my fall. The longest has been twenty five minutes but the great news is I’m now feeling really good and happy to start picking up again. Hooray!!
Thanks! It’s amazing how quickly an injury changes your perspective. It’s only been a couple of months since I did a half marathon but since falling over three weeks ago, just getting myself dressed unaided has been a struggle. It was another twenty five minutes today and my goodness it felt great! Taking each run as it comes. 💪🏃♀️
That’s a good attitude - one day at a time. When you’re living through the rehab it feels like forever. When you look back on it, it will probably feel like no time at all. But so pleased everything is heading in the right direction.
I am nearly 8 weeks post op, and then I can run again! yaay! So I'll be back here in the new year, I've already re-washed my winter gear ready to go.
I'll start on my treadmill until I'm sure I'm not going to have problems, then I'll be down by the river again. I've started dreaming about running again, which is a good thing for me
As you will read soon, I fear you and our fellow walkers have motivated me to do the awesome 😳😳😳 deed and find a way to sign up to the #Walk1000Miles challenge. 🫣🫣🫣🫣🫣😏
It would be wonderful to be out for a run today but I've met up with family and we're all staying in the glorious Peak District for a couple of nights.
I'm just lying on my bed trying to digest a very large hotel breakfast and then we are all off for a walk in the sunshine, very welcome after the pouring rain yesterday. Back out running next year 😁
Happy New Year VRBs
Looking across green fields to the sun just about to peep through early morning clouds.
This sounds fabulous.... really lovely... as soon as I am feeling fitter.. we will head to the Peaks for a car picnic and a walk! This will keep me going until then!
The runs will wait for you... New Year, new run! Until then, simply enjoy ! xxx
Your poem was great Oldfloss . It summed up my running during December nicely 😂. I’ve made the most of the milder days and got out every 2 or 3 days to blow the cobwebs away. Nothing too challenging, just a nice gentle plod. Just come back from a 5.7k which was lovely in the winter sunshine 😊. Thanks for always being there for us in the cosy catch up corner 😊
it’s actually been a very work heavy, exhausting and stressful December up until Christmas. Then it was just exhausting 😂. Running is my antidote 😊. I’m off work until 3rd Jan so I’m just making the most of the extra time 😁
OldFloss delighted to hear you are now covid negative & looking forward to a walk. What an incredibly beautiful photo calling to those of us out there & a fun poem that makes us smile & look about for our trainers!
After weeks of not running, I gingerly crept out into some weak sunshine, in between the showers & managed a gentle run alongside the incoming tide. Oh so good to be back out there! Why did I wait so long?
Thank you for the many ways you & the rest of Admin support us on this app… may we remind you all that we appreciate the thought that goes into every reply, & the encouragement posts like this are to many of us!
That run sounds just beautiful!! Oh goodness.. the sea and the sky and some sunshine too !
I am so glad that you got out and hopefully as I mend I shall be getting the odd walk, if not run again by the sea soon. Thank you too for acknowledging the Team here...sometimes we do feel a tad lonely... xxx
amazing!! Thanks for this - definitely the motivation required to get out there!
I love the pic and the poem. I finally got out for a run on Christmas Eve, returning to my starting point just as darkness fell. Boy, did that outing do me a world of good! Like so many people, I work through the festivities and I find it all exhausting at times. Hurrah for running, and this board, keeping us all sane and heathy.
Just fantastic.. finding the time for YOU... You work so hard and you s=deserve to have the time for yourself too. Well done and thank you for popping in here. Always a welcome here for you x
hello Oldfloss …I am here..been busy in my house with each one of the three being poorly in some way…seems they’re nearly all back to normal thank goodness…looking forward to starting a new year of running…better than this last one with my sporadic efforts!! xx
Hi Floss checking in after a brief absence, I’m afraid.
Back out walking around the park, and now up to 6 circuits so about 3k. I have set myself a target of getting back to parkrun at end of January, so need to build up my stamina by then, though I’ll probably walk more than run, tbqh!.
