Weekly chat 29th May – 4th June 2023:... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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Weekly chat 29th May – 4th June 2023: Every cloud… ⛈️🌈🌞

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon
157 Replies

Hello VRBs! How’s your running going? Judging by what I’ve been seeing on Strava, quite a few of you in the UK have been enjoying sunny but not overly hot weather, ideal running conditions for many.

That’s definitely not been the case here: the first part of the week was grey, grey, and more grey. A heavy, pitiless, oppressive grey, threatening but rarely producing rain. That gave way to soaring morning temperatures, followed by afternoon thunderstorms and downpours.

None of that’s my idea of running fun, and I’ve got to admit that my mojo’s gone off in a strop. However, in between the storms there have been a couple of proverbial silver lining runs.

Run 1: I stopped during this dutiful, boring, flat 5k road run (=plo) to chat with a neighbour and she told me how much she admired me for running. Who, me, Mrs Runs-Like-A-Bonsai-Ent?!

Run 2: the trail shoes demons got to me, and despite super-tired legs, I found myself heading up through the forest, where I found yet another variation on my forest route that reminded me just how lucky I am to run where I do.

So how about you? Is your running all blue skies at the moment, or are there clouds – with or without silver linings – on the horizon? Tell us all in the comments!

Happy running, everyone!

The Marathon Team xxx

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Cmoi profile image
Cmoi
Marathon
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157 Replies
SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles

The trails sound lovely, if I find your stroppy mojo I'll give it a bit of a talking to and post it back to you 😃.My running has been all sunshine and blue sky lately and loving it, tree shade is very welcome.

I'll be going in to week 2 of the NRC HM plan this week and enjoying a bit of structure to my week as well as plenty of walking with my neighbour.

Flowers are opening daily in my small garden

Foxglove
TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toSueAppleRun

Beautiful foxgloves Sola. Good luck with the plan, can’t beat a good plan!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toSueAppleRun

I can’t recall seeing so many wild flowers, and garden ones for that matter, this early in the season. The pollen doesn’t do me any good, but everywhere looks beautiful.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles in reply toBeachcomber66

It is beautiful but I'm behind with digging weeds out and it's very dry but I'll get there

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toSueAppleRun

Nothing can be allowed to get in the way of running Sola. Weeds can wait 👍

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles in reply toBeachcomber66

I'd run 2 days in a row so it was time I had a day off, but not much gets in the way of my running now, people want to visit they fit round my run time 😀

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toSueAppleRun

👊 🙂

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply toSueAppleRun

that’s the spirit 😀👍🏃‍♀️

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toSueAppleRun

Ah thanks for the stroppy mojo offer SueAppleRun ! It was being really well-behaved a few days ago, then when the weather turned it went all sulky. Beautiful foxgloves and fab running too, well done you! 🥰

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles in reply toCmoi

Thanks, the offer is there if needed again, I do know what you mean though, mine waxes and wanes

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles

a beautiful photo of your forest run  Cmoi , and a hedgehog too 🦔! Something I haven’t seen for many years.

It has been very sunny down south but the wind is coming from the north and east so that is cooling things down a bit. Just about fine for running but very hot in the shelter of the wind.

I did an 11k run along a disused railway line on Wednesday, which was a bit nearer midday than intended, but I did complete it with a struggle. 🥵 Note to self: get the shorts on and get out earlier.

On Friday I just ran from the house to pick up the car we’d left in town the night before. I was down there just 5 minutes before the time ran out so managed to avoid an inevitable parking fine . A sensible way to get a 2k run in.

On Saturday I was volunteering at parkrun so yesterday we went to RunWalkLocal instead and ran around a wake park in the north of the city. Only 150 runners there compared to 515 at parkrun so it’s more relaxing in that respect but it is still 5k . No barcodes, no results, you just hear the time as you cross the line. A 2k run brings lots of families in too. These fluffy cygnets were the main attraction in the area.

2 Swans and 8 cygnets
TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toDexy5

Oh aren’t they gorgeous?!

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toTailChaser

I bet you get to see lots too TC 🦢🦢

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toDexy5

Yes, not so many this year though because of the bird flu 😢

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toTailChaser

Yes of course.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles in reply toDexy5

How lovely to see them, the run sounds great

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toSueAppleRun

Yes it’s a lovely place to run , and great to see all the families taking part.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toDexy5

Well done on the 11k Dexy5. I was setting off at 7:30/8am last year when things really heated up. Hope we avoid the really high temp days this year; Molly just flaked out. Sensible girl.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toBeachcomber66

Yes animals do the right thing by instinct. But they don’t have to worry about clothing and tech before they go out the door. 😂

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toDexy5

Not my finest morning! 😂

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toBeachcomber66

We’ve all been there

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toDexy5

Thanks  Dexy5 , and those cygnets are really cute! The hedgehog was just opposite our house, snurfling along the garden wall. Jedi picked up its scent, but I got him back on lead before he got too up close and pawsonal, so I was able to take photos and even videos. Like you I've not seen a hedgehog for ages, and never one as active as this one.

