CATCH-up-CORNER...WEEK 2... BABY... it's COLD OUTSIDE !

[Oldfloss]

Good Morning people..

Here I am... a tad late, as a surprise visit yesterday, put paid to many plans!

The cushions are out, the corner is warm and you are all most welcome. Fresh coffee, some super winter smoothies and a really yumster batch of healthy, yes, healthy, choc chip muffins!

Well... the weather here these last few weeks has been quite something... and the last week , even more so...heavy , thick snow last weekend and a slow thaw with ice, slow to move. Now followed by bitter cold, wind and heavy rain!

That has meant that I have not run for over ten days!

The weather can sometimes be ignored, if we have the gear, the determination and we are sure that it is safe to run, but at other times, the intense cold, ( for us in the UK), and snow/ice on the ground may mean, real problems.

So... can we run... and how do we make it enjoyable whilst staying safe!

Here are a few, what I hope may be useful tips for us all.

First off. If it looks very bad out there, with howling gales or black ice... then maybe, think again!

But if you feel that you are good to go;

Start out Warm.

Do I like I do, if you are able...warm your kit (especially your base layer) on the radiator before you put it on, and do some warm-up exercises in the house before you set off

Layers.

Layering kit is the key to maintaining and regulating body temperature.

Layers however need to be  breathable and wicking ,( if possible), so they trap heat, not sweat (man-made fabrics like nylon and polypropylene are your best bet, though some natural ones, such as merino wool, (ethically sourced), work too).

Warm socks and the right shoes... cold feet, are really not wanted. Shop around for the right warm socks! Always bargains to be had!

Do NOT over do it... otherwise you may very well find yourself, overly warm and feeling like you need to strip off!

Warming up the bits that don't overwork, is important, your extremities do suffer... so things like gloves and a hat are pretty essential when it is really cold.

Eating well, drinking plenty.

Fuel needs to be put in to get the performance... eat well for the weather and don't forget to drink your water...easy to forget when the weather is colder.

Plan your route.

Make sure you let someone know where you are going and expected time out there. Stuck out in the cold with a twisted ankle could be very, very serious.

Make sure you are visible...and that you can see where you are going.

If you are running in darkness, at night or early morning, then reflective clothing and lights that will ensure you get seen by drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.

Better safe than sorry.

The surfaces you run on likely to be icy in the early morning and evening, so if at all possible, head for trail or grass. In adverse weather, consider running loops closer to home rather than tackling a long 'out and back' run. Just common sense really?

Running on the snow?

This is , I feel a really useful read...

runandbecome.com/running-tr...

Be flexible.

You may be so worried about missing a run, in the C25K programme, that you throe caution the wind... literally. Be prepared to wait. Check the forecasts and if it means running a day or more late, so be it. The runs really DO wait. You need to take care of you.

Okay...hopefully, that may give you pause for thought and maybe you can check around for more information too.

I love winter running... fresh dry snow on the fields and the crisp, clear mornings with frost sparkling on every tree, I never run when it is icy. That is my choice. Having fallen once, ( not on a run) , I never want that to be repeated... on an run years ago I I did accidentally run on an iced over puddle... Yikes... ! I did manage to stay upright but it was touch and go!

I really did embrace my inner Bambi!

Your turn now ! Settle back with your snack and your chosen drink and share. Any tips you have for preparing for the unexpected weather, for ice or snow? Would you head out, have you headed out when yon knew really, it was not a great idea?

Looking forward to welcoming you …

Oldfloss x

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

Great advice as ever Floss 🙂. I have just lost 10 days of running because of snow followed by a freeze and then rain ….water on top of ice is lethal as you know. I did manage to get Molly out for a few walks, but even then I had to be careful; 38k of excited OES straining on the lead to get to the cafe for her sausage is a bit of a handful, but we managed. Our walks cover some of my usual running territory, so each walk was a pitch inspection.

After a couple of days of driving rain, and 8c replacing freezing temperatures, I gave myself the all clear yesterday. Just a 4K at a steady pace, but it was enough to make me feel like a runner again. All very frustrating course, I was building up distance and pace nicely when this lot struck, but that is winter running sometimes. A touch of stoicism goes a long way!! I take a kamleika waterproof jacket (if it is raining or likely to rain) or an extra warm top layer if it is just cold. Often they remain fastened around my waist by the sleeves, but, even if I don’t need them on the run, they do come in handy for my long walk home after my cafe stop….I definitely feel the cold at that point. Stay safe everyone ….ice gave me a spinal fracture….which also started me running as a way of building up strength afterward! Who said runners are a bit crazy?

