CATCH up CORNER... WEEK 3...YES, I KNOW I'm LATE!

[Oldfloss]

“Let your running be about more than running and your running will help you get better at more than running”.

Hello, running friends...

Well, I hear you say, this is a fine time be showing up to open the Corner. The sun is almost over the yard arm!

I agree, and am able only, to apologise... a few very hectic days, with all manner of issues have really slowed me down.. Appointments... meetings, extra care days with small one....

But.... today the Corner is open.., Late, but open some supper snacks here now, and in the morning... there will be plenty of snacks, smoothies croissants and coffee for all!

I am here at the Coast corner and after a torrential downpour on Tuesday....Wednesday and today have been lovely...sunny but breezy! The air is cooler and fresher and a coastal walk on the Pen Llyn, blew a few irritating thoughts right away...

I have not run for a fortnight and I miss it... but I listen to my body and with daily exercise and my normal S and F routines, I am staying physically strong. Recent blood tests results from my GP prove the point!. Mentally, I am struggling a tad... and because of that, I am finding other ways to stay fit...

Which does, by coincidence , add weight to my ramble today.

The quotation above, is from from of the guided runs which I have been using lately, and whilst running, I thought a lot about the words. I have used this quotation many times before... it is a good one!

We chat a lot about the mental as well as the physical benefits we get from our running and I do know of many friends on here, who feel as I do, that not being able to run can impact that mental well being...but just as our running becomes disciplined, so our mental aspect can be trained too... it may take time... but we can do it.

I wrote a post this time last year and I have shamelessly used chunks of it here... because the same things apply....

So!

When we begin C25K, there is an almost overwhelming amount to think about! So many links, the guide to read, other folks posts to read, ( I really hope you do that ), and so much information everywhere.

Breathing, foot-strike, pace, fuel, hydration.... taking it at your own comfy pace and not trying to zoom along too quickly!.

Then as we move on... we may think about how we run, how others see us, why we are not as fast as others...why we cannot make 5K in 30 minutes if others can..

After Graduation, the running thoughts, run on... where to next, how to progress... races, trail runs, marathons... and on we go. Luckily we have a super new Graduates club... opened and hosted by MissUnderstanding ....loads of ideas there... !

Now, as running evolves, we are able, if we simply let it happen, eventually, to take control of our running thoughts. We find what is right for us.... what our happy pace is.... what our unique style is... where we want to be and how we want to get there.

Yes, there will be times when we make a mistake, we have a blip and things upend us...we may, through no fault of our own end up on the IC...but, there is always another day, another run and another route. The runs are patient... they wait.

NOW, here then, is the clever bit...if we use the way we feel and think about our running, we might suddenly realise that we can use that, in a really beneficial way in so many aspects of our lives.

To think about things, yes, but not overthink...( that word sums me up perfectly, right now). We have to try not too get worked up sometimes, when we don't get it right, and instead of letting things work against us, use that stress and make it work for us...move us on in a truly positive way.

I am using some of my really successful running techniques, but not on a run... I am using those techniques in my head and in my day to day activities. They are, slowly, helping me in so many ways. My mantra, slow and steady, always at the fore.

Isn't running amazing! Works for you, even when you are not doing it!

So, that is all about me... and what I would like to ask is...what about you all and your running? .. how has your week been... have you got all the week's runs in... did wind or weather or heat hamper you... ? Have you had an illness, have you had an injury or has life just thrown you a load of nonsense?

How is your running helping you? And, if you are not able to run right now... what strategies are you using to get you through ?

Whether you are at the beginning, middle or nearing Graduation....if you are making a comeback, as many of us seem to to be, right now,; grab a cushion and tell all...

Looking forward to hearing from you...

