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

[Oldfloss]

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

[T2runner Graduate]

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 Administrator Graduate in reply to T2runner]

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 Graduate]

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 Administrator Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

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 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

🙂x

[Wavy-chick28 Graduate]

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 🙏🏼

[Mollydex Graduate]

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.

[Dexy5 Graduate]

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 .