CATCH-UP-CORNER...APRIL WEEK 1...Slip off Your Running Shoes and Come on In!

[Oldfloss]

Hello everyone and welcome to a really Spring-cleaned Corner. I have been very, very busy, and everywhere is spick and span! The garden is full of daffodils, the first mouse-ear shoots appearing on the trees, and a spot of sunshine too!

The Spring cushions are out, plumped up and there is one for everyone...there are some comfy chairs too, for anyone who is on the IC

I have really missed our chats in the corner.., and although I am here every day and reading about all your running, I do know a few folk are missing out!

So... for ALL our NEW runners... in order to let you know what happens here in the corner , I am going to use the first Corner post to give you all the information!

I have been around the C25K forum for ages and we used to, always have a, Weekly Chat, or a, What's your week, post.

It was great. I knew many, many folk by name and was able to follow and watch the progress!

Folk , who did not want to, or have time to, write a long post, could pop in and just chat to each other. It was a place to talk about your running, your successes and your set backs. Just a relaxed line or two, to see where we all were and where we might be going. I relied on those chats when I started Couch six years ago.

The chats were a place where we felt we were not alone, that there were others out there who were feeling just the same as ourselves with our running.

They really gave meaning to the words, “Friendship is born at that moment, when one person says to another...what, you too ? “

Well, a while back we were desperately short of our volunteer Admin team members and with all our other duties, some posts had to go and these chats were included. We lost our meeting place. We need to chat, we need to share and we need somewhere to do it.

We are full strength now on the Admin team so... we now have THE CORNER!

The number of folk on the forum increases daily, the numbers are just mind blowing... and although it is increasingly tricky to keep up with everyone's progress... it is great to have a little, fun post, so we can see who is on which week of the programme, and hopefully it will help everyone to feel more included on the forum.

We can Support, Encourage and generally Help each other, in a positive and friendly way, with no thought of comparison. We can have a little moan and we can pass on our ideas too.

You can chat here, wherever you are; just beginning, in the middle, or nearly at the finish line of the C25K.

You can chat here, even if you have Graduated, on the IC or are repeating bits of C25K again !

Please remember it doesn't matter if you stay on the same week for a while, that is fine; it is a journey and it really doesn't matter how long it takes, it will be so worth it when you get to the final run. Just pop in and tell us all about it!

So, I am really hoping that some of you will give this a try, and will pop in, in a sort of regular way.

Catching up, can be great fun!

I shall post Catch up Corner, each week and be giving some ideas and links here and there, ( and maybe popping on some of my famous ( infamous??) rambling and rhymes!

YOU can add things all through the week and I will be here!

So please, please, do think about joining in the fun...slip off your running shoes, relax, and just let us know how it is going?

Fingers crossed .

Oldfloss x

[LiisaM Graduate]

oh, heck, for some reason, I’ve had muscle(?) aches and pains in my legs when I start running and which disappear somewhat as the run progresses. It has slowed me down, darn it. It might have something to do with stopping turmeric consumption since I had an unpleasant reaction to it. I’m thinking about trying epsom salts…. Sorry I’m in a downer….

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Thank goodness you are here... I was getting very lonely!

Sorry you are in a downer... ,maybe the legs need warming up more.. ? What leg exercises are you doing? I love turmeric...in soups and casseroles etc.. and with black pepper too... .

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Maybe replacing the legs with a younger pair! I was using turmeric regularly to take away any pain (with black pepper!) but I overdid it. I’m not sure if the pain is from stopping turmeric OR from getting jerked around by Molly B’Golly. (Or both—because it’s not like me to get muscle aches from running)

[backintime Graduate]

Hi OldFloss, I'll take a seat!

I'm enjoying getting back into running, taking it easy.

I did w2r3 around my living room and kitchen (figure 8 around the kitchen island and dining room table) as one of my dogs has an infection and I took her to the vets today and he gave her antibiotics. These often upset her stomach so I wanted to be on hand if she needed to go outside to the garden, which ruled out the treadmill (basement) and heading out as the children are at their dad's house, so no one else was there to do it. Where there's a will there's a way right?

A run is a run. On to week 3 on Monday!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to backintime]

Where there's a will, indeed... Very, very innovative and resourceful and company for the dog too!

