Here we are , at the beginning of a brand new year. 2024 !! Just like that!
The Catch-Up Corner doors are open again; the cushions are plumped up. the fire is glowing and we are all ready to share, a little or a lot, about what is happening with our running. Whether you are just beginning the C25K plan, are already on the way, or have returned for a repeat. you are welcome.
The snacks are out,. some healthy smoothies and of course. hot drinks for those who prefer them!
I am using a post I wrote a couple of years ago, as a foundation for this post... it is, in many, many ways as relevant now as then.
I hope, most sincerely, that all of you found your own ways, to enjoy the last week of December and the Winterval season? Our Winterval celebrations start with Yule and continue, quietly until the Twelfth Night. Our family embraces the old traditions and for us, those traditions and time spent with family, outdoors or inside is key.
We may look back on the old year with our own mixed feelings, but it has passed, and the new one is here, bringing its own surprises, and, here we are, all set to take on whatever comes.
This post was initially going to be named, Runners' Revolution, but, then I decided on Runners' Resolution, because after all, this is the time when folk go overboard and make loads of unattainable promises to themselves, which are impossible to fulfil! ( Ours, will be more sensible). This year I am adding another R; Relaxed. Runners' Relaxed Resolutions.
We are going to be resolute, but, we are going, also to be realistic, and this year we are going to try, very hard to stay, relaxed !
Over the last two weeks, I have not managed to run very much at all... plenty of exercise, but not running. I reached re-Graduation on the 17th December, but extra care days with small one, various appointments with Mr OF and the general run up to Yule and the following days, plus horrendous wind and weather meant no running.
Did I berate myself for this lack of running? No. After my steady comeback following Mr OF's heart attack, I determined to take care of myself, not overthink and to get physically and mentally strong again.
So... I have one simple resolution for my running this year, ( well maybe two, but one is always with me). I am going to continue with MY mantra of slow and steady, and the second one? I am going to really try to remember to be kind...to myself. It may not be easy, our own lives are full and we do not always have control over events in them; we all have our own issues, and I like so many of you, still have a fair few right now!
I will set myself challenges, in my running; personal challenges that are mine alone and if I do not always meet those challenges, however hard I try, I will remember that I am out there, doing what I am able and it is enough. I am enough. I will keep trying, I will move forward, but I will not be bowed down by setbacks.
Now, that is ME.... but all of us will have different ideas about how we move on through this running year. It is like blank pieces of paper, which we are about to write upon...yes, there will be blots, there will be crossing out, but there will also be line after line, of wonderful, well written, running activities too.
Many of you beginning, or already on the C25K programme, may have days when you are unable to run. You may have injury or illness; you may feel that you are not moving fast enough or comfortably enough. Some of you are very, very hard on yourselves and worry overly, about missing runs, about speed or about distance.
So... as we start this year...if you make just one resolution... maybe, make it the one that says, " I will be kind to myself".
Okay.... now, if you are able, and as and when you have the time, maybe we could share a running resolution you may have for yourself?
It is very early days and maybe, we need to settle into the routines again after the celebrations; but, it will be great to share a few ideas and to let us all know how we are all feeling.
All I ask, is that when you think about where you plan to go with your running, that you just keep, in the back of your mind, a thought...that you are important, not simply for others. But for you. Never doubt your own importance.
I am about to relax now before heading out later for my First day on Red January.
redtogether.co.uk/
Looking forward to hearing from you all, over the next few days.
Stay safe, stay strong !
Love Oldfloss x
PS
For any NEW runners, for runners already on C25K.... and for those of us repeating parts of or all of C25K. Maybe take a look at this Catch up Corner post to see what it is all about...
I mentioned Red January... which is a challenge to raise money for MIND.
This is something that involves doing a physical exercise for at least 10 minutes every day... this is really not something that would be a great idea to tackle, if you are on the C25K programme as your rest days are crucial to your safety and in allowing the tears in your muscles to recover..
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🍏Good Morning lovely friend a quick pop in to give you a New Year hug before I venture out in this wind and rain for my 1st Red run this year! Gorgeous photos & thoughts!! Thank you xx
Happy New Year everyone I’d like to wish you all a fabulous healthy happy 2024 , and a new year of running - my aim is 3 runs a week even if it’s short or slow it doesn’t matter - as long as I’m out there and enjoying - failed pretty miserably last year due to lack of motivation and laziness 😂
I completed c25k in 2020, ran occasionally since but yesterday I started again from week One. I am 69 and now a full time carer for husband with Parkinson’s Disease. Life is sometimes extremely stressful. I really need to build on things for myself and I think going back to running might help me stay sane. I am slow and steady but that is just fine. I am actually proud that I am doing it at this age, having never been a runner. I want to run away really from my home situation but taking an 30 mins out will certainly be something I can achieve. Happy New Year everyone - keep going!
it’s hard to care for a loved one, especially when they are themselves adapting to a difficult decline in health. I can imagine that a short break away during the day would work wonders for you.
