I'm not sure how many people will have time to chat this week, but I thought I'd pop in and say a quick hello having been absent so much recently.
After about 6 very busy weeks, I feel I finally have time to take a breath and look around me. I was lucky enough to just spend three weeks in Costa Rica (a beautiful place that can teach us an awful lot about nature and how we can look after it) but the pre Christmas prep before I left and the Christmas whirl on returning have rather taken their toll. Add to that food poisoning for the 18 hours of return travel 🙈 and a positive covid test on 23rd 😔 (which temporarily showed negative Christmas Eve but has been resolutely positive since then) and I know I am very much looking forward to the next few days of relative rest!
The saddest thing though is that I haven't run in over a week now. Plans for Parkrun on Christmas Eve and then on Christmas Day had to be cancelled (especially sad as it was my annual opportunity to run with one of my boys). Hey ho! I don't feel ill. I've had a lovely holiday, a lovely Christmas and I have a whole new year of running to look forward to. In the meantime it's a beautiful day and I will definitely be out for a (suitably isolated) walk this afternoon. Lot's to be thankful for 😊🙏
So how was your Christmas? did anyone receive any super running gifts this year? did anyone manage a special run over the festive season?
And so 2022 is coming to a close and there's a whole new running year waiting for us. Overall I can reflect on a very positive running year, and I will look forward - with lots of hope - to great runs in 2023! Hopefully you will too!!!
Wishing you all a wonderful week as we say goodbye to 2022! 🎄🎊🏃♀️🏃♂️✨🎉
The Marathon Team xxx
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linda9389
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Hello linda9389 , and thanks for hosting the final weekly chat of 2022!
Costa Rica sounds awesome in the true sense of the word. Your recent trials and tribulations definitely don't, though, and it's such a shame that your family and running plans for Christmas have been affected. Hope you're fully recovered by New Year!
It's been a very quiet time here, by choice. The Christmassiest things I've done are the carol concert a couple of weeks ago, a performance with my Renaissance group at the local elderly people's long-stay ward, watching kids' TV (highly recommend The Smeds and the Smoos) and way too much indulgent eating and drinking!
Haven't run for over a fortnight, due to the cough and cold I picked up at the carol concert. Tried jogging a bit during today's dog walk and my legs were fine (thanks, one-legged squats!) but breathing's not good. Whole new experience as my running's been interrupted and set back several times this year because of injury, but never ever by illness. Hopefully 2023 will prove a much better running year than 2022.
To all my VRBs, Smeds and Smoos alike, and whatever your hopes and dreams are for 2023, I wish you Bonne Année !
Well, as you were anything but quiet in the lead up to Christmas I do believe a self indulgent break is exactly what was needed! Those runs are definitely waiting for us to enjoy - maybe this year, maybe next, but they are definitely waiting for us to make the most of them. May 2023 be full of happy hopes and dreams 😊
Hi linda9389 😁. Great to hear from you - Costa Rica is somewhere I’ve always wanted to visit for the reasons you mention. I’m sure it was amazing and that you got some nice runs in there too. Food poisoning en route home and covid, well, obviously not such fun 🥲 but yes, the weather has been lovely today, so I hope you had a nice walk! And that you test negative very soon.
Well, I’d say that this year has been overall positive running wise apart from the last few months what with this and that, but like you, very much looking forward to a new year of running. Christmas has been relatively quiet, and I managed a nice 5k this morning - the weather certainly helped.
Costa Rica was definitely amazing and a lot of things from that trip will stay with me for a very long time! I have to say it's not ideal running terrain for me, but it was both challenging and rewarding on many levels. Let's hope you can put these last few months behind you now and move into 2023 with some really wonderful runs - today's run sounds like a great stepping stone to the New year 😊
Hi Linda, we are on the first of our family visit car journeys so I have a bit of time to breathe! Even had a nap this afternoon at my wonderful in laws.
What a rubbish way to end 2022 after such a wonderful holiday 😢 I very much hope you get a proper negative test very soon, it’s definitely doing the rounds again.
I am 26 days into Run 5k Every Day as a major contributor to completing 1000 miles for the year. I’ve run just under 94 miles this month (as of Boxing Day) and have just under 12 to go, so I reckon I’ll be done by Thursday. Still going to do those last two 5ks all being well, ending with a flourish at NYE parkrun (which will also be Katnap ’s 100th).
