As a professional gardener it's the time of year I love and hate in equal measure (leaves, leves and more leaves)! But when the sun is out, as it has been the last few days, it really is glorious running weather ๐๐ Do let us know how your autumn running is going in the comments below ๐ฅฐ
Having run my 'autumn event', my calendar is now clear. This week I have run simply for the love of it; just wonderful. For once I'm not carrying any injuries post event and I have spent a lot of the weekend wondering whether to chase a second autumn event ... I'm gradually learning what to look for in a race, what I will be most comfortable with.
Amazing how we continue to learn about ourselves on this running journey don't you think?
I have learned that I definitely like to feel I'm 'improving', I love running solo but I also absolutely love the personal challenge and resulting satisfaction I get from an officially quantified race, I prefer relatively small events to the the truly massive ones and I most certainly prefer countryside to urban, although I have to admit I'm partial to a bit of tarmac or a smooth hard compacted path!!!
And in between events, I do like to reflect on just how enjoyable running is and just how much it gives me; bimbling along wherever I fancy, for as long as I fancy and at whatever pace I fancy. History suggests this won't last long before I get itchy feet again, but still it is good to reflect ๐
I love that we are all different - we look for different things, we are inspired and motivated by different things - but we all love running 'our way'; and when we can't we all know it's flipping frustrating!
Whatever way is right for you, tell us all about it in the comments - what do you love? what have you learned about yourself? what are you aiming for? what do you wish for?
However your week is looking, have a great one!
The Marathon Team xxx
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I love this time of year too. The leaves are beautiful. Theyโre also an absolute pain when theyโre damp on the ground and youโre trying not to fall over! My garden is a disaster area at the moment. Itโs been totally neglected with one thing and another. Maybe a big tidy up is whatโs needed later on!
Last week was a bit of a damp squib-Iโve had a cold that Iโve struggled to shake and didnโt run much at all. Just a couple of 5ks. Iโm now feeling a bit concerned that the HM is Sunday and I havenโt done enough training recently. I know thatโs probably just the gremlins talking. I did run the full distance a couple of weeks ago and Iโd done a few ten milers before that so I know I can definitely do it. Rest was probably the better option. This week my plan just has short runs of up to half an hour and I canโt decide if I should do one more long run since I missed last weekโs seven miler. I will most likely be a good girl and trust the plan!
I canโt wait to have the event done. Much as Iโve really progressed having had a training plan to follow and the gentle pressure of knowing I will have to go out and run the distance, I sometimes feel resentful about having to do a long run each week and Iโm looking forward to doing it without that feeling. Itโll be worth it for the atmosphere on the day and the satisfaction of officially going from not-a-runner at the start of the year to someone who has completed a half marathon. Never, ever thought Iโd get that far starting couch to 5k as a New Yearโs resolution.
Wow, that is such amazing progress! I succumbed to a cold last week too, definitely takes the edge off the runs doesn't it? But think positive!!! It was last week, not this week. You will have well rested legs so long as you stick to the plan this week - and they are worth their weight in gold on race day. You have done the training distance, you know you can do this. I reckon you are in a really, really good place to crush this next goal. It will be amazing. And after that? all the freedom runs you could wish for ๐ฅฐ Have a fabulous run at the weekend - I look forward to reading all about it!
Thank you for the positivity! Instead of sitting around fretting that I hadnโt run enough I thought it would be better to just go and run. I did the 15 minute intro to the week and it was just lovely. One of those where everything feels light and bouncy and easy and โฆ positive! Coach B had all the right things to say as usual.
I looked at my app stats and Iโve run at least 300km and spent 32.5hours training so that missed 7miles last week is nothing in the grand scheme of things. Iโm banking my rest time and just going to focus on enjoying this week. Once again, thanks for the wise encouragement!
