At last, it’s here...1 whole year since I graduated...ohhhh, I remember it well, I cried tears of joy & punched the air...finally...at long last, I had finished the C25k programme...it took me longer than the 9 weeks, mostly because I did not believe that I was capable of getting passed week 4 which I just repeated over & over again...and then I found this forum!! The people who encouraged me then, still encourage & inspire me to this day...& now many, many more...everything changed from that day...and I mean everything...I am a completely different person...My priorities haven’t changed, obviously, but they have been added to...and running is that added priority...I have watched my friend lose her battle with cancer during these last 12 months leaving her little boys behind...& one of the things that helped me figure things out in my head was running...running free....being able to run....as and when I wanted...running into my thoughts...all my thoughts, thinking about my Mum too, which, having 3 small children when I lost her I haven’t done properly, watching her lose her battle with cancer, all the while showing grit, pride & sheer determination at not being beaten & not giving in, right until her last breath & when she looked at me for the last time I am sure she passed some of that into me because I went through things I would never have thought I could survive through or hold it together for my children, but I did...I have run with tears, disguised as raindrops, on my face as running in the rain became my favourite kind of run...favourite kind of run?!! that phrase still makes me smile!!
So now, on my runniversary day, what I would’ve liked to have done was:-
1) See ‘Graduate 10’ next to my name
2) run 10k today
3) punch the air with tears on my face
BUT, alas, my ankle is not playing...well, it’s getting better but no where near running 10k...not even 5 at the moment...I don’t know what’s happened to trigger this hindrance but all I can do is wait...so to celebrate my runniversary I swam 32 lengths & walked the dog...tomorrow I will try a short run, with my new ankle support & tape...thank you all so very much, from the bottom of my heart for every comment, boost, pat on the back, slap on the hand, kind word and everytime you’ve taken me out on a run with you...whenever I come on here someone has commented on my posts & it never ever fails to make me smile, or make me feel better about being a runner, the comments I’ve had have cemented that firmly in my mind & everyone who knows me in real life know too, that I am a runner because I tell them, with pride...all because of you lot...
I didn’t think I would make it to the end of the C25k programme, just like I can’t imagine making the 10k but the difference now is that I KNOW I will, because my legs, head & all of YOU tell me that I can, it’s just a matter of when...so if there’s anything you’re doing in your life that you think you can’t do or can’t get through, believe me you can, running is definitely an advantage whatever you’re going through....that coupled with determination, will-power, a goal in sight & friends, you absolutely can, just keep putting one foot in front of the other xxxxxxxx
MC
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Very inspiring post from you Mummycav, I just hope your ankle recovers soon, happy runniversary to you, nice to know that you swam 32 lengths of the swimming pool to celebrate your runniversary, not long before you can resume your full running schedule.
Absolutely fantastic, you have every right to feel good about that, that is a fabulous acheivement...hope your 5k glow lasts all weekend!! Well done you!!
Oh MummyCav, don’t you ever doubt yourself, ok? You’ve been on one heck of a journey this last year, and you’ve done so brilliantly. Completing Couch to 5k is no mean feat, and Bridge to 10k is one heck of a challenge too. Don’t worry, injuries are usually temporary, and you will come back much stronger, I know you will, you have that Yorkshire determination!
There’s no rush with Bridge, that will be another celebration for you, and we will all be here to cheer for you.
Aw thanks 316neil , you always know the right thing to say! You’ve been on heck of a journey yourself, running is our saviour! I’ll prob hear you cheer from here when I get my badge!! x
Happy runnniversary to you Mummycav. What a year you’ve had and you’ve come back smiling. And don’t worry about that 10k it will still be there when you are fully fit. You don’t want to make it worse by overdoing it. Just read back through your lovely posts of running in France which gave us such pleasure and keep up that swimming.
I’m on the couch for at least a week now so I’ve got a delay too. Big hugs and celebrate tonight
Thanks Dexy5 , it was lovely running in France, I’m glad you enjoyed my posts, I felt like shipping you all over so you could all enjoy it!! I enjoyed my swim the other day so will be going a couple of times this week too x
Oh this is just beautiful, what a wonderful post. Happy runniversary, dear runner friend. What a year you have had! It has been amazing watching your progress, and see you grow with confidence. Running has taken you through some hard times, and some happy times (I loved reading your run reports from France!) Truly Bev, you inspire me.
Don’t fret at all about the 10k. You will get there and it really doesn’t matter how long it takes. All runners get niggles and injuries at some point. We are bound to, as we are using our bodies more than most. Annoying that the one thing we need (patience), becomes the hardest thing to acquire after falling in love with running.