It’s been quite tough going, especially through all the ice and snow but I’m so looking forward to the sense of achievement for both challenges, especially the R5kED as last time I tried (Jan 2021) I missed 2 days.
As for running related presents, just a pair of socks from my wish list. I’ve got loads of gear as a hangover from trying stuff for the marathon, so I couldn’t justify another pair of socks. I normally wear Hilly but these are Feetures as I’d heard good things about them in reviews. Seemed ok on this morning’s 5k, nice and supportive in the arch.
I did treat myself to a second hand Shakti Mat from Ebay (for those who don’t know, basically it’s a bed of plastic nails on a foam mat). It’s a bit scary. I lay down on it for about 30 seconds last night but I didn’t prepare myself properly so I will give it another go when I can put myself more in ‘the zone’. I’m hoping it will eventually relieve the tension I get in my upper back and shoulders. I shall report back…
I believe GoGo_JoJo has one 😬 she may be able to describe the experience. I first heard about it in a Running Channel Youtube video and, like you, I’m intrigued! I’ll see if I can find the video.
EDIT: nope, can’t find it, but there are loads of other videos on it.
Ooh a daytime nap - luxury 🥰. Your R5kED is amazing, particularly given the time of year. You'll achieve both goals, of that I am sure.
Socks wear out, you can always justify new socks 😍. I look forward to hearing about the mat, though I have to say they sound pretty unpleasant to this southern softie 😍
Yeah, yesterday’s little try out was a bit of a shock but I know people swear by them so there must be something to it. Maybe when I’m chilled enough after another nap (I live in hope 😁).
I love my shakti. Probably wouldn't buy one secondhand unless it's not been used though 🙈
I considered my pain threshold high but even I jumped the first time I tried it 🤣 you have to use mind over matter to get past that initial wowzer sensation as, if you don't move around it's just great. I used to read about folk falling asleep on theirs and doubted the veracity but it's true. Aim for 5 to 10 mins min at first, don't let the wishy-washy thoughts in and it will definitely help muscular issues. Use it long right to the base of your spine or turn it to reach from neck down and get your biceps on it too. Initially the base of the spine can be the toughest so maybe try sideways first.
You can also use for feet and calves when tight. 👍🏻😁
Thanks JoJo. It looks pretty immaculate so I’m happy to use it. Some great tips there. I found some YouTube videos that I watched today. Tried it for the first time proper. The first time I left too much skin showing 😄 so I wore a fleece today and it still came through enough. I thought if I start with a fleece and slowly change the thickness of what I’m wearing…. I was able to lie with my knees up and my arms wrapped around my legs for 10 minutes, distracted by other YouTube videos! My back felt warm and buzzy afterwards which was quite pleasant. The feet/calves thing will be particularly useful methinks 👍
Aww Linda, what bad luck, COVID is a nasty virus that keeps rearing it's head, we have a few staff off with it at the moment. I want a 10 mile badge 📛 I really want one but totally know I have to run 10 miles first. It nearly happened today as we were visiting family 10 miles from home and I sat there watching everyone chatting and opening presents I had a thought that I'd rather be running home but as I was in a dress that the buttons undine if I moved and the highest heels I own it wasn't an option 🤣🤣🤣
My aim is to run 10 miles and to cut down my work hours so I have the time to run 10 miles. It'll take me hours and hours
That's a great goal! Hours and hours? But just think how much you'd enjoy them 😊I now have a glorious mental picture of you gaily running home in your best high heels.
Haha. I wore really high heels too on Christmas Day and wondered how my relationship with them has changed significantly since I became a runner. I still love heels but now worry in case I turn an ankle or fall off them and how much damage I could do that would prevent me from running 👠😱
Hope you all had a super Christmas. We had a busy Christmas morning with Church & a lovely lazy Christmas afternoon with just our boys. Our tribe were happy with all their gifts. Phew! I got a new run belt with a higher kit carrying capacity which I will need for Marathon training. I also got a couple of pairs of new running shorts. One of which my youngest commented that they were like underwear 🫢 I’ve got two pairs of Saucony shoes in the post from Crazy Christmas sales which will see me through Marathon training. Will post pics when they arrive. (Speed 3 & Tempus)
I’ve got 20k left on my annual goal of 2022km for the year. 2023 goals are written.
