CATCH-up-CORNER. Last few days of January. Welcome !

[Oldfloss]

Good morning.... running people

Here I am... waiting here in the Corner...to see who calls in today!

A whole load of new smoothies on offer.. some Googleberry muffins... ( don't ask) , and some hot drinks too!

The wind is blowing and the rain is lashing the window here this morning, but , the corner is warm and snug, your cushions are waiting.

The last few days of January are here and wow! Where did that month go to? It has whizzed by and I have a heck of a lot on over the next couple of days.

My running is still intermittent... but, it is happening as and when and my other exercise, which keeps this old bod' moving is ongoing... inculcating a new routine which began with the first class last Tuesday. T'ai Chi. Mr OF is joining me and we both... yes BOTH loved it!

A very welcoming and well organised group and with designated support for us newbies!

So... relaxed, refreshed and with time to reflect... what am I rambling about today?

I always find January a bit of an odd time. The hurly burly, hustle and bustle of Winterval has receded, the weather has a mind of its own and it can give us some very grey days.

We may if we are not careful , even subconsciously let this affect our running. If the weather is too dire, that is one thing, but sometimes, just sometimes, the urge to run maybe, us not as strong? So... what can we do to try and get the urge, pheromones going again?

If you are following the C25K programme, hopefully the desire to complete and graduate will be very strong... but maybe not? If you are a Graduate, a returners, just off the IC, that urge may sometime , almost disappear. “ Its dark, its cold, I feel like a lie in, I have had a hard day... “ etc. etc.

So I have been cruising, in my snail like way, looking around for new ways to get us going!

The things I gleaned from my search can be used by those folk on the C25K programme, those who may be repeating buts and those returners too !

First off !

Change direction.

Take a different route... If you are outdoors, this can be so much fun, ( Just do not get lost as I have done in the past)!

From, simply reversing the route, adding a slight detour, or as the runs get longer... to taking some water, running out and getting a bus home !

Run on sunshine.

Change the terrain under those running shoes. If you re a pavement pounder, find a park., a playing field, a canal towpath... it might take a little more planning, but again, something new! If you trail run normally.. then have a try at the pavements, it is a totally different type of run!

If you are on a treadmill... take the time to take a peek at the great outdoors. Maybe wait for a decent day, weather wise... we do not want you put off from the outset!

Going loopy.

If you have a stadium or athletics track near to you., give it a go... it will be different. I am lucky , a few parks near me have running track areas... and although it may seem like beautiful boredom. Just as a change, it does shake things up.

Use your ears.

Listen to something. Yes, you may be listening to the planned run... but if you know what the time frames are... a podcast, an audio book, music! Learn a new language... It can lighten the run wonderfully!

Use your eyes.

This for me is part of my runs, eyes, ears, nose and touch.

Look around, take every single thing in. Please do look ahead too ! Soak it up and suck it in... then when you get home and have a moment.. write it all down. A log of your runs, can be so good! The reading of them can help your progress and the giggles you get as you move onwards too. Reading about a sun-filled summer run, months after, on a dark day with rain lashing the window and the cold outside, can be amazing. I have eight years plus recorded runs! This can be a mindful run and one where every stress floats away... running in the moment!

You're worth it.

Treat yourself... for the run. Something small, something more if you are feeling flush! A pair of sassy socks, a new running belt, some gloves, a new cap... and then take them out and show the world !

Phone a friend.

Joining a running club...having a run with a friend, or even taking the dog... can all enhance the run. I met a lady one morning at the end of her run, and I was at the end of mine; we started to talk and she told me of a group that meet near by at a local run track in a nearby village. I have not had time to do that yet... but I will!

Okay... a few ideas there !

I simply chose a favourite route yesterday. I knew I was going to run, all my gear out the night before, but waking from a snuggly sleep. The temptation to snuggle down was there... then I thought. I am feeing so much stronger...I'll run up my hill... and do the route that has taken me from a grey snail to a more colourful one!

So I did. I saw sun-rise, squirrels, snowdrops and squabbling ducks... and that is all within 3K from home!

So... your turn now. I am going to sit back with my morning smoothie... and wait to see who pops in and what ideas you may have to share with us, for getting out on these darker and sometimes less appealing days.

See you soon.

Oldfloss x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Interesting post from you Oldfloss, I "note down" in a diary all the runs I have run from week 4 of C25K back in 2018, so I know where I ran week 5 run 3 and my graduation run of week 9.

Once I started running 5K and longer distances with my app I noted the time, pace and where I was running, I also record all the parkrun places and times I run, even cancelled parkruns as well which I was going to be at, I agree with you that it is good looking back on all the runs you have done.

