CATCH-UP=CORNER...WEEK 2... A WARM WELCOME to ... - Couch to 5K

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CATCH-UP=CORNER...WEEK 2... A WARM WELCOME to ALL... COME on IN!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
25 Replies

Good Morning, Running people.

Welcome to the Corner, this very wet morning, here in Staffs'! I am a day late and I apologise!

The Corner is warm, the cushions are ready and there are is fresh coffee, juice and some tasty, and healthy and maybe, not quite so healthy snacks:)

How is it all going with everyone. Gosh, I feel as if I have been on a merry-go- round this last week! Whizzing here, there and everywhere still... extra days with a small runner in training and various appointments for Mr OF.

I have not been as vigilant with replies, as usual. and for that I apologise, but, I have been reading about all your running adventures! You are getting some runs in, despite the changing weather and the darker days which are creeping in!

Some super photographs too, of the changing season ,as it moves across our land. Simply beautiful.

My last run was Sunday and unless the weather changes, I may not get my next one in until tomorrow ! More appointments and more meetings! I do have a walk though this morning... wet or not!

Sometimes though, even when we are embarking ion the C25K programme, we have to simply accept the way things are, the way life can upend us and the way we deal with that.

Over the years I have been around, in the posts and replies, there are often some echoes of frustration. If we are unable to run, if we are hampered by problems, if illness or injury halts us in our tracks

This last week has been no different, with a few of us struggling, worrying and full of eagerness to get back to the runs!

A couple of years ago I wrote a post... and here I am again, repeating my ramble, in the hope that it may give some reassurances!

So, here I am and here you are, and this is a time to relax, reflect and maybe even recharge.

My own reflections?

Well, oddly, as two years ago, they are very similar.

I haven't got as many runs in this month, as I would have liked to; wind and weather and the way life is moving on at the moment, have all affected the opportunities I have had to run. I have continued to exercise, with yoga routines, walking, and some basic, well-known strength and stamina routines too. The high point for me was reaching Week 8 in my running repeat of C25K, and the lovely longer relaxed runs. There is no attempt at speed or distance. I listen to my body and I take notice of what it tells me, even if that means that on a morning I planned a run, I change my mind. Likewise, if something crops up to stop me, then I wait. As will the run.

My rambles here, are not as pointless as some folk may think. They are intended, just to let you know that wherever you are on this programme, and at whatever level you are running at, new runners, repeaters or old Graduate friends...you can do this. You can reach your goals.

It may be difficult. You have family commitments, you have work, you have illness and injury and you have the worries, that are yours and yours alone.

But you can do this; in your own way, in your own time and knowing that you have the support of every single person on the forum.

You show, through your posts and replies your strength, determination and motivation. You support each other in so many ways. Your strengths transfer to others and they in turn pass that strength on .

I have a favourite quotation.

"One of the beautiful things about running is that it is direct and elegant. The formula is simple: put one foot in front of the other."

We all know, that in reality, it is not as simple as that...but if we hold that thought when we are able to run....then maybe we will run with lighter steps and an even lighter heart.

Okay... I am sitting back now... I have some delicious warm croissants to try, a new recipe... and I am hoping next week to have some new buns, courtesy of MissUnderstanding !

I and we, want to hear from you. How is your running progressing, or not? I do know of a few folk over the last couple of days, who are not able to run right now and are finding it slightly frustrating !

So slip off the shoes, grab a cushion and a snack and let's talk :)

Looking forward to see who calls in!

Oldfloss

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Oldfloss
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25 Replies
David_G profile image
David_G

Hi Oldfloss and running friends, hope you’re all well!

I must admit I lost my mojo a bit when I graduated C25K and found it difficult to get going again, particularly now the clocks have gone back and the weather’s really autumnal! 😢

Happily, I have restarted again with the help of the Nike Running Club (NRC) app. There is a 5K plan on there which I’m following. It’s got a variety of runs so it adds a bit of interest, I find.

I go to Cardiac Rehab❤️ Phase IV sessions every week, and I’ve applied for a volunteer role at the Cardiac Rehab sessions that I went to after my heart attack and cardiac arrest in April. Hopefully that’ll help me keep motivated to get out of the door now I’ve retired!🤞

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate

Morning! I’m usually late so feeling proud of myself this morning. MrU made me coffee and I accidentally left the heating on last night so it’s extra warm and toasty…all good! It’s been a really busy week but the pinch point was yesterday and I’m feeling positive.

I started last week in a bit of a slump but the simple “go out and run for any time at all” got me out of it. Just feeling like I’m running regularly again has made a huge difference. I absolutely love that quote-one foot in front of the other. One step at a time gets you where you want to be.

