Looking for support/inspiration

[Bowlofsteam]

Hello all,

I graduated from C25k in Aug/Sep last year. I spent around 3 months consolidating running 5k 3 times a week. I then did the bridge to 10k plan twice and really enjoyed it. That took me up to the beginning of the summer.

Throughout the summer I have been experiencing increased tiredness (I think due to perimenopause) and have been trying to balance pushing my body with looking after my body and have fallen into a pattern of running twice a week and sometime only once if it’s the week of my period. I am still doing a good paced walk ( and often hill walk) on the days between runs.

I’m not sure what I’m looking for particularly with writing this other than to see if anyone feels similarly. I think my biggest worry is that I might be losing my mojo. I have never felt better physically than I do now- I don’t want to lose that.

Any helpful sharing/advice/suggestions?😊

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

Hi BoS 😊 I too am peri menopausal 😩 and sometimes feel like my symptoms are impacting on my whole life! Tiredness, sleep disturbances and not forgetting joint pain are really playing their part at the moment - my working hours and PM symptoms I'm sure are also lowering my immune system so I am catching more colds than ever before. My only advice is, remember it won't last forever 🤗 And getting out there when you feel up to it is all you can really ask of yourself. It's a tough time of life. So long as we're moving.... 😊

[Bowlofsteam Graduate10 in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Thanks for taking the time to respond. It really helps to know I’m not on my own with this and it’s not all in my head, if you know what I mean? The sleep disturbance is the worst for me... You’re right though, it’s about keeping the balance between rest and exercise... and remembering that it won’t last forever.❤️✨

[damienair Administrator]

Hi and well done for keeping the fitness up. I can’t comment of course on peri menopause being that I’m a man and we have gotten away with all the hardships that women have to endure. We really have gotten away lightly. But I can comment on what keeps my mojo going, it’s parkrun every Saturday morning. I really just do 5K, it’s my favorite distance and doable. I love parkrun, I love the atmosphere, meeting others and making new friends. So I run twice during the week and run parkrun on Saturday morning. Sometimes I’ll do a longer run on Sunday mornings. I don’t always chase after a PB. Some days I will just turn up with my 10 year old Son and run for fun. Sometimes I’ll go on my own and really go after a PB. But I just love the way it kicks off a weekend, healthy outdoor fun and you can run, walk or run/walk.

Damien

[Bowlofsteam Graduate10 in reply to damienair]

Thanks Damien. I tend to work on a Sat, which is a shame as I’m not generally around for parkrun. Maybe I’ll try and shift somethings around and give it a go sometime soon!😊

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Bowlofsteam]

I don’t know where you live bowlofsteam, but in certain locations there are great run local 5k runs , just like parkrun but on Sundays . You can check on here :

greatrunlocal.org/

We have one in Portsmouth and I’ve signed up for when I can’t do parkrun. I haven’t made it yet though.

[Bowlofsteam Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Ooo that’s very exciting to hear! I will investigate. Thanks.😊

[Irishprincess Graduate10]

You graduated last year and you’re still running. That’s a big achievement right there, so well done to you.

The summer was very hot and I think many of us struggle in the heat so hopefully you’ll find running a little easier in the cooler weather.

I’m sure your hormones are playing a part so you’re right to look after your body at this time. I left those years a long time ago and all I can say to you is it’s much better on the other side. I’ve never had so much energy or fitness! So hang in there and keep running.

You could mix things up a bit with your running, hills, speed, intervals etc. Also you could enter a race and/or join a running club. Mixing things up is key to keeping it fresh.

But above all, make sure it’s still fun. You’re getting exercise whether that’s by walking or running so that’s got to be good.

I’d say don’t worry too much and just do what you can do. You’re doing brilliantly 🙂

[Bowlofsteam Graduate10 in reply to Irishprincess]

Thanks, lots of good ideas! And thanks for the encouragement- it’s really helpful.❤️

[Jell6 Graduate10]

I think a visit to the GP is a good idea. I have blamed many things on the menopause ( thank goodness for HRT!) but it isn't always the cause of everything. Have your bloods checked to exclude obvious causes of fatigue, if they are okay, then the dreaded menopause may be the culprit.

Perhaps just go for short runs, 15-20 minutes when you feel lousy.

There is a danger of falling into the "only long runs are valuable" trap, especially when we see how "well " our forum friends are doing.

They all count, aren't 3 short, doable runs better than no runs?.

I hope you feel better soon💐

[Bowlofsteam Graduate10 in reply to Jell6]

Thanks for your reply. I may go to GP of the tiredness continues. And I like your point about long runs. I’m going to remember that👍✨❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Hi Bos. We graduated around the same time I believe. 😀

I’m post menopause now, but I remember my worst symptom was joint pain. I honestly thought I’d need a hip replacement at the time (it was before I started C25K.) Then, pretty much overnight, it disappeared, so don’t despair, things will get better and regular running will aid that process, whether it’s 1k or 10k. Just get out there, make the run your own and feel proud of yourself.

Just being out in the fresh air will blow away the cobwebs. Keep it up - and as damienair said, if you fancy parkrun, it’s a magical way to start the weekend. 😀

[Bowlofsteam Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks, it’s good to hear your symptoms have ended! It sometimes feels like it’ll never end😊.

Thanks for the support.❤️

[Papillon17 Graduate10]

I graduated in March with a main aim to get fit and run for 30 mins so could continue running with my dog doing agility. Well having lost my mum on graduation day I was with her at the time. I only run on average one or two times a week and was happy with that. I have though now got a new target to aim at with a half marathon entered in March a year to the month that mum passed and running for the Pilgrims Hospice that cared for mum during her last days. I also suffer from lack of sleep also losing weight at a rapid amount especially as I don’t need to so having blood tests for thyroid prostate and other ailments they can diagnose from bloods also had X-rays for lungs.

I hope you get sorted and they resolve your issues and one run is definitely better than none. You must do what’s best for you. Good luck.

[Bowlofsteam Graduate10 in reply to Papillon17]

Thanks so much. I’m sorry that your mum passed.🙁

I hope your blood results come back normal.

And good luck for the half marathon. Very inspiring!👍😊

[Papillon17 Graduate10 in reply to Bowlofsteam]

In a better place now out of pain. It might be my metabolic system that is over working will find out soon. Good luck to you in resolving the problems. Hopefully you will be running again soon.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Hi. Great already given. U r still active and that's great. Don't be hard on yourself and try to get out there when I can and feel like it.

As already said little runs can be great... After I finished C25K and a canny while after I had in my head that anything less than 5k wasn't really worth it. Which I now realise is absolutely bonkers! 😂 Took a while tho.. Anyway I now enjoy smaller ones and just doing it for the enjoyment of being able to. (I'm pleased I've realised this)

I recommend parkrun too. Shame u work Sat's tho.

Could u try running with a pal?

New music? No headphones (naked😅) and taking in the sounds around u etc...?

New apps? Nike run club and coach Bennett I like now and again... And its free.. As is zombie run.

Just be kind to yourself, u have come far, and will continue to progress.

[Bowlofsteam Graduate10 in reply to Deals1]

Thanks I love the ‘upbeatness’ of this post. Thanks for all the suggestions. I do think some new music and less pressure to run the longer runs is going to be key for me. Maybe also some new apps...

I also quite like the idea of ‘naked’ running!😂

[Deals1 Graduate10 in reply to Bowlofsteam]

opps I've just reread this.... I meant say 'try to get out when you fell like it' and 'great advice already given'..... I should read before I post have fun, I'm sure youll find something that works for you. keep us posted