Hello everyone, I hope this last week has been a good one.
I don't have much new to share for myself. I am still quite unstructured it with my running. Today was an easy waterfront long run- chat with my friend Amy along the shores of Lake Ontario with a few photo stops. We've just had our clocks set back for daylight savings, so we actually had some sunlight in the morning for a change. Though our Autumn colours are fading now, we've been graced with some lovely settings to run in the last few weeks. Our temps have been unseasonably warm and so it was shorts and T-shirts today. Strava made a point of reminding me of my snowstorm run from this time last year which I recall was bitterly cold. I’ll run in the cold if I have to, but I much prefer these warmer temps.
Many of us are in different situations, some on the IC, some facing challenges far beyond running. Some of us have recently reached milestones we never thought possible before C25K. How are you doing? Are you thinking of any new special goals to come?
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No special goals - just focusing on completing my annual distance target for the year. I’ve got 330km left to run & I’m on target if I can stay consistent. It has been unseasonably cool here which has been good as I’m not quite ready for 5am starts.
You’ll get there for sure RW. Consistency is on your side. I’m happy you’re able to manage more reasonable start times with the cooler temps too. 5am is challenging to say the least! Beautiful photo too. The water looks so blue!
Decker yes I’m trying for a long type run over 28 days (93 miles) called the Great Run Solo Challenge. Still sounds pretty daunting but going to have a crack at it. If I’m honest since my London Marathon virtual I managed I haven’t really done much running. It’s taken more energy than I ever imagined and been feeling so tired. Not sure why but think my body telling me to slow down. I have Cerebral Palsy so maybe it’s saying take your time and take it easy! Much love 💖Richard
That’s a big challenge Richard and I am in awe of your resilience. I believe you can do it as long as you listen to your body and slow down when it’s needed. Sounds like you are doing just that. Have you consulted with your GP on your running goals? They may be able to advise you a bit more specifically than we can, given your unique challenge of Cerebral Palsy. That way you can build towards your goals with confidence. Happy running!
Haven’t really said much to my GP on my running so maybe I should. Just to explain where I’m at and how I’ve been feeling lately. It might be a case of not doing some much distance on my challenges to compensate with how my body is with my Cerebral Palsy. Sometimes we have to shallow our pride and think of that Number 1. Thanks my friend for your advice 🙏💖
Wow that’s an incredible and daunting challenge yet I can imagine it would also be massively rewarding and, dare I say, even good fun. Where is it and do you get to meet other runners, or is it entirely solo?
Entirely solo Brian mate. I’m a member of an online run club. We all post on Instagram and often on Strava. Give each other encouragement too. I’ve been using the Run/Walk method for almost a year as find it a lot easier. I don’t go for time but to finish 😉 will be posting up here each day 👍
Good morning Decker. More lovely Ontario pics. It’s a while since we had a holiday there; 2020 staying on Rice Lake near to Port Hope. Hopefully a week of building distance back up and TLC for my improving calf is my plan for this week. It has been cold weather gear conditions over the last few days which has seen leggings make an appearance. Hope you and everyone else has a great week. 🙂
I know Rice Lake! Sometimes I feel so far away from you all there - I know my references rarely connect with everyone in our group but it’s where I am. 🙂
I’m really hoping your calf improves BC. It’s been such a frustrating process for you. I think I need to take a break from running as my right knee and outer foot area were both very tight and painful. I suspect it is the IT issue again. I’m trying to determine what I’ve done to aggravate it.
Sounds like your weather is on track for where you should be at this point in the season? Ours is so strange. We should be blanketed in snow now but instead it’s been like spring here.
I have spent hours on Rice Lake and lakes around Pevsner, fishing and canoeing. The people over there are wonderful; friendly, hospitable, funny, down to earth and no-nonsense all at the same time. Oh..my calf…I did 6k today and I started to “feel” my calf towards the end. It isn’t bad… just “there”. More exercises needed. I think I dressed today; leggings etc for last Friday’s run. Friday was really cold and I wasn’t dressed for it. Today turned out to be warmer than I thought🙄…Look after that leg Decker 👍
Hope the calf behaves BC. My knee has eased up today but I’ve not run on it. May skip the next run and switch shoes next time out. Sometimes a shoe switch makes a big difference for me. Your weather seems colder than ours at the moment, though the temps dropped quite a bit last night on my way home from work.
