For those in the UK, I hope that Storm Ashley didn’t cause too much havoc. Apart from those of you who were due to run the Great South Run of course and then couldn’t ☹️ Such a disappointment for you all. And no VRB meet up either 😢 What are you going to do with all that training? I see the organisers aren’t offering a virtual option so far, so what next for you?
Anyone else with cancelled events? Tell us about it and we can all sympathise together. Maybe you didn’t have a race but the storm prevented you from going for a run. It wasn’t too bad here in the South West but I still didn’t get out because I’ve got Covid ☹️ and feel horrible.
Ironically, I’m just back from a fab week away in Rhodes, relaxing and not doing much at all, eating lots of healthy, gorgeous food, tons of Vitamin D, great sleep. And what does my body do? Catch ruddy Covid 🤬 I thought it was a cold but then tested yesterday just in case and there it was. Grrrrr. Now, I’m trying to stay away from Mr IP as much as possible. He’s never had it and I don’t want to be the one to give it to him. And sods’s law, I was booked to get my jabs today so obviously had to cancel that. Extra grrrs from me 😡
Anyway, I’ll recover and then it’ll be back to a routine again. I did manage three runs on the treadmill while I was away and my knee was happy, so I’m itching for a return soon to my gorgeous arboretum to wallow in all the autumn splendour 🍁
I don’t run to heart rate or check my stats or anything like that, but one thing I did notice on my 30 minute treadmill run is that I was able to run the whole time without opening my mouth to breathe. Is that good? I’ve never thought about it before but the treadmill was in front of a mirror and I had nothing else to look at …🤣 But I felt pretty pleased about it because I think it suggests a certain level of fitness 😇 Not scientific at all but it’ll do for me.
Ok, that’s my news, over to you for yours. What’s been happening in your running world? Bring us up to date and tell us everything.
Whatever you’re up to, running or not, have a great week y’all.
From your team, linda9389 , Beachcomber66 and me xxx
Good morning pals. Firstly, oh no IP, Covid?Hope it’s short lived and you don’t feel grotty for too long. 🤞
As regards me, this will contain no running content as I haven’t run a step since PR over a week ago! Hope that’s allowed!
This week NEEDS to be better than last. Nothing went right, ranging from minor irritations like our new oven being delivered, but unable to be installed due to reasons far too dull to mention here, to the GSR being cancelled. Plus there were multiple minor things in between.
But topping all that was my running buddy, Flossie. She’d done something to her knee a couple of weeks ago. The vet assumed it was a sprain, but upon poking and prodding, she feared she’d ruptured her cruciate ligament, hence X-rays were recommended. She had those last Monday under general anaesthetic.
We were fully preparing for her to need an op which wasn’t great, as she’s 12.5 years old, but when the hospital vet called, it was way worse. They found her opposing knee was compromised too, meaning no operation was possible. The matter of fact hospital vet gave me “the talk” which came out the blue and floored me entirely. Luckily Mr Cheeky offered to pick her up and was able to be far less emotional about the whole situation.
Cutting a long nail biting story short, I’m overjoyed (albeit cautiously) to announce that the painkillers she was prescribed by her usual vet, along with total rest (no walks, no coming upstairs, no jumping on the sofas) have worked a treat, and she appears almost back to normal - cold nose, waggy tail, limping way less, happy, eating. 🙏 She may need physiotherapy, or she may not, but honestly if she hadn’t injured her knee, we’d never have known about the other side as she hasn’t appeared lame at all.
So now I’m much more positive. Running? Don’t care at the moment. I’ll get back to the gym this week at some point, but I’m not heading up on the common without my friend.
So apologies for offloading, but Flossie is an integral part of my running and my heart wasn’t in it last week. ❤️
Our furry friends are very resilient aren’t they cheeky? Like young children; they take a real dip when they are ill or injured, but they bounce back very quickly. Molly sends lots of ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ to you all.
Thank you Beachcomber66 . This came out of the blue. One day walking normally, the next day on 3 legs and her daily routine has changed immeasurably, at least for now. She’s doing well though, and is otherwise happy and waggy. She says thank you to Molly for her good wishes. 🥰
Flossie is part of your family cheekychipmunks , and the news could just as well been about your children. Really pleased that it sounds like she is feeling better and hope she can heal with the rest and TLC. Give her a pat from us.
