Good morning wonderful running folk...! Here I am... again.. and I hope. some of you!
The cushions are plumped up and the snacks are here too. Some healthy, some not so healthy... well, it is Saturday!
There may be some folk on the forum who have not yet visited the Corner... I have no idea why because it is SO welcoming.
Time to kick off the running shoes and sit, share and chat a while. This is a place where we can share our joys and our woes... I have had my fair share of both and thankfully more JOY than not.
I have had a few runs this last week or so.. short and very sweet and I am finding that the joy of it all is creeping back slowly and steadily... what else?
I am reading posts, checking out what everyone is up to...some of you moving on apace, some a tad too quickly maybe...hmm... and some, having to take a few days out on the IC! Heal soon.
Running for me, as for many of us, at all levels, is about much more than just running...I run and I ramble...in my head whilst running and then again, when I post my runs. I look around and I see so, so much of the changing world around us. Each run brings a different joy, each run has its own excitement
I have been lucky enough to have a few days out in the glorious Shropshire countryside... and although the weather may have been less than glorious... the runs have been special. Sky, fields, trees, daisies and poppies... endless green stretching to seamless blue and white.
Yesterday morning I ran and I just wanted to share the feelings I had, to let all you Newbies out there, see what In was seeing and feel what I was feeling. The sights, the sounds, the smells and the sensations!
Returning to the cottage I sought out one of my old, infamous, weird poetry rambles... and you may have to be of a certain age, to even remember the original song here! I do know that some of my old friends here will recognise this !
The Circles of Your Run
Round like a circle, in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel
Never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel
Like you're running on a pavement or you're running on a track
Like you're running in a circle, or you're running there and back
Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes of its face
And the world is like a spider, whirling silently in space
Like the paces that are done, in each pattern of your run
**
Like a pathway that you follow to a pathway of its own
Down an incline to a woodland, where the sun has never shone
Like your legs that keep on moving in a half forgotten dream
Or the sounds of even breathing, like the murmurs of a stream
Like a clock whose hands are sweeping past the minutes of its face
And the world is like a spider whirling silently in space
Like the paces that are done, in each pattern of your run.
**
Voices that whisper in your earphones, , words that jangle in your head
Why did that run go so slowly, was it something that you'd dread?
Running through the final sections, there is still another part
Is the sound of distant drumming just the beating of your heart?
All these intervals and sections, and your very favourite song
Half-remembered runs and walking, but to whom do they belong?
When you knew that it was over, were you suddenly aware
That the podium was waiting and we all, were cheering there?
**
Like a circle in a spiral, like a wheel within a wheel
Never ending or beginning on an ever spinning reel
As the images unwind, like the paces that you've done
In each pattern of your run.
**
NEWBIES... YOU will get there... so , please, please, come on in and share. How is it going , how are you feeling? Really feeling?
Please, do let us know... we are all waiting to chat
Oldfloss x
P.S
Apologies for planting this tune in your heads, Noel Harrison... The Circles of Your mind.
Now, at last, I have time to stop a while, feet up, in the corner with a cup of tea! Thank you for keeping this corner special for us Oldfloss it's much appreciated xx
You do have your cushion always here x Busy time, changing times...you are doing wonderfully. It's good to see you, still running and settling into your new, beautiful location.
Hi Floss, I love this earworm, the tune takes me right back, the words however fit perfectly with running feet and those whirling thoughts we try to control as we wind up, starting, relaxing (hopefully) and finishing our runs with joyous satisfaction.
Its great that you have had chance of a few days on new routes, it looks very scenic there, and the poppy fields glorious!
I am enjoying my running now, planning which guided run I will do, mixing up shorter and longer runs feeling stronger and having fun.
Running tomorrow, I will think about the windmills of my mind as I remember to take everything in, my emotions, my surroundings, how lucky I am to still be able to run.
Hello!!! Cushion was waiting ! Yes, a real golden oldie... Noel Harrison.. in the charts in 1969, at top it peaked Number 8! I had just left Grammar school in '68 !
You are running so well and getting stronger with every single step! It is good to see you back on track, mixing it up and enjoying it all again: I know your yoga helps keep you on track too!
Yes... we run tomorrow together? I can sing the song in my head as I run through the gorgeous scenery before we head home to my own familiar and well loved field s and I shall think of you running and singing!