I think the colder weather doesn’t help. Both achilles feel a bit sore post run; I will just take things steadily for a while. I am breaking in new shoes, but they are just the latest model of the same make I have been using for over a year. Next run Thursday.🤞
Hi Decker, lovely photos as ever. How is it possible for you not to enjoy your runs with scenery like that to admire? 😍
After the 100th PR fun from the weekend, when I was lucky enough to have several legendary HU buddies join me, this week is set to be a bit of an anticlimax as I have no real plan. Today’s weather is grim, and I was babysitting my year old grandson this morning, so no running today. I’ll do something tomorrow, almost certainly at the gym. The squidgy squelchy common doesn’t hold much appeal when it’s like this! 💦
I’m waiting (fruitlessly I would imagine) to hear from the charities I’ve applied to for London Marathon places, as if I were to get in with one of them, my enthusiasm would definitely be kickstarted and I’d run in any weather. 😅 My fingers and toes are crossed 🤞😀
It will be hard to top that weekend! What a meetup! Yes it’s a bit of a mindgame to get out in dark, cold wet conditions isn’t it?
Finger crossed you hear back from a charity for London! How great would that be!? I have my motivation for Berlin next October, but it seems like such a long way off so I may need to book a race or two before then 🙂🙃.
Stunning photos as usual from you Decker 😍I particularly love the misty one, looking a bit spooky there 👻 but beautiful to run through.
I’ve had a few fab runs recently and one yesterday was particularly wonderful where everything felt good. I haven't had a run like that for a long time so I’m very happy 🤗
I saw the osteopath today and I just need to see her in January for a check but, mind you, I haven’t been gardening and I have lots of bulbs yet to plant, so watch this space 🤞but I’m making the commitment here that I’ll be good and sensible and not do too much.
I’m still taking one run at a time but my special goal is to finish this year with no back issues and nothing else to interrupt my easy running, ready for the New Year.
Thanks IP. Yeah the fog was so thick and dark that morning I got turned around in my own local woods a few times. 😊
Yesterday’s run sounds just lovely and you’ve needed it too after all you’ve been through. Hoping you will be back to gardening soon and fingers crossed the easy runs will continue through to the end of the year.
that road looks just like one near me at the edge of a golf course. Glad you’re getting out. It’s been warm - out of the wind that is. Heading for the trees is the best 🙂👍.
Good luck with the back check up. Take care 🙂
I am in the process of sorting out my plot shed where I dug out three bulb planters - one of them a long-handled one! My husband bought it me for planting spuds after I couldn’t bend after hurting my back! He’s all heart 😁😍
Went out today along the same road and the heavens opened half way. I got absolutely sodden and when I got home had to strip at the front door (inside not outside 😳 don’t want to scare the neighbours 😂
I have a bulb planter but my soil is so hard (clay) that it’s easier to dig a hole with a trowel. It can be hard work though 🥵
water it well and go for a cuppa tea 😀. Hopefully then it’s soft enough to penetrate without jarring your shoulder 😖. I use my BP for planting leeks and brassicas. Useful kit 👍
Hi Decker , thanks for hosting and for the dreamy-as-ever photos!
We've been away on our motorhome for the past few days. For once restaurants and boulangeries were open - we have a knack of turning up in places during their annual holidays or on weekly closing days - so I've eaten lots of yummy food and cakes.
Walked almost every day, but I've only run once. I did manage to pack 132m elevation gain into 4.54km though!
Need to get my act together now that I'm back at home. Crossing fingers for the hunters staying away from my favourite trails...
Thanks Decker - btw that 4.54km with 132m elevation gain was a run, not a walk, and I even managed to sneak in under 7:00/km! We were in an area with lots of little volcanic cones, so it's quite easy to go up and down. For comparison, the following day we walked 5.51km with 180m elevation gain.
My snazzy bright cerise with reflective strips vest is already in action, accessorised with a bright orange cap and dayglo socks too. While it makes me visible, if the hunters are out in a group beating for wild boar and deer I won't be running anywhere near them. Way too risky!
Such lovely photos Decker. The weather here has suddenly changed from unseasonably warm to wet, windy and wild . The heating is on at home, even if low temperature. The full length leggings came out for me on Saturday but I was running on the Severn Bridge so a bit exposed to the elements. I tried running on the treadmill in the gym during the week in vest and shorts and found it far too hot. No races for me in November but plans are afoot for next month.
I am sure your winter will get far colder than ours.
Yes that Severn run sounded a bit wild and windy! Lots of VRB fun though! Yes I also tried a treadmill run the other night and was soaked in sweat 😓 Can’t wait to see what you have planned for December!
I agree, eventually I think we’ll have a harsh winter. Happy trails!
The snow is falling in BC as I type (and my father is cursing😍)!!!
