CATCH up CORNER... FEBRUARY...WEEK ONE... PLEA... - Couch to 5K

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CATCH up CORNER... FEBRUARY...WEEK ONE... PLEASE...Come on in. ALL welcome

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
15 Replies

Welcome to the Corner. Welcome to February. WHAT!

The white rabbits are curled up cosily in their burrows.

The fire is flickering gently, the cushions are warm and the coffee, the teas and the tasty treats are waiting. Grab your cushion and sit a while !

So.... what have I had rumbling around in my head, over these last few incredibly busy weeks.

My running, has taken a bit of a battering... and I have been struggling a tad at times, especially in my head... and as a result, my thoughts have settle on this.

I would normally post something like this in January... but, since January has whizzed off, in an absolute blur, here I go.

This is all about embracing a new mind set... for our running!

It is, very much, what I am going to be trying to do, from tomorrow onwards.

I am going to be trying hard to focus much less, on the details of the run and more on the whole picture. How to recognise my feelings about the run, how to listen to my body and to hear it.

How to find the positives in my run... the way, some bits feel easier, the parts when I run without thinking, when the legs just take me, and the way I pick myself up, after I have struggled a little.

This will mean a lot of chatting to myself, thinking, without over-thinking and using my three. As. until they are almost worn out! Acknowledge, Accept and Adapt.

There will be many ways of embracing a new mind set, and many reasons for doing just that, and they will be our own, individual ways.

It may be through planning a new route, new location or different running time. It may be by embracing a new challenge into your run, a personal one... running up that incline... running in a more relaxed way...or even running with a smile on your face:)

Many of us, but not all, when we start to run, know instinctively that this is just the beginning... we will be runners for as long as we are able...we also know that some days will be a struggle, but there will be many others that are absolutely wonderful.

That mindset is a positive one that we should all try to embrace.

So.... Your turn now... what is YOUR mindset... is it one that is always there, is it one that changes? Do you even recognise your mind set.... is it positive... or is it negative.

Did you begin C25K in one mind set... and suddenly discover, as you made progress that it was changing?

I and some others I hope, are eager to hear from you.

Please. Come and sit a while and share.

Oldfloss x

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Oldfloss
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15 Replies
T2runner profile image
T2runnerGraduate

When I did this before it was about getting fitter and healthier, I did it graduated and stopped, I didn't really have my mind in it i was proud of what I achieved and looked forward to every run. But when I stopped it wasn't a conscious decision, I just stopped. This has been a beat yourself up mentally for the last few years and 5 months ago this changed, my outlook was clearer on what I need to do, with a push from my diabetic nurse sealing in my thoughts and my mindset swung massively... so mentally now stronger than I have probably ever been and enjoying life with c25k again, will try and keep it up this time.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toT2runner

Hello and welcome and so good to see you here. My goodness, you have done so so well, and thank you so much, for sharing this with us.

Life does treat us strangely sometimes and the things we enjoy , we just let go...but you re-found running and by the sound of it yourself! A new you too... Stronger and certainly sounding more confident. Well done to that Nurse and a HUG well done to you for running again and intending staying around. Please, please do keep posting as and when you have time.

There is always a cushion here waiting for you.. and some very healthy snacks too. x

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate

I graduated over 9 years ago now and just wanted to share how much running has helped my mindset. 🙏😇🤣

I struggle with self-doubt at times and running has really helped me believe that I can do hard things’! There have been injuries along the way (as is the runner’s lot!😮) but I have always got back to doing what I love best - enjoying time on my local roads and trails, as well as taking part in some wonderful events and being rewarded for my efforts with some lovely bling!🏅

If you are just starting out on your own journey, please keep going - and make your running adventure whatever you want it to be!🙂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toSandraj39

Hello and welcome to the corner... Thank you so much for joining me today and sharing this with us.

I am reading into your reply, , self belief, determination and and a HUGE amount of joy!

What incredible reasons to keep going... ( never mind all that bling! :))

The routes you run are reason enough in themselves , to keep on running, I have seen your photographs :)

thank you for this and sit awhile if you can.. rest up for some more of those wonderful runs! x

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Graduate in reply toOldfloss

🙂x

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate

A rather difficult start to the year after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, but after a great talking to from the wonderful forum and a weeks rest from running I’m itching to get back out tomorrow!

I have changed my diet which was tough but needed to be done, lost more weight when I had none to lose, weight training to build muscle and trying to run just left me completely worn out.

