CATCH-up- CORNER...WEEK 4...Slip off the Runni... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,728 members158,738 posts

CATCH-up- CORNER...WEEK 4...Slip off the Running Shoes and Come on In.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
43 Replies

Hello everyone.!

Well, here I am.... turning up again, this month nearly out heading into Autumn. The evenings are drawing in, the weather is changing and the last remnants of Summer are, certainly here, slowly and steadily beginning to give way to those blazing shades of Autumn.

Many of my posts at this time, reflect other posts, but the thoughts and the ideas often, are unchanging when thinking about our running.

The Corner has been open for a while, and although quiet of late, we still have a real mix, of new runners, some Graduates and some really seasoned runners, who have joined us on the cushions!

You have all been doing the most incredible things this last month with new Graduates and so many recent Graduates, moving forward to new routes in their running! We do have currently, a heck of a lot of folk repeating C25K., for a variety of reasons, and that show you just how good it is!

I am included in that group and very happy to be running again!

It is also, worth repeating that if you are a new runner, or a repeating runner, it is still really important to read the essential pinned post on How to Run C25K, either to find out how to begin or to remind ourselves of how to move forward again!

Now, following that advice, comes the old chestnut that still crops up, time and time again... speed and distance are of no importance, and yet, still, for some of we runners, there is a lot of worry generated about both those things.

We runners, we are a special breed, and we, are our most severe critics. We really do, give ourselves a hard time.

Time now, to sit down together, take a breather and just re-charge. Just to read here, what has been said so, so many times before, and not just by me!

When we begin the C25K programme, it can, without us realising it, become too easy, to feel pressure, to move too fast; sometimes comparing ourselves with other runners, and even encouraged, often with the best of intentions, by other speedier, or less experienced runners.

Fun is meant to be had on your runs towards Graduation, not just at the beginning, but in each and every week; learning about yourself and your running, getting fitter and stronger with every week. However, the definition of what I mean by slow, is a tricky one to explain. But what I intend folk to take from any advice I may offer, is, simply, to find a comfortable, sustainable and happy pace for the runs within their own running.

This is your C25K and your choice of pace; but try, maybe, to find that comfortable pace for yourself, and, if you are new to running, then do, take it steadily through those first uncertain runs of the programme, and as the runs increase in time, start to feel your stamina increasing, your strength building and those running legs growing.

f you are repeating, then the same applies; find your own, happy pace. Mine, as I am about to start Week 4, is slower than a snail on a go-slow... and bears no resemblance to the point previously where that I had to stop running . But, i am really enjoying the runs.

Get where you wish to be injury free, and having had an enjoyable time.

Many, many of us have busy lives, and are working, long hours, bringing up family, and as we all do, carry responsibility for all manner of things. At this current time too, there are things that we have little control of; rising prices, lack of jobs, world affairs, the list goes on. Overthinking too can be a real problem. Don't I know it!

So let's try to put things into some kind of perspective and try also, to accept, more; do what we are able, and be a tad kinder to ourselves. We are so worth it!

There are incredible, seasoned Graduates on the forums, amazing runners, who have proved their worth, over and over again, and who influenced and still influence my progress, with their tried and tested advice and their sound contributions to this particular forum. Please do listen to their advice. Read as many of the pinned posts as you are able, use the forums and the links to support your running.

So...Come on and let's do this... we will try to relax, follow our plans...but we will, take our time and enjoy.

Floss ramble over.

Now, I and we need to know what you have been up to. How has this month gone for you?

We are all still, eager to hear your experiences, maybe offer ideas or suggestions, or simply sit in awe of your achievements.

Snacks and smoothies are out... fresh coffee and the cushions are waiting!

Please do pop in and let us share with you.

Oldfloss x

Written by
Oldfloss profile image
Oldfloss
Administrator
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
43 Replies
Sax64 profile image
Sax64Graduate

Lovely post Oldfloss, again. It's been 7 months since I started on this incredible journey and looking back I can see huge progress, particularly in fitness, strength, stamina and pace. And without really registering it, my happy pace is automatically speeding up. I really have tried to ignore the numbers on my watch whilst running, other than as a reminder to slow down! By running slowly I avoid toxic 10, by running slowly I've been able to increase time and distance running and by running slowly I then also enjoy it more. And let's face it if the run is enjoyable you're more likely to get to the starting line next time. So after this morning's 7k, getting unexpectedly caught out in the rain I think I'd like to drop by and share a cuppa and a snack with you and all the lovely folk on this forum. Mmm what shall I choose🧁🍌🥐☕?