Oldfloss

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

To run in the countryside, the town or by the sea is a gift that just keeps giving, and a place to quiet the mind of all the chatter. Being able to keep strong in other ways and use your running mind is a talent so well done dear Floss and I hope you will be able to run soon, when you are ready the runs await.Today gardening took over, once I'd started I kept going and in between carried buckets of bathwater out to water very thirsty plants, it's been a satisfying non run day so I'll accept and rest a while here with a cup of tea if that's ok. Xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Morning... I am so glad that you popped in... we have had a fair bit of rain, back at home so I know that my daughter has not had to water my plants for me ! Glorious sunshine here yesterday, but a tad greyer her in the corner this morning.

You have been doing so well as you have moved on through your walking and running and your Park Run experience? Absolutely wonderful!

Are you running today... ? If not, sit a while longer with us... it is very peaceful and restful here...x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Part of yesterday's run

Woods

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

🍏Oh I can just breathe in the peace and absorb the beauty of these woods!! A wondrous place to walk or run, to think or just to be! Thankyou for sharing Sue 🍎 xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

That is just beautiful... running through woods with the dappled shade and the sunlight peeping through the leaves... just bliss x

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Thankyou for another lovely catch up post Oldfloss …my running mojo has disappeared, I think it’s disappeared with the summer! I have all sorts going on at the moment and I am sad that running has taken a back seat…but I could really do with it at the moment too as it takes me to my happy (sometime sad) place ….I am more than determined to start again after this weekend…my youngest breaks up from school for the summer which will take off some pressure and my pupils are off school/college too so my working day will start later giving me some much needed ‘me’ time….I have just poured myself a ‘school night’ glass of wine while I enjoy some forum time with all my vrbs….I will post my next run as I know it will be soooo worth it….I could actually do with some sea air but that’ll have to wait x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Well... I am glad that you are here and I am glad that you are going to be having a tad more time to be with the family! That slightly later start to your working day too, will be welcome. Your cushion is always here, when you do feel like taking a breather...

Yes.. it is like a cleft stick situation,.,, the runs are so important to our well being, for many of us and we do beta ourselves up when we cannot do them...which only makes us feel worse! Often, we are kinder to others than we are to ourselves. The runs can relase happiness or sadness, but they play a very cathartic part in our lives..

That glass of wine was enjoyed I am sure... and just letting go in whatever way we are able is acceptable at any time.

Just pop in and sit a while later today when you get a moment... there are always friends here, chatting and wanting to share, and to listen to your story too. Have a good day x

[ToothPickJafah Graduate]

Good morning  Oldfloss 🤗 I’ve kicked off my running shoes and plonked myself down on a cushion with a cuppa and croissant 🥐

Since I started C25K, I have felt so much more at peace with myself mentally. I used to be so hard on myself and also unkind but now it’s as if I’m a totally different person with a new outlook on life. I know now that I can accomplish great things when I put my mind to it and my body is getting stronger too. So, all in all, this has been the best thing I’ve done!

I completed week 9 run 2 this morning and I am buzzing 🤗 I’ll rest up this weekend and do my graduation run on Monday morning.

I feel blessed and grateful to be part of this community and also blessed that I am able to run and enjoy it too!

I just want to thank you, the other admins and everyone else here for all the support and encouragement I’ve received since joining.

Have a fabulous Friday! 🤗💜🥰🖤🙏🖤

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ToothPickJafah]

Welcome in... you will have been up and about already I don't doubt!

Relax on that cushion and enjoy the freshly made croissant!

This is so good to read and I hope anyone popping on here, does read this... if they have been reading your posts, they will know exactly how the running has impacted your life...as you say, mentally and physically ! It is cyclic...the one impacts the other.... and gives a whole feeling of well being!

I and we, cannot wait for your Graduation post on Monday ! You have come so far with clear joy...there is going to be a huge celebration! A few stretches and exercises over the weekend... and that run will be there...Monday morning!

Have a great day!

[ToothPickJafah Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I was having a wonderful day yesterday, until I got home from pub and found my cat just lying there with laboured breathing and very lethargic. Rushed him to emergency vet and been worried sick ever since.

