Update

[Joy57]

I have been running intermittently but haven't posted for a while. There are lots of names on here that are new to me but hopefully some of my old VRBs are still around too.

A while ago I answered someone's post on here about recovery after donating blood. My reply was that it takes 6 to 8 weeks to replace the red blood cells. Well I am now living that myself! I hadn't given blood since my late teens or early 20s (I'm 60 now) so after a year of not being able to find a convenient appointment, now that I'm retired I managed to attend! That was 2 weeks ago. The first run after that, I managed 3k and it was a struggle. Then 4k, and now 2 x 5k in the last week, getting easier. I am also going to the gym, doing Pilates and yoga, and cycling short distances (another rediscovered activity!). The runs are still hard but getting easier, and I did quite a good time today (for me).

Just over 3 years since starting c25k and I don't regret a second of it. It's great having running 'up your sleeve' when visiting a new area or country, exploring new places and views. I'm even doing more Parkruns now as I tend to meet up with an ex-colleague and we go for coffee afterwards. So much nicer than doing them on your own! I'm not getting much faster though, probably won't at my age, and whenever I've increased to 10k I've injured something. I think that 5k is my 'happy distance' and I'm fine with that.

Hope everyone's running is going well

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate10]

Hi Joy🙋, Well done on your good run today. Sounds like you're keeping very busy and active now you have retired and are enjoying yourself with your running... 😊

I have started to go to Parkrun recently too, its quite different to solo running isn't it.

I like a 5k run too.... I have my first 10k race next month, and am doubting myself at the moment... it seems to be my limit distance wise, and throw in some hills and the time pressure...😕

I wonder what I was thinking!

I hope you feel even better once you have replenished your red blood cells.

Good for you for blood doning.

Happy running 😊xxx

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks BBR! I'm sure your 10k event will be fine - the only one I did, nearly 2 years ago, was hilly but actually went quite well with a reasonable time for me. It's only when I've tried increasing to 10k again since then, that I've had problems.

A spell of more constant weather would be nice - it was way too hot to run, then wild and windy, now just wet. Good to hear from you

[over61andstilltrying Graduate10]

Hello Joy57, All sounds wonderful! There is no doubt that a number of folk have more time to give to their own health when other commitments decrease. I just spotted someone in my age category with the same name as someone that I used to teach with and low and behold it was indeed my teaching friend. She started with C25k. We'll be meeting up soon! 😊 I am only keeping my running ticking over at the moment, but this running journey continues to unfold in directions one wold never have guessed. Fun isn't it? I hope that your recovery from giving blood continues. Enjoy your happy distance! 😊🏃‍♀️

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to over61andstilltrying]

Thanks over 61! I hope you enjoy meeting up with your old friend.

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Hi Joy, lovely to see a post from you. There are quite a few of us (who started a few years ago) still posting. although many folk I 'followed' when I first started C25k have stopped posting (hopefully they are still running).

Anyway, great to hear you are still enjoying your running, yes 5k is a nice distance. Congratulations on your retirement, it sounds like you are keeping busy! I've been wondering about giving the bike a go, not ridden for years! It is a bit tricky with Squiggy though because he has to be on the lead for many walks round here. Steering a bike and holding Squiggy's lead could be a disaster 😬. Keep us updated, it is nice to hear how you are getting on. All the best.

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to skysue16]

Yes, cycling with a dog sounds like quite an advanced skill!

Good to hear from you, enjoy your running

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Hello You!

Yes, we are still here... What a great run and it sounds like many of us retirement is probably keeping you busier than work did It is all sounding very positive and lots of fun too..

I have done a few park runs..( yes honestly) and had the good fortune to meet up with friends from the forum on them too!

Please do stay around now( you will have some time for us) and let us know what you are up to

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi floss! I still log on to read posts quite regularly but haven't felt that I've had anything new to post myself.

Recently it's been either too hot to run (most of July) or too wet/windy (August). It will be nice to get some calmer weather. I'm also looking forward to maybe planning some different runs, driving somewhere to start from. It's lovely to have the time and opportunity isn't it!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Joy57]

It really is... the world becomes your running oyster!!! If anyone had told me I would one day be running along a sandy beach in a howling gale in North Wales.. I would have laughed out loud... and yet

It will be great to hear where you get to on your runs :)x

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

I'm planning to try running in Houston next month if it's not too humid - I lived there in the early 00s but didn't run then - went to the gym instead 😆

I haven't been back since, but now a close relative has moved there, so ideal for a visit and to check up on my old haunts! 😆

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Hello Joy, lovely to hear from you again and I’m glad you are enjoying retirement and all it has to offer. For my sins, I’m now heading for the Great South Run which is 10 miles. A once only to say I’ve done it, then back to 10ks.

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy, best of luck for the Great South Run, my Parkrun buddy is doing it as well.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

Sounds like you know what works for you and more importantly are still having fun! Great to hear 👍🏻😁

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

Hello Joy 🙂 lovely to see you here again. You're still running and that's all that matters at the end of the day 🤗

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Hi IP! Good to hear from you and I hope your running is also going well. I'll look out for future posts from you on your travels

[Hidden]

Welcome back joy 57. Glad retirement is working for you. I’ve been retired now for the dizzy sum of 3 months and I have to say ........ it’s fab! My running is a bit intermittent on occasions too and my posting isn’t every day now although I still enjoy reading other posts to see how everyone else is getting on!

However I still do try and get out three times a week, but only 3 miles for each at the most. I’m comfortable with that. I think the main thing is just to enjoy it for yourself, and keeping as heathy and fit as you can.

I also sing and play the guitar which while I was working it was hard to find the time as I write and record my own songs too aswell as recording covers.

So retirement is a great busy time.

Good luck with everything joy! 👏👍🤗

[Joy57 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Peggy! I couldn't place you from your forum name so had to look you up!

I'm at the almost 3 months retired stage now, getting used to not 'having' to do things and being able to arrange my time accordingly. It takes a bit of getting used to! I used to rush around doing things on my days off. Now I can take a bit more time over things.

Good luck in your retirement and having music in your life as well as running is a great combination

[Hidden in reply to Joy57]

Hi joy. Apologies! When I dropped back in to the forum I decided to change my forum name. Myfi is the name of our beautiful black Labrador. Her name is Myfanwy which is welsh for beloved. However hubby and I call her Myfi for short. We also have her uncle at home too. His name is jack.

Yes retirement is brilliant ! Every day is like a holiday.😁😁

Anyway joy take care and you enjoy your retirement too.❤️

[DebJogsOn]

Hi Joy - good to hear from you. Couldn't agree more about having running up your sleeve when exploring new places!

I think you're very wise to recognise your 'happy distance'. I occasionally berate myself for not being faster or not going further and then I think - Am I enjoying it? Is it doing me good? If the answer is yes to both those things then I'm happy.