I love running by the ocean and hitting goals on a weekly, monthly and annual bases. Iโve learnt that running is really good for my mental health & Iโm physically & mentally much healthier. ย Iโm aiming to run Perth Marathon next year & I wish that I can run for as long as possible.ย ๏ปฟ
Spring running is going well. Finally feel recovered from Covid & the big stack (although still got the scars ) - Just 507km left to run to hit my annual goal.
Thanks for your vote of confidence TailChaser - Iโm going to need all the support I can get.
It was a great morning. I was surprised how chilled out it was unlike Melbourne and Sydney. Felt like I could do it with training although not many runners at my speed. They had pacers for 3.30, 4.00 and 4.15. No.2 son commented as the 3.30 runners came through โThatโs a normal time isnโt it?โ Maybe, for him one day ๐คฃ
I'm with you with almost all of that ... though maybe not a marathon next year, and definitely not Perth! It would be rude NOT to run by the ocean when it looks as gorgeous as yours does. Apologies for the seasonal assumption - spring sounds nice!!!
I always enjoy reading of your running and that of your family as well as seeing your photos even if I don't reply too often. So thank you for your updates.
A while back you recommended a book about running and heart rate. I didn't record the title but I think that you said that it was a game changer for you. I have a birthday soon, next week actually and I wondered if you could remind me of the title and it may then become my first ever running book.
I canโt remember what book I recommended but Iโve certainly found the low intensity training a game changer. The book was either 80/20 running by Matt Fitzgerald or The big book of endurance training and racing by Phil Maffetone. Both were super helpful. Happy birthday ๐ฅณ
Thank you for your reply. I'm about to be 66, don't currently have any interest in races except our local one and not serious endurance either. I had hoped to reach the half marathon distance as my birthday gift, but injuries have prevented that. I am hoping to be able to run further, but haven't yet re-reached 5km!! I am seeing a physiotherapist for my various injuries, Achilles, hamstring and knee. Knee being the most serious. In the light of this mini update do you think both books would still good reads for me. Having had a little internet hunt after I see Phil Maffetone had written lots of books.
I can't hardly imagine running at 180-65=115bpm! Could you run slow enough for your MAF heart rate to start with or did you need to walk a bit?
Sorry about your injuries over61andstilltrying - I did have to do a lot of run/walk to keep to my maf. From memory if youโre 65+ you can change the formula by adding 10. I wouldnโt bother with the books and just follow your physio advice at this stage. Wishing you a very happy birthday & speedy recovery.
My physio is happy for me to run and my various injuries mean slow right for me at the moment. I have sent the links to my husband so I see what happens. ๐
Before I ask any more questions I shall read some of the low heart rate threads on our running forums. ๐๐ปโโ๏ธ๐
I see running as a later life unexpected gift. It seemed like a mad idea when I started C25k aged 66, but it turned out to be inspired. In the early days I saw every completed run as an unexpected bonus; I expected to fail because my muscles or bones or tendons or CV were past their sell by date. There were low moments when injuries appeared. Somehow I kept going (thanks physio ) and I have finally learned that trying to go too quickly is a shortcut to the IC. In terms of physical and mental health, running keeps on giving and has helped me to bear the worst of times. It is not just the running of course; coming into contact with other crazy people is another priceless win. Everything now is tailored towards keeping up my running for as long as possible and refusing to grow old gracefully..,or at all!๐
Haha! I thought I'd left it late waiting til 56 before starting to run๐ As far as I'm concerned I feel at least 10 years younger than before I started five years ago; I suspect you feel much the same. Runners never grow old ... never too old anyways ๐
I have managed to avoid the โ if only I had started earlierโ thought process. The truth is that I wouldnโt have had timeโฆso I am where I amโฆwhich is ok.
HiLinda, this time of year is lovely. Iโve been looking at my garden thinking what a state it is as Iโve not really touched it this year, not only because of the marathon training but also because I get attacked by the tortoise every time I do anything. Thankfully heโs getting sleepy now so maybe I can get something done!
