Weekly Chat March 15th-20th ☕ We are alive and strong and determined 💪😃

[linda9389]

Hi there lovely VRBs!

How’s things? How's your running/crosstraining/resting been going? Tell us all about it in the comments! 😍

I read an article this week about runners in Kyiv. Whatever our thoughts on the current situation (and this is probably not the right place to discuss them), I’m sure we can all appreciate the bravery of these runners who are ‘running to show they are alive’. Long may they continue to run! theguardian.com/world/2022/...

It is so humbling to think of people running under such circumstances; but at the same time it’s also incredibly uplifting!

It got me thinking about what a determined bunch we runners are! Not on the scale of those gentlemen in Kyiv of course, but in my own very small way I have been determined too; battling continuous injuries to keep going and get stronger. Many of you have been running in all weathers this winter, braving galeforce winds or snow and ice. Others are running in times of trouble, to find headspace and solace.T hen there’s all the people who have entered the London Marathon ballot to take on a big new challenge, many who have determinedly been applying for years - results today right? do let us know if you got in!!!

It’s always humbling to think of the trials and tribulations of runners who undertake massive challenges, achieve fantastic PBs and run against all odds; but again, also incredibly uplifting to think that we all gain so much from the simple act of running. Whatever is going on in our lives, running really is a wonderfully giving pastime and the sheer positive power of that strikes me over and over again 🥰

So whatever your personal battles, whatever you are pushing yourself to achieve, I hope you too are proving yourselves to be alive and strong and recognise just how determined you are!!! If you feel your determination has temporarily deserted you, let us know in the comments and we'll see if we can reunite you!

If you're new here, or just taking a look and getting comfortable before posting, hello! This post is a great place to introduce yourself if you're ready to do so.

Have a great week folks!

The Marathon Team xxx

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[MrsRDj Half Marathon]

Brilliant and inspirational post this morning linda9389 . I've had 2 weeks off because of covid but better now and ready and raring to start triathlon training 😶. First one in September (scary). Hope everyone has a great week ahead!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to MrsRDj]

Glad you're feeling better!I'm in awe of anyone who enters a triathlon, it's something I could never do! Enjoy the training now you are back at it 😊

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Fab post Linda! Very thought-provoking.

The runners in Kyiv are amazing, such strength of character and bravery. I hope it helps them to escape for a little while.

Like many here, I’ve had my share of running through tough times (and thank goodness for being able to run during these times too) but we’re still here and not running for our lives and that surely is what matters.

I must say for only the second time ever I almost chickened out of a run the other day. I love winter and have praised its beauty in many of my posts but I’ve found the relentless wind and rain more challenging than usual because it’s gone on for soooo long. Anyway, I was about to turn to go home but then actually said out loud “get a grip” and my mantra “don’t be a wimp. Just do it”. And I did it. Can’t say I enjoyed it but honestly if we waited until perfect running weather we’d never get out 🙄 I might change my mantra now as the “get a grip” worked really well 😂

Running wise, I’ve started training for Bath but I’ve also at last come up with a FM training Plan that starts in April and will incorporate Bath too. If I don’t try I won’t know….. 🤞

Have a great week everyone x

[misswobble Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Good for you !😀💪👍🏃‍♀️

I always run if it’s run day. I just can’t not 😁. I might not go as far as planned if the weather’s ridiculous.

Speaking of runners in difficult circumstances we’ve not heard from RunninginBeirut for some time. She regularly coped with running in the dark due to regular power cuts there. I do hope she’s ok

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

It really is incredible what obstacles some people overcome isn't it? Yes, I too hope all is well for her.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to misswobble]

No we haven’t heard from her. So many people drop off these forums but hopefully they’re still running 🤗

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Get a grip is a great mantra - will come in very handy for the mara training I reckon 😍

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

It is! It will 💪🙂👍. She who dares an all that 🏃‍♀️

[RunWillie Marathon]

Hi linda9389 & other running superheroes,

I was up to week 6 on my marathon plan last week when Hubby came down with Covid. 5 boys also all tested positive but for some strange reason, I didn’t!

I still had to isolate for 7 days but got out today for a run 😍

I’m so thankful for the gift of running & can’t quite believe how I survived without it. I loved reading about the runners in Kyiv and admire their determination & spirit.

As I missed 7 days - my plan has recommended that I run easy for the number of days I missed, and after that repeat the last week that I was able to complete. I don’t have a scheduled event, and am only using the plan to get more comfortable at HM, run a metric, and see whether the plan is a good one for me for an actual event so I’ll take their advice.

The dogs haven’t been able to be walked for 7days so I took Willie this morning for my 4miler. Willie doesn’t think running is a gift and has been in a mood with me all day 🤣

My terrier will love me forever when he gets to go tomorrow 🐾🐾

Happy week everyone ❤️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

She didn’t even let me go for a swim in the ocean or bring a tennis ball 😡

[misswobble Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

I’m glad you’re back out there. It’s torture isn’t it! 🙂

The dog I walk sulks terribly at his owner. I’m always in his good books though 😁. I think they must just sulk with owners 🤷‍♀️ Dogs are great aren’t they 🥰

Ive not got a tun buddy now, sadly.

Enjoy your runs. I hope all your family are ok now 😀

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Dog sulks are amazing! My daughter's dog can sulk for hours and hours 😍

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

They are. I love dogs and see loads on my trail runs. The sulking hound dog I walk used to be a sort of running buddy. He didn’t run with me. I had to run when he wanted to and where 😀🏃‍♀️ He was great for reccying new routes though.

