CATCH-UP-CORNER...JANUARY 2023...WEEK ONE...EVERYONE is WELCOME.

[Oldfloss]

Hello everybody... welcome to 2023!

It is so good to see you here in the corner...the weather may have warmed up a tad, but the fire is still glowing and the cushions are here, ready for you all.

I really hope that some of you have found some time to relax over the last few days, and have maybe had some time for yourself. A gift or two of something you asked for may have been there, if that's a part of your celebrations, and if not, then the gift of something less tangible maybe?

Time spent alone, time spent with family, time spent with friends. All gifts, not the kind that you can buy, but, gifts nonetheless.

So, you may guess from this, that gifts were on my mind when I was thinking about this post.

Uh oh... (Here she goes again )

And I, as many have before me, come to the conclusion that running, is, truly, a gift.

It is a gift and one that gives, far, far more than it takes.

This particular gift has very special properties.

It has the potential if we allow it, to make a better version of ourselves, and not only that, it has the potential also, to help pass that skill on to others.

By sharing our experiences, by chatting on the forums, and here in the Corner, we are propagating and nurturing something wonderful. We run, we talk, we share, we listen, the seeds are sown and everything begins to grow, branching out, further than we may ever realise.

Running is a gift of friendship. It is our friend, a friend that we can love, dislike, use and yes, sometimes abuse, but it will never give up on us. Running gives us the gift of realising our dreams, raising us above the stresses and strains of life and worry. It is a friend that cherishes us.

It teaches us so much; about ourselves, about others, and not just in the way we run, The habits that running teaches us can be transferred to so many other aspects of our life. Good habits. Life changing habits. Habits that just may, be able to carry us through some of the dark times that we all encounter at some point in our lives.

There may be times when this gift gets mislaid, tucked in the drawer of life. Injury, illness, or something else, may mean that we lose it for a while. This is where another property of this gift shows itself. We can always find it again. It is always there.

So, we should take this gift gladly. There may be days when we think, it is not what we wanted, that we made the wrong choice. There may even be days when we think we should give it away.

No. We just need to try to take it slow and steady, ( yes, I know), one day at a time, one step at a time. Weather the times of self-doubt, feel the total elation of achieving whatever goals we set for ourselves, Find joy in the victories and run right through those walls that threaten our progress.

We have to use the gift, we have no idea where it will take us, but take us it will, to wherever and however far we wish to go.

Running. The gift that keeps on giving!

We are Runners. All of us. That gift is ours.

So that is my gift to you today. A real Floss rambling, ramble. I always get a tad like this at this time of the year, and being on the Running IC still, I have far too much time on my hands!

On a more sensible level.

I received running gifts this year of:

A pair of warm flip top mittens

A new warm running beanie hat

and

A pair of Polartec Running leggings!

SO YOUR TURN NOW

Grab a cushion.... come close to the fire and let us all know how things are with you...and let us know if you got any running related gifts too

We can't wait to see your replies

Oldfloss x

Wishing you a Healthy, Happy, and a New Year filled with Hope x

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Hello and Happy New Year Oldfloss and fellow runners! (yes runners we are all runners however much or little we run, fast and slow - I have to keep reminding myself). Today 1st January I celebrate my third runniversary,🏃‍♀️🎂🎂🎂 when I started C25k. I celebrated by doing a parkrun. Recently I have done 2 doubles (24-25/31-1) and that makes me feel proud of myself. 💪This year has been difficult due to lost mojo but have been back running consistently since September, not worrying about time or distance, just getting out.

At Christmas I got given a map of the Tour du Mont Blanc and some chaffing salve. Something to plan for in I think 2024

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

Happy New Year to you!

Runners we are... all of us...even when we are not able to run!

Happy Runniversary to you... and very well done you on those doubles. I think many of us have suffered one way or another over the last few months...but you are out again now.

The future looks... errr bright... and very very interesting! Thank you for popping on to the Corner ! x

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

bright red faced in my case

[David_G]

Hi Oldfloss and lovely running friends, hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year. I marshalled at my local Parkrun on Christmas Day and New Years Eve, walked on Christmas Eve and actually ran on New Years Day (today) for the first time in over 3 months.

Recovering from my injury has been tough but I’m pleased to say I never lost my desire to run again, through the friendship I found on here, through my running club and Parkrun friends.

Running truly is the gift that keeps on giving and really does give back far more than you put into it. To all those who have listened to (or read) my ramblings over the past 3-4 months I say a heartfelt ‘thank you’ for your support and encouragement. I will do my best to pay it back during 2023!