Sheep in snow covered field

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Great post! I’m the same-I won’t run if it’s icy. Snow, yes-that’s a real treat but if there’s ice I’ll exercise indoors instead. It’s not worth a fall. One “missed” run verses months of recovery? Easy choice for me.

Clothing is tricky. I’ve realised that I’d much rather be cold than too hot. My most useful piece of kit is a cheap, fluro lightweight jacket with zipped pockets so if I start with gloves/hat on, then can go in them without fear of losing anything. More often than not, my jacket ends up around my waist and I’m in a light long sleeved t shirt and long leggings. It’s been a fair bit of trial and error and overheating!

For routes, I’ll usually do more shorter loops past home so I’ve got chance to bail if the weather gets worse. I prefer running in the daylight or the dark (with a head torch and reflective gear) than dusk when it seems to be extra hard for cars to see me. That’s partly because of wear I run-often country lanes with no pavement.

I’ve had flu and while I’m finally feeling well enough to get out and about, I’m still not up to running. I did Pilates yesterday and that felt so much harder than usual. I’d hoped to run today but I’m being sensible and will have a walk instead. Hopefully in a few days time my trainers will be back on. They are looking a little forlorn!

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Love that..."one missed run versus months of recovery"...so true!!

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Excellent post and advice from you Oldfloss, I found running in the recent cold spell best between 1 and 3pm, it's the least cold time of the day, by that time the salt on the paths has melted any snow and ice which would have been there if I had ran at 9 am.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

OKAY... shout out here for a few newish Graduates who may not have had the experience , yet of running in snow or ice!

Hoping they may pop in and take a look...!

adnewg73 KathyinChips Katiejayne222 Alpha-Golf @LittleOne DaisyGrapes AnaGranola August122 NanaFlash Alan996 Sax64 59andrun CecilyNeville Bubulrap Koala679 Bikafella

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

... and a few more New Graduates too.. ! Primes_clavier soulitos ChrisP81 CitizenZed Fishflipper Surreydoll

[David_G]

Hi Oldfloss at running friends!

Sadly, I’ve lost my running mojo at the moment and I haven’t been running much at all😕 I’m sure it’ll come back when the weather improves, I just have to be patient and give myself some time.

On the ‘plus’ side, I did my first volunteering stints at the Cardiac Rehab sessions ❤️ that I went through a few weeks ago. There was quite a lot of form-filling to do beforehand, together with online training to undertake and a few precautionary injections.

My first session was with a lady who was a bit nervous. I had one of the cardiac nurses with me as I hadn’t done anything like this before. I soon got into the session and was able to talk through the process with the patient, relying on my own experience, backed up by professional advice from the cardiac nurse. She commented that it was nice to talk to someone who’d been through it before, and who didn’t use medical words all the time. She’s happy to come back next week, so I think that’s a win!

The second session was with a patient who was more confident. The trouble here was that he wanted to do too much, too soon. Luckily I had an experienced volunteer with me, who was able to advise me how to approach the situation.

After the session, we had a short debrief with the medical staff, giving our insights into how things had gone. It was a very positive experience for me, and I hope for the patients too🤞

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to David_G]

Hello you! Good to see you here...always got your cushion warming! I feel a few of us have not been able to run... motivation hiding, or weather or other things!

Your volunteers stint ... WOW! Go you! That is excellent and that lady... on the way back to full health! Gosh, it does sound lime C25K,,, too much too soon ! Just over enthusiasm and you had the support to help you handle it... we shall be asking you to give us some tips here!!!

I feel that the folk you are going to be dealing with will really benefit... like our runners here do... someone who has done it, been through it and KNOWS what it feels like.

Huge WELL done to you and thank you for sharing this with us... On you go... slow and steady?

PS

I am hoping to get a run in this week... maybe you will too!

[David_G in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss maybe I will get out for a short run this week. I’ve been thinking about it and decided I’ll just concentrate on running for a time, rather than anything else - that way I won’t be disappointed if I don’t run a specific distance and I’ll give myself some space to just enjoy running again 🤞

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to David_G]

That is exactly what I am going to do. I have two runs of my repeat C25K left, but, since I have not run for over 10 days, I am going out, like you, with no specific time or distance in mind... we will see where we get to , shall we... and just enjoy? Well done you xxx

[RunningJ123 Graduate]

I'll try one of the chocolate chip muffins! Really good advice, especially about warming the running kit on the radiator.... What a lovely idea! I haven't been running in the cold... But I must get some warmer kit and try it...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to RunningJ123]

Hello and welcome to you... Yes, those muffins are particularly tasty... !