Well done on the 11K, and glad you enjoyed RunWalkLocal, though150 runners still sounds like a scary number to me!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toCmoi

I forgot to mention the hedgehog in my reply 😍😍😍 What a lovely photo 😍

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toCmoi

Yes I think they are mainly nocturnal. I’d love to have a hedgehog in my garden to eat up the slugs and snails. 🦔

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply toDexy5

I had two hoglets in my garden last year. One seemed very weak. I googled for advice about what to give them, which gave them a boost. I saw them for a few days,with one looking much better than the other. I hope they both made it 🙂

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply tomisswobble

So do I MissW. And you gave them the best chance. I hope things have improved for hubby too.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon in reply toDexy5

he’s not very well still. After two weeks of trying to,get some stronger painkillers he managed to get some yesterday. Not managed to speak to a doctor though He had another chest X-ray last Monday 🤞

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Metric Marathon in reply toDexy5

love seeing swans and cygnets, always such a lovely sight to see. We have a family near us, the adults nest in the same place every year, and I have so many photos as every year I take even more, so I can't tell one year's photos from the next!!😂

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon

Hi Cmoi & other VRB’s

I was feeling the clouds this morning as I’m not looking forward to Winter at all. It’s a short Winter here but it rains so much. I run in the rain although don’t love that but not through storms.

Another 30 mile week planned while I can.

Happy week everyone ❤️🏃‍♀️🏃🏻‍♂️

Today’s run
Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toRunWillie

We don’t see clouds in your photos very often RunWillie. Enjoy running in some lower temperatures.

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toDexy5

I now wear a Puffa jacket if it drops below 25 degrees Celsius 🤣 I’ve lived here too long.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toRunWillie

25 degrees is considered tropical up here! Definitely one shirt and shorts weather.

Our body thermostats are calibrated differently.

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

That’s certainly barbecue weather for UK folk. I used to be one of them 🤣

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toRunWillie

Sometimes the temperature is ok for a barbecue…but then the rain comes at the last minute! No wonder you went to Australia!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toRunWillie

That looks very much like the sky outside my window RW, no beach bit, just the sky. Storm aren’t much fun to run through, I agree.

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toTailChaser

You live in such a beautiful part of the World. Enjoy your post run beer. We certainly miss the English pubs just not the weather😍

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toRunWillie

Amazing photo again RunWillie ! I definitely won't run in storms but don't mind running in the rain. In fact I prefer it to the heat, even though I should be used to hotter weather by now.

I'm still super-impressed by your doing 30 miles a week on top of everything else, don't know how you do it!

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toCmoi

Thanks Cmoi 😍

I’m learning self care in my mid life. I run for mental health so the run is now an essential part of my day.

Shake-and-run profile image
Shake-and-runHalf Marathon

we have been traveling this weekend, up to the north of the country where we use to live. We were visiting friends and attending a rather amazing wedding in a forest. Weather was perfect, setting breathtaking and the ceremony full of beautiful moments that reflected the lives and loves of the couple, we even toasted the bride in Klingon! I did manage to fit in a cheeky Parkrun on Saturday morning but Strava is telling me my fitness level is dropping so it will be back out on the bike tomorrow. I need to work off that wedding cake!!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toShake-and-run

Glad you enjoyed your time oop North. Northumberland is beautiful…forests, salmon rivers and olde worlde villages.

Shake-and-run profile image
Shake-and-runHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Northumberland is beautiful. We were on the west coast, just outside the northern end of the Lake District National Park. Beautiful too.

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Metric Marathon in reply toShake-and-run

Beautiful part of the world, love it there!

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toShake-and-run

That definitely does sound like a remarkable wedding Shake-and-run ! I have to ask though - how do you know that what you said in Klingon was really a toast to the bride?!

You've also got me wondering whether Strava's algorithms more reliable than Garmin's when it comes to fitness. I use the free version of Strava and never bother with Garmin's training plans etc, as I find it simultaneously absurd and infuriating that the latter's VO2Max calculations penalise more demanding runs and reward easy ones.

Shake-and-run profile image
Shake-and-runHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Qapla ( pronounced Ka-plar) Klingon for success or best wishes

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toShake-and-run

Knowing what Klingons are supposed to be like, they could have an interesting married life 😱 but it sounds amazing Shakes!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon

Good morning Cmoi! My running is very much like the weather at the moment, sunny with cloudy intervals, with periods of intense heat!

I’m 3 runs away from completing 5k a Day in May, so very nearly there. My ITB will be particularly pleased that we’re nearly done with it as it’s been complaining since Saturday’s parkrun. I don’t think it was the parkrun so much as the 6k walk we did shortly afterwards, so there seems to be a limit to walking it off! It let me do 10k yesterday but it was a real slog in the humid conditions. I shall continue pummelling with the therapy gun and the lumpy roller to try to keep it happy/ier.