I was looking at my Strava this week & all my best efforts were 2021. Covid & the big stack really set me back. I’ve managed to keep consistent with my mileage so hope all those slow miles do pay off for my 2023 plans 🤞
It's very hard to make up for lost chunks of time and, to some extent you were unlucky in 2022 but on the other hand it seems to have made you more determined than ever. I'm sure all that will indeed pay off next year 🥰
Well, you’ve definitely ended the year on a bit of turmoil. Here’s hoping a new year will bring a fresh sweep with less illness and injury and more runs 🤗
My Christmas was lovely. For the first time ever, we didn’t go out for Christmas lunch and instead stayed home. We really enjoyed it but who knows what we’ll do next year….
A friend, who was staying with us, took a bad cold on Christmas Day but when she got home yesterday she took a COVID test and she’s positive 😱 even though she tested herself on the morning she came and was negative. She has to cancel a holiday in Europe she was starting tomorrow.
I’m keeping everything crossed that we haven't now all got it too 🤞 But hey ho, we can’t lock ourselves away and never go out or not have people visit in the fear of getting it so what will be will be.
We have more family coming later this week so it’s still like a B&B here with all the changing of the beds and cleaning 😂
Present-wise I got a gorgeous turquoise blue running top which I haven’t worn yet but can’t wait to show off. I think that’s one of the runs on the Bingo Card so…..
I was able to get a Boxing Day run in yesterday which was gorgeous as the weather was crisp but sunny. Just the thing to get rid of the excess food and drink. Talking about drink, I made myself a hot chocolate when I got in and added a dash of rum with caramel. OMG! It was absolutely delicious 😋 (I only ever do these things at Christmas but I’m trying to work out how long Christmas technically lasts ) 😂😂
Have a great week Linda and everyone and Happy New Year 🥳🥂🎈xxx
Next year we will be going to my daughter for Christmas. That will be the first year in forever that I haven't hosted so I'm beginning the psychological prep now!!! Oh, I do hope you remain covid free (I tested negative this morning so am hopeful that maybe I will get a nice slow restorative run tomorrow). Fingers are firmly crossed for you🤞
Everybody knows there are at least 12 days of Christmas right? Enjoy every one of them before 2023 comes tapping on our shoulders with a basketful of good intentions 😍
Hi Linda; lovely holiday, shame about the return trip and aftermath! You will soon be back running though. You have a retirement to enjoy.
I have had a decent 8 months of running, following a disastrous 6 months. I did slip off a kerb last night! The expected ankle pain did not appear, so hopefully I have escaped lightly. Optimistic assessment is that maybe my ankle strength has improved.
I am supposed to be planning a trip to Alaska this year; that will be a challenge. I need to dig out our book on responding to bear charges!
Oh yes, retirement .... 🥰Your determination and dedication to put the disastrous 6 months behind you has been an exemplary lesson for us all 👌 and it's so good to see you reaping the rewards and heading into 2023 with nothing less than strong ankles 😍
Im counting down the days - 15 between me and my next trip to BC (another long haul flight though, ughhh). But Alaska, wow that will be amazing, how wonderful. You're heading for a great 2023 🥰
You can buy bells to carry while running Beachcomber66 to keep the bears away. Although the advice given to skiers when we were in Whistler was to make yourself look big, clap your hands and make a noise! 🐻
We were trained by our daughter Jill, so we have an idea as to what we are supposed to do; doing it in a remote location when a bear is charging might be another matter! I am going to talk to Trail Finders to see if they can come up with a guided package. This is all about delivering on a wish of Jill’s; she carried out her PhD research in a wonderful place, to which one day she hoped to return. In reality the number of fatalities from bear attacks is very low; sadly people are much more dangerous throughout the world!
That trip will be a wonderful tribute to Jill, Beachcomber. Trailfinders are a great company and are sure to come up with the organised trip you need. It sound very exciting, but I’m sure it will be emotional too.
Hi Linda (and everyone). This is my first post for ages. Have been busy and not able to visit much, but I hope everyone is doing OK.
Linda, so sorry to hear about your recent troubles and hope you are recovering. And, as you say, there’s a whole new year of running to look forward to.
