Another Monday, another weekly chat. What, already?! Yes, once again this is your chance to let us know how your running’s going, and to catch up with your VRBs.
It was great to see so many diverse replies to Linda’s post last week about a potential name change for this forum. The admin team is still pondering both the title and associated “About” blurb - in fact these have been through so many redrafts that we’ve lost count! We do want to make it clear, though, that the idea is to retain the forum’s focus on longer distances and competitive events, while making it more approachable and welcoming to those who are looking for other ways to have fun running.
My idea of that’s in the photo: 4.63km with 192m vertical on uneven, muddy, grassy, branch-strewn forest trails, accompanied only by birdsong and (less romantically) the distant sound of tree-felling. There certainly weren’t any medals or PBs, and predictably Garmin hated it, but I returned home injury-free, having enjoyed the run and challenged myself just a little.
What’s your idea of running fun, and how’s your running going at the moment? Tell us all in the comments!
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Cmoi
Marathon
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Good morning Cmoi. That is pretty rough terrain, so much respect!
At present I have a short run route and a long run route, both with frequently used variations and an overriding common factor…..they all finish within staggering distance of the cafe! There are options to do more hilly routes, but for the past 9 months my hilliest track(the long run trail) is only 136m Total Ascent. My running is mainly trail with some joining footpaths/ village roads, and all skirting or within forest. So I start from a position of “What’s not to like?”
I enjoy the whole thing really, but I like to mix things up. Forgetting about being IC for the minute, lately I have really taken to intervals on short runs. I love the feel of haring along, feeling 50 years younger…knowing that I won’t be doing that pace long enough to do any damage. On long runs, satisfaction comes from steadily increasing distance and even more steadily increasing pace. The air is clean, the seasons present different backdrops, the forest throws up surprise encounters with birds and animals and, for the most part, people I encounter are really friendly and on some occasions encouraging. Top that off with a flat white and brownie finish……I don’t see what else I could ask for.
I really enjoy RB meet ups. They don’t happen very often, but maybe next year will be better in that respect. Too much serious stuff to do this year.
I also love my annual Isles of Scilly runs, but I am still IC following my fall last week. I was frog marched to the Island Minor Injuries Unit this morning, just in case my knee had become infected. They found slight signs of that, but the hospital just washed things out and redressed it…no honey this time! Mrs BC is content, which is the important thing. 🙂
Glad to hear you are being well looked after Beachcomber66 . I hope your dressings don’t stop you doing the things you like to do on the Isles of Scilly. Could be some interesting sun tan lines.
The medic put a transparent covering on my knee and that was it; maybe it lets UV through. Not that it matters! I hope to fit in a run sometime next week….just need these ribs to behave themselves.
I must apologise Beachcomber66 , I'd gathered you were injured but don't think I ever got round to wishing you well. Sounds like you're now on the road to recovery, which is good news.
Lovely description of all your running, particularly the haring along bit - you make it sound such fun.
Hope you'll be fully mended soon and can get out there again!
Thanks Cmoi. It will be at least another week I am afraid. My rib cage took a big knock and there is nothing they can do about that. I just have to wait. Doing some lovely walks though.
Here’s to that meetup in 2024 BC! You said it first! 😀
Enjoy the Isles, and hopefully you’ll be off that IC in time to enjoy some lovely runs there. I’m glad Mrs BC is happy too.
I’m with you on the loving intervals nowadays. Although without a ‘finish line’ of knowing how long we’re expected to be whizzing along for, courtesy of one of the excellent NRC coaches, I doubt if I’d ever do them. I know how many strides I do per 30 seconds, a minute etc, and count down! Works for me. 😅
I am lazy! I like being spoon fed with start now, stop now…this is your pace for this run etc…I can just focus on keeping going. Having the data for each interval clearly presented is good too.
I love your photos Cmoi. Running in that forest must be so refreshing on hot, sultry days. And I don’t know how you get such elevation without giving it a second glance?
Running and fun… now I know it exists as a concept and it does happen occasionally but… hmm… two extremes for me I think: running with the best playlist away from traffic and people but then also running with thousands of like minded people (including V & ARBs!) with support shouting from all angles!
I thought it would be fun to do a half marathon yesterday with no preparation. It’s the badges and the thought that I could do a HM a month this year. So Katnap and I did it and are now both very creaky. Still, it ran off Saturdays pizzas and we could justify a good Father’s day carb recovery 😋
The only thing about our forest on evening runs is that it can involve a game of “dodge that fly swarm”. They don’t bother my tough old hide much, but you do see people with a few bites. Need to run faster!!