Remember that you need to look after yourself, so that you can care for others.
…oh and I’m on my 3rd time around…its definitely less scary when repeated! 🏃🏻♀️🐌😆
Oh goodness.. you have a lot to handle.. Hard as it is, taking care of ourselves is the key.Not just so we can care for our husbands...but fir ourselves too.
Repeating the C25K is so helpful.No pressure and so familiar. Just keep it, slow and steady.. it works.
We cannot run away...but we can make ourselves strong enough to run with confidence, taking each day as it comes.
Hi Oldfloss …I’m going to sit on one of your cushions with a mango smoothie and tell you what my running plans are for the new year…
A couple of years ago, as I know you’ll remember, I ran a virtual run every month & was awarded with bling through the post…well that made me smile, so that is my plan for the year…this, I’m sure, will mean I can get back to running 3 times a week again…I know I need it & how much I benefit from it ..
I’ve learned many things from you over the years and one of them is not to berate myself when I miss a run or don’t get to run as much as I’d like…so I’m pleased that you are still doing the same, it took me a while to get my head round that but, it’s fine & those runs are out there waiting for us, other things are sometimes more important, especially your health and Mr OF’s recovery….and of course, lovely little one..that goes without saying…
You are so welcome...and on the right track...being kind to you, and accepting what evolves...The runs...they are patient.. and all the sweeter when we are ready and able to take them xxx
Hi Oldfloss and running friends. You’ll probably remember my health issues from last year but, as you’ll know, I’m not one to give up on things. The new year has given me my mojo back (there’s no better present!) and I’ve completed Parkrun this morning by running the whole distance. I’ve decided I’m not going to worry about pace for the time being, just getting out there and doing what I can.
I have a few running events already in my diary, but my approach to them will remain the same: just get out there, do what I can and enjoy it.
My main focus over the next year will be my health (following my heart attack and cardiac arrest last April) and volunteering at cardiac rehab clinic. They were so good to me, giving me the confidence that I could return to something like a normal life, so it feels right that I do what I can to help them in return. If I can help give others the confidence to try, then I feel I’ll have achieved more than I ever did in my working life!
For now, I’m just so pleased I can run again and the future is looking brighter than it has for many months. I’m starting a diary where I can write down my thoughts, musings and anything else (not necessarily running-related) that springs to mind. It’s something I was advised to do many years ago when I was recovering from bowel cancer and I found it really helped.
I’ll pop into catch-up corner from time to time if that’s OK? You never know, I may have something worthwhile to contribute.
Best wishes to everyone for a healthy, happy and fulfilling new year!
You are always welcome here and I feel what you share, is very useful and important... I just wish a few more new runners would pop in and read it! Your comeback from your illness has bean inspirational.... giving back and feeling better than you have in a long while.
Just super.
Running again too...that just has to be good... and keeping a diary, well, I have a record of practically all my runs since I began... and I keep a daily diary as well as a musing book
You are doing wonderfully ! Wishing you a healthy and happy New Year x
I finished my last run of W7 this morning…on the third time around! I’ve not been here much, life, illnesses, stuff…all adding to my usual faffage…
…but as we all know, the runs will wait. So I didn’t stress, I was kind to myself…and then one day was just the right day to go out and start running again.
So for this new year…to continue with more of the same. Some weeks I may be able to run three times, others none…but I will be having fun!
Morning... welcome to this very cosy corner... the weather outside is very wild and wet...but in here... coffee, tea, morning snacks and good company!
The days do seem to go and sometimes, the runs just simply cannot be fitted it at all! Your view of doing what you are able, is a great one. It makes for a much more relaxed time. Knowing that, yes, the run will wait, is the thing. I have not been able to run now for over a week...but my ongoing exercise really does help. My unfinished paintings are getting finished too!
I am putting a post out tomorrow, in Changing Room Chat on the S and F forum, aimed at the more seasoned of us forum friends...you may find it useful, or interesting.
Thank you so much for calling in... sit a while and relax...maybe see you tomorrow in the Changing room ?