Don’t worry, I’ve run very little too because of my cold but hope to get out once I’ve checked the weather. 😂
I do hope your dog perks up soon and you’re able to get out for a walk 🙂
The dog I walk has an abscess on his paw and was very sad indeed last week. I was praying for a warm spell which would encourage him to want to go out. They’re such a worry when they’re not well 😐
They really are misswobble , especially as Flossie has had next to no health worries since we brought her home as a tiny 8 week old pup. She’s doing well though, and I’m hoping we can introduce little walks again at some point. We have to be very careful with her leg. 🤞🤞
I hope your doggie pal’s abscess is improving. They hurt like crazy. ☹️
Thank you aliboo70 . A total shock. I thought she’d been bitten or stung by something as she yelped when it happened. Surgery would likely have fixed it, but with her other compromised leg (who knew?) that’s a decision Mr Cheeky and I decided not to take. It would have been too much for a pup of her age. Anyway, she’s doing well, so no matter how long it takes, we’ll help her heal. ❤️
Oh, poor Flossie cheekychipmunks - so glad that she is feeling better after the meds and rest. Our pets are so important and such a part of the family, aren’t they? Healing vibes heading her way..✨🐾✨🐾✨🙂
Thanks JonathanP . We’re seeing improvements daily. She’s still not sound on that leg, but it’s a long process waiting for the joint capsule to heal around the ruptured ligament. She’s happy though. ❤️
Aw, Munks. My heart was in my mouth at the start of that and then much relief at the end.
That must have been such a worry for you all. Everything affects our running and so there’s no need to apologise for offloading. We know that Flossie is your running buddy and so if she is under par then of course that is going to affect your running.
I’m so pleased she’s on the mend. And that does sound like a horrible week. I hope this week is much better and that you will be able to head out for a gentle jogette soon.
You’re right Irishprincess , running is dependent on many things, and I knew I didn’t feel like it last week. It took a huge back seat making sure Flossie was ok, and *touch wood* she’s doing really well. ❤️
So whilst I was disappointed the GSR didn’t go ahead, and Mr Cheeky had volunteered to stay home with her, it’s probably for the best. I’m doing my virtual GSR on Sunday, so in true Cheeky fashion I’m going to make my come back run 10 miles! I’ve run a total of 5k since my HM on 6/10! I think I’ll need to take Jeff with me on this occasion though …..
Oh! Such a better current situation than it sounded like when I started to read. Aw ... I can imagine there is plenty of TLC around. I had no idea that she was 12½ years. Get well soon Flossie. Heres a bone for you as I don't imagine you appreciate flowers 🦴
So sorry to hear about the Covid, but at least you got a nice holiday in first. I guess it was on the plane or in the hotel. I wish you a speedy recovery .
Well what a week that’s been! Recovering from an awful cold, I got a couple of taper runs in (with the usual pre-race niggles) and was puffing like a train with mouth wide open. 😂
Then the weather forecasts changed daily, looking worse each time, firstly for our pink wave starting at 11:27, but then catching all waves as it was forecast to get worse earlier.
Poor GSR couldn’t please everyone. Some complained they should have cancelled earlier so people didn’t lose money on hotels. Some moaned that they shouldn’t cancel until the day when it was to be held and based on actual weather. Some felt it should still go ahead. I felt they got it right, when it was clear the weather forecast had not improved on Saturday, it was cancelled in the interest of safety, not just for the runners , but all those involved.
It was the last thing Great Run would have wanted, they have lost a lot of money on this race.
But I’m so sorry we couldn’t meet up with our running buddies. .
On Sunday I was in limbo and just couldn’t relax so I called Oldgirlruns and in full waterproofs we went out to the sea after the worst had passed.
There were lots of runners out doing their virtual 10 miles at a time of their choosing, but without all the volunteers and race team who would have been out in that awful weather for over 8 hours.
My photo is not loading again, it just seems to be this forum. OK on the bridge.
You're right Dexy. The organisers can’t please everyone but it sounds as if they made the right decision in the end. After all, safety should be the main concern here.
Your walk with OGR sounds just the thing, definitely one to chase away (hopefully) the last of your cold.
That’s weird about your photo. Have you kept HUAdmin updated about the issue?
I was going to wear a mask on the plane and then decided not to. But I think from now on I will as I seem to be susceptible to catching this on flights! I might also have got it from the life saver at the pool who had some similar symptoms and then kept coming up to chat to me!
yes it doesn’t recognise my photo as the right format but it comes straight from my library as always and Brett confirmed it was ok when I sent him one. This is the first rejection for a few weeks.