Run with me some more Dexy5 , I’ll bet good money on the fact that they’ll bypass you and feast on me. I dislike them intently, and that’s from someone who loves all creatures. Bugs can make my life a misery. 🦟🦟🦟🦟
Me too Dexy. I once got a horse bite on my bum through shorts! Cheeky so-and-so 🙀 Well, I was bending down in the garden so it had a bullseye target 😂
I have been “testing” a new way of putting on insect repellant though. A chemist in Italy told me to put it only on the pulse points, not all over. So, behind the ears, on the neckline, behind the knees, etc. So far, it seems to be working for me and I haven’t been bitten once so far whereas normally I’d have been bitten several times already. The jury’s still out but if I can get to the end of summer without a bite then I can say this experiment has worked for me.🤞
Do you mean a horse fly bite IP? They are so painful and having one on your behind does not bear thinking about! That repellent advice sounds very interesting, do let us know how it goes.
Ooh that may be worth trying, I seem to be a really target for mozzie bites, got loads and like you they seem to get through clothes. I had a nasty bite from a horsefly a few years ago, and it was awful got really badly infected. Then just as it healed I got another bite, equally back, right under my arm pit, Horrible things and so painful.
I remember that ...and my one,( Horse FLY on my leg... and you did all the research on how the horseflies hate bright colours!!! Hence me looking like a seaside deckchair when I head out x
It did...turned into cellulitis but, the size of the antibiotics got me over my fear of swallowing tablets. I'd have swallowed a cricket ball, my leg itched so much!!!
I think we should all go up to Scotland together and see who gets eaten the most 🤣 I had three chomp marks around my right ankle last week but thankfully they didn’t flare up, just itchy.
".Best place" to be eaten alive by midges is the Western Highlands of Scotland in the month of August, there are swarms of them especially first thing in the morning and in the evening.
Take my advice Dexy, the best time of the year to visit the Scottish Highlands is the month of May, I was there in May many years ago, no midges at all, a few years before that my then girl friend parents invited me to go on holiday with them in August, the weather was beautiful but we were eaten alive by midges.
There aren't many hospitals in the West Highlands, many people who live there are complaining that they have to travel long distances to get to Inverness or Fort William, even to give birth can be a problem for some women, so May is the best time to avoid midges for a holiday in the Scottish Highlands, perhaps also later in September or October as well.
Thanks TailChaser . Yes, the forest was a deliberate choice as it was so hot and sticky, and this time the logging machine was actually being used so not blocking the path, as per my last attempt.
As for elevation, I've got a reasonable idea now of what different route options round here are like, so I make choices as I go! If I'm running from home it's rare for me ever to do less than 90m elevation in a run, just because of where we live, so I'm used to it. It's never fast though!
Congratulations to you and Katnap on the spontaneous HM! I've never trained for one, being too lazy, I just run what I feel up to. Really should be building back to longer distances more often I guess, it's just that they take so long!
You’re not slow though Cmoi. Much as I love a hill, I really do admire how you do it.
Time is a funny one these days. It’s ‘only’ 30 mins, or, it’s ‘only’ an hour for 5ks and 10ks, and now it’s ‘only’ 2.5 hours fora HM… very odd how my brain now handles distance. Shame my body doesn’t handle it as easily.
That's really kind of you, but I'm slower than I was. Have got into the habit of just keeping going without ever really attempting to increase pace. Plus I'd rather challenge myself by running something steeper or more technical than by trying to run faster.
Totally agree with the "only" thing. It's not the case now, but when I was training for the trail marathon I found myself saying "Oh it's only a HM." Can we be odd together, please?
Returning home injury free is always a bonus, I'm not a trail runner and have no nearby hills so mainly run on the flat but see the appeal after yesterday's run. Your photos are stunning, 🥰As to the name change, I do like the one we have 🤣, I'm not very imaginative, I had a dog called Sheba and a cat called Tiger (see what I mean about unimaginative) but do like that this forum is a mine of information for those who for some reason have the desire to run longer distances.
Never had a problem with Tigers. Our daughter had dog call snowy, which was fine, save for the fact it was brown…reckoned nobody could dognap him by calling his name because no one would be able to guess it! I blame the parents.
Thanks Dexy, I've done it before but not often and never that far or starting from home 2k done before I was on the trails, it might have been the river if the car wasn't in the garage waiting for a part! It's just the most beautiful peaceful place to be, I will be going more often I think
That’s a great challenge and perfectly doable. I used to cycle them and it was quite tricky because I’d go so slowly I’d start wobbling too much but then I daren’t stop cos I wouldn’t be able to get going again! Running up them is a different skill set and you can have a breather 😅
They are very narrow and rutted in places so slow is the only way to go, every time a bike passed me I thought I'd love to cycle, and had to stop myself going out to buy a bike,
You should! It’s amazing once you get to the top and cycle off to Chanctonbury Ring, then down to Amberley. We did the whole lot one year, from Eastbourne to Winchester, took 4 days but it was a great experience.