I managed a run. Got back just before it started raining..very heavy too...just 15 minutes with NR Comeback run..! I think our forecast is better for tomorrow. We are going to make the most and head out to Derbyshire if so! X
I’m munching a bacon butty on my cushion! with suitably crispy bacon, Scottish style, the way my Mum used to make it!! 😄
I hope to get back to running in 2024 because I really miss it. I’m getting prepared by keeping my fitness ticking over with the exercise bike & Pilates, have lost some excess weight and my grumpy back/hip now tolerate walking about a mile. – It’s not far yet, but definitely an improvement.
Happy running everyone, I look forward to the day when I can hop off the IC and join you. 😄
I really hope you do manage to get back to your runs! using your bike and the exercise you are getting can only serve to improve things... we really do have to learn to be patient with this running don't we ?
Meanwhile...you are welcome to pop in here anytime at all... and stay as long as you wish xx
Hi Floss many thanks for your lovely inspiring post, as always and Happy New Year to you and Mr Floss. May you both have a much, much better 2024 after everything you have been through in 2023. Like you I have found the squalls here challenging. I did a run a few days ago and was jogging along, desperately holding on to my cap lol. So I have been doing more indoor exercise, the usual arm toning with weights (I was reading about this....it's actually very good for even older people), pilates and stretching. Lovely photos, is this your pile in the country?
No.. Ilam NT..it was a private house and you can stay there... there is a beootiful little church there too...glorious walks..
Thank you so much...hopefully you will get less squalls as the month moves on! I got one short one in just before the rain started ..it is torrential now and has been raining since 9 a.m.
I hope your new year brings many quiet and settled runs... xxx
Mean while stay a while and relax..it is warm and cosy here today in the Corner x
Looks amazing there Floss. Yes hopefully we will get some more settled weather soon. It has been constant storms here, at least the torrential rain has finally stopped now. Looking forward to spring and we have now passed the winter solstice now. Lighter evenings ahead x
Hi, I love your corner but haven't found time to pop in for a while. As ever, wise words, I feel we all appreciate your wisdom. So it's New Year, and a return to regular running, S&F and pilates. To be accountable, I've joined the January Quest. But, as you say, if plans don't work out, I really shan't beat myself up about it and make every run/exercise day a win instead. Love your pics.
It is, indeed time to start moving forward and I love that you are going to be so kind to yourself... I was yesterday, as plans did not go as planned... and I still felt good! Well sone you on the planned runs, S and F and Pilates too !
You are right...each day we get out and do something to impact our health and well being, really is a win!
I am on the Quest too... helps us keep motivated when we check in and we know there will be loads of support from our own Annieapple .
Thank you for popping in... you are welcome here at any time
Strawberry smoothie and flapjack for me today, please!
This year I’m planning on doing the Ju magic plan, for however long it takes, to get me back up to 10k. I realised that unless I manage to increase my distance, I won’t be able to run the old favourite routes I used to do, and my options are quite limited if I have to stay that much closer to home. So that is my incentive to get out there and push myself a little bit harder!
I’ve logged it on the quest, but I reckon I will need to take it a bit slower than most, so it will spill over into the rest of the year I expect!
Coming right up...Now, settle back on your cushion and stay a while... I think I am going to go for Ju's plan... not sure yet!
What a great plan...taking it gently and building the distance up...it does not matter how long it takes really does it... ? If you are enjoying and making steady progress, then that is fine? I am going to take it steadily and I think that is why I shall probably do Ju Jus Magic Plan again...
Just doing what we feel is right and having a comfortable time... any challenges are those we choose to set for ourselves... and you seem to have that organised...
I look forward to your posts... thank you for dropping in ... your cushion is always here xxx
Squeezing in a bit late to your catch up corner, and settling down for a good read and a great bit of inspiration that you always provide.
I enjoyed your runners carol very much.
Happy New Year all, and as January begins its time for me to slip off the IC and onto my yoga mat each day again. If nothing flares up, I will be reaching for my running shoes and maybe Jo Whiley will be my c25k coach this time around.
Family commitments will always come first as they should, but I am missing that little boost you get when completing a run.
Slow and steady and listening to my body will be my mantra of course.
Thank goodness for this fantastic community to which we belong. The friendship, encouragement and understanding means we are never alone at whatever step of our running journey we are on. It reminds me of the 'magic thread' that dear Tbae so perfectly described.
I will pop along to the January Quest once I am in those running shoes...
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