Today I can't go anywhere because electrical work is to be done in my house, this happens every 5 years, so I have to stay in the house until that safety check is completed.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Hello Al...good to see you here....and good yo know that you note down your runs too! It really is great isn't it, to look back and see where and when and how far maybe?

I am hoping all the electrical work has gone as planned and that the safety check has been completer too.

Thank you for popping in and sharing this with us. x

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I didn't need to wait long, two electricians came at 9.30am, put the power off, checked all the plugs etc, didn't take too long and put the power back on at ten o'clock, told me everything was safe and left the house at five past ten after the safety check was completed.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

That is just great Al... efficiency and safety.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Googleberry muffins! They sound like something that would be growing on the Faraway Tree! I hope they’re delicious!

Thanks for a lovely post with loads of great suggestions. The one that stood out to me was running a regular route the other way round. I love doing this! It’s amazing what you discover that you never noticed…especially hidden hills! So much fun.

I almost always run from home but occasionally I pick somewhere further afield I’ve walked and enjoyed to try run. That’s usually a great run. I’m also lucky that my local supermarket has a nice 5k loop around the harbourside so I run and do my weekly shop afterwards (plus some post run treats!).

I’ve had a busy time and runs have happened less than I’d like. I’m looking forward to getting stuck in in February…I hear there’s some sort of 10k trail run that’s nice in April? That’s going to be my motivation to keep going!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

They are delicious... and I think the idea came from an Elmer book.. I'll have to check! I am so glad that you run the route on reverse and enjoy it too.. ! It really does, make a huge difference as you say, and yes, you are right! You di see different things and find new hills too!

You really do vary your runs and you do have some great locations where you are., your photographs prove that!

Post run treats do sound very special! Cakey things maybe?

You have had a lot on but you have accepted that and got the runs in... getting stuck in will be necessary if that April Run is going to happen... 😉😉🏃‍♂️

Thank you so much for popping in and showing that shaking things up can get the legs moving again, wonderfully! xx

[Gthants]

Failed run this morning, then three hours of cooking. Now a cuppa, and a catch up.

Then - some new, as yet undiscovered, stretching for hamstrings & hip flexors!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Gthants]

No fail. Just postponed... you had a busy time, three hours cooking!

I hope you found time to sit a while, before the exercises... well done you and thank you for calling in! x

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏Well it’s bucketing down here in Keswick this afternoon. Fortunately we had a good walk this morning when it wasn’t too heavy. I will tell you a secret I would much, much rather have an exhilarating run in the rain then walk in it 🤣 but this time away is all about Hubby & his special birthday.

Normally on those cold grey and sometimes damp days when I honestly don’t feel like running I look ahead & if I know I can still fit in 3 runs that week, I may give it a miss. If not it’s usually incentive enough for me to get going especially if the kit is all laid out ready! Every time without fail once the decision is made in my head I do it!

I must say if I don’t run, I am pretty good about forgiving myself 🤣 Thanks for an interesting post as ever Floss with lots of ideas! We are all so different & need different incentives don’t we. Something here for everyone to try.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Hello... here too... rain all day and dark too... but at least you are away and having fun and relaxing , ( I hope).

A walk in the rain with your husband sounds just perfect.

You sound determined and organised...getting those runs in and enjoying them, but accepting that it may not always happen. Being kind to ourselves doe not always come easily and I do like your phrase, forgiving ourselves too !

Yes, that is something to think about... x Than you for taking time out of your few days away, to pop in and see us today.

We are so, so different and yet, so the same in many ways... isn't it grand xx

[Madwife60]

Morning

Glad you enjoyed your Tai Chi - I do Qui Gong which is similar and feel amazing after a session. Have managed 3 runs a week through January - some longer than others and done easier than others but still not much faster. It definitely feels easier to run 5k if not faster so I must be doing something right. It’s quite liberating to realise speed doesn’t matter (no gold medals to be won here) but resilience and strength do so I’ll keep jogging away

Happy running all

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Madwife60]

Hello. Welcome! Yes..not long in today, from our class..very enjoyable.You are doing so well..and finding the runs that are right for you! So important to find out what are the skills that matter in our running.

You have! Strength, stamina and resilience..oh yes indeed.

Distance, and speed even will evolve...with those foundations to support us.

Very well done you and thank you for popping in. X

[Never-too-old-run Graduate]

I'm both a graduate and a returner and working up the courage to join my first park run but as yet I've failed to leave the security of my shed which houses my trusty treadmill! To add to the mix I had a biopsy on my nose two days ago, nothing too serious but now all my good intentions have drained away and I'm feeling like a beached whale again! I suppose I'll have to wait until the stitches dissolve anyway before I can get back to some sort of routine. Anybody out there with something similar?? 🤔 Thanks, by the way, Old Floss, for your blog. Those Google Berry muffins sound like just what I need right now!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Never-too-old-run]

Hello...I am sorry I was not here first thing...I hope you got a google berry muffin!