I remember one of our forum friends, who had to do the whole of the C25K programme inside her flat! Just take a cushion, relax and enjoy the fresh croissants this morning Good to see you here.

[Fiadh79 Graduate in reply to backintime]

Wow, that is a commitment! Well done!

[Newbierunner84 Graduate]

Good morning Oldfloss, I’m getting increasingly frustrated that I can’t complete a run without walking breaks. I think it’s a mind over matter issue. I could do it last year (I had got up to 9km at one point) and then I got Covid in November and it set me back a bit. I’m taking part in my first 10k race in July and I’d love to be able to run the whole thing. Not sure if that’s a pipe dream perhaps but that’s my aim! This week I went back to C25K and started from week 5. I have the continuous 20 min run tomorrow so we’ll see how that goes….

[backintime Graduate in reply to Newbierunner84]

When I had that (pre-3rd time at C25K), I fixed myself a place where I HAD to run to, before I would allow myself a walk break, and every run I moved that out a bit further, by the end of two weeks, I was running again, for me, at least, it was a bit of mind over matter and a bit of getting back to fitness, but having a definite aim helped

[Newbierunner84 Graduate in reply to backintime]

Thank you. That is a good suggestion. That’s kind of why I’ve gone back to C25K, so that I have a plan to stick to. I’m not very disciplined when left to my own devices! 😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Newbierunner84]

Good morning... sorry for the late reply...I was in Derbyshire and running in a race and it was a very long day yesterday!

Good to see you here with us..

So many folk have been stopped in heir tracks aby all sorts.. like you...mine was Covid.. but at Christmas! I built back very slowly, bit two colds since have slowed it further. I had a race looming.

I had my 10K yesterday but had only reached 7K distance in my training. So, with the help of a forum friend Bluebirdrunner , I jeffed it. She handled all the tech side... 5 minute runs and 3 minute walks... I cannot get to grip with intervals but, surprisingly, it was really enjoyable and very very effective. Our running time was 1hr 25.

Had I been alone, I would, I know, have tried to do my normal happy pace, and probably not finished... and undoubtedly I would have made myself ill. I wrote a Corner post a while back on, acknowledge, accept and adapt. This was a perfect example.

So, if you are still walking some sections why not head back a bit further and do some repeats...your body is not ready and is telling you that. Listen to it, it is your best friend.

You have loads of time before your race... why push it? This is supposed to be enjoyable and I really enjoyed my 10K yesterday.. I was relaxed, although the first few K did not feel totally comfy, but then, getting into the pace and looking around was incredible. I finished with some left in the tank and elated. I was shattered after I got home, and that lets me know I am STILL not back to full strength...

We are all different, but I would suggest, relax, repeat and just go with it...your body will tell you when !

[Newbierunner84 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss , great advice. Congrats on your race yesterday. Sounds like jeffing was the right choice for you. I did week 5 run 3 this morning and managed the 20 minutes without too much battling, not entirely comfortable but okay. I shall continue on with week 6 from Wednesday and report back.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Newbierunner84]

That is just super... well done you! x Look forward to your next report x

[BarbieW Graduate]

Hi Floss

I’ll creep in and perch on a soft cushion tucked away in the corner, although a nice fresh croissant does sound tempting.

I’ve been knocked completely sideways by recurring medical issues and am struggling to get any distance or time under my belt. I’ve been reduced to a single gentle amble around the park if it’s not raining, but I certainly need to start pushing myself a lot more.

I now need to start C25k again from the very beginning, slow and steady, with at least one days rest in between each run, and ensuring I stretch out the muscles after every run.

I’m putting this commitment in the public domain in the hope that I will now feel obliged not to let all of you out there down!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

Good morning... I am sorry for the late reply... how lovely to see you here!

Gosh you have had a rough time haven't you? So many folk have had set back after set back, and it does take real determination and the right weather! to get us back on track.

Your idea to start C25K again is an excellent one... again, so many of us, including myself, have done this. You know what is coming, no surprises, and no need to push too hard. Take extra days if need be, to rest and recover... and do not be hard on yourself, if you need to do that,. Do, put in some strength and stamina work too. That really will help with the comeback.

There are loads of ideas, as you know, on the S and F forum... and I have a wealth of simple routines, short and sweet, which I could link you to.

Best advice as ever from me, keep it slow and steady and be kind to yourself... you are worth it!

