You won't have realised how much you have helped but thank you!

[Slinkymalinki]

The last couple of months should've been easier at work and I'm rarely ill in summer. Instead I've had the most stressful term ever where I almost lost the plot completely and got a chest infection with bad asthma.

I had strict instructions not to run from the doc until I was totally better because of a rare complication you can get if you run when you're not quite 100% which can put a strain on the heart and cause cardiac arrest apparently.

Suffice to say I took the advice having already scared myself enough with how I'd unravelled. I went from being desperate to run to eventually running short distances under 5k but they were really hard going and left me wondering whether I should just give in as I 'clearly wasn't cut out for it' (so said the gremlins 👾😈!).

That's where you all rallied round with your own posts of triumphs, frustrations, holiday runs, tips & advice, Parkrun firsts, PBs and VRB meets. I read often, commented at times and gradually got into a better headspace with returning energy levels.

Yesterday I went out for a run along the cool, quiet canal intending to do 6-7 km and happily slipped into a good rhythm which took me to 10k. I honestly felt like a different person afterwards! 😇

So although you wouldn't have realised it, I thank you all for saving my sanity 🙏 😊.

Happy runnings and every blessing X

[alisonx Graduate10]

Congratulations on the 10k 🏃🏻‍♂️🥇😄🎉 fantastic

Secondly, I'm so glad you have managed to get back into the running and your headspace is improving. Sounds like you have had a real tough time lately, but this is such a positive post, and it's lovely to read how this forum has helped. The people here are really amazing!

Here's to many more happy runs, and hopefully you get to relax and recover over the holidays

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to alisonx]

Thanks Alison! It is such a good forum -you feel someone's holding your hand right from that wk1 run1 where 90 seconds seems impossible right up to marathons (not that they're on my bucket list!). 🙂

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

I thought you had gone a bit quiet slinkymalinki. I’m sorry that life has been so tough for you and hope that end of term might give you the break you need.

It’s great that just reading the posts can help keep you going even if you don’t take part in the discussion.

Nice to see you back

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. I'm much less tired now - I think the older you get the harder it can be to unwind mentally & physically when you stop! I've only ever come close to 'losing the plot' twice in the last 25 years but that's still twice too much. I'll be a bit wiser next time...

Good to see how well your running is going. Keep posting! 😊

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

The trouble is , I spend more time on the forum than I do running 😳 must do better

[Granspeed Graduate10]

Oh gosh, what a horrid experience. 😱 So glad to hear you are back on track with that lovely run. Take care, and may you prosper now. 👍

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Thank you. Getting back to normal now & looking forward to some cooler runs! 🙂

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

Good to see you back Slinky 🤗 Well done for taking the advice, listening to your body and when you felt ready getting back on it 😊 Happy days ❤️🦋❤️

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Thank you 🦋. I just needed the right combination of positivity, a cooler day & a bit more energy to get back on track. Happy runnings to you. 😊

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Slinky, congratulations on your 10k!😊 I'm happy to hear you have recovered and are back in the game! This space is so good for keeping up our motivation, a sharing and caring environment!

Happy running, your canal route sounds perfect!😊xxx

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

The canal is definitely my happy place to run whatever the season (nothing to do with the coffee shop or pub at either end of this stretch 😉)!

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

☕🙄🍺🙄😁xx

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

I usually start & end at the coffee shop as it's nearer & indulge in a coffee if my husband comes with me but the pub is at the 4.5k mark. Perhaps I should start & end at the pub another day! 🍺🏃‍♀️🤭

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Poor you! You have been through it. But delighted you’re back where you belong 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🙂

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks. Now for some serious squats to sort out 'post 10k glutes'!

[grumpyoldgirl]

Oh slinks what a time you've had! I'm so glad you're back on those canal runs where you belong, give those gremlins a push into the water. Teaching is a rubbish job when you are trying to recover, there is no chance of taking it easy for a few days, it's straight back in, full on, until you're ready to drop. I was lucky to be able to walk away when it got too much. Take good care of yourself

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

😆 I like the idea of shoving gremlins into the canal! The intensity of the job is indeed gruelling but for my sins I've been involved in representing staff on a consultation committee with governors to safeguard our pension - a positive result (for now) but not without politics and acrimony which took its toll on me. Glad you found an escape route and hope you are blessed with many happy canal runs too - less squidgy ones though! 🙂

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Lovely post and so pleased to hear you are 'on your way' back!🙂

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Thanks Sandra. Apart from the odd reminder from my legs, I've felt great today! 😄