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Sax64

Hello and welcome... and thank you so much for sharing ! Your words are proof positive that what we advise works... happy pace evolves...keep running, keep it steady and it all comes together. Pace, distance and yes, speed too :) But safely and enjoyably ...!

That sounds perfect to me and to so many of us...you deserved your snack today... and do, please pop in at anytime... your cushion is always waiting for you! Well done on that wet run! x

David_G profile image
David_G

Hi Oldfloss and running friends! You might remember that I’ve had to start C25K all over again following serious health issues earlier this year. I completed week 8 at the Vitality London 10,000 on Sunday. I ran for 28 mins at the start of the Vitality, then walked the rest. As usual, I met some lovely people on the way round and everyone was very friendly.

I’m heading out to my first run of week 9 later today🏃‍♂️ then I’m running again on Thursday. My final (graduation) run 🏆 is planned for Saturday at Parkrun, my 100th Parkrun event🤞

Being me, I’ve also booked myself a table for a celebration meal at a new local restaurant at lunchtime on Saturday!🥳🥂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to David_G

Good to see you here and having a rest after all your adventures! GO YOU!

I was amazed when I saw what you had been up to! :)

You have done so, so well and I feel that folk reading your posts will be both motivated and encouraged too!

Your 100th Park Run in the offing too ! Blimey David... sit here a while longer! A celebration sounds exactly right and so, so so well deserved !

Thank you for popping in today... any time! x

David_G profile image
David_G in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks Oldfloss I completed the first run of week 9 this morning as I’d hoped 🏃‍♂️ Just two more runs and I’ll graduate! 😊🤞

Once that’s done, I’ve got an interview for a volunteer role at the cardiac rehab courses that I completed recently, so I give something back for all the help they gave me.

After that, I’ve got my retirement terms to sort out at work so I can trot off into the sunset and enjoy myself! 😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to David_G

This all sounds so good. The retirement and then the fun of helping other folk to move forward as you yourself have done... Well done on that run this morning... re graduation.... beckons and what a cheer will go up form us as you get there! x

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate

Wise words as ever Floss. I have done a bit of speeding up over the last 3 runs; 2x intervals and then an 8k. It was fun, but tomorrow is swim day and Thursday is definitely going to be a slow recovery run with post run stretches. In C25k every problem I had, physical and in my head, was caused by trying to run too quickly …..bobbing along, taking in the air and surroundings is definitely the way to go 🙂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Beachcomber66

Hello and a big welcome to you. This is my kind of run.... just pootling along and enjoying everything that is going on!

You have been having fun with your runs and it is good to see that you do make sure all the other bits stay fit too. Plenty of other exercise, and plenty of stretches to keep everything supple and moving !

thank you for sitting a while to share this with us... there is always a cushion here for you! x

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

🙂 No point in making as many mistakes as I have and not sharing them.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Beachcomber66

Ha ha...but also sharing the successes too...of which you have many x

RunningJ123 profile image
RunningJ123Graduate

Thank you for such a lovely post! I'm just back from doing W5R3... I took it slowly, and was listening to an audio Spanish course as I went... Multitasking! I usually like to run in silence, but thought today I'd do that to pass the time until I'm used to running for longer stretches again

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to RunningJ123

Hello and welcome...:)

it is good to see you here and really interesting to know what you listened to ! I tried to learn Spanish when I was pregnant many years ago,,, whilst doing the ironing! baby's arrival put paid to that...maybe I should try it now! Thank you for the idea!

You have finished Week 5 and slow sounds absolutely perfect to me! A sensible and enjoyable build up to the longer runs... drop in please, at any time!

RunningJ123 profile image
RunningJ123Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

The course I'm listening to is called Language Transfer... I used it for Greek and found it really good, so now I'm trying Spanish, but just in a relaxed way... We'll see how much goes in! 😁 play.google.com/store/apps/... is the app, and it's on Youtube and their website too

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to RunningJ123

Oh thank you for that!!!! I will take a look now! I wonder if they do Welsh????