Best wishes to you all as we move on to this year’s adventures!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to David_G]

You are doing amazingly! YOU RAN!!!!

That is fantastic news and what a great start to the New Year!

HUGE well done to you and thank you for popping in here xxx

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to David_G]

Well done David. Did you wear your new shoes?

[David_G in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5 I wore new shoes and my new whizzy insoles. I’m sure they made it a bit bit easier than it would have been otherwise 👍

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to David_G]

Excellent, a perfect example of the benefits of a gait analysis. Take it easy though 😉

[David_G in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5 yes, the gait analysis and insoles have made a massive change. I’ve started a new virtual challenge this year. This one goes across the arctic Canada, but I’m hoping for milder weather than it would be in the real world! 🥶❄️

[Cantstopmenow Graduate]

Happy New Year.You have a beautiful way with words Oldfloss. Running is a gift I so often fail to appreciate and celebrate. After reading your last post over a coffee, I went for my run on the beach. I forgot my watch, my phone and my running belt, but I had the best run ever. Time, speed and distance didn't matter, it was wonderfully freeing to be out in the fresh air, in the sunshine, running through the pine woods, walking over the sandhills and running on the beach. I was so pleased I made the effort to get out.

I was watching a film last night and one of the lines struck me " ...think of something you're afraid of failing at and go and do it tomorrow." This has given me a new resolve to remain positive and not let those gremlins get to me!!!

On a practical note, Santa kindly brought me a new running watch, which I am still mastering.

Your new running gear sounds just right and I hope it's not too long before you are out again and making good use of it.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Cantstopmenow]

Good morning to you, and I am so glad that you came into the corner.

I think many of us can empathise with you...a gift we may, " fail to appreciate and celebrate". Maybe the , celebrate, bit is the important part?

But goodness, what a glorious run you had yesterday. I feel that I can see exactly where you were, I can smell the air, I can see gulls wheeling high in the sky as you appear from the pine woods, over the dunes and onto a beach stretching's away to an endless sea. Just wonderful.

You and the World.

Those lines you remembered... they will resonate with me and many of us... strong words and some thing that will take some courage to . I know for me, as I feel currently, as I recover from my tussle with Covid, there is going to come the day, when I will act on those words, But, even thinking of, it frightens me .

Oh you must have behaved very well this year... a new running watch. That will keep you out of mischief for quite a while. How super!

Thank you so much for your words. I know many of our friends will enjoy reading them and I know they will understand exactly what they mean x

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Hi dear Floss,

This post is just what I needed to hear. My achillies flared up in October, so I hopped on the IC preparing to rest then strengthen and restart.

But overtaken by personal events that had us shocked and reeling, running was pushed further and further from my mind. I was not running, I forgot about the joy of a run. I had no time or inclination to run. Running was not important. Could I even still run?

Reading your post has reminded me of the wonderful support and camaraderie of the forums and why I am still here, and that, yes, I am still a runner. Laura gave me the gift of running years ago, and I have grown and enjoyed that personal challenge, I had forgotten how much and why until I read your post.

Now to scrape around in the very back of the cupboard, find and lace up my running shoes and begin again.

I know I am amongst friends here who will be here watching and cheering.

I know that it will do me good. I know it is just half an hour. I know I can do it.

I am taking on board your wishes for health, happiness and hope this New Year, with everything crossed, and wish the same for you and your family.

Starting c25k again soon on a pavement near me.🤞

Love your cozy corner, it's so welcoming and encouraging.

💜xxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

It is a delight to welcome you, after quite a while, to your cushion, which is always right here in the corner, waiting for you.

You have had a very difficult time and it is little wonder, and perfectly understandable that that the running crept away. We know deep down that the runs will wait for us, but there is a point, which you explain so beautifully, where we doubt every aspect of our running self, The motivation to run, the ability to run, and the pure joy of running. Are they still there, will they comeback?

You have accepted those feelings and you are now taking the action of a runner; a runner who is about to return.

So.... when you find those running shoes, be kind to yourself, please. Take it gently, choose a route you know and enjoy, no sense of distance or time. Just run.

Celebrate the run and celebrate YOU... and yes, there will always be support here and on all the forums; folk will be running with you and cheering you on. I of course, will be the one, right beside you whispering on your ear, as ever, slow and steady .

We shall watch for your post and we shall see you here soon xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Floss, the intention is there... so...just got to battle the gremlins (Gary the big one!)

I know you will be there beside me as ever.