Thanks SueAppleRun - taking photos is always a good excuse for a break! Though on Saturday those muddy bits were barely runnable, too oozy and slidey.
As for this forum's current name, I'm not a fan. To me it only reflects a part of what it's about, which could put off potential - and current - members. How many people aren't joining or are lurking but not posting because they think they're not good enough, or have nothing interesting to say? HU stats suggest that it could be quite a few, which seems a great pity to me.
Hello Cmoi , it’s looks like I’m going to be first to start the ball rolling today, although I am watching the tennis on the TV at the same time, so someone could sneak in during play.
Having run a tourist parkrun in a nearby town at the weekend, I had a nice easy run along the promenade in the company of Dina Asher-Smith this morning. Not at her usual sprinting pace! There was a little cloud to give respite and an onshore breeze.
I am just going to do a few taper runs during the rest of the week to save energy for Sunday’s 10k race .
I think we are at the opposite ends of the spectrum as far as running fun is concerned. I prefer flat runs and I love to be in the company of others. I feel very privileged that I can run along the sea front where there is always something going on to catch my eye and raise a smile. I laugh when doing Funky Fartleks with the NRC Coach Bennett, not knowing what speed he is going to ask me to run next, or for how long.
No need to apologise SueAppleRun . You are of course entirely correct about the excellence of Dexy5 's photo, but your original description was so funny!
Many, many years ago I was waiting to fax a document, idly reading a colleague's press release as it was going through the machine. I suddenly hit stop and cancelled the whole thing. She wasn't best pleased until I explained that she was inadvertently inviting the city's media to "Does your mother know? a pubic exhibition."
Oh those naughty VRBS Dexy5 , they did indeed sneak in before you!
Yes, our idea of running fun is very different. However, if I'd taken up running when I still lived in the UK I can imagine that we'd be much more similar. My approach is very strongly influenced by where I live and when I started running, i.e. immediately after France's first covid lockdown. I still wouldn't cope well with audio-coached runs though.
If you can spare any cooling vibes btw they'd be most welcome!
My idea of ultimate running fun is pootling along slowly in crisp (not hot, not cold) weather, on well maintained trails with my dog. I also love running in races and up hills and on the flat, and I even fit into the rarified category of someone who enjoys the treadmill at the gym so I can watch people (I’d never want a home one 🥱). All I don’t enjoy is a full on ‘stop you in your tracks’ headwind. I pretty much love all running except for that really!
I get the most satisfaction from conquering a hill. Ashton Court PR still gives me that feeling, but I’m a long way from whizzing up it like some do. How do they do that? I also had the same feeling at Lyme Park, and the feeling of coming down the other side is second to none. 💪
Intervals (maybe fartlek; I haven’t decided which yet) next on W1R2 of my HM plan. But which pretty coastal route shall I take tomorrow? I love holiday runs too! 😀
You've chosen your destination well cheekychipmunks , Finistère seems to be one of the very few parts of France that isn't actually under storm warnings for the next few days! Hope it stays that way.
It's fabulous that you can find running fun in so many ways, though to me a well-maintained trail is an oxymoron! Also, a stupid but genuine question re the gym - isn't it horribly noisy? Or maybe it's just gyms round here that pump out horrendous "music" at a volume that can be heard from the other side of the street or car park.
Yes, the forecast is looking good for the next couple of weeks Cmoi . There have been a few rain showers, some heavy but very short lived. Sunny and warm apart from those. 🙏
When I say well maintained trails, I don’t need pristine and groomed of course! It’s just that it annoys me hugely when they’re overgrown as I don’t like being caught by a bramble or tickled by very long grass (hay fever!)
I wear headphones at the gym, mostly for NRC purposes. They do play music, but it’s never really bothered me. I’m nosey and like to watch the gym bunnies and swimmers - it passes the time nicely. 😀
Fear not, we kept plenty here too Dexy. Wednesday's started just before 4.00am and continued until just before 5.00am (it woke me and I couldn't get back to sleep), then we had shorter versions later in the morning, afternoon, and evening!
I don't even know what HRV is 🤔 MHR's evil twin? A cousin of VO2Max? Holiday Recreational Vehicle? Hasta la RunWillie Vista? Or simply Happy Running on Vacation, which is what I wish you.
(In the hope that this is a leisure trip, of course. If it's got a more serious purpose, then I wish you Bon Courage !)