You are fab. You swam today because you are resting your ankle and giving it the best chance to heal. That’s what a proper runner would do. 😊
Thankyou Sadie-runs , there are inspirational people on here by the boatload, it’s fab that we all keep each other going & prop each other up when needed....and I have some lovely company on this IC with me 😉. You’re right with the patience thing too, all you want to do when you can’t I’d go out for a run so I’m afraid I shall be accompanying you!!
I celebrated my runniversary with a glass of fizz x
Injury is temporary, running lasts forever 🤗 so a very Happy Runniversary to you Mummycav 🎉🎈🍾👏💪
You've continued to run for a year after graduation, you've been through hard times and injury so I'd say you should revel in your special day. You've run on holiday and you've got special memories of your first year so just remember those moments and rest assured you'll be out there again in no time.
I don't have to tell you to keep the faith because you always do. Here's to another year of running amok and joyful times xxx
Aw, thank you Irishprincess , you’re right of course, running will be with me forever & this is just a temporary blip & prob won’t be the last! It’s prob because it’s really the first time I’ve been struck down...but I won’t be down for long!!
It's your runniversary, whether you do a 10k or not. The triumphant part is you've been running beyond C25k for a year! One day you'll be bashing out 10ks all the time, but your runniversary will always be a special occasion. So just focus on recovery and looking at how far you've come 😄 Your first 10k isn't far away. And then you get to celebrate again 😁
Happy Runniversary to you! So sorry it is not as planned but so pleased to read of how running and this forum have provided so much good over the year. Wow! 32 lengths! Sounds mega impressive! Well done you! I do hope that your ankle heals before too long.
Thank you over61andstilltrying ...32 lengths of our pool is a mile so I was pretty pleased with that...I think the lifeguard was a bit bored of me bobbing up and down!! This forum is priceless x
Oh such a touching post Mummycav! You are an enormous inspiration. One thing you are celebrating is your strength and ability to thrive no matter what is thrown at you in life. Life is never straight forward, but you’ve had to deal with things that some can only imagine and look at you!! 🤩 Still thriving and finding the flexibility to adjust and make it work no matter what! You are absolutely amazing!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽😍❤️
You are a very special lady, one who has always been generous with praise and encouragement for everyone, as well as sharing some highs and lows of your own along the way...
Your journey since you got over the bump of Wk 5 is one that has been inspiring for your honesty and commitment and also for the compassion and care you showed when you lost your friend.
You're right not to worry about hitting 10k, you will...and have actually been so close already....that you should feel very proud of yourself, on your Runniversary.
I really enjoy reading all of you posts, you make this forum a nicer place...😊xx
Heal well, and we will all be cheering for you as you come back from the IC. xx
Aw Jan, this made me fill up!! I only put what comes in my head, I am honest about my running, if it’s tough I’ll tell, if it’s easy I’ll tell that too....no point in sugar coating it & when I started C25k no one said it would be easy & it wasn’t, I needed all the encouragement I could get & I got it on here...I owe you for all your kindness, support & inspiration that you’ve shown me over the past 12 months..I love reading everyone’s posts & want to give back some of what I’ve taken by encouraging others....my runniversary means so much to me because I’m still running & I absolutely love it xxx
I'm truckin' along. I'm struggling a bit with my mood and motivation lately; they're very low at the moment. I've found my SAD light and have started using it again and am really trying to get out running as much as possible since it really helps my mood when I can just get myself out the door. I have a trail race next weekend that I'm going to with a friend - a bit of a girl's getaway- so hopefully that will also help.
Thanks for asking Bev; you're always so conscientious and supportive of how others are doing. I like how close we can feel to people a world away that we've never met but feel like such good friends.
I’m sure you’ll be fine when you get there sask, this time of year affects people in so many different ways, Summer is wonderful when everyone feels sunny, running in the heat & next to nothing clothes, then suddenly it’s dark & dismal, we’re all wrapped up & the days are dark...but, we have to focus on what we’re doing & why...we all love what we do, the weather & time of year are just a factor in our running lives...that we can deal with...with running friends who ‘get it’ ...I am always here for my running family xxxxx
This forum is fantastic for support and encouragement! It has helped me no end and given the confidence to run when I never thought I could or would. I hope your ankle improves and you can enjoy running again xx
You will! you will! you will! 10k is firmly in your sight.