Thank you for calling in today and sharing this with us... xxx
I am back with you again Oldfloss, and was looking forward to my week 4 run today. However…….yesterday I drove my son To Exeter Foodfest. We had reserved tickets (free) and he was looking forward it it. Me not so much, because there is always so much choice I can’t make my mind up. It was raining on and off but Exeter forecast said “ Light shower day” so we thought” we are British!! What’s a bit of summer rain!!”.
Well the tickets said from 11.00am and the website said 11am-11pm , so we got there about 10.30, had a potter about, dropped some contact lens cases off at Specsavers, and some empty tablet cases at Superdrug for recycling ( our local ones won’t take them) and then started to find out way up to the garden where the foodfest was being held. And of course by this time it was gently raining ( torrentially).
We tried the usual entrance and there was a notice on the closed and locked gates saying “ Closed for an event”. Yes , we thought, the event we are trying to get to!! Then along came a couple of girls who were also trying to get in. They were local so they said there were another couple of entrances so we followed them….. to the other 3 locked entrances!!!! In the rain!!!!
I should also have mentioned that being conscious of being hydrated ( on the inside as well as the outside) I had taken my 1L water bottle with me. And, on getting out of the car I had put it with my phone and handbag on top of the car, while I put my jacket on…….and it then decided to leap off and land on my foot!!!! I said “ Bother!! “ and “ Goodness me that smarts!!” And nearly cried. And so of course, all the time we were waddling through the rain, like ducks, I could hardly put that foot down. It was so painful that I had actually bought some ibuprofen gel in Superdrug and sat and peeled my wet sock off and applied it to my little toe, which was already swelling and purple by this time. The gel helped but it was still really sore.
So , back to the locked gates and at the last one we met an older couple and they had just been told by the man on the gate that it opened at 2.00!!! That was the last straw!! I was cold, wet… cos my jacket had leaked, sore and hangry by this time so “Sod this!! “ I said “ let’s go and eat somewhere!!”. So we went to Popeyes and after sitting and eating my foot was unbearable so we went back to the car. I was hobbling so slowly by now that my son was able to go up to the top floor of John Lewis to use the facilities, and back down again and catch me up while I struggled on back to the car. And home we came ….an 80 round trip for nothing!!!
And half my foot is black today, on the top and underneath. The bottle must have hit so hard it managed to bruise underneath too. I have covered it liberally in Arnica gel but I won’t be running on it today for sure.
Sorry for the long rant but I was so annoyed that I even put feedback on their site to say if you are going to change the opening times it’s a good idea to let people know!!
Rant is perfectly acceptable ! Goodness what a palaver!!! Not good at all and you got very wet and injured without taking a step! How disappointing and poorly arranged! Your po0r foot ! Eek!!!
I hope the foot eases soon... and that you are home and resting... I hope too they remunerate you and son's with a free something or other!!!!!!
Not funny at all... but... as we say... the runs will wait ... even if your spell out was the fault of a water bottle
thank you for popping in anyway... your cushion is always here x
Thanks Oldfloss I certainly remember the original post and now I’ve got the tune going round and round in my head! 🤣
In terms of my own running, it was 6 years ago last Sunday that I graduated C25K for the very first time, and my what a journey it’s been since then 🏃♂️😊
I was up in Buxton in Derbyshire last weekend and had a great time running at Pavilion Gardens Parkrun. It was the first time I’ve run the entire 5K since my heart attack and Cardiac Arrest last April. I wasn’t worried at all about my time, I just wanted to finish (which I did!). I’d also arranged to meet up with some former colleagues who I’d known through our work’s Parkrun group before I retired on ill-health grounds. We’d only ever met virtually through Skype, Teams etc. before then, so it was great to see some of them face-to-face finally
I’m following a training plan on Garmin, which is designed to get me through the New Forest Half Marathon in September. I’m go to ‘Jeff’ the whole thing, so I’m following a plan devised by Jeff Galloway, whom many of us will be familiar with. It’s a great plan for me personally as it doesn’t put too much pressure on my heart for an extended period, and I’m being supported by my colleagues at Cardiac Rehab in my efforts.
Other than that, I’ve been volunteering at Parkrun this morning in the wind and rain on the south coast and I volunteered at Cardiac Rehab on Thursday. I don’t regret for a minute my decision to retire from work and I’m very grateful I could afford to do so. Life has taken an unexpected turn for me but I’m determined to continue to make the most of the opportunities I now have.