Dawned on me as I was typing that you can't really pop over to Europe just on a whim. Hugs xxx
(PS Blame my parents for the playing with initials thing. That's how they kept us occupied on long car journeys, and how they taught us to remember family car number plates. Though my scientist father's idea of a good way for under-10s to memorise BTU was British Thermal Units.)
I love your photos, they always look so peaceful and inviting. I also really like the concept of how you run for You and no one else, not for bling not for time not for pace. That must take so much pressure off. I started to enjoy being out on the trails and tackling hills whilst training for the 3peaks. However I still have that groin strain just reminding me it's still there. I'm also struggling currently with my feet which is getting really frustrating. I have arthritis in both balls of my feet, probably from years of ballet ,dance and gymnastics, and when I get a glare up, it just hurts to run full stop.
So I'm struggling a bit with my running at the moment. Recovery seems to be taking longer, I don't feel I'm getting stronger and wonder whether I've hit the so called plateau, where nothing seems to change.
I enter races and love the excitement of being part of it, but it has got quite competitive in our running club now, where everyone gets concerned about PBs even at Parkrun ad well as races. Having said that, Im nearly 20 years older than most of my running buddies and as much as I'd like to be as fit as I was at their age, I do sometimes have to remind myself of that fact!
Guess I need to mix things up a bit, a bit of trail running, some hills thrown just to test me, some intervals etc. What does anyone do when they feel they've hit a plateau??🤔
In those circumstances I do exactly what you said in your final paragraph! I run on my own, at my pace and and go for the classic 2 short runs per week, including intervals/ tempo runs/ fartleks and one easy paced long run. The free NRC HM plan is my current guide. The fact that the app shoulders the load in terms of telling me when to start an interval and when to stop, which of my paces to choose etc makes everything feel relaxed …. all I have to do is carry out instructions and run! I feel less stressed and soon get back to enjoying my runs, and come back a bit more streetwise and ….with a bit of extra zip.
Yes that sounds a sensible way to approach it. I will do that. Thanks. That's the power of this forum, so much support and a place where you can voice how you're feeling about your running.thank you.🙏
Thanks Hedgehogs123 , and very sorry to hear you're struggling.
While I'd agree in principle with mixing things up a bit, are you sure that you've hit a plateau? From everything you say I wonder if it's over-training that's the problem, and it's rest that you need, not more challenge. You mention chronic arthritis in your feet, you were running with a strapped ankle not so long ago, you're carrying a groin strain, and you're trying to compete with people nearly 20 years younger.
I'd be the last person to tell you to give up in the face of difficulties (my dead mum would come back and haunt me if I did) but perhaps it'd be a good idea to be a bit kinder to yourself.
Remember, though that you've already achieved such a lot, and that absolutely nobody goes out and gets a new PB every time they run.
As for my own approach, you're right: I've consciously decided I don't want running to be yet another thing where I have to go out and ACHIEVE. Of course, that makes me a freak in most runners' eyes, but I've spent far too much of my life feeling that pressure and I've had enough of it.
It doesn't make you a freak at all, it actually says a lot about your strength as a person, and that the only person that defines you is you, and that is really how it should be!
Thank you for your wise and kind words, they are always appreciated.💝
There is more to running than running! This holiday got off to a bad start! I got off the ferry, walked to our favourite cafe for flat white and Italian delicacies and found the premises empty……..the thump of my bottom lip hitting the ground was probably picked up on seismometers on the mainland.! Devastating …..Cafe culture is a big part of my running life!
Donning deerstalker and picking up my magnifying glass I investigated ….and found that the business had merged with another and was operating from another Island. So we jumped on a boat yesterday; 20 minutes on the water,20 minute walk and there she was with a big hug ….plus flat white and ricciarelli. The first coffee didn’t touch the sides…the second was savoured…definitely the best flat white I have ever tasted 😋It will taste even better post run if I can moving next week…come on leg and ribs ….we need to get out there !
Comfeel plus comes off tomorrow night. Ribs feel much better, so all headed in the right direction. Mrs BC is on guard …..no chance I will be able to run for a while without repercussions……easier to be very sensible 😉
thanks Cmoi 🙂. I shouldn’t have called it a “race” as it’s a fun run. It could end up being more of a walk as my niece hasn’t run since the same event last year. I’m running beforehand with the kids though which should be more of a dash 🙂
Hello 👋 that looks a lovely place to run - cool -which definitely wins in this heat! I find exploring new routes exciting and if I go to bed with the new route in mind it makes me more determined to get out and run it! The thing that stops me is confidence but I'm getting better at just going for it! I would love to find more off road trails but also am very lucky to have many beautiful and quiet country lanes. I have learned to love the hills, which used to be a big factor for me deciding a route- now I just run walk them! I quite often drive a route and think I'd like to run this road so I do. Happy running everyone!
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