Upsidaisy profile image
UpsidaisyGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

I’ve been learning Spanish using Duolingo since lockdown. There’s a free version of the app which comes with adverts and some limitations, or you can pay a subscription for the full version which costs £4.99 per month. They also do Welsh! It’s quite light hearted and I enjoy it but I will look at the one suggested by RunningJ123. Good to exercise the old grey matter as well as the running legs!

womblejogger profile image
womblejoggerGraduate

The corner looks cosy , do u mind if i join in .... grabs a chai latte and a cosy spot .. training has been hit and miss these last couple of months , family commitments etc have to come first. I did Swansea half back in June and felt so disappointed in not being able to achieve what I had set out to not even realising that by taking part and completing the half in very hot weather was an achievement in itself. . Fast forward to the last few weeks where my training was getting to the point where I felt like I couldn't carry on ... and I nearly quit .... I couldn't as I had a specific reason for running the next race and quitting wasn't an option , what else could I do... I then fell back onto some advice I had always been told and what you echo in your post , time, pace and distance doesn't matter go with what is comfortable.... having slowed my pace down by almost a full minute not only do I feel fresher after running but feel like I could go further .... I was concerned by what I thought I'd look like running at a slower pace, hell I'm not a fast runner anyway hence the name I womble along quit happily but in my head I had a image as to how I should confirm It took me a while and the advice of others to get rid of this notion and to listen to my body and enjoy running how I do it. ...

Also I'm a strong advocate of the c25k having had to redo it several times over the last few years , I always state to people interested in giving running a shot to start with either the c25k app or the podcasts which I found easier to follow. Will probably start this again after this weekends race (after letting my legs recover) as my daughter wants to join me and this is the best place to start

Right chai latte finished, thanks for the opportunity to chat and I will see you all soon at the start line. .. let's all embrace the slow pace .. Steve aka the womble jogger

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to womblejogger

How very good to see you here... and thank you so, so much for sharing your running with us all! It is so useful to hear from our runners exactly how it all works and how much enjoyment comes into it! I hope a few more folk drop in to read this !

It is so good too, to know you will be probably doing this again with your daughter, I look forward to those posts! ... I am hoping that my art teacher may be joining me on a run or two too!

Thank you so much for wombling along to the corner...your cushion will be here, waiting x

womblejogger profile image
womblejoggerGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

It was my first time in the corner and won't be my last found it so cwtchy 🤟❤️🤟

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to womblejogger

Nothing like a little cwtch ...in a cosy cwtch !!! I shall be glad to see you ! x

Cassie_7 profile image
Cassie_7Graduate

Many thanks for your great and encouraging post Floss, I am so glad you are running again after so many things happening! I am running 3 times a week, having started in a soggy and very cold last March and then graduating! It is such a good app and it is well worth heeding all the advice given x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Cassie_7

Lovely to see you here, and good to know that you are running....and three times a week too! That is just super... I am pleased that you are enjoying your running so much and using the info to your obvious advantage...

You are most welcome here, anytime, and thank you , it is lovely to be out there and just enjoying this all over again! z

BarbieW profile image
BarbieWGraduate

Hi Oldfloss. Just popping in for my blueberry muffin and iced latte, and to tuck myself onto my regular corner cushion.

Am happy with my slowish pace after my last two park runs, and am wondering if I am yet ready to retry Ju-ju(?)’s magic plan to get myself back to 10k. Not that I’m hankering after that, but I think I need to set myself an aim, and I know I’ve done it before, so I do know (or do I mean believe?) I can?

It will be a lot slower this time for sure, and may take a tad longer, but I know that should not be any issue!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to BarbieW

Hello... fresh muffins and fresh smoothies this morning too ! Your cushion is always waiting here!

Slowish pace sounds fine to me and it is as you know.my favourite one! If you feel like doing the plan again, then go for it, and know you can tweak it, if you feel the need...I am hoping for the last run of C25K Week 3 this morning! It will be very slow!

You have done it before and yes, you will do it...just relax and enjoy the plan again... familiar and friendly.... take your time, choose your routes well and you should be fine:)

Until then, rest a while and enjoy the coffee ! Thank you for popping in, I shall watch for your first 10K post! x

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

Hello Oldfloss , I’m glad to hear that you are slowly making progress and increasing distance. They say patience is a virtue.

I am pleased to say that after physio exercises and a sports massage, the sciatica has gone. However, I am still waiting for a referral for my shoulder injury.. Thankfully it is not affecting my running.

I’m working my way up the distance, a bit later than I planned, and hope to get a long run in tomorrow, if I can field shelter from Storm Agnes (just wind here). The Great South Run (10 miles) is mid October

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Dexy5

Hello and welcome to your cushion! Good to see you hear, and thank you. Yes, it is good to be out there, and moving again!