GSR announced we could submit virtual times to them to get a medal and T-shirt, as well as defer or refund, so that has pleased everyone.
Speedy recovery. I’ve had my covid jab but need to get the flu one now.
Hi IP. Covid-19 grrrrrrrrr!! You are so fit that your body will fight it off soon.❤️
I think that I have said enough about GSR; it had to be cancelled and we move on I guess. It would have been a lovely occasion/meet up though. I think the tension around the “will it happen or not” didn’t help, but that was largely self generated; looking at weather maps and forecasts and searching for the slenderest grounds for optimism. A touch of que sera sera might have been better 🙂
I didn’t really train specifically for the GSR; I was training to run long anyway, apart from a bit of a taper over the last two weeks, so I can just slip back into that. I have felt a lot stronger and fitter over the last couple of months; that is a win anyway. Have a wind free week everyone!
Feeling much better today BC but haven’t tested yet. It takes about a week for me to test negative so by Thursday I should be tickety boo.
Your running is going so well these days and so you can just carry on from where you were. Whatever you're doing seems to be working! What’s the next long run distance?
It is 4 weeks since I did a HM, so that must be the next target, probably not next week though. The sensible thing to do would be to cut back on pace on long runs and just concentrate on getting the distance. Chasing PBs week after week usually doesn’t end well, for me anyway. Pushing beyond HM distance? Maybe winter is a bit too close for that ? We will see. Exercises and stretches required now 👍
Hello Beachcomber, I have not been keeping up with the forum, but that you are feeling lot stronger and fitter over the last couple of months has reached even me! I am sure you trotted along to another HM distance run as if was just so easy! Astounding! Here's to continuing injury free happy running 😊🏃🏻♂️
Thank you >61. It’s the NTC stretches and strength programme alongside the marathon plan which have really helped…strengthening each leg individually and improving flexibility. I hope to get my HM under 2h 30m next time. This “running faster without increasing effort” really works.
For the moment I feel very happy to be running without pain and so perhaps I can indulge in some intervals without a problem. You surely vary your effort when running intervals?
I do vary effort when running intervals. On long runs, I take the first third easy, the second third faster, but maintain effort ( which really means a slightly longer stride length) and the third third ….I see, or rather feel, what I have left in the tank! With repeat running in this way you become able to feel that effortless change of pace, and it certainly shows on your watch. Credit goes to CB!
Effort less change of pace! Shakes head marvelling at the words!
I just enjoyed CB on the Next Speed Run. My watch was in one of its nonsense moods saying I ran at a silly heart rate including 109% of my maximum. Both knees seem happy. I hope they are still happy tomorrow. After 4 months without interval runs, oh it really is such fun! 😊🏃🏻♀️
🙂 I ignore anything to do with heart rate! Except when my VO2 max goes up. You are doing brilliantly; knees and heart just have to do their part and stick with the project!Show them who is boss 👍
You will do it RunWillie. Your marathon was a huge effort, particularly given the disruption to your training, but you are emerging from the post marathon period now and sensibly building up steadily. 👍
Another not GSR 10 mile run chat size report! One of the many reasons I was so miffed about the GSR having to be cancelled(some running, some not) was that I had decided that I wanted to run a PB this year. My right calf seized up on my attempt two years ago, and whilst I finished, a 7:32 pace 2:01:26 wasn’t what I had planned. This year was to be “GSR- Redemption” …. and then it wasn’t !
So, whilst there were still a few hearty gusts of wind around this morning (33 mph), I decided that I had to try to run my least slow 10 miles. Tailwind and energy gums packed, I headed out on my trail with a CB 2 hour run in my ears! I reckoned that I was going to have to average under 7min/k, but obeyed the usual instruction to start easy. First 1k was 7:22. and the ninth kilometre was 7:03 (long steady uphill followed by a sudden rise). That apart I kept below 7:00/k going down to 6:39 at one point. I had the wind in my face for some stretches on the return leg, but it wasn’t a problem. My tail wind drinking discipline has improved ( as in drinking without breaking stride or dropping anything) and the energy gums slipped down nicely.
I decided that breaking 1 hour 50 would be good enough, and I made it with a 60:49:58 time at 6:50 pace. Job done , new PB !