Thank you too Cantstopmenow and Dexy5 and grumpyoldgirl for your lovely encouragement. I appreciate your kind words. xxx

I see you have started already, and are looking after your ankle Grumpyoldgirl. Well done you. x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Kick that Gary into touch!!!! You'll do it!!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

💪😂😂xxx

[Cantstopmenow Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

It's lovely to hear you are ready to start again BBR. I hope you will soon regain your confidence and joy in being a runner. X

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Good to see you back on here Bluebirdrunner, we are still around to virtually run with. Enjoy the elation you know you will feel when you get that first one in.

Happy New Year to you

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Good to see you Blue, I'll be watching for your posts. I'm just contemplating a restart too...

[Folkylass Graduate]

Good morning OF and a very happy new year to you and yours. What a fantastic post from you. I can relate to every sentence that you wrote. You see in my mind I have these great ideas and think that I can do anything ….then the doubt gremlins creep in and whoops I’m back to square one😂😂. However I have a cunning plan!

You see OF my goal for January is to hopefully run each day. (First run was yesterday New Year’s Day) As I sit here all cosy and warm in bed with hubby writing this over a mug of tea I was wondering wether I could in fact achieve this goal🤔🤔…….then I read your post and maybe I might just be able to do it. So thank you OF for your inspiration once again. 😀😀👍

I thought if I maybe do little runs through the week and then increase my distance slightly at the weekend incorporating some park runs too I should achieve my goal.

So wish me luck you fantastic person and I hope you recover soon ❤️😀😀x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Folkylass]

Good morning to you.

Welcome , it is so good to see you on your cushion here.

Those pesky gremlins! They never give up do they? They know we will outrun them and they know that they will never defeat us, but it does not stop their efforts!

Gosh...that is a challenge indeed and a super goal too, Not easy though at this time of the year, darker mornings wetter and colder, but you will do it. Because there will be dry mornings, mornings filled with early sunlight, maybe a sparkle of frost on the grass or the route hidden by the shadowy fog, and because also, you are a runner.

Varying the routes distances sounds like a great idea... I do know that when I did a December Challenge a while ago, the minimum times you could run for was 30 minutes. I found that hard on some days, The Red January I did last year, ( not just running) , minimum time was 10 minutes. Much easier !

I think that if you do some shorter runs ands just build up as you say, it is going to keep it interesting and even more enjoyable. take your time, celebrate every single run you do and I shall be watching for your running post of this morning's run.

Thank you so much for popping in here and for your very kind words xxx

[Folkylass Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks OF.I thought that if I could do maybe 2 to3km I might be able to manage it. Walking is also a good option too so that will be on the cards.Thanks for the coffee OF and the cushion it was wonderful just what I needed after being out running.👍❤️x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Folkylass]

You are extremely welcome.. warm fire, good company and time to share x

[CS51LOL Graduate]

Morning old floss and happy new year. Put off my run yesterday talked myself out of it so got up bright and early this morning and done 5k. Put my white running jacket on then drivers could see me. Told myself i would stop half way but didn't and so glad I got up and did it. Now for the dogs walk. 🐕 enjoyed reading your post. Happy 🏃‍♀️ Running. Have a great day.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to CS51LOL]

Happy New Year to you ! Thank you for calling into the corner.

You have started the day wonderfully... and just proved the point that the run was not just waiting for you, but it was a really good one ! You had a cracking 5K, a highly visible one too,

Well done on that run, and now some mroe gentle? leg stretching as you take the dog for a walk. Hopefully I shall, if the day stays fine, be getting a walk in myself. I know that the runs are waiting in the wings

Enjoy your day!

[MissUnderstanding]

Happy New Year! I’ve done well with running gifts. MrU bought me a running journal. The first mile went in last night-a very gently jog around the village wearing my new reflective beanie hat and socks from the in laws. A very good haul! My parents have both given me money, which I’ve used for bargain ronhill leggings and long sleeved top, plus a very reduced Runderwear easy on bra. I’m looking forward to the postman coming! Like almost every runner. I’ve still got a bit of a wish list so we’ll see what else gets reduced.

I’m feeling really positive at the start of the year. Sometimes blank sheets are intimidating but this time it’s exciting. All my stats have reset on the app I use and I’m looking forward to filling it up with new runs. I’m finally feeling almost recovered. A short drive on Friday sealed the deal-my left wrist was a little sore using the handbrake but nothing worse than that. Normal activities have resumed. It’s taken nearly a month! Feel like I’ve learned a lot of patience and have actually managed to be sensible and not push myself back into running too quickly. The furthest I’ve been is 3.5km. This week I’ll go for 5km and then try some longer ones. There’s an event in the Forest of Dean I really like the look of in April…I think I’ll take the plunge and enter that this week once I’ve checked the calendar-which is also blank at the moment!!!