The trouble with running everyday is trying to find new routes, particularly in a tourist hot spot in the summer. We did find a nice one after work on Friday but it’s towards the caravan site so will be very busy over half term. It’s best to either go out stupidly early or stay our side of the river, which is a bit limiting. There is a fair ground in the park this week so even that will be tricky!

Tonight my I have a club run, an additional run with my virtual club that they have just added. It’s been rebranded as the ‘Global Run Club’, so big ambitions! Maybe Katnap can join me. He’s a bit fed up today as he went to Wembley yesterday to watch Stockport County lose to Carlisle, so I think a post-run beer might be a good way to finish the long weekend!

Have a great runny week everyone! 💪💪🙌👏🥳

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles in reply toTailChaser

5k a day in May? Wow, I am managing 5k once a week this month 😔 but walking more, I find longer walks give me more aches

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toSueAppleRun

It took me quite a few years to be able to do it Sola. I had an aborted go last January then did it in December and for some reason it seemed a good idea this month. Once a week is special for you, but the good thing about running a 5k is that you spend less time on your feet than walking. It’s the time on your feet that usually causes the aches, in my experience anyway.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun10 Miles in reply toTailChaser

Yes you are quite right,

GTFC profile image
GTFCMarathon in reply toTailChaser

Give Katnap our best. It's never nice coming away from Wembley like that. At least our two teams will meet again this year ⚫⚪⚽️ I fancied Stockport but you just never know in the play-offs, it's crazy. Lots of Northern based teams this year so the travelling should be better too. You'll be strong again next year.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toGTFC

I will do. I reckon that too GTFC. They have had an amazing run of promotions, I’m sure they will do it next season. It’s been fun following their progress this season.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toTailChaser

Losing at Wembley is awful; the whole focus is on the winning team and its supporters. The losing supporters should get free beer to drown their sorrows! 🤪🍻

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

You’re not wrong there BC. He had one today, that helped!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toTailChaser

I have been to Wembley 4 times, 3 losses and a draw..then we lost the replay! I am a jinx!!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Oh no BC! Katnap has been there twice and it’s 50/50. Let’s hope they go straight up next season 🤞

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toTailChaser

Good plan; I will suggest it to Michael Carrick, mind, he is a bright lad so he has probably thought of it 🙂. We bought Alun Armstrong from Stockport years ago. A great goal scorer who helped us get promotion. Thanks Katnap 👍.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

👍 Great goal scorer and an excellent actor! 😁

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toTailChaser

I suspect acting Alun wouldn’t have been as good at football but may have won more penalties!

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toTailChaser

You're doing brilliantly with the 5k(+) a Day in May TailChaser , just the thought of it intimidates me. As for running where you do - eek, way too many people!

Poor Katnap , that's such a disappointment. Many, many moons ago my Dad took my brother (but not me) to watch a Stockport County game, for the simple reason that George Best was playing for them and Dad wanted my brother to be able to say he'd seen Best in action.

I don't recall being particularly bothered at the time but in retrospect that was such a sexist attitude, albeit typical back then. I might have been slightly less useless at sport as a teen if I'd been allowed to play football instead of being forced into hockey and netball.

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toCmoi

You should have a go Cmoi, it’s not as bad as you think!

I can totally relate to your experience: I played football and cricket at primary school, but they wouldn’t let me play either at secondary school. I particularly enjoyed football but I hated netball with a passion! Hockey was good though because you had a big stick but I wasn’t too good at it. It’s so good to see so many girls playing football now but it’s taken far too long.

Katnap has a programme from the time when George Best played for them, I think he saw him too (he’s fast asleep atm so I can’t ask him!), he only lived just around the corner from the ground. I doubt there would have been too many women in the ground in those days, they were busy making dinner for when their men came home from the match…🤯

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply toTailChaser

He's a Stockport supporter? Having lived just outside of Stockport for my formative years ... I too was a little sad 😍

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply tolinda9389

Yes, through thick and thin. They are a nice team aren’t they? They’re sort of Manchester but without the egos of the big two. It was quite handy when they were really down in the lower leagues as they played teams like Leamington which was only down the road. They’ve come a long way and I’m sure they’ll make it back up again.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy510 Miles in reply toTailChaser

Just remind Katnap that it’s better to lose in a promotion match than to be demoted. RIP Accrington Stanley. 😢

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toDexy5

I think he remembers the demotions way too clearly Dexy, it was like falling downstairs season after season for quite a few years. Poor old Accrington Stanley, we feel UTS’s pain 😢

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon

I can empathise with your strop Cmoi, having been through a very long one of my own when I was getting over my everlasting bug. But now it’s gone and my running skies are as blue as can be, and so will yours! Seeing a little hedgehog would do it for me, now matter how cross I was feeling. Dear little fellow. 🦔❤️

Yes the weather has been picture perfect recently. Not too hot, no humidity and no biting bugs. This morning I did intervals up on the common and was surprised how fresh it was (🥶) in the wind. I soon warmed up though. Shorts all the way for me now. Leggings and even capris have been put away until autumn at the earliest. 👏👏

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

So good that you're back cheekychipmunks ! Could you supply the blue skies pronto please? Haven't run for days, and on Saturday am singing outdoors with choir at a choral festival 80km away, so would be nice not to get drowned.