He has fluid in his lungs, and ear infection, high fever and large lump on left side of jaw. I’ve lost my appetite since yesterday and can’t sleep till I know he’s going to be ok. Fearing the worst but trying not to think about it is taking its toll. I’m feeling very very sad right now 😔🥺😢 xx

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate in reply to ToothPickJafah]

Oh no so sorry to hear this 😢I hope he pulls through 🙏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ToothPickJafah]

Oh gosh...just stay strong ..stay positive....things will become clear. Just trust those in charge xxx

[Oldwoman65 Graduate]

Morning Oldfloss. I love your catch up corner. It's so calming. I've lost my mojo a bit. I joined my local running club recently. I was accompanied by one of the senior runners on training night and found out I was running too fast! Well for now anyway. I went out for a shuffle last Sunday and tried to slow down. It feels odd as I'm used to going, only very slightly, faster. Anyway, I've managed to pull something half way back . I had to stop shuffling and walk the rest of the way home. Walking isn't painful, running is 🤦 Not sure what to do exercise/stretch wise. I feel quite fed up.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

Hello.... sit down and rest with us. It is very quiet and calm here this morning and already a lot of support and positivity going on...

Knowing how to proceed is a real dilemma... I am afraid to run right now, in case I feel off side when I do! That is why I am using the stretching exercises...and my daily routines to keep everything going...there are so many to choose from though... Do you feel that you need something gentle..? There are a lot of simple,. five, ten minute or fifteen minute ones for arms, legs or backs etc..

The good thing is .there are a few of us here and on the forums feeling the same, maybe floundering a little, but knowing the support is here...and knowing that we will find our route back to our happy running... Sit back and let me know what kind of exercises you think could be useful... I have quick links! x

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss, for your words of wisdom. I need something for the tightness and discomfort that is running down the back of my left leg. It seems to be from the top of my leg down to just past my knee. I feel nothing walking but oh goodness me if I try to move into a shuffle it's sore 😞

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

I will look some out! x

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you so much, that's very kind of you

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

It does sound like a sore hamstring...but of course I am not an expert... it can feel very similar to sciatica too... or a trapped nerve...

Here are a few links... I have chosen ones without too much equipment needed!

Our own NHS

google.com/search?q=Simple+...

runnersworld.com/uk/trainin...

surreyphysio.co.uk/top-5/to...

There may be some there that you find could be helpful... ? Put a short, gentle routine together that suits you and give it a go...

[Oldwoman65 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

That's great, thank you. I'll crack on with somebody those and see how I go. I don't think it's sciatic

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldwoman65]

Hope they help..x

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏Oh how wonderful to flop down with some really lovely friends here after my Friday run… Floss you always find pearls of wisdom… running skills definitely start spilling over into our every day… I have often thought when facing a daunting task…well if I got through C25K I can get through this!! The disciplines needed, and the goals I try to attain when running, can also be used when starting other projects or even getting “life” done! Thanks as ever for your hospitality and lovely post. Trusting your patience will soon be rewarded with a gentle run xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Morning... and welcome to this safe happy place... I feel it is a sanctuary where we can all find some support and advice and friends who know exactly how we are feeling! The snacks are rather good too

You are right... the , .." if I can run C25K and do this or this, then I can do this with no problem" , strategy, does work.... we just have tot rain ourselves to apply it, until it becomes as natural as running !

Sometimes easier sad than done.. but, practice makes perfect, eh?

Thank you for popping in... stay a while before your day begins

[Ziggyliscious]

Hello lovely new friends ♡ I am sitting on a overstuffed ethnic floor cushion, surrounded by lots more cushions, with sequins and pulled threads in many colours ... I have a lovely mug of tea and am eyeing up those croissants in the corner!Some lovely calming music is playing and some relaxing scented oils are burning.

Do any of you do yoga alongside your running? How do you fit it in? On your non running days? Before a run? I want to add yoga - but not sure if it is recommended for rest days?!

