Bit of a ramble but hopefully it makes sense ...

[Vintage61]

It’s been a bit of a year so far. Work has been stressful..I’m a nurse so lots of challenges... and all of us have had to cope with all the difficulties of lock down that we are all well aware of. I count myself as a luckier one as at least I have been able to remain in work, so both my routine and salary have not changed. I think that makes me very lucky in fact.

This time last year I was still making my way through C25k having never run a step before in my life. I graduated in July and managed the 5k distance about a month later. The 5k forum was brilliant, funny and kind people who were so supportive. In September I injured my ankle that stopped me running for about 8 weeks. That was the point at which I became less involved in the forum, didn’t feel I had a huge amount to contribute and all my contemporaries were doing so amazingly well.

Started running again and then just got out of the habit of posting, did so occasionally only. Have run 10k 3 times now, and building slowly as aware that I can get injured again if I go mad. Running is part of life and I don’t know how I ever managed without it. Both for mental and physical health. This time last year I would have hit triggers on risk assessment that would have taken me off the front line at work. I didn’t need to complete one when COVID hit as I didn’t meet any of the triggers.

Today I went out on a run as part of a plan for a virtual run next month. I was due to run 7k and managed 6.6... long story but let’s just say I need to get a grip of Gary the Garmin. I have beaten myself up about that .4 of a kilometre all morning, lots of negative thoughts came flooding back.

And then by chance I responded to a post that came up in an email today on here.. and it was just exactly the kick I needed. Lovely support from lovely people on running 10k.... took me right back to why I run, what I’ve achieved so far and not to take it for granted. And that there is a community of people like me out there, giving it our best shot and achieving amazing things every day.

So..... Jan’s back in the game.... feeling a bit emosh for that vomit of a post but sometimes ya just gotta tell it how it is. You lot are just brilliant. Happy safe running everyone. 🏃🏻‍♀️💕🏃🏻‍♀️

That is all... over and out 🤪

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Oh my, please dont beat yourself up over 400m. Remember that girl who worked so hard to reach 5k 😂 and now you've reached 10k, 3 times. I do monthly distances so that all these extra metres add up to my monthly total, it's like putting change from your shopping in a jar and at the end of the month finding you have enough for - oh a chocolate bar. Take care 🤗

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

That’s a fab idea, thank you 😊

[Grannyhugs Graduate10 in reply to Vintage61]

You're very welcome, anything that helps 😀

[Rogie55 Graduate10]

I am a support worker, I work with a lady with dementia. what is social distancing! I came home after a long shift and on a magic day I did the 10k. The mental health of running is amazing. You and I have journeyed together. Well done my beauty. Yes getting my 10k I had to add little bits on, spent ages on ‘on the go‘ to get to 10 k.

Ha ha. Just would like to know when we can do an actual race, get an additional bit of bling.🥇🏆

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to Rogie55]

We’re rockin it my lovely. Go us! 👊🏻💪💥

[grumpyoldgirl in reply to Vintage61]

Hey girls, I've come up close and personal with the NHS this last week and I'm just thankful that you guys are all still there getting on with it, so that idiots like me can get the help we need when we need it 😘💕

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

I’m sure you’re not an idiot!!

[Hidden]

Posts from the heart are always so lovely to read as we are all like minded people who understand. Well done on building back up slowly too. You will keep making progress even if it feels slow...it's still progress. The negative thoughts are just that...thoughts not facts so allow them to come and go and don't hold onto them. In fact every time you step out of the door to run you have overcome!

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, I’m out there doing I guess. The mental health benefits alone are fantastic.

[Buddy34 Graduate10]

What a lovely post, and you're right running is so rewarding in all aspects of our life . I don't know far I would have got without all the great people on here.

Here's to more happy running 🤗🤗

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to Buddy34]

You too x

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

As ever, a fantastic post from you Vintage! Don’t worry about that pesky 400 metres, you can always knock them out on your next run! The important thing is that you were out there doing it - and before C25K you probably wouldn’t have been! Gary the Garmin is a one isn’t he - on my last run, he had me down as cycling! So keep running, keep posting, and keep us smiling! Good to have you back!

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thx my lovely, good to be back. You’re absolutely right, it’s all good and all going in the right direction. Gary is a rascal but still love him 😜

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

You are back... you are here... and you are totally awesome.... !

Thank you for everything you are doing to keep us all safe, and don't you dare beat yourself up over any aspect of your running....!

You will get exactly where you want to be..just do what you do best,,, stay running and keep posting, we love reading your posts

Stay safe and stay here please

PS

Gary the Garmin...I remember your post on this! It reminds me of Gary the Gremlin... one I drew for mfamilias , one heck of an awesome runner, like you

healthunlocked.com/bridgeto......

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you my lovely, happy safe running to you too xx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to Vintage61]

Thank you xx

[MartinKH Graduate10]

Sounds to me that you are doing amazing.

What’s 400 metres in the big scheme of things !

How great too the positive effects of running both physically and mentally that you mention. I totally agree and have enjoyed the same benefits.

I’ve been on the IC for 6 weeks, hoping / planning my gradual return next week.

Happy running 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️👍

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to MartinKH]

Thank you. 😊 Hope you get back on form very soon

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Firstly, many thanks for being in the frontline in this pandemic... I hope that the country finds a decent way to say a big thank you to each and every NHS and care worker, not forgetting the other key workers who’ve kept us all going.

Welcome back! Huge congratulations on reaching 10k and the obvious herald benefits as you didn’t need to be shielded... all down to you hard work of course. 0.4 km? Do you remember when that was a really hard run? I do, but try not to 🤣. I left mile 8 on a run last October... the other 7 said I was amazing so I went with the majority!

Happy running, and thank you again.

[Vintage61 Graduate10]

Thank you for the thank you and the wise words. This forum is I think essential in maintaining perspective of how far we’ve all come. Feels good to be back and I’m far more chilled about the 400 m this morning..... just. 🤪👍🏻

[Sparkey5000 60minGraduate]

Your awesome is so many ways. Live your post and nice to have you back!

[Vintage61 Graduate10 in reply to Sparkey5000]

Thank you 😊

[Sybilw Graduate10]

Better out than in I say! Funny how we love the numbers (10k - congratulations 🎉) but hate them if they’re not the right ones 🤷‍♀️ I hate point anything too but trying to work on it.