It is so good to have you here...and you are having a bit of a time of it aren't you? Gosh, that sounds a bit unpleasant and no wonder you feel a tad low and unmotivated!

Maybe rest up and do a little gentle seated strength work? Or a gentle walk..

healthunlocked.com/strength...

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...

I know theses last ones look like they are aimed at seniors...but they could be helpful ?

I hope someone may be able to give you some aid... but any thing health wise, spending a bit of time recovering seems like the best plan.

When you do feel ready, why not just try a simple, no time.no distance goal jogette rather than Park Run... just testing the legs out and seeing how it all feels? I am a great one for taking it slow and steady... it has certainly got me back to 30 minutes after time out!

Sit a while and pop in again soon please... always a cushion and a muffin here for you! xxx

[Mum22boys Graduate]

Hi 👋 hope it's ok to drop in... I feel like I need a better way of dealing with breaks in my planned routine. I've always been quite good at planning but not so good at adapting when things don't quite go to plan. Reading through the responses I wondered if AlMorr 's approach might be worth trying... documentatimg what I've done rather than planning and getting downhearted if that plan can't be followed. Not much running here since early December, 2 bad colds and some other family health stuff going on.

Pretty disappointed that the running has taken a hit. I found it quite tough to get back up to some fitness this time of doing the c25k and it all feels a bit of an uphill struggle at the moment. I feel I need to work out why it's been tougher (maybe just because I'm 4 years older!) And what if anything I can do to make it all a bit smoother.

Anyways.. that's just an idea of the thoughts flying around my brain at the moment, thank you for giving me a place to ramble!! X

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

Hello! How are you ! Its really good to see you here! Grab a coffee and sit a while!

Well, plans do not always go plan, I think many of us can empathise with that ! I should have been going out to run this morning, but a very cold night, temperatures of -4 this morning, and ice on the ground , have put paid to that idea! Yes, Al has the right idea... it works for him and as you see from my post, I have eight years plus of logged runs with photographs too!

The reports make great reading when you cannot get out and they do demonstrate how far you have moved on and the difficulties you may have overcome. When i am feeling less than buoyant, I look back and maybe find a record of a similar time and I see how I overcame it, picked ,myself up and got on with it again... There are so many supportive posts here which will help you to feel less down, about not running.

Things do feel like a struggle some times and it can be really, really hard to get back into the feeling,.

Check some of the past Corner posts out and maybe the Changing Room Chat, ideas for exercise that you can do to get things going again and things that you can work on to get you back on track.

Here is an example

healthunlocked.com/strength...

Take heart. Many, many of us, have felt and feel as you do, and these cold months do make things feel even harder. Try to maintain some exercise to keep you feeling healthy and know that we are always here to support you. You will get there... slow and steady maybe, but you will.

Thank you for popping in and hearing your thoughts x Always a cushion here for you!

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for your reply Oldfloss I feel like an imposter here at the moment and I am about so infrequently!! Really enjoyed the link you put in to the post on all the ways we can exercise when doing other jobs and housework, I do some of those but will definitely do more!!

I'm going to start an exercise journal I think... everything I've done in a day. Then maybe in time I can reflect on this and see what areas I am neglecting, I definitely feel I need to focus on strength work. Does yoga class as strength work??

Sorry you didn't get out for your run first thing, hope you are well and thanks again for your reply 😊 x

[Ann_get_it_going]

I’m late to the party so I hope that this is okay. I’m really appreciative of my friends at the moment who are encouraging me out of the door. We are going through a torrid time at the moment with a family issue but my friends are doing solidarity runs and sending me pics to encourage me to get out. My hubby is calling me and asking me if I’m doing my run yet. So wk3 r 1 in the bag and much improved mental health. Running is so much more than getting fit xx

Beach front in calm weather an hour from dusk

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Ann_get_it_going]

Welcome... there is always a cushion here for a friend

This is so good yo have folk around you who are actively supporting you and encouraging you to get moving!

A husband or partner, too, who is rooting for you... gosh, that makes a difference. Mr OF is my biggest supporter and fan!

I love the idea of solidarity runs...running together, even vicariously can be so motivational.

Well done on getting that run tucked away...your body and your mind are thanking you for it. The weather is geeing better... ( I think )... Spring will surely follow winter and we may all find things feel a tad easier.

Sit back and rest a while and thank you so ,much for popping in x