I managed a half marathon locally this morning, so finally feel that I’m not an imposter on this forum. It has been a tough running year with injury and extreme weather, but it all came together today. I’ve been doing 5K and 10K distances all year so 21.1K was a bit of a leap, but I’m glad I did it. Sitting under a blanket with the cat now.
Is there any chance of another HU HM event? Running “with” the forum is always so inspiring and a lot easier that doing it all alone.
Hope everyone is having a good Christmas, and wishing you all a Happy New Year.
There are no imposters here! Well dont on that half marathon today, what a great finish to the year.Another HUHM is a great idea. Somehow I just couldn't find the time to make it happen this year, but hopefully spring 2023 will be a different story. It's on the radar 😊
Oh that's great news for you OF, I'm so pleased. I had one negative followed by two disappointing positives. Am hoping today's negative will be repeated tomorrow - I am itching for a run, however slow. I can only reiterate your sentiment, here's to a happy and healthy new year!
Oh let’s hope you’re really negative this time Linda. 🤞🤞 What a nightmarish trip home though - been there, done that after a dodgy Indian years ago and flying solo to Boston. Not fun AT ALL. 😩
We had a lovely drawn out Christmas with two separate Christmas dinners! I seem to have spent most of my time in the kitchen, but I love cooking and it was all well received.
I ran at the gym this morning for the first time since Christmas Eve and boy I needed it! I used my shiny new Forerunner 255. Only 4k, but I made myself work with a few hills. 🥵
I’d definitely be up for an HUHM (NOT on the common!), in fact I was saying to Mr Cheeky earlier that I’m going to embark on the NRC HM plan in January. I need something to work towards. 🏃♀️
I’ve been running with NRC for quite a while now and love the guided runs 🥰. They sent a £20 running voucher to my phone the other day and I redeemed it today. I bought a Dri-fit long zip warm lined top 🙂
I use the NRC app and am currently doing a half marathon plan. The £20 voucher popped onto my my messages in the app. I put the voucher towards a £37.95 top but I noticed this morning the same top had been reduced to £17.95 🙄
Commiserations Linda, we’ve had a similar experience, apart from the 3 weeks in Costa Rica, which sound wonderful. Having run around like mad doing shopping and cooking prep ready for my sister and family to join us from Christmas Eve, UTS tested + on the night before they were due to arrive! So visitors had to stay home and we had a rather full fridge. Fortunately I was still testing negative on Christmas morning so I did take part in a very jolly parkrun.
I could have locked UTS in a spare bedroom to protect myself, but we just carried on as normal to make the most of the holiday. We still did the full Christmas dinner. I think it’s the first Christmas we’ve had with just 2 of us in 19 years of marriage!
We were then due to entertain our lovely Motley crew on New Year’s Eve , but UTS is still + on day 6 and I tested + yesterday with the faintest of lines, so that’s me for at least 5 days. More celebrations are cancelled but at least I hadn’t done any extra shopping, and I don’t feel very ill, just a bit weary.
For my runny gifts I got a very light running shoe box but in it was a gift voucher for the next pair of my choice, and a shockabsorber bra (which UTS has forgotten to wrap up and give to me). UTS received one of the new parkrun milestone 100 running vests which he is very chuffed with and a milestone 100 badge.
Wishing you a speedy negative test and a Happy Runny New Year. All the people I have spoken to say don’t rush your return to running, even if you feel ok at the time.
Ugh! You have my sympathies! Hubbie still trsting positive - probably 5 or 6 days behind me - but I had my second negative test yesterday. I went for a run this morning and actually feel quite energised by it (for now anyway), itsbeen so long since my last one. I hope you get away with mild symptoms and that it doesn't eat too far into your new year.New running shoes is definitely something to look forward to, how wonderful! Let's hope it isn't too long before you are bouncing along the prom on wonderfully cushioned soles once again 😍
So lovely to have you back here! I am pleased that I have been able to keep up running in the last week including a double parkrun weekend. Hoping to do the same at NY. It’s really helped being able to get out and having a break as I’ve been really busy this year. I potentially have a HM end of March and a 20miles in June. I’m mainly focusing on running every other day rather than time and distance.
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Weekly Chat : Dec 7-13
Out with the old, in with the new 😄 Weekly Chat Dec 30th 2019-Jan 5th 2020!