Warming uo your running gear... it makes a real difference... rub your feet well too before you put the warmed up socks on... if the feet go into them cold , they stay cold! Lots of layers, but not too many and for me a neck warmer Buff or other make is essential as is my running cap... with ear flaps!

Some great offers out there still too!

Meantime... sit back, and rest awhile here.. the fire os warm and maybe some friends will pop in later Thank you for popping in!

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate]

David_G You are an absolute star for volunteering in those sessions. 🌟 You will be greatly appreciated. Well done! 👏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MrsLydiaWickham]

Isn't he just...the progress he has made and shared with us here too, is incredible...an inspiration in so many ways!

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate]

Loved your post as always Oldfloss. I've been mindful of your last post and appreciate this one too. They pretty much sum up where I am at the moment. My weightloss and rerun of C25K are stalled or plateaued for various reasons. However, instead of beating myself up about it or insisting on running on an icy day 🙄 I've heeded all the advice and know that the runs will wait, the weightloss will restart, my sodding foot will heal 😆, life is good, it's all ok. Thank you so much, and all the moderators and ambassadors, for looking after us all.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MrsLydiaWickham]

Hello and welcome to you...

We do seem, many of us, to be at a bit of a stop sign right now... or just get started, only to be thwarted again! Just easing back, resting up and waiting for the right time..is the thing!

It takes time and, if we are able to be kind to ourselves, that is good. The runs are there... I found one quite unintentionally this morning after the conversation in this post, with David_G .... headed out... slow and steady... and ran for 33, gentle happy minutes. My wait was worth it... as will yours be.

Take care and thank you for popping in x

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate]

Hi all …ran 8:5k last Monday absolutely loved it …carried on with my day went to work etc , around 5pm had a terrible headache (don’t get headaches usually) woke up Tuesday with a heavy cold coming on ….anyway fast forward to Sunday night (today) feel much better cough gone ..aches gone etc …going for a gentle 30mins tomorrow..no targets no distance..no pressure , good luck with your week coming guys 👍🙏

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Jamesrunsforlife]

Hello and welcome... Very well done to you on that 8.5 K!!! Bad luck on the cold... so many things flying around lately...gad you are feeling better now.

So do keep us posted and let is know how the run goes... slow, steady and enjoy! Thank you for calling in today. Always a welcome here for you!

[Jamesrunsforlife Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Floss 🙏🌟

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I'll wave from outside the window this week and keep my germs away while you all catch up. Maybe you could pass me a hit drink out the window. Stay safe and hope you all stay well through winter.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Hot drink coming up and a warm spot in the little sheltered lean to x So sorry you came back from your time away with a cold !

Hope you feel better today x

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you very much xx

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

I'm also waving through the window. Haven't run for 4 weeks because of an ear infection and now covid. My balance is still a bit iffy and I doubt if I'll run before Christmas, because I want to get a few good walks in first as soon as I'm ready. It's a good thing I can be patient because otherwise I could be getting really fed up! Luckily there are mince pies to distract me - or maybe someone can lob me a chocolate chip muffin?

I've noticed going through c25k again that I don't really get that warm in the early weeks so I layer up more. That all changes once the running portion is longer than the walking. I've got a lovely warm pair of running leggings from decathlon that are kept back for the coldest days, and when there's an icy wind I wear a wooly hat that I wouldn't normally want to be seen in. I often wear gloves, and they always end up in my pocket. But I do better if I'm warm enough when I start. Ice on the ground means I don't go!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

No!!!! This is very unhappy news! A few fresh mince pies today and a choc chip muffin too...you deserve it!

You sound as snugged up as I, for your runs... I layer too! Ice a no-no for you too!!! Sensible girl!

Lots of walking ideas too, on my post in the S and F forum... plenty of opportunities whist inside too...

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Just take to easy and start to feel better first... your body is fighting this pesky virus!

Until then.. head over to the cosy sheltered cabin... a few friends there, self- isolating and recovering... thank you for popping in today... take care my friend xxx