Defiunitely agree with shorts - there again I'm usually in them as soon as temperatures get into double figures. Can't cope with being too hot when running!

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Hope you enjoy your choir festival Cmoi . It’s lovely singing outside isn’t it? But you definitely need nice weather - hope it reaches you in time. 🤞

I’m with you on not wanting to feel too hot whilst running. It’s horrid. 🥵

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingHalf Marathon

I’m in a weird place at the moment where the knee is still grumbling at longer runs. I’m not good at slow build and patience, but luckily my physio has given me some super distraction in that shorter, faster runs are better right now. I’m having a lot of fun with intervals and tempo runs, even though I’m missing the longer, chilled ones. Suddenly all the strength work I’ve had to do has made a difference to my pace though and it’s great seeing numbers on my watch that are a lot quicker than they used to be. There’s just enough encouragement from that to keep the spirits up!

Mojo is a funny, fickle friend. Hope yours comes back soon! It’s probably hiding up some crazy, steep trail! Get Jedi sniffing for it! ❤️

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toMissUnderstanding

Have you tried the 15 minute pre run hot water bottle treatment on your grumbling knee Miss U? Works for me.

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

That’s interesting-I haven’t heard of that. Thanks for sharing! My knee pain is due to issues at my hip with my IT band. My pre run warm up has expanded to try and activate the muscles that will stop it overworking. That seems to have helped, although I’m also doing a lot more strength and stretch so it’s hard to separate out which individual things are having an effect! The main thing I’m very pleased about is that whatever it is, things are improving. Everyone has been so lovely and supportive on here and I’m so appreciative of all the suggestions and encouragement ❤️

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toMissUnderstanding

Lots of hip exercises were prescribed for my knee problem too. One of the effects of the hip problem was knee pain. My physio said that 10/15 minutes of hot water bottle treatment on the patella, followed by a couple of minutes gentle manipulation, would help stimulate the flow of synovial fluid in the joint. WD40 on a rusty hinge was her metaphor! I always do it pre run now.

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Metric Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

wondering whether that would work on my groin?? might try it tonight just as I go to bed.. Im trying to gently massage ands stretch but heat may be worth a try!

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Metric Marathon in reply toMissUnderstanding

I seem to be a weird place too. Got a groin strain that visited me just before the 3peaks and is now back and refusing to go. So Im being sensible this week and not running Like you Im not good at being patient!!). I have been looking at doing more strength training though, as obviously have a weakness in that area.

Hope you continue to get stronger, that sounds really positive and must be so motivating!!💪😀

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingHalf Marathon in reply toHedgehogs123

How frustrating for you! Really hope it settles soon. I’ve definitely found having a different focus helpful-seeing strength improve is great and it’s so nice that on the limited runs I’ve done, I can really feel the difference. Long term this will end up having been a good thing. Not a very comfortable position to be now though!

Sending masses of good wishes your way for your recovery. Have you seen anyone like a physio? Mentally, the biggest thing that’s helped is knowing I’ve got a plan from someone who knows what they’re doing and all I need to do is follow it! ❤️‍🩹

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Metric Marathon in reply toMissUnderstanding

No I've not seen anyone so I guess I don't actually know it is groin strain. It's annoying because even when I'm not doing anything, so just sitting there's a constant ache, whereas when I run it's a sharp pain. It was absolutely fine when doing the three peaks which I must admit I did think it would flare up, but it didn't. However, it may just be overuse and I need to go back to the strength training. I know I have a weakness in one hip and the flexibility isn't as good on the same side as it was, and it's the opposite side that hurts, so it may have been over compensating.

Trying to be patient and not constantly looking at Strava to see what others are doing. Not ran since Saturday, so am being good!

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toMissUnderstanding

Very much hoping your knee behaves properly soon MissUnderstanding !

You're right about my mojo most likely being up some ridiculous trail. I quite often find that I do far better once I hit something more challenging, whether that's because of more demanding terrain or just because I don't know the route. Takes my mind off pace and adverse comparisons.

Jedi's in hidey mode a lot at the moment as he hates storms, too much crashing and booming. Will send him on mojo hunt once weather improves!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon

Hello Cmoi, I hope you are keeping well and the weather is as good as it is where I live in Central Scotland, it's a beautiful day with not a cloud in the sky, temperature is to be around 22C today and raising to around 26C later in the week.5 years ago to the day I ran run 3 of week 6, that's the run that your coach tells you at the end of the run that ".YOU ARE NOW OFFICIALLY A RUNNER ", this morning in the sunshine I went to that very same place but walked it, not ran as I didn't have my running clothes or running shoes with me, it brought back many happy memories, I am now sitting in my garden in the sunshine having lunch, I intend to run a 10K on Wednesday morning.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toAlMorr

Might need an early start on Wednesday Al. We have a North East wind here to keep the temperature down. Warmer up in the forest though.🙂

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

The 10K run will be a 07:45 start on Wednesday, that is 1 hour after I finish my breakfast, the temperature at that time will be about 11C and by the time I finish around 14C, however, by the afternoon at around 4 o'clock when I am sitting in the shade with an ice cold non alcoholic drink the temperature is expected to be 25C, I just hope no one will be running at that time.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toAlMorr

You have the job well organised Al. 👍

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

👍 🏃🏾

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toAlMorr

You're doing much better than l am AlMorr , I've not run since the weekend. We're still getting the same daily pattern of heat (upper 20s) and thunderstorms. The rain is much-needed though, especially by the farmers, and so far we've avoided the bad stuff - hail, floods, and mudslides - so it coulkd be much worse. Happy running to you!

