Hello everyone!
Here we are , at the beginning of a brand new year. 2024 !! Just like that!
The Catch-Up Corner doors are open again; the cushions are plumped up. the fire is glowing and we are all ready to share, a little or a lot, about what is happening with our running. Whether you are just beginning the C25K plan, are already on the way, or have returned for a repeat. you are welcome.
The snacks are out,. some healthy smoothies and of course. hot drinks for those who prefer them!
I am using a post I wrote a couple of years ago, as a foundation for this post... it is, in many, many ways as relevant now as then.
I hope, most sincerely, that all of you found your own ways, to enjoy the last week of December and the Winterval season? Our Winterval celebrations start with Yule and continue, quietly until the Twelfth Night. Our family embraces the old traditions and for us, those traditions and time spent with family, outdoors or inside is key.
We may look back on the old year with our own mixed feelings, but it has passed, and the new one is here, bringing its own surprises, and, here we are, all set to take on whatever comes.
This post was initially going to be named, Runners' Revolution, but, then I decided on Runners' Resolution, because after all, this is the time when folk go overboard and make loads of unattainable promises to themselves, which are impossible to fulfil! ( Ours, will be more sensible). This year I am adding another R; Relaxed. Runners' Relaxed Resolutions.
We are going to be resolute, but, we are going, also to be realistic, and this year we are going to try, very hard to stay, relaxed !
Over the last two weeks, I have not managed to run very much at all... plenty of exercise, but not running. I reached re-Graduation on the 17th December, but extra care days with small one, various appointments with Mr OF and the general run up to Yule and the following days, plus horrendous wind and weather meant no running.
Did I berate myself for this lack of running? No. After my steady comeback following Mr OF's heart attack, I determined to take care of myself, not overthink and to get physically and mentally strong again.
So... I have one simple resolution for my running this year, ( well maybe two, but one is always with me). I am going to continue with MY mantra of slow and steady, and the second one? I am going to really try to remember to be kind...to myself. It may not be easy, our own lives are full and we do not always have control over events in them; we all have our own issues, and I like so many of you, still have a fair few right now!
I will set myself challenges, in my running; personal challenges that are mine alone and if I do not always meet those challenges, however hard I try, I will remember that I am out there, doing what I am able and it is enough. I am enough. I will keep trying, I will move forward, but I will not be bowed down by setbacks.
Now, that is ME.... but all of us will have different ideas about how we move on through this running year. It is like blank pieces of paper, which we are about to write upon...yes, there will be blots, there will be crossing out, but there will also be line after line, of wonderful, well written, running activities too.
Many of you beginning, or already on the C25K programme, may have days when you are unable to run. You may have injury or illness; you may feel that you are not moving fast enough or comfortably enough. Some of you are very, very hard on yourselves and worry overly, about missing runs, about speed or about distance.
So... as we start this year...if you make just one resolution... maybe, make it the one that says, " I will be kind to myself".
Okay.... now, if you are able, and as and when you have the time, maybe we could share a running resolution you may have for yourself?
It is very early days and maybe, we need to settle into the routines again after the celebrations; but, it will be great to share a few ideas and to let us all know how we are all feeling.
All I ask, is that when you think about where you plan to go with your running, that you just keep, in the back of your mind, a thought...that you are important, not simply for others. But for you. Never doubt your own importance.
I am about to relax now before heading out later for my First day on Red January.
redtogether.co.uk/
Looking forward to hearing from you all, over the next few days.
Stay safe, stay strong !
Love Oldfloss x
PS
For any NEW runners, for runners already on C25K.... and for those of us repeating parts of or all of C25K. Maybe take a look at this Catch up Corner post to see what it is all about...
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
PPS
I mentioned Red January... which is a challenge to raise money for MIND.
This is something that involves doing a physical exercise for at least 10 minutes every day... this is really not something that would be a great idea to tackle, if you are on the C25K programme as your rest days are crucial to your safety and in allowing the tears in your muscles to recover..