What good news that the sciatica has gone! It really is a very wearing pain. The shoulder issue is taking a while? So lucky that it is not impacting the runs ... but it will be good to know what is going on!

I hope you do get your run in this morning... I am hoping to head out shortly before any wind or rain arrives! That GSR is not that far away!

Do pop in again and keep us posted please ! x

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Yes my physio recommended a referral for a scan, which I handed to GP surgery on 8 September. I chased it yesterday and found the letters hadn’t been passed to GP 😤 . Moral of this story, don’t give them anything on a Friday.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Dexy5

Oh no...this is so annoying! I have to say... the NHS is amazing but some of the passing on bits seem to get really problematic! I really hope it gets sorted for you!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate in reply to Dexy5

Grrrrr…I wonder if they are geared up to scanned copies coming in these days. I have no doubt your call left an impression!! 🙂

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66

It seems they only scanned my letter, not the physio’s, which they’d stapled behind. They should have rung me to make an appointment then. Grr indeed. I tried to be super nice in the hope they will act quickly now, otherwise the next telephone appointment with GP is end of October! Crikey.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate in reply to Dexy5

😂 undeserved super nice leaves the biggest impression!

SweatyHettie profile image
SweatyHettieGraduate

Such wise words as ever   Oldfloss

I was a regular on the forum when I first did C25K but I’ve been more of a lurker lately. Life has got in the way of me restarting regular running a few times over the last couple of years but the better weather this September has got me over the hump.

I so agree with you about pressure- we put ourselves under so much pressure -longer faster etc that it can really have a negative effect. I counteracted that in my recent restart by just running - no phone no apps no measurement - just run for enjoyment and don’t overdo it. I still did the 5 min warm up / cool down walk and because of C25K I pretty much know the time/ distance of various local routes so just picked one and out I went!

Now that I’m back in the groove I like to use Nike Run Club to set either a time or a distance., but experience has taught me not to even bother looking at pace. For me it’s all about stamina and being able to run for x amount of time / distance. I’m only human and I do look at the splits but more out of interest than competitiveness.

I’ve also started training the dog to come out with me, she’s a great running partner and she’s beginning to learn that a slow pace in a straight line is all that’s required! She makes the classic mistake of staring too fast but she’s beginning to get the hang of ‘with me’ The five minute walk allows her to get her biz out of the way although it is annoying to run with a poo bag until you find a bin! For me it gives me a bit more confidence about running in the dark on my own. I’ve never really worried about it as I do stick to main roads and parks and usually all I see on early runs is other runners and dog walkers, but it is nice to have a companion.

I’ve really enjoyed popping back into the forum and seeing all the progress of everyone. I often think about the forum when I’m on a run- it was such a motivator for me when I was completing C25K to share my journey. For now I am just enjoying my running again ( yay!) and will spam the forum with lovely sunrises when I see them!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to SweatyHettie

Hello!

Thank you for calling in and sharing your running stories. This is so useful and so inspiring for all of us, and not just our new runners!

Your experiences do add weight to the advice of starting slower and just finding our own happy pace... accepting that for some of us that will be pacier than others:) Just ignoring the speed and enjoying the runs is for you , ( and me), and many of us, is the thing. I sneak a look at splits sometimes too and get a little glow when they are negative!

The dog out with you too! Now that really sounds as if it is beginning to work... I smiled when i read that the dog used to start too fast too! I do think that having the support of your four legged friend will make a difference to the routes as the days get shorter. My daughter and family have a dog now, but Alice would be too strong for me...she is still young and still being trained! I look forward to your progress with your dog!

There have been some amazing sunrises and sunsets too! They are quite inspirational as we run .... lifting the spirit and lightening the feet? I am looking forward to those photographs!

I have popped one of mine in!

Please, do pop in again... there is a cushion here and waiting!

A favourite sunrise run... x
Basil73 profile image
Basil73

Lovely to read that, floss. we need to remind ourselves that it should be enjoyable. I do get caught up briefly but have spoken sternly to myself and stop worrying about pace, time, etc. It's interesting because my friends are runners and have been doing it for many years so they are always talking about pace and length. I have to ignore that and just go with the plan. Almost finished W7, and with new shoes its onwards and upwards for me.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Basil73

Hello there... ! Yes, you are absolutely right... we do need to catch ourselves on sometimes... why is it we are kinder to other folk than to ourselves?

