Good morning running people...Welcome!
Here I am in the Welsh Corner; currently, 21 degrees here at 8.a.m. There has been a wonderful haze over the sea, for the last day or so, but the view from the corner is a lovely one.
Fresh coffee and a new smoothie this morning... a morning wake up one ! I have Welsh cakes and some Bara Brith...croissants too.
So... slip off the shoes, grab a cushion and let us just catch our breath!
I am feeling much happier because I have begun C25K... again!!!! I have repeated bit after illness or injury... I have repeated the whole thing... once after a long time out, and I am looking forward to it too! Week One, Run One was completed yesterday morning , before it go too warm!
C25K is like an old friend; familiar and non threatening. You know what is coming and you know you can do it! We have a fair few friends here, repeating or doing bits of and they will share how it feels for them!
Now, I hear you ask,,, what has this got to do with anything... well it is all to do with a small, but hugely, important part of the C25K plan and one which is often the source of many a conversation in posts and replies... yes, it is … supplementary and supportive core strength and stamina work. Done alongside the running!
There have been quite a few posts over the last week about this... questions asked and replies given... a few of which, actually asked... is any of it necessary?
Well, for many folk, especially, but not exclusively, new runners the answer is yes.
For me, certainly that is my response, and over the last weeks since Mr OF's heart attack and no running done at all, my S and F work has kept me going... physically and mentally. There are many of our seasoned runners too, who will agree.
When we begin this programme, we are pointed towards the, How to Run C25K post and there is so much information there! It is probably better in some ways after an initial peek to use it as a reference post... and dip in and out as needed. There are links and support on almost every aspect of our running !
So at risk of repeating myself yet again,
“One of the bits that you may miss, if you are a newcomer to the forum, ( or have forgotten about, if you have been here a while), is the bit about some strength and stamina work”.
Simplistically, supporting the running with some strength and mobility training is an important part of being able to run well .
When we run, we may just, think it is all about the legs. But, the rest of our running body has to keep up with them, it needs looking after.. Every bit of it! From top to toe and not forgetting our brain either! This is important always, but as we move on through the plan and beyond, the importance does evolve also. Looking after our body limits, fingers crossed, the likelihood of injury
Whilst I have been away from running over the last weeks, I have tried very hard to maintain my daily routine, gently! I have, because of my mental anxiety included lots of mindful exercises and loads of breathing techniques. Adriene and her Yoga become part of every day and walking!
Simple, gentle exercise that kept me , not high impact or prolonged or needing equipment of any kind. But... that exercise was and is right for me, and it is only over the last week or so that I have upped the exercise a tad... to support the runs that are now coming.
There is a HUGE choice of exercise available, and it sometimes be overwhelming. Where to begin then?
Do head, please, across to the Strength and Flex Forum.
healthunlocked.com/strength...
There is something there for everyone...there is something there for every single part of your running body, from top to toe!
I am sure that all of us can find exercises to fit into a regular routine...Yoga, Pilates, dancing, walking , stretching, flexing, swimming, hiking, etc. etc. Exercise to be done inside, outside, in a chair, after injury.... you name it and it is there.
Do not dismiss normal everyday activities either...! Short on time? A day's housework, gardening, decorating, looking after the children; lifting, climbing stairs or in my case, care days with a six year old whirlwind! Every little bit of exercise counts. I wrote a post on this very subject a while ago!
healthunlocked.com/strength......
So come on...maybe it is time, to head out towards the S and F Forum !
The exercises you find, can be put together in a manageable routine. They can become a very good habit. Those simple exercises can help you to run, to achieve your goals and to enjoy every step of the way!
So, now you have your cushion, time to talk. Let us know what you are doing now, what you are going to do...because if you are not doing something already... it is time to think about it 
Oldfloss x