That's such a lovely post. So many posts all saying the same thing - this is a wonderful place to be. Yet every one is different. I love reading each and everyone, it's so reaffirming and a lovely way to start my day. I can't run right now either, but I'm getting used to these periods of frustration and am ever more confident that I will come back, with the support of lovely people here, people just like you
Happy runniversary - a great achievement in itself
Aw, thank you linda9389 , I hope you do get something from my posts, I’d like to think I give some of what I take back to the people on here...I’ve warmed a seat for you x
Happy, happy runniversary to you - and you'll be back on it before you know it. Your post is lovely and so inspiring - this journey is amazing for all of us, but particularly poignant for you having to deal with so much recently. And when you do reach the magic 10K it will feel all the more important and special because of it. Take care of yourself. xx
Wow! A truly inspirational post... thank you. This forum is amazing, but then each of the individuals, including you, make it that way. Happy runniversary to you too. 32 lengths of the pool is pretty impressive too!
MC you always have been and remain an inspiration to me, I know the joy you feel when running free, am glad it has helped through the difficult times you have had and as a fellow ankle sufferer, I hope it mends properly soon so that you can complete the 10k, am proud to call you my VRB xx
Thank you Berksrover ...I’ve been on your shoulder the whole time in Tenerife!! Inspirational? Me?! I’m flattered!! Ankle on the mend, hope yours is 100% now??
Congratualtions. It is clear that you get so much out of your running that the time you spend, rather than the mileage you reach, is the most important thing.
That said you'll get your 10k soon enough. Well done!!
Happy Runniversary to you! What an incredible year for you. Your mum and best friend would be truly proud of what you have achieved. Running is indeed very healing and that can be a long process. Sorry that your ankle is still not right but you know that with time & patience you'll be back in the swing of things soon - and very fit with all that swimming! I love your comment about running in the rain - the 'previous me' would've been flabbergasted by the sight of me running in the rain!
Haha, thanks Slinkymalinki ...it does make me wonder where the old Mummycav is, me & rain never mixed at one time, now, even when I’m not running & just on my day to day duties, I don’t mind it at all!!
What a moving and very inspiring post Mummycav.I know exactly what you mean about the role running can play in getting us through the tough times - "You never know how strong you are, until being strong is your only choice". Not being able to run is tough but it sounds as though you will soon be back out there. Your last sentence made me think of my favourite quote from 'Running Like a Girl" by Alexandra Heminsley - "It turns out that to survive, you just have to keep going". Happy runniversary.🙂
Aw I love that Sandraj39 ...I will def use that as a mantra when I get going again properly...it’s so true...when you have no choice you just keep going, I wish I could come up with a fantastic quote like that but I’m not clever enough!! I will be back out there before we know it x
Happy Runniversary MC! You’ve been a great inspiration for so many here. Sorry you can’t run this day but you are in this for the long haul right? And you will have that 10k badge soon enough. Maybe drop by a running shop to celebrate the moment...😊
Thanks Decker , yes, I’m here to stay, I’m not going anywhere so that means I’ll be on here for the duration too!!! I am sure that Floss has made sure the elves have my badge wrapped up in bubble wrap ready for the 10k victory!!
Lovely post as usual Mummycav . Happy birthday to you (you have been reborn by running after all). I am sure your mum would be proud and pleased to see that her daughter inherited her grit, pride and determination. I hope your ankle is better soon.
Thank you so much Hidden , you’re right, I have been reborn!! I celebrated with a glass of fizz & some pistachio nuts (my fav!!)...when I get back out and running properly again it will be that determination & gritnthat get me to my 10k x
Excellent Mummycav , and congratulations on your runniversary. The swimming will be good for you especially while waiting for your ankle to recover. Hope it doesn't take too long and that you're back on your 10k programme. x
Don't know how I missed this. Belated congrats - and what a great post Bev! The 10k will come and is but a small achievement compared with all that you've managed in the last 12 months. Hope the ankle is fixed soon and we'll all be here to cheer you over that 10k line 😊
I call it 'The Death Club'. I have friends who are pleased to see me when they come across me in the supermarket after a death in the family, because they know I've lived it and they can talk to me about it. It's a 'skill' I never dreamed I'd have, being able to talk about death comfortably.
As part of the local festival there was a Death Café held locally so I went along. I thought it was a great idea. (I ended up talking to a runner who I'd seen at Park Run. We talked about death 10% of the time and running 90% of the time).
So great that you can be open and straight-forward about it. Well done.
Sorry your runniversary isn't what you'd hoped, but your attitude is really amazing and I appreciate your post, your journey and your outlook. Really nice to 'meet' you.
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You’ve been on one heck of a journey this last year, and you’ve done so brilliantly. Completing Couch to 5k is no mean feat, and Bridge to 10k is one heck of a challenge too. Don’t worry, injuries are usually temporary, and you will come back much stronger, I know you will, you have that Yorkshire determination!
One year Runniversary and some reflections...
Runniversary Half Marathon!
I'll take that as my 2nd runniversary
It's my 1 year runniversary! (^)