Take care everyone, get out and do your best. We should all be grateful for the ability to get out and enjoy ourselves! 👍
Hello... and well done to you. Thank you for popping in and sharing what has been going on with you... so good for our new runners to read what other folk who have been here a while, are doing.
Buxton... we are there regularly... never done the Park Tun there though... its a lovely little park to run around... ! Your HM sounds a super one too and planning ahead, with the Jeff, option... means no pressure at all. Plenty of time to train too... and perfect to take steadily! Maybe Monsal trail next April... a few of us are meeting then
What you say is so true... we should all be grateful, just for the fact that we are able... and we do. You are welcome here any time and thank you. x
Good evening Oldfloss sorry I’m late but I’ve been busy with other things today. First off I’ve haven’t been out running today but hopefully tomorrow. I have though been out for two runs this week with three runs incorporated with them so I think that’s not too bad so far. Tomorrow I’m hoping to get back out there to like you so delightfully put it “ to see what I was seeing and to feel what I was feeling”….. wonderful !
Anway that’s me and thanks for waiting for me . I do remember the song as I too am of a certain age 😂😂🙋♀️🥰xx
Welcome anyway... a cushion is always here waiting! The runs wait for us and today, we will run all together! I am looking forward to heading out in a short while and I shall think of you heading out too!
You have got the runs in this last week and feeling comfortable with that... sometimes better as CB says, not to run at all, and wait for the right moment !
Yes, a few folk, owning up to remembering the song, although the later version of the Thomas Crown affair may have brought memories back? I love songs that I can remember from way back and still remember all the words...
Sit back and rest awhile... the run and the new week can wait ... Thank you for popping in and sharing! x
Evening! Just popping in post long run of the week to say hi! Thanks for reminding us about the different types of runs. I’d like to put out a shout out for the “I am running somewhere run”! There’s something brilliant about starting somewhere and running to somewhere else. That might sound really obvious but for logistical reasons, most of my runs start and end at the same place. Circles, out and backs, loops, that sort of thing. This evening I ran from home to the chip shop in the next village and got a lift home. On the drive back, I got to marvel that I’d run all that way (while sneaking a few chips on the quiet before we got home!!). How does chips and battered halloumi rank as recovery food? I did eat dried fruit as run fuel so I do feel quite virtuous for that!
I’ve had a good week of runs and cross training. I’ve been really focussing on consistently and that’s finally happening. I’ve been out in some horrible weather but that always makes me feel like a hero, I’m keeping up with the gym and my knee has stayed happy. Somehow I’ve set a new fastest 400m swim which I’m super surprised about. I think once you’ve notched up a load of weeks of running consistently, suddenly you feel really fit and it starts showing up everywhere.
So a really positive week! That probably means I’m due a rubbish one next week but I’ll hold on to feeling good about this one for now!
So glad your joy is coming back. Many people say you find it it your running shoes and I totally agree! Have a great week ❤️
Morning... coffee and croissant are here for you... your cushion waits
Running somewhere... I love it! Pause for thought too... most of my runs start and finish at the same place too. But you shook it up and you had a real change!
With, I might add, a lovely treat of a chip supper, with Halloumi too... ( I love Halloumi)!
I have got a few new starts this week whilst away and they have really refreshed the running, and the mind set too! You are doing so well and that swimming... blimey ! Triathlons next for you?
Running when the conditions are not easy is always a good thing... You do as you say, feel so, superhero, at the end of it... and after a long run like you had... saying to yourself, " I DID that!
Taking the good with the not so good... and not letting it bow you down.. a great perspective. Those three As, again! Acknowledge, accept and adapt!
Yes, I think I can say, in all honesty, the joy has crept, snail like, back into my runs...and doesn't that feel good!
Thanks you for calling in, Sit and rest awhile longer... good to have you here with us and thank you for sharing! xxx
Apologies, I don't often pop in to the forum these days and I'm very late to the cushions OF but oh! what memories, saw the movie, bought the "45" played it endlessly on my record player until my Dad finally cracked! 😂 it wasn't the same with the volume turned down and Cor! wasn't Steve McQueen cool?