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Thanks, Cmoi, I completed that 10K run on Wednesday morning in cool cloudy conditions, not the clear cloudless sky's of Saturday to Tuesday, the sun didn't come out until 2.15 pm so Wednesday was a bit cooler than I thought it would be, my 10K time was 1:12:43.

Frenc profile image
FrencHalf Marathon

I love the hedgehog! Isn’t nature wonderful. Well, not much to report on the running front, 5 more weeks until I’m hopefully back in the saddle but lots of physio exercises in the meantime. They look simple enough, but done properly, they’re pretty intense!

Enjoy your forest and all the little adventures that come with it 😊😊😊.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toFrenc

5 more weeks feels like a long time Frenc, but every exercise session is a step nearer. I am ok once I have a diagnosis in which I have confidence and an exercise schedule. Not like running, but much better than nothing.

Frenc profile image
FrencHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Thank you! It does seem like a long time, but I was a bit naughty yesterday and did a few 30s runs out on a walk. Boy do I feel out of shape 🤣. It felt ok though otherwise, but I’m going to wait the 5 weeks out!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toFrenc

Yep; otherwise you would be kicking yourself if the problem returned.👍

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toFrenc

Wishing you all the best for your recovery Frenc - sounds like things are going in the right direction.

I love being in the forest, so am definitely looking forward to getting back out there just as soon as the weather and my work (and other) commitments let me!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon

Hi Cmoi. This will be a quick post! I ran 10 miles this morning, but merciless Molly’s tail will fall off if we don’t set off for the cafe soon! I haven’t had my flat white fix yet; the cafe was full of day trippers when I finished my run…so I opted for a quick walk home, shower and soup before heading off with Molly on her walk.

I made a mess of this run. I got off to a bad start; I had to call at the shop to pick up a bottle of fruit isotonic drink. I intended to decant it into my drinks bottle and start my run from the shop. However, I found that the wind made me feel cold, so decided to walk home again to pick up a long sleeved shirt. Exit to start of run take 2; set my watch, switched on NRC, only to discover that I had left my headphones at home! Trail back home, pick up headphones and at last I was off.

I chose 10 miles, and thought that I would try to up the pace a bit. Then, Rookie Error; I ran the first 8 k too quickly…..I know that you are supposed to start off slow and make up time in the second half. In fact CB was at pains to point it out…..the second part of the run was tough. I walked/used as a drink break the worst hills. Oh, and just to rub it in, CB threw in a couple of fartleks late on! I could hear him thinking “that will teach him”. Quite right too.

But I did finish. Garmin time was 1:59: 53; NRC says 2:01:09. This was 7:32 pace which was better than my pre HM 7:48. Oh well, now for my Easy Walk ….Molly is talking to me!🙂

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Well if that's making a mess of a run Beachcomber66 I'd happily take it, distance, pace and all! You can keep Coach B though 😈

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

I have found some good stuff in there Cmoi….had to work at it though.

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Audio-coached runs just aren't my thing, I even swore at the sainted Laura during C25K!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Oh harsh Cmoi 🙂. She was just what I needed.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Only 133m total ascent Cmoi…that is as flat as a pancake to you!🙂

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Umm yes, 133m vertical is what I usually do over 5-6km round here, depending on which route I take!

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Horses for courses.👍

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon

Hi Cmoi. Reply 2 !Blue skies here, but there is a chill in the wind when you are not within the protection of the woods.It does feel good when people are complimentary about our runs. I recall one lady on the Isles of Scilly standing in the middle of the road applauding when I was running some of C25k on the Isles of Scilly. She made a point of telling me that is what she was doing. My first (probably only) standing ovation 🙂.

Forest are beautiful places to run; all of my runs are either in woodlands or pass through them some stage. It was a prime motivation of my starting to run. Running seemed to be the best way to enjoy the woods and get fit at the same time. We all have down days, but a run or walk in the forest is always restorative.

Old English Sheepdog posing in the woods.
cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Molly! ❤️ 👋 Flossie says hi. 😍

I agree about the chill in the wind today BC. I thought I’d made a massive clothing error when I began walking up the Common and realising it was buffeting me from the NE. Only a teeshirt and shorts felt a bit daft, but of course I soon warmed up, courtesy of Coach Chelsea. 🙏🏻

I love woodland running too, but the ones local to me are akin to scaling Mt Everest so I tend to save them for dog walks only. 🥵

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

I am lucky to have two long stretches of disused railway line, linked by a short (up hill) stretch of village road and farm track. Doing each rail section out and back gives me about 10 miles of mainly trail…… and a cafe finish of course.