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to Ziggyliscious]

I do yoga once a week. It's a free session at my work so I have no control over when I do it. it's one hour in the early evening after work on a day when I have been running in the morning before work. I think other people do yoga more frequently though.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

We just fit it in where we can ... i tweak things as I cannot do certain moves because of an old neck injury...

[WhaleSongC Graduate in reply to Ziggyliscious]

I do 15-20 minutes after every run. I use the yoga with adrienne post run, and then do my own flow afterwards.

I would love to do yoga classes twice a week, on rest days, but I am only managing once a week these days. I do vinyasa flow, as I find holding poses for too long challenges my joints enough that the next run is uncomfortable.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Ziggyliscious]

Yoga is a great rest day or run day exercise.. so many sessions to choose form... many of us do the Yoga with Adriene monthly sessions... the July one is called Expand and there will be a new one for August...

Sit a while and make yourself right at home... you are very, very welcome!

[Gthants in reply to Oldfloss]

I miss Yoga with Adrienne. But I know there's some running stuff on there so I'm going to take a look at that and do a pick & mix!🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Gthants]

Sounds good !

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Ziggyliscious]

I love yoga (and Pilates too-I tend to think of them as essentially the same although I know they’re not!). I often do Yoga with Adriene videos on YouTube just when I feel like it. I don’t plan it around running-I find it fine to do as a run day activity. I’d usually run first though. She has some really nice cool down for runners videos that are great to do just after getting back from a run. They’re called “Yoga For Runners: 7 Minute Post-Run Yoga” and “Yoga For Runners 2: Cool down sequence”. Links don’t seem to be working but they’re on YouTube.

I go to an in person Pilates class every Friday and that’s been brilliant for my running- so many of the Pilates balance, core and strength moves are the sorts of things for all runners to think about doing to minimise their risk of injuries. My physio thinks every runner should be doing Pilates (or the sort of yoga that builds stability and strength as well as relaxation!).

Have you found the Strength and Flex board yet? Lots of yoga/Pilates chat there!

[Gthants]

Hello. Not really got to grips with the emotional side of running yet. I know that physically it is doing me a lot of good and it is building my stamina, but I'm still not where I want to be: some off days (still!) with long Covid and appalling sleep mean I'm running to try and get ahead of the curve, rather than for pleasure.

I ran for 35 minutes on Monday and a tad less than that on Wednesday, but the second run was deliberately aimed at the long hill I tackled last week. This time I did the whole thing, turned at the top and went beyond the bottom of it ... and then ran up it again. This was following physio advice to help build up stamina.

Hope to get to the point where I enjoy it more often as that way I'm more likely to continue. But I am so much fitter than I was three months ago - already a different person!

Apologies for the ... ramble. 🤣

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Gthants]

Hello ! You are very welcome here... The emotional side of running is not necessarily something tangible...but if we use our running in a slightly wrong way... I think and I speak form experiences it can make for problems... I am as I said a real over thinker at times and I did two years back use my running as a real escape... I ran and ran until my body said... you have run out of steam...

Long Covid is a real pain and so, so many folk suffering from it... the left overs from this virus are horrible... and lack of sleep ! Horrendous. I keep waking at 5!

If the runs you are doing feel fine... then carry on... I'm not sure whether the runs you are doing are doing, are going to make you enjoy it more... especially the up the hill running...? I love running up hills but that evolved over time..

There are a load of stamina exercises to be found on the S and F forum which may help... and... maybe dropping a run and adding on a longer, relaxed see where you get to run could be the thing. The long, slow relaxed ones are the ones that build everything up... strength, stamina and yes... speed if you care for it... But, they do give you time too, to enjoy the whole thing...