Hope you’re continuing to recover from the covid. Those runs will wait! ❤️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

You so deserve all those lovely gifts... I love a journal... so good to pop everything in and then you have a reminder, a memory book and something that lets you know, even in tough times that yes, you di this and yes, you will do it again! Lucky you!

I loved your leggings.... they were a terrific bargain! Top too and Runderwear are superb... all my running underwear is Runderwear! Lots of bargains to be had if you are lucky enough to have a little spare Christmas money!

Lots and lots of positives here, including the driving too. Just keep those runs steady as you head towards an April Event...!

I am making progress. I think I got off lightly in many ways, but the fatigue is something else. But listening to my body all the time and hearing what it says. I have taken the car out today for the first time in fortnight! It was fine, but I was really concentrating!

Thanks you... enjoy those lovely gifts and get that journal filled!

[MissUnderstanding in reply to Oldfloss]

Really glad you’re feeling better. The fatigue is horrible. It can take a while to go and be a bit of an uneven-two steps forward one back type recovery but you’ll get there. Look after yourself in the meantime.. ❤️

I’ve got a lovely run to go in the diary from this morning. Glorious weather. A walk out and a run back. Because of the placement of the sun, I had a shadow teammate with me all the way! Took it easy and arrived home in a fantastic mood. Hopefully there’ll be plenty more of those!

Shadow against a hedgerow

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

You and your shadow,, another gift from the gift... a running companion! This is just beautiful and your journal hopefully will soon be filling with some sunshine runs.

Yes, the one day feeling okay, and then the next back to square one! I am in no hurry, and simply want to just very gently keep moving, even just a little.. yoga today with tweaks and lot of resting for moves I would not do. Short walks too as and when. But definitely slowly

While you are making such lovely runs, I have plenty to keep me happy ..thank you!

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

If I were you, I'd include a few snapshots in that journal. One's environs, although the same every day, are never the same. One day, fog--another, light snow--yet another, sloppy rain, etc. I find the changes beautiful, and if you included them in your journal via snapshots, wow! Really enjoyable to see later and remember....

[MissUnderstanding in reply to LiisaM]

Now that’s a great idea! Thanks! ❤️

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

When my kids were little, I'd take them to various community events--the cider mill, etc., etc., etc., and we would either take a snapshot, buy a postcard, or I'd have the kids draw a picture of the place, as well as write what they did. We put these in a scrapbook; we still have it here someplace--and my "kids" are 33 and 38! I love looking at that thing!

[MissUnderstanding in reply to LiisaM]

This is lush. One of my New Year’s resolutions this year is to turn more of my digital photos into albums. It’s just so nice to have something physical you can hold! I bet those scrapbooks are treasured by all of the family ❤️

[Oldwoman65 Graduate]

Morning Oldfloss, thank you for January's catch up corner. Always a good read. For Christmas I got a pair of tikiboo jazzy shorts, very pink. I love a bit of pink. These are ready for my trip to Australia in February. I also received a pair of, again, pink running gloves. Now I don't need to take them off to use my phone and two pairs of twin skin socks, not pink. All much appreciated. Happy New Year to all fellow couchers

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

Welcome!

Wow.... those shorts sound so snazzy... Tikiboo are some of my favourites. You are going to be in the pink indeed in February... lovely and warm there too?

You are going to have super time...how long will you be there.?

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi Oldfloss, we're there until May. My oldest daughter lives in Brisbane. We're doing a bit of tour finishing up with her. Can't wait. It's been a long time since we've been to Oz

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

That sound just wonderful! I bet you cannot wait to see her. May there be chance of some running photographs from you, whilst you are there? I do hope so x

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I'll give it go. I'm not very tech minded. Hubster will help I'm sure 😂

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Happy New Year Floss, I'm a day late because I kept getting disturbed yesterday, I'd start to read and wander off, lovely always reading your posts. Let's keep this gift of running for as long as possible, 😉

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Hello.

Glad you got here in the end There is always something to distract or keep us busy and you are very busy!