Feeling very frustrated as Iโve come down with the cold/flu that was threatening pre London. It ruined Expo day but I dowsed it in enough vitamins and First Defence to keep it quiet for long enough. Having my first sick day in years today so not going very far at all today. Fingers crossed it does one before the GSR as Iโve a lovely red tutu I was going to wear.
I do know now that running events have joined the things I need to book, like holidays and concerts, to ensure I have things to look forward to. I have events now up to April, with a gap in March. Much as I love a Sunday lie-in I also beat myself up that itโs a waste of the morning (I annoyed Katnap saying this yesterday). Today Iโm still in bed at nearly 11am as I didnโt rest enough, so Katnap is right, as usual!!
I donโt know whether I prefer big or small events. I think itโs down to how well organised they are. The 2 big London ones Iโve done were brilliant partly because they were so well organised. Iโm just hoping GSR is better this year because last year it was pretty hopeless. My small local ones have always been good but Iโve been nearer the back with them recently because they are smaller and include Katnapโs speedy clubmates. So, I need to get my speed back up again now, the slow twitch will still be there but I need my sub 30 5ks back now please so I can at least be mid-pack - I definitely donโt love being near the back!
Your pace clearly needs a bit of work if you are being chased around the garden by a tortoise TC. Or maybe it is an Olympic champion . ๐โโ๏ธ๐ข
He should be in NFL football or MMA really, heโs evil. He bashes and bites me as Iโm kneeling down at the beds. If I hoe the soil so itโs got a nice fluffy surface, heโll walk over it. If I plant any new plants heโll walk on them until he kills them. Heโs had extra solar power this year so heโs been even more manic!
๐ What a character! Our friend has a tortoise which has been in the family for 107 years. Relief through natural causes may be some way off I fear. Our friendโs tortoise, named Lady Tort, seems fairly placid; this may explain her longevity!
Girls are supposed to be more placid BC. Ernie is definitely all man. He has a particular liking for round, black, plastic pots (yes, in that way!). If I chuck a few of them around heโs distracted for a bit. He can often be heard squeaking away. Heโs in his 80s we reckon so weโll have no relief either ๐ฉ. Iโm going to have to get a twin level garden at some point.
Btw, to complement your quote mine is โDonโt go gently into the nightโ! I couldnโt remember it earlier ๐คง
Ugh, you have my sympathies as far as the cold goes; hubby was banned to the spare room with a cold the week before my MM. I religiously used First Defence to hold it at bay until after the race but decided I couldn't use it forever ๐ It has floored me and I'm not sue if that's because it's the first I've had in years or because it's on the back of the race. Either way, I wish it would do one!!! Hope yours disappears fast.
Sounds like you can have some fun getting back your pace. Good luck at GSR (funny, I was just looking at that ... entries still being open ... ๐ค)
Thanks Linda. Rubbish isnโt it? My temperature seems to have come down tonight, so only wearing one fleece and no blanket! My nose really didnโt like the First Defence but thankfully it worked for long enough. Itโs my first proper illness in a long time too but I think delaying it makes it worse. Had to be done in both our cases though. Not fair though, we arenโt able to celebrate properly.
Iโm thinking HM PB next spring. About time I got that one sorted. Iโm confident in the distance at last (taken long enough ๐ ), just got to train and pace correctly and keep going.
Earlier I had typed this really long reply and was about to hit the reply button when my screen went black ๐ I forgot to charge my iPad ๐คฌ
Anyway, the shorter version of my earlier draft is that I returned to see an osteopath I saw in April and, after much prodding and examining, she says I have a coccyx that is rigid and doesnโt move. Think of all that running and gardening over the years and no wonder Iโve had back problems! Having said that, Iโve had so many different results from various physios and osteopaths and so I walked away a bit sceptical but she gave me a few exercises to do including a stretch one that I do on an exercise ball and I canโt believe the difference already! That feeling of tightness has gone and the โpullโ at the front of the hip is going too. Iโve even done a little gardening and all is good ๐
But alas no running. She told me not to run for another week so Iโm taking her advice. But this weather is glorious and I adore running in autumn and winter. But Iโll be good and patient.