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

"ones local to me are akin to scaling Mt Everest"

Distance and gradients please! 😜

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

I asked that for didn’t I Cmoi? 😂

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Reply 2 from me Beachcomber66 , just as late as the other one! Molly is just gorgeous, and unlike Jedi she's learnt the art of face-to-camera posing.

And that looks like a wonderful place to run too - is it one of your local routes?

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

That is part of the woodland I run through, but my main route is on the edge of the forest. I have done some in the forest in the last 12 months….but it is very steep. Running down hill is tough on the outside of the calves for some reason….although the stony/sandy surface creates lots of lateral movement, so that is probably another issue for the calves. Throw in my little cafe…I have am lucky to have all this a few minutes walk from the front door.

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon

Hi cmoi, I thought I would check in briefly here as I’m still struggling with covid. It’s completely wiped me out and I have zero energy for anything other than basic functioning. I thought I was getting better after the sore throat went but yesterday I felt awful again. I wish it would go away now. I’m bored of my bed! Today is my 8th day with it. Hopefully in the next two or three days 🤞 I need to get back to training and now I’m seriously worried about what effect this thing has had on my fitness.

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toRunBrianRun

I couldn’t like that RunBrianRun 😔

Hope you recover quickly.

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toRunWillie

Ha ha 😂 no worries. Thanks for the well wishes.

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toRunBrianRun

Should be out of your system soon Brian…should be testing negative any time. I was lucky; running again as soon as I was allowed out; probably knocked me back a couple of weeks in my HM plan. Hope you feel better soon.

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toBeachcomber66

Gosh I hope so. It’s been a right drag. I reckon about two weeks set back is manageable. I’ll just take it easy and focus on recovery for now. Races can wait. 👍

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toRunBrianRun

Sorry you're still feeling rubbish Brian. Every day is a day closer to full recovery and I’m sure you’ll test negative very soon.

Is your mum ok?

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

Hi IP, she’s fine and I’m so relieved about it. Thank you for asking.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toRunBrianRun

Great news 🙂

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply toRunBrianRun

Try to be patient. One day at a time? But huge sympathies to you, it must be unbelievably frustrating at this point in your season ☹️

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply tolinda9389

Thank you Linda. It’s rubbish this covid. Day 9 and I’m still positive. 😠 Feeling better though but weak.

It’s a strange thing. Each time I’m on the verge of a pb or fast time, something happens to set me back. It’s happened at least three times now. Weird. My mojo has run off and left without so much as a by your leave. I hope it turns up soon.

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply toRunBrianRun

Your mojo will be back!!! The other way of looking at it is that nothing ever keeps you down for long 💪😊

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toRunBrianRun

I'm liking that you've taken the trouble to contribute to the chat RunBrianRun , not that you're still clobbered by covid. I do hope you'll recover fully soon, as being out of action must be so frustrating, even without the added annotyance of the lousy timing.

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Not a lot else I can do tbh. I’ve kept myself isolated and it’s right boring. Day 10 surely will bring good news 🤞😬😅

cheekychipmunks profile image
cheekychipmunksHalf Marathon in reply toRunBrianRun

Oh Brian, surely it’s time for Covid to give you a break now. Hopefully you’ll be negative before long and you can start your gentle comeback to being speedy. 🤞 I hope you don’t get the post viral fatigue that plagued me for weeks. Legs like hollow drain pipes!

I’m so relieved to read that your mum escaped it. 🙏🏻❤️

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply tocheekychipmunks

It’s day 10 and still here 🙁 I just don’t understand why it’s hanging around. I’m really hoping I can get back to normality soon and hopefully not have that post viral fatigue you mention. I am feeling stronger today so hopefully I can get straight back to training without too much fatigue setting in.

It’s such a relief that mum escaped it. That was a close call.

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toRunBrianRun

Urgh, was hoping you'd be posting to say you'd finally tested negative Brian.

If it's of any remote help, a friend felt really rough for a couple of weeks when she had covid. However once she tested negative it cleared pretty quickly and she didn't get any post-viral symptoms. Hopefully yours will be gone for good soon!

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Hi Cmoi that’s actually cheered me up. Thanks. If I’m clear tomorrow I’ll go out for a gentle jog to see how things are. Actually I might go anyway and just avoid people. I’m sick of being indoors now.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon

Hi Cmoi and everyone 👋 what lovely photos! How cute is that hedgehog? 😍

The previous owners of our house told us there was a hedgehog in the garden but we’ve never seen any, much to my eternal disappointment ☹️ although this morning I spied a rat strolling along our patio wall as if it owned the place 😱

My running is a bit cloudy at the minute with patches of blue but that’s good because last week it was grey and dull.