You are fitter you say, and I hope maybe a tad happier and more settled maybe...and you are welcome to ramble here any time you care too x

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate]

My mental health is so much better ….im so more positive after running and my focus and concentration is better too 🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jamesrunsforlife]

This is such good news... a total winning combination... Good to see you here... relax and stay a whilex

[Zev1963 Graduate]

The guided NRC runs have really helped my head. As you say, running, and life in general. I now look forward to every run, and I always take NRC coach at his word, start gently, running should not be hard work. The odd thing is I've progressed more with NRC's gentle running coaching than I have since finishing C25K back in 2014. Spent a few days in UK last week. Approached new routes in the same NRC way, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Zev1963]

This is sounding very good... helping not just our body but our mind also has got to be a great combination... thank you so much for calling in and sharing your thoughts x

[WhaleSongC Graduate]

Morning! I did my graduation run on Tuesday, and then had minor surgery at the dermatologist on Wednesday, so sadly no running until next week I think.

I was listening to an audiobook for the last few runs, but I listened to the NHS week 9 for the last run. I found the last run way harder than run 2! I don't think that was because of the audio, I'm blaming monthly hormones because I sense a clear pattern!

I would LOVE suggestions for guided 30 minute runs because I find plain music dull, but an audio book doesn't let my mind wander quite enough. I'm convinced my mental health benefits are partly because running is a nice mindful mind wander time, that I wouldn't take otherwise... ( until bed time! which causes its own problems)

[Gthants in reply to WhaleSongC]

There are some Headspace running meditations on the NRC app - not sure if they might work for you.

One on You Tube too:

youtube.com/watch?v=Q6Lqt8X...(Not working as expected?)

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to WhaleSongC]

Hello! Good to see you here...

Congratulations on that well earned Graduation badge! Hope the surgery went well!

There are some great ideas I feel on the new Graduates Club site.. and the Nike Running Club has loads of great runs and they don't all have to be 30 minute ones... there are some super shorter ones for when you don't have time.. ones when you really need a run and ones when you may not feel like a run! I know when I get back on track.. one of my favourites... Struggle Run will be the one I listen to first!

But there are a whole load of 30 minute ones to, with great audio support and motivational thoughts...

Our mental health is imperative to our well being... and anything we are able to do to nurture it is so valuable...

Rest up a while and we will see if there are any more ideas form any friends who drop in

[BarbieW Graduate]

Hi and thanks for a great post.

I’ve been away for a few days, on an organised coach trip holiday to North Wales. As I was determined to get my regular runs in, I contacted the hotel beforehand and asked about local running routes about 3-4k. Unfortunately they were unable to help me at all.

So I went out the first runday and took a right at the traffic lights to find myself running down a long hill - great I thought, that’ll be uphill all the way back then! I only managed about 3k, but at least as I was using Strava, I had a good idea where to try the next runday. Sure enough, I found a good circular 3k, ending back at the hotel and mostly flat and along good footpaths.

On both days I did find it strange running completely in the dark about where I was going, and it made me appreciate more my own home based routes that I know so well by now. But maybe I should try some new adventures next time I go out from home! Or am I now lacking in the confidence to run somewhere new?

So why am I so disappointed that the hotel was not able to give me any ideas? OH says I am expecting too much of other people, after all if they are not runners themselves they obviously cannot see how useful it might be for guests to have that sort of information available. I did suggest to them a few printed routes might be appreciated by their guests, but I don’t expect that will come to anything!

B

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to BarbieW]

Hello and welcome...Happy holiday memories! Where did you stay???So many lovely routes around , but if you can suss them out a bit first it can help..otherwise it may feel very strange..

You got a run in...and that is great..!

[Elfe5 Graduate]

That’s a great quote - so true. 😄 One of my big incentives to run is that I want to climb hills in the Lake District (or Scotland) without it being a misery. Running makes a massive difference to that & many other things.

After a prolonged stretch on the IC, I have built back up to W7 of C25K, going slowly with extra rest days when my body says I need to. Hills, I’m coming for ya soon!! 😂

OF, mend soon lovely you 😘😘xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Oh my goodness...hello you!!!So, so good to see you here again...x

Building back....oh gosh...how many of us are trying to do that...?

Those hills are waiting....and when you're ready...they will be so wonderful!

Until then...please, sit a while....you're back amongst friends xxx

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

…and lovely to be so!😄