I've had a great few weeks. I've smashed my PBs at every distance (if 30seconds over 5k counts as smashed 😀). It's been so long since I could run properly that these last few weeks have been an absolute treat to savour.
But in more exciting news, I have signed up for the Monsal Trail half in April and ... wait for it ... Vancouver Half Marathon in May! I am beyond excited!!! Now I just need to remain uninjured (and find somewhere to stay near ish to the start line as I need to be there by about 6am)😍
Have a great week everyone and may you not be plagued by snow!
Amazing run of PBs Linda. The cautious old man in me says back off a bit while you are ahead….but that advice only applies to people older than me!! Enjoy your purple patch.🙂
I'm going to have to look up 'purple patch' ... there was a local race run by Purple Patch running ... but they were one of the fkrst to go under sadly 😥
Hardly any running from me but started afresh yesterday! Headed out early Sunday morning to the south of the island, usually sunny Ventnor but was rainy Ventnor! Met my bruv who is lucky to live at the top of the "Cascades" (great sea views!),we were supposed to be doing a handicap race (slowest go off 1st) but it got cancelled cos of the weather and the slippery coastal path so we did our own 5 k finishing with the traditional run up cascades hill! Phew it's hard! But was pleased I managed to get to the 20mph sign ,near the houses at top of piccy so that was good,obligatory selfie! Then a breakfast with the rest of the group, around 30 of us in all! Should have at least 2 more runs this week,onwards and upwards!
Have a great week everyone !
Flooded roads, and a selfie at the top of the "Cascades" hill !
It's pretty windy and rainy here at the moment!!! Love going to Ventnor! George doing ok, results getting worse on his blood tests but he's happy in himself and had a lovely tine at the beach at Yaverland a week or so ago 😁🐶🐕
Great you are back on track running-wise Ali. Lovely pics! Too bad the handicap race was cancelled. Sounds like it would have been fun. But you still made it work. Nothing says fun like finishing a race with a big uphill! 😁 30 people! Wow that’s a big run group! Enjoy the rest of your runs this week!
Thanks Decker! It's a social running group, Ventnor Sloggers, don't get there that often since I moved, they are a great bunch! We did the Cascades challenge a few yrs back, winner managed over 30 times up and down in an hr!Been to Tuesday Nighters club tonight,got soaked but it was fun!
Hi Decker lovely photos 👍 I’ve been on the IC the past 3/4 weeks with something going on with my heel. I’m not sure if it is my Achilles. It’s just one little sore spot that flares up at odd times and hurts like someone is blow torching it when pressed.
Rest isn’t really helping it so I’m seeing a specialist(sadly not until beginning of December). However, unlike aerobic running, I haven’t lost as much fitness, as I’ve been mostly able to stay on top of my strength training.
I had to shelve everything this last 10 days as I’ve had the dreaded flu bug which has left me in a seriously weakened state.
Nevertheless I returned to the gym yesterday and spent a solid 1.45 hours in there. Finally some light at the end of this tunnel 👍
Oh I hope the heel eases up soon Brian and that the specialist helps. It’s a frustrating process. You’ve got it all happening at once with the flu as well. At least you are not missing any runs with the flu hitting you now. Small consolation I know. You are more than making up for it with your gym sessions. When you get back to running you will be stronger than ever!
Thank you Decker much appreciated. Quite glad this happened in the off season and all together as you say. I Certainly hit the gym hard yesterday and have another session on Thursday booked in too so hopefully I’ll catch up and improve as the winter training really kicks in. I’m just laying off any track work which is fine at the moment as the weather is nothing short of dreadful.
Sorry to read you’ve been on the IC Brian ☹️and then flu too! But if you’ve managed 1.45 hours in the gym then it sounds as if you’ve turned a corner. Take care.
Thank you IP 😊 I’m definitely on the mend after the flu. Just need to get this heel niggle out of the way and I’ll be good to return to track training (weather permitting). It’s that time of year that means that the emphasis is on strength and conditioning which luckily means indoor workouts. I’m also pleased to read that you are on the path to recovery with your back. Mind you gardening work can be quite painful so take it easy out there. 👍
lovely pics as usual Decker 😀👍. It’s good to be out there!
I’m carrying on with marathon training. I thought two weeks away from race day I’d be tapering but there’s a 26 km run on my Nike plan this week 🤨 Hmm 🤔
Not made any race plans for 2023 but a do like a Spring half. I was going to cast about for a new one close (ish) to home🙂. I need a plan to keep me out running through winter ❄️
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Weekly Chat 11th to 17th July