It is about running but it really is about enjoying the running too! I do feel maybe some folk lose the joy and get wrapped up in the technicalities of speed and distance... but, each to their own eh?

You are doing just fine and moving onwards beautifully... so sit back a while and bask in that thought... your run... your way... and it is a good way!

Thanks for popping in... welcome any time!

Basil73 profile image
Basil73 in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks for that, Floss. It did make me feel better. I must remember it's my run my way!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Basil73

Yes indeed... !

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate

Positive, confidence building post again thanks Oldfloss 😊

I'm sadly out of the game with covid...terrible timing as the Running World Cup is on and I had high hopes! But then there's never a good time is there!?

On a plus side, I'd been mostly running 3 times a week in the last few months, with 5ks in the week and a 10k at the weekend...I'd even upped it to 10.5, then 11 the last couple of Saturdays.

Hopefully that'll stand me in good stead to get back to it when I'm better...and let's be honest, it feels like we've all had to build back up 100 times by now, so we know it can be done!

Great to hear you're back running again, it's the gift that keeps on giving 😀

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Run46

Oh gosh... luckily the Covid cannot enter the Corner... but you can :) There is so,, so much about!

Just glad to see you here, and hoping you are not feeling too dire !

Yes...patience and building back is what we do ! Lots of times and those runs, bless them, they wait for us!

Your previous running will help and when you head back, ( slow and steady), when you feel ready... you will get back on track pretty smartish!

I am glad to get out there and finished Week 3 this morning... pre Storm Agnes which is apparently a tad delayed!

Until you are ready to run again... just ease back on a cushion and relax. Plenty to read on the forums to keep us entertained:)

Thank you for joining us x

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Well done on your run this morning, with avoiding the storm being a plus 😊

At least I'm happy to read about you guys and your runs...I'm far to tired to even think about running right now 😴

I'll know when I'm on the mend coz the jealousy will kick in 😉

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Run46

Sounds like a plan.... the first time you get that... " I wish it was me running" twinge! When I began to run again after six weeks I had been putting in the gentle exercises to keep me going... I had slowed down so much over the time after my husband had his heart attack and had to really build back... not the same as having had Covid but the impact was very similar...

I recorded that journey on the S and F forum... and when I look at that I can hardly believe I am back to running!

healthunlocked.com/strength...

This is one of my posts about that.

Just take it gently...no rush, and when you are ready.... you will know x

Run46 profile image
Run46Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks Oldfloss 😊 x

Penwithpink profile image
PenwithpinkGraduate

Hi oldfloss good morning x I am finishing my 3 wks consolidation today and have enjoyed it very much. Although I had no intention of being a rule breaker, ignoring excellent advice or wanting to risk injury I quickly came to the conclusion that I was better off running as many 5k ru ns as I could as parkrun improvement was my main objective. I had the distinct feeling that running 4.1 and 4.2 meant that ( consciously or subconsciously) I was laying off when I got that far just when I needed the strength to keep going for a bit longer. I’ve managed 5 now plus Tuesdays epic so I’ll find out on Saturday if it has worked! I appreciateit’s not the way for everybody so just putting g it out there… once I get back from Cornwall I am going to try and increase distance gradually and get to 10K for Christmas x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Penwithpink

Hello...good to see you here... and good to see another perspective... what works for one does not suit all...These are our runs and we do it either following the C25K plan as we begin... or finding our own way after graduation.

You know your body and you know its strength... and that is the way to go .... hopefully your efforts will have paid off... and you will be on t rack for that 10K... !

You may also like...

CATCH-UP CORNER. FEBRUARY...WEEK ONE...Slip off your running shoes and pop inside...everyone is welcome:) NEW Runners... Come and Join Us :)

to see you here in the corner sharing your runs and giving us your experiences. If you are a new...

What is Your Week...September Week 3...Slip off your running shoes and join us!

takes, it will be so worth it when you get to the final run. If you have just Graduated, also, this...

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️April Catch up Corner week 2: Heads and shoulders or knees and toes?🏃🏃🏃

It’s Catch Up Corner time again. How’s your week gone? Did your runs feel like you were flying...

🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️Catch Up Corner June 2: Home or away?🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

real runner if you’ve still got a bit of imposter syndrome too. Have you tried any holiday runs...

What is Your Week? July... Week 4...Come and join us!

takes, it will be so worth it when you get to the final run. If you have just Graduated, also, this...