Yes, this running is most definitely a gift for life and NOT just for Christmas xxx

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Hi Floss and runners all, popping in to say hello. I caught a cold in November which left me feeling wiped out for most of December. Managed to get out for a few walks using the active 10 app. A course of antibiotics and a wonderful Christmas holiday in Spain, and I feel much more like my old self. I did lots of walking on my holiday and my fitness really came back, although the ankle injury is still aching when I overdo it.So, back home, yesterday I went out for a brisk walk, and after 10 minutes brisk walking, I thought I'd try a little run. Pulled up the c25k app and started week one run one. I only ran half of it because I didn't want to risk the ankle, then another brisk walk home.

Happy to report that all appears to be well, so I think I'll carry on with slipping in half sessions into my walks.

No running presents, but I'm going to study the sales very carefully!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Hello. So good to see you here!

Oh goodness. You have had a rough time too. So many bugs, virus and illness about currently and Covid on the rise again!

Your antibiotics and the medicine of a lovely holiday seem to have done the trick and got you back on the road to recovery! Listening to your body and knowing when to ease back. That is being sensible. Well done you!

Ah... the sales.... yes... there are some very tempting offers out there !

[BarbieW Graduate]

Hi Floss.

I increased my walking distance to 4k yesterday so was feeling v optimistic about the end January Parkrun I have promised myself. However felt some twinges in my calf muscles this morning and only managed 2.5k. Now I know all about stretching after running and I always used to do that religiously after my runs, but I honestly thought I would not need to stretch out after a brisk walk, but obviously I was wrong about that and so I have been sitting here stretching out my calves like a professional athlete.

I also wonder if I need to bite the bullet and get new running shoes ( no I didn’t get any running gear for Christmas - nobody wanted to upset me I guess…..) which I had deferred until I was sure I would ever be able to run again, and both my pairs are quite old and worn now. Spose I can always say I just need to get new shoes and I’ll be forced to use them,,,,

Happy and healthy new year all!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

Well done... whether we realise it our not... we do need to look after ourselves and our running body

Well done too, on that walking... and yes, I feel maybe it is time to get yourself a new pair of magic shoes A gift to yourself ! Why not? You clearly are very, very worth it.

There are loads of bargains out there and I always waited for the sales, last year's colours and the new stock coming in ?

Go on.... just think how much good you will get out of the gift! x

[M0use Graduate]

Happy new year everyone 🎆 . I couldn't wish for a better start to 2023 than reading an OF ramble, hope 2023 will be kind to you. My Christmas was certainly restful although not in the way I had planned. December started with an enforced running break due to the icy conditions and continued with a dose of the flu. Christmas saw me in bed for the duration and Mr M0use in charge of the kitchen (a fabulous job he did too). This will have been my longest break since I started on C25K and I've been fretting a bit about getting back to it so it was with a few nerves that I decided to get out there again today. It was a beautiful sunny day here and probably the last dry one for the next couple of weeks so after a quick conversation with my inner gremlins along the lines of -should you be doing this? You've only just got over the flu, you'll have lost all your fitness and you won't be able to do it anymore - I finally silenced him by agreeing to stop and turn back if I started coughing. 40 glorious minutes later I started my cool down walk after a 5k done at a slow conversational pace - fabulous and not a cough or splutter in sight. Wishing all of us a year of happy running when we are able. ☺️

[Annieapple Graduate]

Happy New Year to you Oldfloss & all those joining us at the fire.. Your wonderful words describing running as a gift reminded me of that game we used to play..pass the parcel… we have the gift & we pass it on & we long for it to return to us again…frustrating when the music stops and we can’t continue until it starts again… a bit like the injury couch! We hope it’s not too long before you can get your New Year runs underway again Oldfloss but in the meantime we can enjoy your way with words with all the wisdom they impart.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you.... you are so right.... Pass the Parcel... jigging up and down until it was our turn again; and yes, just like the IC. Watching runners run by but being unable to join them!

I am making slow steady progress. Listening very closely to my body... this Covid, unlike any other illness, does not give you a chance to do otherwise. I am doing the Center, Yoga with Adriene, over January. It is done very gently and with a lot of tweaks and adapted moves and a lot of breathing work too. I am feeling the benefits already. Short walks, when the weather permits too... having got wet the other day and not having the energy to, even walk faster, has made me a tad choosy about when I go out

Thank you for popping in... good to have you here x

[LiisaM Graduate]

This post was a gift. First was a laugh out loud at your personality coming through your ramble and second was eyes with tears because you understand what some of us are going through. Yes, I post this publicly. And at first glance at the picture with "Running" in an empty box, I thought, "What's that there for?!" but after reading your post, I got it.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Thank you.... I have a cushion here, for you, always x