We just go on very slow short walks now🐕.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Nawwhh 🤣

[misswobble Marathon in reply to linda9389]

We’re off out in a minute actually. He takes me on a circuitous route to the pet shop where he walks in and goes straight behind the counter and waits patiently for a small treat 🥰. I usually buy him a tough chew that takes hours to get through or he’s whining to go after five minutes. He loves being out 🙂🐕. In all weathers! 🌪⛈⛄️🌊💨💦❄️☃️🌦🌫

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to misswobble]

Thanks misswobble 😍 I love my dogs and hope to always have one in my life. Just need to choose a better distance partner next time.

Everyone is ok now just climbing the walls not being allowed out.

Hope your knee is better 👍🏻

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to RunWillie]

I imagine it took some determination to look after 6 patients and not catch it yourself! Oh, and not being able to escape for a run - you are a saint! Willie certainly knows what he likes, what an expression!!! Bet you were beaming at being back out there though 😊

[RunWillie Marathon in reply to linda9389]

I always joke with the kids that I should have got a kelpie but Willie does make me laugh everyday even though he is a terrible run buddy😍

5 miler today with Basil ❤️🏃‍♀️

[Beachcomber66 Administrator Half Marathon]

Insightful as ever Linda. I managed 2k this morning; no pain or swelling and I am starting to hope that my foot is fixed; I just need to get my fitness back…I say just… it is going to take a while as there is rather more BC than there should be now. But that is ok; little steps in the right direction work for me. I can still dress these little victories up in the trappings of success by the simple addition of a post run cafe flat white. I am generally not a passive patient. I am always on the look out for symptoms, trying to distinguish between causes and effects and seeking possible remedies; your post last week was a big help, thank you 🙏. That isn’t the first time I have found really helpful information and support on the forum; I am really very grateful for that. As for Ukraine, it is impossible not to be moved by the courage and determination people are showing and it is no surprise at all to find runners amongst them. It will be a privilege to run with any who find their way here.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

I agree BC. I hope that any refugees that make their way to Bristol are encouraged to join one of our PRs. They’ll be welcomed with open arms. 🇺🇦 💙 💛

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Beachcomber66]

As long as the 'little more BC than there should be' is not in that foot, it's all good!!!Glad those exercises helped/are helping.

[Week7 Half Marathon]

This post says it all. Thankyou for giving us food for thought.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Week7]

... and there's always lots of lovely time to think while out on a run 😊

[Cmoi Marathon]

Excellent post linda9389 ! Won't say more than that though as I'll go off on one if I do.

As usual I'm not training for anything, much too wimpy. Decided to go out for a sensible, disciplined, flattish 10k this morning, thinking that not wearing trail shoes might keep me on roads and proper tracks. Came back having got tempted into a (wet) field that led to the forest and all sorts of silliness, 12.45km, 297m elevation, airplane arms, singing and talking to trees. And a spot of accidental sheep-herding from a distance!

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Cmoi]

😍😍😍 You gotta do what you gotta do!!! if you didn't slip, then it's all good 😆

[nowster Metric Marathon]

No particular target in mind, but after an autumn and winter of consolidating at the HM distance, I'm now feeling the urge to extend my distances a bit.

I went out yesterday and got hailed on, and then about 20 minutes later got caught in a very heavy rain shower but, apart from a brief period of sheltering under a road bridge (after getting thoroughly soaked), I continued on to do 24km. I paid for it a little bit today in general stiffness, etc.

My next long run is likely to be the 26.2km of a Metric Marathon. If that goes well, I may even think about a future 30km. But then at that point it becomes a significant chunk of a day being out running, and that requires a fair bit of planning.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to nowster]

That sounds like quite the run! It does take time, you're right, but it's such valuable time - it's definitely worth the planning. Good luck 😊

[Decker Ultramarathon]

Wow what a great post and inspiring article! I think I might continue to run too, just to maintain sanity. Hats off to those brave souls.

I am still in maintenance mode, trying to continue 20k weekend runs and 2-3 10k weekday runs. Berlin is up in the air and not looking likely now with what’s happening in Ukraine now, so I am probably going to focus on trails again as I still have my 50k trail booked for Sept. I’m also still neglecting strength work, telling myself hills will make up for it. 😅I did 20min core this morn so we’ll see. Ran short yesterday as I was just feeling like a break was needed and today is a rest day. Tomorrow is hills or speed depending on what the roads look like. Run happy and healthy everyone ❤️

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

Sounds gruelling enough qithout adding strength work too. Neglecting strength work is a thing for me too 🤣. Such a shame if you can't make Berlin - will they allow a deferral?

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Ha at least it’s not just me then 🙂. Not sure about deferrals. Their site is not showing any updates yet , but I will keep checking and maybe email them.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to Decker]

Fingers crossed

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Hellooooo! Thanks for the lovely post, Linda! 😍

I am definitely feeling the struggle this week!! I managed to break the indoor bike on Sunday, and have for the past couple of days been languishing with a throat infection. I've been feeling very sorry for myself 😂😂😂 The Brighton 10k is less than four weeks away now, argh! And the MK marathon is looming too.

Oh well, and I am still determined 😊 By way of an example, I didn't win in the ballot yesterday, and today I actually started contemplating the idea of running home from Bognor Regis for the Virtual London! It's a very silly idea though, perhaps I am delirious 🤣

Anyway, happy running and (hopefully not) languishing everyone!! xxx

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to roseabi]

That's a rotten start to the week - I do hope the delirium passes before you make too many rash choices😍. Feel better very soon 😘; at least the week should end better than it started. I reckon you have plenty of determination to smash both Brighton and MK. Bon courage!!!

[Decker Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

Feel better soon! You must have been really moving to snap your chain!