In fact, being patient is the number one lesson Iโve learned since I started to run. That and keeping the faith ๐ oops, thatโs two lessons isnโt it? ๐
In reply to your post, Iโm aiming to run regularly again with no niggles and Iโm wishing for continuous good health to enable me to do just that. A few of our friends have had bad health diagnoses recently and it just puts everything else into perspective.
Lovely pic IP. Some physios are better at diagnosis than others, particularly when there are number of possible causes. This one is definitely a keeper! Having a diagnosis and a plan means that your recovery has started at last; you will soon be dodging mad axemen and film directors again and penning your great descriptions of your runs. The last few days here have been blessed with sightings of buzzards and Red Kites, another benefit of runningโฆ..maybe they have started to see me as a potential meal ๐
We get a few birds of prey and lots of pheasants around here. The latter come to take a good look at my ornamental pheasants. Itโs hilarious watching them circling and wondering why these ones don't move ๐ But the ornamental ones are so life-like that even I do a double-take sometimes when Iโm passing.
The Acers are in my garden and I must say, with the sun on them, they are stunning. Happy days BC, happy days ๐
Acers are so gorgeous this time of year ๐ Oh I hope that is what it is IP, coccyxโs are enigmatic things, my cat helped break mine when I fell down the stairs trying to avoid her. I think mine only properly healed when I took up running and it got more support from my girdle muscles. Gardening does nothing for your back does it? Fingers crossed for you too ๐ค๐ค
Having two children in the years afterwards really didnโt help IP so please, please donโt take this as a benchmark, but it didnโt stop being occasionally painful until I started running, so 10-15 years ๐ฌ
Beautiful photo! That sounds like an interesting new diagnosis -hopefully it's the start of a whole new you. Patience and faith are two skills we runners definitely need to practice - along with adaptability I find! Having spent over two years with one injury niggle after another, struggling to get back to the form I had two years ago ... it was lovely to finally feel I'd got there at Chester. I can't say I've been particularly patient and I gave up faith more than once along the way, but it's definitely been a case of adapting to the hand I've been dealt ๐ Really hope you'll be back out running among the leaves very soon - in the meantime maybe get out and enjoy some long walks if that's allowed?
Been there too IP. It's dark isn't it? But more and more I have faith. To nowbetter than I was two and a half years ago is way beyond what I hoped for. We should never give in ๐ช
Good to know what is going on Maj... despite having to wait a while longer for a run...At least you do have the glorious sights of the wonderful trees and shrubs to entertain you. Beautiful photograph of your Acers too...mine at home are just stunning...and Decker usually has a few stunning photographs of his trees too!
Morning Floss ๐ I havenโt been able to get to the arboretum yet but when that time comes, of course weโll go together ๐โโ๏ธ๐โโ๏ธ๐๐ xxx
Wobble still not firing on all cylinders but Iโm still getting out ๐โโ๏ธ Not done my pre-marathon 20 miler yet though. Iโve got a 10km race this weekend which Iโm determined to do. Itโs just down the road thankfully. I can walk to the start line ๐. Iโm thankful that itโs a 10km rather than a HM ๐
Oh dear, you've been plagued for a while now haven't you? I do hope you're feeling better in time for this event - go slowly and save yourself for the 20 miler ๐
Iโm joining you on the age thing. I think weโre the same vintage and I REFUSE to blame my age on anything! My body might have other ideas but in my head Iโm still 30 ๐๐
My mum will be 90 next month and she is still amazing. Luckily, she still has great health and I appreciate that counts for so much but she refuses to consider herself โoldโ and she thinks this positivity is what has kept her young ๐
Hi Linda, gosh all this talk of colds. Iโm on week 4 of mine and I think I can say itโs on its way out at last. I still have a tickly cough, lessening each day, and my legs arenโt back to normal just yet, but at least I feel human (albeit a bit bonkers as usual) again. ๐๐ป
GSR this coming weekend! I absolutely love big events, although I still feel a bit of a fraud. Me, running with all those gazelle like people?