Sit back and enjoy the croissants... ready fresh from the oven very soon ! x

[BarbieW Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Well, I failed at the first attempt!

I got all dressed up, shoes on, head for the door and pick up the phone……ah, but found my new phone has a different connection for the earbuds so no Laura to tell me what to do…..I now have to go out and acquire a different set. Duh!

I just did a steady 3k walk instead, so was pleased with that!

Roll on Wednesday…..

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

No f words... just a dress rehearsal and an excellent 3K... well done you!

I have yet to sit down with my birthday gift from my husband yesterday... a new Garmin45... !!! I'll let you know!

We can both head out together Wednesday!

[BarbieW Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Well I made it out for another 3k walk this morning, despite the telling off from my medical team for doing 3k on Monday (“too soon, take it slowly, build up gradually…”) and I do feel good for doing it.

I was also a bit of an ignoramus about the new wireless headphones I bought as I couldn’t seem to either find the on switch or pair them with my phone (anyone here read Chinese?). I did seem to get it sorted on my return so am still hoping to start with Laura on Friday.

Belated happy birthday Floss, congratulations on the Monsal Trail, and thank you so much for all your support for numpties like me on these boards.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

Thank you,, and , by the way, you are NO numpty!

Well done o the walk... and do take it gently...?

I have new earphones tomorrow... I may need to take a crash course in Chinese do you think?

[BarbieW Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I am so proud of myself! W1R1 sorted this morning though it was slightly tougher than I expected. Not helped by me not remembering to charge the brand new wireless head phones…. DUH. Still you can just follow the instructions on the phone screen so I absolutely did not use that as an excuse . Not sure how many rest days I am going to need though……

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

Well done you... and take as many as you need

[Fiadh79 Graduate]

I am a returning runner. I can't really remember why I stopped, or when, but it was a good few years ago. I had been an on-and-off runner for years, often having trouble with injuries (plantar fascists, some kind of knee issue that the physio was very concerned about, and calves that felt like glass), but I did do parkrun a handful of times before.

Anyway, I have an 18 month old little girl now, and was thinking about taking her to junior parkrun when she's 4, and thought I'd need to even train for that. Then I thought, why wait! And I am loving it! Tomorrow I have week 5 run 3. I'm really excited. I am hoping to do a parkrun once I'm up to 5k and have my little girl watch me finish. Maybe more than one!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Fiadh79]

This is fantastic... welcome to the corner.

Hopefully your aches and pains have eased...are you putting in a little strength and stamina work...? now the runs are getting longer it may help top keep you safe and injury free.

You have a lovely goal to work towards too! Running with your small one and seeing her watching you running your first Park Run... wow!!!

Please keep us posted and pop in any time!

[Fiadh79 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I haven't had any niggles this time round. Just some DOMS the day after a run. And yes, I've been doing daily yoga for a few months - I am so much stronger and more flexible for it, so am feeling pretty confident it will protect me.

[Cassie_7 Graduate]

Hi Floss great post! Your shoes look lovely and clean, and ready to go. It is good to have a spring clean. We have moved furniture around, cleaned and hoovered in the corners and it feels great to have a deeper clean every so often. The garden has had a going over and I have planted some wildflowers seeds too. Looking forward to some blooms in the months ahead along with the pollinators-they need all the help they can get! X

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Cassie_7]

Hello! Welcome to the corner..

They do don't they, but sadly they have been replaced now... they gave their all and carried me on many, many happy runs!

You have been busy! Blimey!

All that extra exercise and running too... we always say, housework and gardening is a great rest??? day exercise! You are streets ahead with it... !!! Huge well done to you!

Sit back on the cushions and have a scone x

[Cassie_7 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Many thanks, scones are amongst my favourites! Yes really busy outside and indoors too lol. We went out for an afternoon tea for my daughter's birthday and they had cushions, which I thought was a nice touch-so comfortable x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Cassie_7]

Perfect!!! x

[LottieMW Ambassador]

Hi OF 👋🏼

I’m just going to sidle in and get comfy in the corner…late, I know 🙄

Not up to much at the moment…just out there plodding along 2 or 3 times a week…😊🏃🏻‍♀️🐌

[ClairePC Graduate]

Hello. I’ve just done my first run for 10 years. In that time there have been many changes, including the bloody menopause.

So a fresh start and a plea for encouragement.

Thank you.