I have been running with my newly conditioned orthotics (I returned to my original podiatrist) and so have done very short runs (2/3K to begin with) and today ran 5K. Whoop whoop. I still have a few knee niggles but that’s to be expected for a week or so and I’m hopeful this will settle down.

But the blue skies have come from a visit to a new physio who has diagnosed Piriformis Syndrome for my sore hip/back and it was aggravated by three days of almost constant sitting down. I always thought the Piriformis was right in the middle of the bum but no, it starts further up around the base of the spine and this is where I have always had issues with my back. She hit the exact spot - 😩 and released some tension and then gave me exercises to do. It’s already feeling much better.

Not related but I happened to mention it to her in passing 😂 she also showed me how to move my kneecaps as my right one is a bit stiff and they should be flexible.

I’m seeing her again next week but I’m praying that at last I’ve found the reason why my back has been my “Achilles heel” for some time 🤞

So, I’m running and I see more blue skies on the horizon 😎

Have a great week Cmoi and everyone xxx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply toIrishprincess

Fingers crossed IP xxx

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

Great news IP 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

RunBrianRun profile image
RunBrianRunHalf Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

Great news IP!

ForbiddenPlanet profile image
ForbiddenPlanetHalf Marathon in reply toIrishprincess

That's good to hear IP. Hope you have nothing but blue skies from now on.

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessAdministratorHalf Marathon in reply toForbiddenPlanet

We like blue skies 😍

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toIrishprincess

Oh that's fab news that things are looking up for you at last Irishprincess , thanks to that new physio! About time too - wishing you lots more happy, injury-free running!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toIrishprincess

That sounds really promising IP 🤞xx

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

I'm sorry your mojo is on it's own mission at the moment. I've got loads of mojo but a sore hip/leg and am therefore on a daily mission to resist said mojo 😍. One week of no running so far. Walks still niggle tho, so it's definitely not ready to run on. Life has been mad busy so I haven't had time to fit in any rides which would have helped.

Tomorrow we head off to Greece so it's going to be far harder to resist the urge to run, but I will try for as long as possible.

When we moved to this house (almost 30 years ago) hedgehogs used to keep us awake every night - I am not kidding! But we haven't heard or seen one for a very long time. I wondered if our dog was the reason?

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon in reply tolinda9389

An (even) older friend of ours has hedgehogs in her garden. She feeds them every night (she will have proper food for them) but gets into trouble from her neighbours as she is not as strong as she once was and she had a fall recently. There is no way she will abandon her prickly friends! She also receives visits from a golden pheasant who struts around the garden in early spring and early autumn. An animal whisperer!

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply tolinda9389

Thanks linda9389 , and sorry to hear about your hip/leg problems.

Ironically my mojo reappeared at 6am yesterday but had to be restrained as I was working as an examiner all day. By the time I was driving home the storms and heavy rain had kicked in again, so running was out of the question.

Have a marvellous time in Greece - what are temperatures like there right now? Will that keep your running urges under control?

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply toCmoi

Not too hot tbh.

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Metric Marathon

love the photos, is that a pic of hedgehog you took?? I ask because in my spare time one of my hobbies is I work for Hedgehog Welfare and so I take in poorly hedgehogs and adore them as they're sooooo cute. A run through the forest, so much better than running on boring roads!

Anyway onto the running , well the groin strain that I seemed to acquire a couple of weeks before the Yorkshire 3 Peaks has come back to haunt me. Maybe its because of all the hill training, something as you know I hadn't really done a lot of prior to training for the challenge. Maybe its a sign that I need to do more strength training for my hips and adductors, whichever it is, Im being sensible at the moment, gentle walking and some stretching and yoga but no running for this week. Trying to be patient which isn't usually a strong trait of mine!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon in reply toHedgehogs123

Right there with you!!!

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toHedgehogs123

Yes, Hedgehogs123 , I took that photo, and a couple of videos too. If I can get them uploaded onto Dropbox I'll share the link.

So sorry to hear that you've picked up an injury. Unfortunately it could well be from taking on the Yorkshire 3 Peaks without much experience of hills or trails. Those sorts of runs do have a habit of finding out any weak points, and I know from experience that it's all too easy to end up over-compensating and lop-sided. Hope you recover soon!

nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon

A Bonsai Ent? Don't be too hasty to categorise yourself. (Haroom hum!)

Having listened to the BBC Radio adaptation from the early 1980s, Treebeard will always have the voice of Stephen Thorne (also Omega in Dr Who, and Uncle Mort).

My own weekend plans got thrown off the tracks late on Saturday evening with the onset of a tummy bug which started as stomach cramps and had my GI tract deciding that it wanted emptying ASAP about 2am on the Sunday. I didn't get much sleep and was wiped out for much of Sunday and Monday.

A tentative short run today, concerned about how the jiggling would affect my still-tender guts. It went OK but I wouldn't have wanted a longer run just in case the potential slight discomfort turned into sudden "urgency". Thankfully, it didn't.

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply tonowster

I'm going by Google images of bonsai ents nowster , but will bow to your superior knowledge!