I was hoping to get a few PBs at PR and races this year, but the heat put paid to those, followed by the cold of doom (or covid in every respect except a positive test as Iโm calling it). Thereโs always next year, as I intend to keep running for many years to come! ๐
Oh goodness CC I do hope you feel better for the weekend. I think we have all forgotten how to be ill!!!
Errm ... clears throat in embarrassed fashion ... I succumbed to impulse this evening waiting in the car outside pilates ... I entered the GSR ๐, didn't realise I needed to be a gazelle though - eeek ๐
Definitely in agreement about continuing to learn. There's been lots of learnig since starting C25K - but starting to realise how much I don't know / "forget" to do (apart from the technical stuff there is ... proper care of the body, realistic and good planning, adapating appropriately to set-backs, not trusting to "I'll just hack it on the day", and having fun).
Just back from the Munich HM. Very different experience to my only other HM at the GNR (both were positive - but interesting - and full of learning! too). Went with my running club and had a very happy few days away. Westpark parkrun in Munich is also highly recommneded if anyone is ever that way.
Crisp autumn days and chillier evenings await. A few aches from the wekend but I'll be out tonight after work for a gentle toddle.Looking forward to it.
Ahh, good old adaptability! It's essential isn't it!!! Munich sounds like a great success and it's amazing how different each event can be isn't it. I'm about to redo my first ever official event and am really interested to see how it feels now, with several other events under my belt. I certainly learned a lot on the first time round ... hoping this time will be more reflective ๐ค
Enjoy the run tonight - it should be nice to run with no aim other than to loosen up ๐
Hi Linda Thank you for hosting the chat this week, I really enjoyed reading your post. Itโs really encouraging to read that your running is going so well as youโve had your fair share of ups and downs this year.
Iโve just finished pottering around in mumโs garden here while I wait for the car to get its MOT.
I had no idea you were a professional gardener ๐ Mum has a very poorly looking hosta that she loves. It was attacked by slugs which I put pellets down for, but its leaves, as well as being munched, are turning yellow and brown. Any tips ๐ฌ
Apart from that life is moving along well. My boys bought me a Freelap timing system for my birthday last week, which Iโm absolutely thrilled with!! Itโs so difficult to judge improvement in training when Iโm on my own and this measures speed very accurately, giving me a much better picture of progress both in the session and over time. So handy!
Combined with the discovery of the university J track last week I now have everything I need to help me with the track aspect of my winter training.
I have started Pilates but so far using just videos. My instructor led classes got cancelled so I just carried on without them.
The date for the first of the 2023 indoor events has been published. 18/19 February British Masters Indoor Track and Field Championships. Itโs in Sheffield this year which tbh is a bit of a trek so may give it a miss and go for the England Masters Indoor Track & Field Challenge which is at Lee Valley the following weekend.
Anyway, thatโs the news from me at the moment. ๐๐
'Life is too short for hostas' ๐ Slugs and snails are a pain, but yellowing and dying leaves right now is just part of the hosta lifecycle (they turn to mush and die back to ground level; new shoots will appear next spring ... and the slugs and snails will be waiting!)
Your boys obviously know you well - what a great present! Sounds like your winter training is coming together perfectly - all eyes on Lee Valley๐
Thank you for the advice Linda. Iโll just leave it be for now and arm myself with anti slug and snail weaponry ready for Spring!
I woke up this morning with the most dreadful toothache which is just not fair, as I had one yanked out just 2 weeks ago, and that was a dreadful experience. ๐ Hopefully I can get it sorted soon.