Oddly my average stride length was .92 m against my usual .95, but my average cadence was up at 160 spm with a high of 168 spm. Whatever; I just needed to get that run out of my system and into the Garmin records (although it doesn’t recognise 10 mile records!). At least one of the weekend’s objectives has been achieved.; and now …..I just need food!!
Molly and Mrs BC chose a long walk this afternoon, so my total for the day so far is 26.7k. or 30,604 steps! They show no mercy 😂.
Thanks JP; It has been a good year for long distance PBs! Winter may mean shorter runs, or no runs at all if there is ice about. Shame to lose some fitness, but we just have to deal with these things as they come along. I see that your progress has been maintained 👍
I think that coming back from injury is all about a slow start which accelerates towards the point of full recovery. Steady strength and fitness rebuilding first; when that is done you will soon be flying again!
I seem to lose a couple of pounds in weight on long runs; the hunger hits afterwards. I can see why you need to start eating early to avoid an energy drop on a marathon run. I only had soup and a roll after yesterday’s effort, but the evening meal was adjusted to include ribs for starters before a meat and Yorkshire pud main course!
For my last two HMs I ate pasta the night before and the night of the race. I don't normally eat a lot of pasta these days because my digestive system doesn't like it but I do think it made a difference during the races. And it was what my body craved afterwards 😋 That and crisp sandwiches 🙂
Pasta the night before is sometimes on my list. I confess that I had steak on Thursday and Friday nights, anticipating the GSR on Sunday; and a lovely Italian dinner booked for Saturday ☹️
Mrs BC and I have always caught the virus together. Either we tested positive at almost the same time or within a couple of days. A bit of a pain with the earlier strains; wasn’t it 10 days quarantine? Maybe it just seemed like a long time 🙂
It’s almost impossible if you're living in the same house ☹️ My second line was very thin today so I’m hoping it won’t be there at all tomorrow. Just back from a little walk but feel tired, so no running for a few days yet ☹️
Fab stuff missw 💪 but boo hiss about the toenail. Mind you, if I remember correctly, you have lost quite a few toenails haven't you?
The only time I lost a toenail was when a ski boot didn't fit me properly and it badly bruised the nail which eventually came off. But it took ages and I couldn’t wear my lovely strappy shoes in the summer ☹️ (clearly it was pre-running days)
I’ve done the long run a bit prematurely but never mind. I’m away this weekend and then I’ve got family staying over next weekend so will be pushed for time, so relieved to have it done.
From memory I think there’s a ten mile run still to run before race day.
I do the NRC one these days. The first two marathons were the Galloway ones. I did the Myasics once but it was all about speed, and too much for me to do without injuring myself. It was free then but soon became chargeable so I swapped to NRC
Hi IP! Sorry you have fallen prey to the dreaded lurgy - hope you recover soon and are able to get back to your running. Those treadmill runs sound good and breathing only through your nose…well that is definitely a reflection of your superb fitness!😀
As for the Great South Run fall out, we have heard this evening that we can choose a refund or rollover to next years race. I have chosen to rollover!👍🏃♀️
In addition to this they are also offering the T-shirt and medal❤️🏅😍 in return for submitting proof of a 10 mile run. I have already uploaded my last training run. Medals and T-shirts to be posted out in a few weeks, so a nice little consolation prize. Thank you Great Run…same time, same place next year!🙂
As for where to next, I have signed up for a Virtual Autumn Half Marathon medal as I plan to keep on building up to HM distance. This was the plan before things got derailed by Covid a couple of months back and I had to pull out of plans to run Cardiff Half. I have looked for another more local HM but in the end decided to go virtual. Then over the winter, my husband and I are hoping to explore the trails locally as we work towards our Six Pack Challenge.
That’s great news about the GSR. It sounds as if they have really thought out what the best result would be for most runners. A medal this year and the chance of another next year! A no brainer really.
Talking about medals, that virtual HM one looks gorgeous 😍 definitely a big incentive there Sandra!
If I remember correctly, you and your husband have done that six pack challenge before? Or maybe it was around the time of the lockdown and you didn't get it done. But it does sound lovely, a perfect goal for this time of year 🍁
Good luck with all the training and enjoy our new season 🤗
No, we were planning on getting them done over the summer and only completed one, as HM long runs took over. We were able to roll it over in to autumn/winter for a small fee!🤑🤣
Oh no IP sorry to hear you have the dreaded Covid, hope you are feeling better really soon! 😘Wow, running with you mouth closed,that must be an art. I find it hard just breathing like that, am just practicing at my dining table after dinner! 🤣was being nosey and looked it up, and found this!