(Am getting a bit bored going around the park that many times so need to explore a bit further methinks)
Thanks you...welcome! You are definitely getting there...3K is a great distance I always think! I love 6K...but it will be a long time until I see that again..Just building up steadily, works..we know it does.. and exploring a bit further sounds very exciting indeed. You will have to pop in again and let us know where you get to, please!! X
I won't join you on the cushions this week Floss, I'm full of germs and aren't sharing! I love th poem and know there's a run waiting for me, for now though I'll retreat to the corner alone and sniffly and wish everyone a very Happy New Year xx
Oh gosh... poor you! I don't like to think of you alone in the corner.. so as it is virtual...I will find a little space for you x
The runs will wait, but sometimes they seem like a heck of a way off... I am glad you like the poem and I hope that you start to feel better really soon ! Your cushion is always waiting! x
Thanks my good virtual friend, tomorrow I'm going for a walk at least, I'm piling on the pounds here and can't taste a thing but my body says I have to feed a cold and my legs have rested well, I'm sure the worst will be over tomorrow.Alone is not lonely 😃👍😃 I've read a heck of a lot of good books this week, I'll bring one along with me to the cosy corner
That would be great... I'm reading The Country Child... I know it by heart..it is my go to... feel better soon book, a familiar friend! I walked today... a tad further and in the sun... not far but it felt easier
I feel lucky... I am very tired... after lunch particularly.. but my cough was very short-lived and not an issue., bronchitis was worse... we have slept like logs.. J has coughed more and has slept a lot in the day.. he is still positive.
Today, just fifteen minutes in the sunshine, yes it was good for the soul!
I just thank the lords and ladies and whoever that we had the vaccines!
Happy new year and I hope you are fully recovered very soon. I don't do new year, but hope to run at the weekend. Tomorrow's plan has been shelved as it's going to be torrential rain. I like running in the rain, but not very heavy rain and my new showerproof jacket hasn't arrived yet!
Great poem Oldfloss, good to see you are recovering from covid. I got a text alert saying that I was a close contact today but haven't been anywhere apart from a 10k on the 26th and that was outside! I think it could be spam and never clicked the link on the text just in case.
The 10k was the 1st anniversary of my first running event last year. I think I suffered this year due to more late nights etc. I found the hills quite bad this time around and was sure that I was a lot slower than last years run but was 7 minutes faster.
I have 1 more run to complete the year which is a 10 miler on the 31st. I will probably be taking that easier than normal as I have a bit of an injury below my left knee and will bandage up with the appropriate gear. The 10 miler will be my 25th event of the year which isn't bad for a first full year running.
I've also been training for my first (official) marathon April next year so have been following a training plan for that this month.
Ha ! I know the feeling, we had not been anywhere!!! Mask wearing and over cautious! Hopefully you are fine!
You have done so well! Do take that 10 miler slow and steady, you do not want to aggravate any injury... and the plan for the marathon sounds to ne a great goal for 2023!
Pop in and keep us up to date with your progress please
Great poem Oldfloss! I always look forward to catch up corner. I too, caught COVID the week before Christmas. First time for me. Quite a surprise at how rubbish I've felt. I thought I was going to be able to run through it. Sadly not. I'm still feeling a bit wiped out, which is annoying. I'm sure I'll get out next week, fingers crossed. Happy New Year to one and all on this forum.
If you read the info on Covid...the impact it has is what is happening to so many of us. It is a horrible virus. A post I put on Bridge to 10K, mentions the fact that Covid can attack and affect every organ system in the body. It is true.
Maybe take a read... there are so many folk on there sharing their experiences?
We had escaped it, or so we thought... and are so glad we are both vaccinated fully. Mr OF seems to have suffered a tad more than I. The fatigue is a common factor with this variant!
I am sorry that you, like so, so many of us got an early Christmas gift! But.. the runs do wait, they are patient, ( I keep telling myself that) and we shall run again.
Happy and healthy New Year to you and do pop in any time.... New post for 2023 on Sunday! xxx
I love that poem! Thank you for all your encouragement OF - it feels so welcoming and inclusive and hope you feel better soon - listening to our bodies and resting , so important. I’m finally looking forward to returning to my own bed tonight after hosting Christmas for large family and my dementia mother in law - have had very little sleep and thoroughly exhausted but peace and my little run are on the horizon and I can’t wait to return to normality soon! I’m not the greatest fan of Christmas or new year celebrations but try to make it as enjoyable as I can for those who love it and need taking care of, but now I’ve given all I can and running is like refilling my jug again. Thank goodness for this forum and everyone supporting each other. It’s been such a tough old year and we got through it!. Reading everyone’s experiences makes me feel I’m not alone in all the trials and tribulations and your poem is a perfect gentle inspiration- thank you!!!
This has only just shown in my feed ! Huge apologies!I do hope that your jug is refilled...and you are never alone..we may run on our own...but alone? Never...Thank you for popping in...pop into the January Corner...I'd love to see you.xxx
Another triumph for your poetry Oldfloss, well done 😁Things not too good here. Missed CE parkrun due to a headache starting Thursday, missed BD run, felt rough again ended up 🤮 at 00.33 Tuesday.
