Thank You VRB's

[Lorijay]

Just want to say a huge thank you vrb's as I ran with you all today so second win!

Anxiety is always at it's peak in the morning but I have been reading Meditation & Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe so this morning I used what I am learning. I have never tried meditation before and although very clumsy it definitely helped with getting out the door. The run itself then took care of the rest.

I used the principle of awareness during my run and just enjoyed the scenery, looked at everything detail which helped quiet the mind. I know there were a couple of times that I was smiling.

Thank you, you're all very special.

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10]

Hey Lori. I’m sorry that youve been suffering. Only just popped in. I’m glad other VRB’s have helped you along the way.

Wishing you well. x

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Ripcurlrana71]

Thank you Rip. Happy new year to you, hope you doing ok. Still putting in the miles? xx

[Ripcurlrana71 Graduate10 in reply to Lorijay]

Happy new year! Yes still plodding on. 🏃🏻‍♀️😊 x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Excellent...absorbing..internalising and calming.Well done you xxx

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you Oldfloss xx

[Gran4z Graduate10]

So good to read, unbelievably well done. Proud of you 🌻

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Gran4z]

Thanks Gran4z, you're wonderful xx

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Well done Lorijay. I remember when I did c25k, Jo Whiley said that you should keep repeating ‘I love running ‘ if you were finding it tough. It really made a difference. The mind does pick up positive vibes and I’m sure all the messages from VRBs will keep you going.

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy, yes you are right VRB's just fantastic!

Enjoy your park run, I am assuming you'll be there tomorrow, hope it's a good one

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Lorijay]

Thank you. I'll be there....

Sorry, no emojis, I'm on the PC.

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

All smiles here reading your post Lorijay! 😊🎉🏃‍♀️🏃🏻🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏾‍♀️🏃 I haven't read the book you mentioned, but so glad it is proving helpful. I thought of you as I ran today and am pleased to report that I didn't get lost. I did spot some snowdrops pushing through which was lovely and had the pleasure of beautiful weather. A joy! All the very best for your next run! 😊🏃🏼‍♀️

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thank you 61. So pleased you had a nice run too without getting lost! It was fantastic running with so many of you today

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Well done!! When I'm finding it tough I sometimes do the "I love running" mantra too.

I went out last night and listened to a headspace podcast on the Nike app called end of the day run about 25mins. And it was great, really enjoyed it .I think Andy spoke on that.

Happy running 🏃

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thank you Deals. I am going to try that mantra, haven't heard about it before. Yes that is the same Andy, he seems to put things in a way that is easy to understand and relate to.

Happy running to you too

[Hidden]

Hey lori, Fantastic to read this. I was grinning from ear to ear. I think you'd love the Headspace runs on the Nike Run Club app. It's Andy Puddicombe talking you through the run. And he's talking about relaxing the body, feeling the foot strike, dropping the shoulders, going slow and being aware of your surroundings. I just love them and there ar lots. I'll be bringing you with me on Sunday - hopefully running by the sea. xx

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Paula. I am going to listen to Headspace on my next run.

Sunday by the sea sounds lovely. Thank you my dear friend.

Have a great weekend xx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Ooh take me too please...and write about it afterwards! 😊xx

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Ok. I'll even take a photo. I'm going to see my sister and I want to get out of her hair on Sunday afternoon so I'm planning a long run along a promenade or even a beach. Hope the sand is hard! My last seaside run was a barefoot 9km which was wonderful but my feet really suffered afterwards..

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Lovely run Lorijay, you got more from that than just exercise too I'm sure. You got self-esteem and self-confidence and satisfaction.

You are very special, and you are one of us, and most definitely a Runner!

Keep posting, smiling and running ( who says that 😆😉) 😊xxx

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Bluebird, very kind words and lovely support. Hope you have a great weekend xx

[Hidden in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Not all at once mind or you might fall over....

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

I’m sooooo happy for you Lorijay. ❤️ The power of running is very special, and this forum is truly the best. Always so supportive. How brilliant that you discovered meditation - a great combo with your lovely run!

Take lots of care. ❤️

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks Cheeky, couldn't agree more about the forum, just special!!

Hope you have a lovely weekend

[Anniemurph Graduate10]

Oh, well done! I'm lucky and do not suffer from anxiety during a run but when I have thought 'I cannot do this!' I do run a systems check which is a bit similar in a way. Is anything actually hurting? No. Can I breathe? Well, yes. Could I breathe better? Yes - so do so. Is my left hand clenched into a fist? Usually yes so unclench. Are my shoulders tight? Am I running flat-footed?

Just the mental act of running through what's happening helps, and then I can focus on my surroundings.

I hope your next run is a great one

[Lorijay Graduate10 in reply to Anniemurph]

Thanks Annie, that checklist is really helpful and will assist with staying grounded and aware which adds to meditation/relaxation principles. Will try it next run. Thank you

[Anniemurph Graduate10 in reply to Lorijay]

Oh, sorry, it wasn't meant as a proper checklist - it's more my personal prevention of whinges, especially in the first toxic 10 minutes It is sort of about awareness though, so however you can stay grounded and aware, that's a really helpful thing to do. Happy running!