So impatient am I 😅 so I have agreed with myself that I will run but no pressure how many times or fast or long but to run for the joy and mental space it brings me, the added bonus is the fitness but I have to be patient and it will come 🙏🏼

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toWavy-chick28

Sorry for the late reply and welcome, welcome ! So many things whizzing around!

I hope you have found a cushion and snacks! Did your run go well?

I can really empathise with you... I have just had yet again, another prediabetic flag up... mine is tricky too....like you, as I am under 50kg... Like you, no weight to lose... very active and with a good eating regime... but, stress over the last months with Mr OF's issues has sent my cortisol levels up and subsequently up go the sugar levels!!! Add to a rogue gene possibility!

It is hard isn't it! Building muscle strength back up, is really hard and gauging the running impact!

BUT... you mention JOY and Mental Space... ( we might be twins) ! Two wonderful mind sets... which will carry you through!!

HUGE well done to you... for your strength and determination to control and get through this... have another... healthy snack x

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate in reply toOldfloss

I have been tracking my blood sugars these past weeks with the old pin prick method and it’s surprising how stress plays a part! We try all sorts to keep calm but its just our nature, but keeping a food diary and checking different foods has been helpful and I’m keeping on an even keel 🤞🏼

Gym session booked for end of month so hoping for some strength advice . My treat is full fat Greek yoghurt with peanut butter but I’d rather a bag of crisps 😂

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toWavy-chick28

I am about to embark again on that method! I've been here before... MR OF keeps me on my toes... he had a heart attack 2023..bowel cancer 2024 !!

Diabetes UK is great at dispelling myths about foods.. especially the over priced... 'Diabetic' options and does give you the low down on what treats you can eat.. Mr OF has been Type 2 for many years,,, and I feel I now a lot more than I should!

Michel Moseley's books are good,,, minus fasting for us.. we need the carbs... and his wife's recipe book is great .

I am starting swimming again,, a one to one block of six... to improve breathing technique.. and core strength and stamina.. low impact though !

PS

I eat unsweetened Greek organic yoghurt regularly with a banana :) It's a great way to get a good dose of protein, calcium, and probiotics. Yummy!

Mollydex profile image
MollydexGraduate

I love reading your posts Oldfloss you write so beautifully. I’m just about to head out for a run. I’m still at the early point where it’s hard work and not full of joy and relaxation. But I know that will eventually come. Thanks for the insights and wise words.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toMollydex

I am so, so sorry that I am late into the corner! Hope you had a coffee and a snack!

I bet you will be out for a run today! Did your other go well?

Thank you for sharing this with us. It is so important to realise, that the enjoyment does not always come quicky,. and things can feel like a struggle, but in time... hopefully, in time.

Having that mindset of positivity and hope, is a great one to have... too easy to let negativity , come out in top...you have this in hand.

Well done you.... and as Roosevelt said.. " Believe you can and you're halfway there " x

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

How can it be February already? But January was full of storms, with ice, gales and rain, and very few of those blue sky, cold days I love, so I am not sorry to move on. On the 31st, hubby and I visited a National Trust property to follow a snowdrop trail alongside the River Test. Despite the fact that those little plants had been sodden when the banks of the river were broken, they still managed to survive and show off their pretty little heads.

A bit like us runners really. Life affects us in many different ways, and it can affect how often we can get out and how much we enjoy it when we do. But there is no doubt that putting on my bright running gear is the right thing to do. It might not be a long run, it might not be a fast run, but that feeling of achievement afterwards keeps me going strong.

When we don’t feel strong, the support of this online community is amazing. Thanks to you  Oldfloss .

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toDexy5

I am so sorry that I am late!!! Did you find your cushion... maybe sit a while today and enjoy a breather.

Hard to believe it is February... Indeed !

But, it is on its way and those brave little flowers... in spite of all the odds, they come through.. as you demonstrate, just like you, UTS and all our determined running friends!

Life throws it at us but we weather those storms and your Snowdrop Trail route, sounds like a wonderful return, to better more settled, days route!

Your feeling of achievement that you mention... that is so good. Keeping you strong, keeping you determined and... keeping you running.

I think many of us will recognise that feeling. Thank you so much for sharing with us and do please, take another snack :)

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate in reply toOldfloss

Mmm I’ve been munching away on the Jaffa cakes….

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply toDexy5

Sounds great to me!!!

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