Luckily we've left for our week in West Wales yesterday with the intention of running this morning. Now we booked this apartment understanding there were 'no views' and they didn't lie (it's not a problem we're away), I can see the sky if I lay my head on the windowsill and look straight up but cannot guage the weather at all (it's not particularly good I know but may be bearable}. So donning my onesie I start heading downstairs for a weather check. So apologies to anyone who thinks they spotted a were-dragon wandering the corridors of St Brides Castle. Unfortunately the weather is still below my tolerance level, wind and rain, oh and uphill on way back 😂. Managed to avoid 4 people don't think I was spotted 😂
I am now starting to suffer from GROIN, Go Run Or I (go) Nuts, something I'd never thought I'd get.
Maybe I'll be lucky tomorrow with Milford Haven parkrun 😁
😂 😂 Weather cleared a bit, no rain managed 3.5k bugger of an uphill finish into a strong wind, thankfully the kissing gate came up at the right moment 😁
Fab poem, OF, loved it 😊 It's been 8 weeks today since falling off the horse and am feeling pretty much back to normal. But I'm very aware that after that number of weeks my body will not actually be back to how it was before! So C25K reboot it is then!! I think this is the third or fourth proper restart lol. Will be out next week, it seems fitting to start the new year with positive steps. And getting back in the saddle too 🐴 🙂
Hoping for a peaceful, and healthy, new year for all of us 🥰 x
Glad that you are recovering well and that a new start for the New Year is on the cards ! I wonder how many folk there will be re starting Couch again... but like an old friend... we know it so well ! xx
Thank you Oldfloss for your cheerful post and cosy poem. I am settled in the warm today as it is driving rain and the paths are very wet. I reflected on this year as we all wait to see what 2023 will turn out to be. The very best thing that I have done this year was to complete the C25K programme. For me it has been s game changer in my fitness journey. I will continue to run and hopefully improve. I wish fellow runners a healthy and fitter New Year.
That is a super...just super. For so many of us, in fact all of us... the first steps that take us to the Graduation set us on a route to so many things, which we choose for ourselves.
Just run.. the more you run the more it evolves... and while you are doing that, enjoy every moment.
Your poem brought smiles, which in my life are pure GOLD. I was able to run outside yesterday in our driveway since the temperature had risen and the drive had been plowed. An average run, but still, an average run is good. Thanks for the cushy cushion, OF!
Hi there, I haven't been to even look at emails for about 10 days now. Having a really bad time with my mum. Long story cut very short, having had several episodes of waiting 7.5 hours for an ambulance and then between 2 - 4 hours sat in the back of an ambulance outside hospital and then 12 hours+ in A&E and countless dashes to the residential home, alongside working very long hours at work, Ive had no time or energy for running or anything outside that. Mum's Alzheimer's is now really taking control and she is suffering blackouts n a very frequent basis, and each one lasts longer. Ive had no energy but have still managed to Parkrun, although my time just lately is terrible.
Hoping to get back on track next week. I really miss this forum and reading about what everyone has been up to.
First. Welcome back to the corner. There is always a cushion here waiting for you. It is good to see you here, and so good to know that despite the horrendous time you have had and are still having, that you are finding a small window of time for yourself.
You must be worn out, and your poor Mum, I empathise wholly, as my own Mumma suffered with dementia in her latter years and was eventually living in a residential home . It is a stealthy and cruel illness and one which steals our loved ones from us x
I and all of us, hope that your Mum and you will be able to find calm and peace in the New Year.
Hi, sorry I kept meaning to reply but all the hours seem to blend in together at the moment.
Really miss this forum and hearing everyone's stories and how you are all getting on. Life continues to be day by day with mum. She's now on end of life care, so its day by day. One day she's fine and one day she's not. Apparently this could go on for weeks, so Ive decided that I have to have some form of normality, so hopefully I can get out and run again and log on occasionally to the forum.
I have my very first HM in April so had hoped to start my training but it hasn't been possible so far, but Im determined to get on track this week. I look forward to catching up with everyone. Its soooooo good to be back!!😄
I’m champing at the bit to start week9 but have had ghastly weather windows in the short daylight days whenever there was a drier slot and relatives /cooking and prepping filling the rest of the time.
The amount of bugs about are making me very concerned on a selfish level as I fear my progress being derailed. (Also on a bigger picture level-where is it all heading?!)
Fingers crossed for early Jan getting to 9/3.
Have a good evening every one ,whether it be an early bath or a late night bash.
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