It's hard to adjust after running to a plan for so long isn't it. My itchy feet after my event have led to an impulse booking for GSR this weekend, but after that I'm not sure ... I may try to increase my Parkrun speed alongside a few trail runs just for fun! I use Run Britain, Lets Do This and Racecheck to look for events. Once I've done that a couple of times, Facebook cottons on and obligingly fills my timeline with ads for events ๐. I wonder if cheekychipmunks knows anything about the Severn Bridge night run, or of anyone who has run it? Good luck finding something ๐
Hi Linda, thanks for hosting the chat this week. Iโve had my 2nd Covid free week and first long run since Covid shut me down. It went well. This is also my favourite time of the year and the weather was crisp with some colour as the leaves begin to change. I also had no idea you are a professional gardener! Nothing on the schedule till next year so, like you, I am just enjoying the runs for now. Only occasionally perusing the race calendars. ๐
Autumn colours in Canada really are stunning aren't they. So glad to hear you are running beyond Covid again; I'm sure you're glad to see the back of that.
Yes this morning was even nicer. Got to get out there while it still looks pretty and before the snow dumps ๐ . So happy to see the back of that. I now understand what people were so miserable about with the sore raw throats during covid.
Yes Berlin is not until Sept so there is some time to get a race or two in next season ๐
Lovely, lovely post from you and so interesting to read your own perspective on your running...Some of us on C25K have been thinking about what motivates our running and your comments really relate to that ?
This time of the year, is my favourite. The crisp, dry mornings and the sounds, sights and sensations that accompany this new season.
I would still be an imposter here, as I am still ( yes still), building back up my running. I get so far and then something hits! But.. pre Covid and flu injections last Saturday, I am running comfortable 5Ks and moving towards 10K happily... maybe when I get there, I may feel confident enough to show my face here.
I have booked an event for the Monsal trail next Spring... not a HM this time... just a 10K, but it is something to look forward to
๏ปฟShow your face here any time OF, you are no imposter! Fabulous that you are getting back to 10k again and that you have entered an event tells it's own story - that's really heartening to read.
๏ปฟMuch of what I (and many others) have learned, started with very wise words from yourself. I am so ggrateful for that
๏ปฟLate in week post from me, last week I did a tues 4 mile run,then a weds eve 5 mile dark trail run , parkrun and an air ambulance night-time fun run on Saturday and a 5 mile trail on Sunday morning. The most I've done for ages! Was a productive week!
๏ปฟThen Sunday night had inkling of cold, by Monday (my birthday and start of week off) full on cold. What a waste of a week off, feeling down and disheartened as had plans to do nice things this week after the stress of moving. So not in a happy mood and very cranky and sorry for myself ๐ซ Am feeling less coldy now, do need to buck myself up but i was so looking forward to this week and finding it hard to shake off my bad mood!
๏ปฟAt least I have a decent shower in the new house, off to wash away the crankiness hopefully! Xxx
Thankyou , I need to shake off my feeling sorry for myself feeling and try and make the most of the rest of the week! ๐ xxx off to the park with the dog soon for some fresh air !
Much sympathy from a fellow cold host!!! Feel better very soon. That really was an awesome week - focus on that, and on the great runs that are still waiting xxx
Thanks for hosting linda9389 Late reply from me too, I seem to have been busy but I'm not sure what I've achieved, other doing a slow 17k (330m elevation gain) trail run a couple of days ago. First time in over three months, i.e. since my fall, that I've been able to run more than 10.5k. I can only hope that this means I'm finally starting to recover properly. Refusing to set myself any targets though, other than enjoying myself.
In other news, I found a super-cheap pair of road-to-trail shoes online. They arrived yesterday, and I was all set for a happy new shoes post, until I found they were size 42.5 in a box marked size 38.5! So they're going back.
That's an achievement, and some!!! All good things are worth waiting for right? Shame about the shoes, how disappointing! ... are they sending a replacement?
Shoes will have to be refunded as my size seems to be out of stock now. The gremlins are cackling, "Serves you right, you didn't need them anyway." True - I just fancied something that would let me do longer runs on mixed terrain more easily. My Cascadias are brilliant on proper trails, but less suited to roads, while my Ghosts are great for those but not grippy enough for uneven sufaces. First world problems, eh?
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