Three lovely runs for me. One run with MrU-chatty and chilled. One accidentally fast one which was so much fun. One unexpectedly lovely snail paced pootle-my watch prescribed a super slow recovery run at a pace I never run at. Going super slowly was as much fun as the super fast one! The best thing is I feel properly on track now and I’m enjoying browsing plans to take me through winter.

I’m really looking forward to trying out some pulla recipes. It turns out there are lots of types. There’s a nice article here…

scandinaviastandard.com/rec...

Hopefully photos to come soon!

Have a wonderful week my friend! ❤️

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to MissUnderstanding

Hello... I am late now, as I have been on small runner in training duty this afternoon! Youb ahd a lovly warm start to theday today... I love snuggly warm... Mr OF has set our heating to come on a tad earlier, so it is lovely and warm when I get up too!

You have had some super and varied, runs and fit the into a busy week too! Do hat we are able to and I like your run at , any time... I may need to shake my run times up I feel!

You are indeed on track and these weeks will whistle by too . I peeked at that site... looking good... and I hope you manage to find a great recipe we may all share !

Thank you for calling in today! x

grumpyoldgirl profile image
grumpyoldgirlGraduate

Morning, Floss and gang. Looks like I've got here early, so I'll grab the cosy corner right here.

I seem to have acquired a rumbling ear (or maybe sinus) infection.

I felt a lot better on Sunday and thought I was getting over it so I went for a run on Monday. Repeated run 2 of week 5 which I had done the week before and although my legs felt heavy, it went well. Went to zumba gold on Tuesday morning, also fine, then later that morning felt awful again. Managed to get a doctor's appointment that afternoon (it's a minor miracle) and was prescribed antibiotics.

I'm really pleased that I managed to get those two runs in otherwise I'd have not run for three weeks!

Can I ask, people who have had infections like this after having covid, are you also finding it hard to shake them off? Wondering if it's a thing, or if it's just me!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl

Hello!

It is so good to see you here and yes, I think I can empathise with you... I feel that I don't shake things off in the same way. I know I am older and the worry over Mr OF hasn't helped but even so...also, a biit like, one thing after another!

An ear infection is horrid... I had similar earlier this year, but had an antibiotic ear spray...I am bundled up with my buff and hat when the weather gets colder or it is windy, because my sinus can cause real issues with the cold!

Glad you got the runs in and glad you are getting treatment to stop the infection! Take it easy, just rest up, pop in here anytime and feel better soon x

Sax64 profile image
Sax64Graduate

I'm so glad the corner is open today, just what I need. A cuppa, a croissant and time with friends. Sometimes life gets in the way of our carefully cultivated running routines. Despite having an excellent opportunity to run this morning, after a hectic few days, I felt really tired, unmotivated and could hear those gremlins loud and clear... oh you don't want to run... you have no energy... you must have a rest... and so on. So I loaded the NRC Running on Empty with Headspace for a relaxed easy run. It was the best decision ever. I was soon in the groove with a nice and steady easy pace, being in the moment rather than wasting my energy fretting about stuff. I got back totally energised and felt amazing. Such is the power of running. I would recommend this run to any other ditherers out there.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Sax64

So good to see you here, relaxing and resting!

You did so well listening to your body and easing out a run... losing the stress and putting the worries in order can be so useful... and the run does recharge us too...we do feel invigorated don't we? I managed a walk this morning and felt so much better for that!

I really want our new runners to read the posts like yours... to see, how it all evolves, and just how it impacts our lives in a good way.

Thank you so much for popping in today x

Cassie_7 profile image
Cassie_7Graduate

Fantastic post Floss! Many congrats on reaching Week 8 too, great news! I love how the quote says running is elegant, not if you saw me running 😂 more like a tortoise, than a gazelle, but hey I will take it lol. I have been running usually 3 times a week and continuing with strength training with weights and standing pilates on other days. The rain has been almost continuous here so the ground is saturated but I hope to get out for a 30-35 minute run later today x

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Cassie_7

Thanks you and thanks for popping in today!

I am a snail not elegant at all :) We do it, our way:)

You are doing so well and getting the strength work in too, which is super. I hope you got out for your run later... i was on small runner in training duty this afternoon...always a great workout... I shall watch for your post x

Cassie_7 profile image
Cassie_7Graduate in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks Floss, great you are training another runner!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Cassie_7

Oh yes..and she is fast...!

Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministratorGraduate

🍏A little late due to the time difference so will grab some homemade Pulla & join in the chat! So excited that you are nearing graduation again after all you have been through… can’t wait for your graduation post!!

We are nearing the end of our Canadian visit to family. This weekend we go up into the mountains for a week at Fairmont. Hopefully a swim or two in the natural hot springs, lots of walking and beautiful scenery. Fireside chats and games in the evening plus books & music.. For me I would love to fit in my 3 runs too.. last time I ran here it was in the middle of winter…lots of soft snow and I crossed paths with a bear.. fortunately he was ahead of me and left only his footprints… some may remember my post and photos at the time.

Well dear Floss I need to get on with some pre cooking to take with us.. love to you all

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Annieapple

Hello! Welcome... Gosh, that visit has flown but how we have enjoyed your posts and photographs.

Your week in the mountains, sounds to be amazingly wonderful! Wow... pure joy!

I hope you do manage your runs and I really hope, that bear, is elsewhere this time!!! It is going to be magical and the memories of the time will warm you through many a winter's night x

yes... I am getting closer but the weather and life have got in the way this week... but, slow and steady, I will get there !

Take care and, a few more photographs before you come home please :) x

Jamesrunsforlife profile image
JamesrunsforlifeGraduate

I really love these catchups Oldfloss 😊you really keep me motivated need I say more NO 👏😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Jamesrunsforlife

That's just great then! X

Jamesrunsforlife profile image
JamesrunsforlifeGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

Oh 💯 keep them coming 😊😊

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Jamesrunsforlife

Eight years + ... so far... my rambles are infamous!

Jamesrunsforlife profile image
JamesrunsforlifeGraduate in reply to Oldfloss

I would say inspiring 💪

Madwife60 profile image
Madwife60

Very timely post. The weather hasn’t stopped me but I’ve missed a couple of runs due to a virus and family stuff so yesterdays attempt between showers seemed very important. Took a slow steady 30 mins not worrying about speed or distance and it was fine. Needed an afternoon nap so maybe not quite over the lurgy just yet!

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Madwife60

Hello and welcome ! Good to see you here with us !

I have probably used the weather as a bit of a rest or workout time! Well done you...but not on that virus!

Glad you enjoyed the run... well done too on taking a nap; being kind to ourselves does not always come to us easily!

Give yourself time and keep those runs at a lovely steady pace... pop in again too!

Alan996 profile image
Alan996Graduate

Morning all,

I will catch up shortly as just off out for a much needed NRC speed run. It's a tad chilly out so time for the man tights....

Alan996 profile image
Alan996Graduate

I must admit that i have found motivation difficult this last week with the dark mornings, poor weather and work. However, i still managed to get in a couple of short duration 15 minute runs so all was not lost.

This morning though i decided to finish work early and give myself a break and what better way of doing it than by doing the NRC speed run i have been putting off all week. It wasnt without its challenges mind you. As it was pretty chilly i decided to root out the man tights and then re-discovered how hard it is to put them on without bouncing off the wardrobes or lying on my back in bed with legs in the air. When you then realise you have put them on back to front ............. 🤣🤣🤣

The run itself was just what was needed with alternating intervals between mile pace and 10k pace - although i do need to control my paces as my 10k pace ended up being sub 30 minute parkrun times and mile pace, well - just silly. That probably explains why i was shattered but i will learn.

I also had issues with my glasses steaming up which was quite alarming and my ankle sock deciding to disappear into my running shoes but, it was great to get out there and i feel much better for doing so.

Next up is a day off tomorrow then a 2 mile recovery run on Sunday.

Happy running everyone.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Alan996

Hello and welcome... you have made me laugh so much with this post ... the image of you bouncing around the bedroom!!!

Talk about a warm-up before you even get out there!

You have, despite all, got out there and done a really mixed bag of running...You di seem a tad prone to slight running glitches if I may says... steamed up glasses... how??? Ankle socks going walkabout too!

You ran you got shattered, but you say you will be more sensible in future.. so that is a definite win!

Thank you for calling in...this has made my day... Happy running on Sunday... and practice putting those man tights on too... it could be safer:) x

Jell6 profile image
Jell6Graduate

It's been hard running these last 2 weeks or so, my favourite route has been flooded more often than not, so I've had to resort to running a 0.5 km in and back loop. Which has meant having to do a horrible steep incline 5 times in each outing 😱🤪.Still flooded today, but the weather was lovely

Sunny run
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Jell6

Huge well done to you! Hard to negotiate floods safely !

That steep hill? It will have made you so strong!! Brilliant...and that sunshine looks absolutely beautiful!

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