Like -David-G it's 6 years since I graduated and while I don't think I'll be running any marathons or half marathons I'm in awe of those that do. I recently read about a man called Colin Thorne from Whangarei NZ who started parkrun at aged 93 (he's now 100 and has completed 198 park runs) so I've decided I want to be like him when I grow up!
Sometimes when I'm struggling to run in Wellington's notoriously strong Southerlies I wonder what the heck I'm doing, but on the next run when the wind has died down and the sun is out I remember - running is fun (most of the time) and it always makes me feel good afterwards. Endorphins rock!
Hello and good morning to you! You are so welcome!
I have the 45 too ! I have loads from way back then... I had my record player in my bedroom so I was able to listen away without issues!
Your running is just fine... your runs, and your choices... and yes, I feel as you do sometimes... do you think, also, that many folk have those... "..what the heck am I doing, " thoughts? But, as you say, the sun shines, the winds drop, the puddles dry and wow!
We are so lucky aren't we... and you are so right also, when you describe that after feeling!
Doing what we are able and loving it !
Endorphins DO rock... ! Next April we can rock them, all together, in Derbyshire??
Thank you for that and for calling in... always a cushion here for you... sit awhile and rest up xxx
Hi Floss, yes I remember the song too! Ear worm safely installed ready for tomorrow’s run!
I’ve been having a few problems with my runs recently, not helped by my (NHS) physio telling me my knee pain is just normal wear and tear and I really shouldn’t be running at my age. Well, I know the NHS is in a bit of trouble but I really cannot accept that comment lying down can I?
So although my runs are currently short and slow I am determined to get properly back into it. I am expecting to go back to Parkrun next week so although I will walk a bit, I definitely will finish. So tomorrow I will try to stay out a bit longer and see how far I can go. Not sure 5k is on the cards but I’ll certainly aim for something closer than lately!
That is a tad depressing.. and maybe a little over the top. I am not an expert but, what is normal wear and tear?
I think a Sports Physio may have given a different view... gosh, my knees are 74 years old... and I do know there are 'normal' changes but at no point has anyone said, I shouldn't be running! Quite the opposite. It may be worth pursuing?
Easing back, is what so many of us are doing right now... walk, run, take it as it comes...Do. as you say, go with it and see where it takes you! Sounds like a great plan to me.
I am trying to just do that and aiming for a bit further as and when the mood or the legs, take me.
Thank you so much for this...so useful to read and share your feelings.
Well I did 4.5k on Monday and I’ve just done 5.2 this morning. Disappointingly slow though so I’ll see how I get on at PR on Saturday when I know I’ll probably start by going too fast! I did wonder about going out for a 5k walk on Friday to see how that pans out, so if I get a bit overwhelmed at PR I can at least walk all the way!
Slow is good... embrace it and enjoy it... if you think you will start too fast, wait right at the back of the starting crowd and save the fast, for the spurt at the end!
Lovely photos! I know Shropshire a little. It's a beautiful county.
I'm still really enjoying my running although my legs feel like leaded weights and my hips are telling me to walk after the second K... so I do! When I walk, I notice I'm not out of breath and my leg muscles are feeling good. I don't even feel as hot as I used to get. Maybe I'm fitter after all!
I'm still running slowly at no faster than 9.30 p/K.
I've decided to stick with 1K-3K runs during the week, for the time being... unless I have a race booked in. I may re-think if I'll sign up for any more 5K's after this series is over. I'm reminding myself that I don't have to go further or faster. The health benefits remain if I stay consistent at 2K three times per week... and the health benefits is why I started, not to go further or see how fast I could do a 5K.
I do have my next 5K race booked for Wednesday evening. Apparently there's hills, but we're told the view from the top is worth it! Last time they said that, I was so focussed on keeping going I forgot about the views. That incline was 90 metres, and I walked all of it! The next one is around 60 metres. I'll be walking that too! Pray to the running gods for me!
Hello and welcome! Good to see you here and to share your experiences...
The phrase that leaps out... " I'm still enjoying my running ". yes, you have some issues, but you are aware and you are listening to your body and hearing what it says. Going with it... walk, run, take it gently., how great is that?
If you are feeing the benefit. then that is so good.. the short runs build up. the hills are making you stronger... I am loving my 2 and 3Ks right now and when I do run longer, well, it feels super! I think you are doing right !!!
Just take the 5K run... and enjoy... walk and enjoy more... it all evolves and it all adds strength to mind and body! Please keep us posted.
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