Sorry to hear your weekend plans got thwarted - hope you're back to full speed now?

nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon in reply toCmoi

Almost back to normal. The tummy is still a bit tender and I'm eating normally.

There's either a bug going round (a friend in the amateur dramatics group was down with similar yesterday) or the small quiche I cooked from frozen on Saturday afternoon had been in the freezer for too long.

Today's run was a 2 miler in the evening sun and I was fine after it.

ForbiddenPlanet profile image
ForbiddenPlanetHalf Marathon

Hi  Cmoi (and everyone). That's a beautiful and very natural looking forest! 😍

I heard on the radio yesterday (while out for a run 😀) that London has more trees than people, which is kind of wonderful, though I feel we don't have enough natural forests, anymore, of the kind you maybe have in abundance over in France?

Today I clocked 302 km running during May, which I guess is my main running thing this week. Been aiming for 300 km in a month for a while, though a sore foot killed it in April and made it look doubtful in May.

I think that kind of distance suits me so hopefully I may repeat it, but time will tell ...

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toForbiddenPlanet

Good grief, 302km in a month  ForbiddenPlanet ? That's a serious amount of running, I can't imagine getting anywhere near that!

There are way, way more trees than people where I live! The forest is on our doorstep and is mostly used for timber production, as well as agricultural purposes and hunting.

Apparently in 2021 France had 17.1 million hectares of forest, covering 31% of the French mainland. More info here: inventaire-forestier.ign.fr.... However last year's fires destroyed huge areas - 62,000 hectares had burned by late August, which was very scary for all sorts of reasons.

ForbiddenPlanet profile image
ForbiddenPlanetHalf Marathon in reply toCmoi

Thanks Cmoi . I had a look on Strava at other folk who got the same badge for 300 km in May. Wowser - I am nothing in comparison! 🤣 There are some incredible athletes out there. 1600 km! 😀

That website link looks fascinating, and something to explore - thank you! 🙏

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toForbiddenPlanet

I've given up on Strava badges, challenges and clubs - with one exception - because they put me under too much pressure. The exception is a trail running group where running 1500m vertical a week will rarely get you into the top ten. As I know from the outset I can't compete, I can happily bimble about instead!

nowster profile image
nowsterMetric Marathon in reply toForbiddenPlanet

Over 300km? Wow! That's averaging a little over 10km per day.

Even when doing RED January I've only ever hit the 200km target on Strava.

ForbiddenPlanet profile image
ForbiddenPlanetHalf Marathon in reply tonowster

Quite a lot of very gentle jogging to get me there; nowhere as fast as your good self!

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toForbiddenPlanet

Just…Wow!! That’s amazing FP, well done!

ForbiddenPlanet profile image
ForbiddenPlanetHalf Marathon in reply toTailChaser

Congrats on your 5K a day in May TC! 👍 I had to sneak in a few rest days. 🤣

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon

I can’t decide whether to write a post or not but I probably won’t have time to keep up with replies, so just to say: I did it! 5k a Day in May ticked off, with a bonus 200k Strava distance badge due to the 10k trail races and the HUHM and topping it up this week, somehow (not quite ForbiddenPlanet standard 😅 but only the second time I’ve got it). Very proud of my creaky little body, it never ceases to surprise me what it puts up with. You don’t find these things out unless you give it a go, do you? I suppose I should write my marathon plan now 😬

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Metric Marathon in reply toTailChaser

You should be very proud too, well done!! 🤗

ForbiddenPlanet profile image
ForbiddenPlanetHalf Marathon in reply toTailChaser

Fantastic going TailChaser ! 😀 As for me? I cheated by taking rest days! 🤣

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toForbiddenPlanet

I’m going to cheat in June too 🤣

RunWillie profile image
RunWillieMarathon in reply toTailChaser

Well done TailChaser 😍

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toRunWillie

Thanks RW 🤗

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon

Congratulations TailChaser ! Re the marathon plan, can't you just use the same one you had before and pick up wherever in it?

TailChaser profile image
TailChaserMarathon in reply toCmoi

Thank you Cmoi 🙏 No, I wish I could but that was a beginner’s plan and I only ran 3 or 4 times a week. This time I need to make sure I’m a bit faster or I won’t easily make the 6 hour cut off, so I’m adapting the LM intermediate plan. I’d like to chop at least 20 minutes off London.

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon in reply toTailChaser

Ah yes, I forgot about the cut-off time. Yet another thing that puts me off races!

Cmoi profile image
CmoiMarathon

Apologies for the often short and random replies to your posts on this thread. I've been online much less than usual this week, due to a combination of work and personal commitments, and stormy weather disrupting internet and phone networks.

Anyway, for anyone interested (special mention for  Hedgehogs123 ) I hope I've finally managed to upload the hedgehog photos and videos to Dropbox: dropbox.com/sh/hc09292li12g...

Hedgehogs123 profile image
Hedgehogs123Metric Marathon in reply toCmoi

Awww gorgeous! We are sadly getting in a lot of hedgehog road casualties and garden incidences, especially with strimmers 😱🦔

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