"Is running with the mouth closed good?
RUNNERS- Tape your mouth shut. Running with your mouth taped shut is the best method to improve endurance and fitness, primarily through encouraging nasal breathing. Enhanced Oxygen Efficiency: Nasal breathing can promote better oxygen uptake and more efficient use of oxygen, which may improve endurance.28 May 2024"
So you are in training to be an even better runner it seems! Brilliant! 😊
I've been a bit of a lazy the past week, but hopefully back on it this week. Sad news on Friday that my best friends mum had passed away suddenly😪, so spent time with herabd our other bestie Saturday and had a head clearing walk, and on Sunday I bailed on going out in the storm and had a really restful morning instead without feeling guilty for once.
That’s interesting! I know I usually run with my mouth open so it was a surprise when I realised I ran the whole way without doing that. Not sure I can maintain it though.
That is sad news about your friend’s mum, it’s always a shock when these things happen out of the blue. But friends are so important at these times ❤️
Rest up Ali, we know that rest is when the magic happens xxx
Good to read that you have had a lovely holiday, but boo to Covid. I hope it passes both really quickly and isn't too bad. I had no idea that you didn't check your stats as you put it although I think you do take notice of time, distance and pace, so some stats perhaps. It is intriguing to me how many different ways of experiencing our running journeys. Running with your mouth closed sounds good to me. Must mean very easy pace for you . It is fascinating how there are still things to notice after such a long while.
I have been reading some of the forum posts but much less as the last month and a half have been different(understatement). My daughter has given birth to premature twins, first children for her and her husband, first grandchildren for my husband and me. I think I have been away from home for half of the last month and a half, hardly know which month or day it is. Various things cancelled as I was called on by my daughter. What a joy! The little ones, such treasures are home now, both begun their lives outside the womb in incubators.
I haven't taken stock of how many runs I have missed, but I just about been keeping it ticking over. My x-ray showed mild arthritis in my 'good' knee. I am currently running without pain (hooray) although my good knee still doesn't bend fully. I haven't read up on arthritis, but I should try to discover if there are some particular triggers for the 'flare up' I experienced.
I look forward to hearing that you are well again and that your running has resumed. Here are some get well flowers for you 🌹🌸🌺🌼🌻🌷💐
How lovely. New born twins! Babies are so precious because they aren’t babies for very long, so it’s no surprise that you are spending so much time with them ❤️ Enjoy every minute 😍
Running without pain is very good news, long may it continue. And great news that you are ticking over too.
Thank you for the flowers 🤗 feeling much better today but haven’t tested myself yet. Still trying to stay away from Mr IP ☹️
Brilliant running and without opening your mouth something I haven't masterd yet, I hope you are better soon. I've just run 12.2k my longest run yet in my training towards the Manchester marathon next year
I normally run with my mouth open because I need more oxygen in my lungs but for some reason, perhaps the slowness of the run, my mouth stayed shut. For once 🤣
Late as usual for me. So sorry to hear about the Covid IP. Unfair. Hope you are feeling a little better by now.
Nothing big happening with me since my late October 50k, just getting back into weekly runs. Got a 19k easy run in on Sunday, and a couple of 10ks. Things feel a bit tight in spots but nothing serious. Taking rest days between too. Our autumn colours are popping. Still thinking about next year’s plans. Applied to Chicago, because why not? I would like to try something longer next year. Maybe a 50 miler? Not sure if I have it in me. But you’ll never know if you don’t try right? It’s a very big time commitment too. We’ll see.
Very,very late for me IP, sorry. Glad to hear you're clear now and hoppeyour hubby soon will be too. Take the running easy to start and then you'll be just fine I'm sure.I've had a tricky week and, with my leg still grizzling, I've done minimal running. Want to keep the right side of it so I can - hopefully- run my 10k event next weekend 🤞
Thanks Linda. Mr IP is now negative too so we’re both good to go again 🙂
Sounds like you're doing what I’m doing and sticking to short runs. I’m on 30 minute runs and will stick to that for a while. My knee is still not right though. Can’t believe crouching in the garden would cause this much hassle 🙄
I had over 200 bulbs to plant and managed 75 yesterday but lying down on my side rather than kneeling! That was weird but they got done 👍
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