I have read some really inspiring posts on here over the last couple of days. People have given me advice and encouragement during my recent slump which I'm really grateful for. I ran on Sunday and although no great shakes I did start to remember why I started and my inner monologue was easily squashed.
Today I have walked my dog for 2 hours while it was cool this morning. As I walked I thought about how much things have changed. I noticed I was walking in shorts which I haven't done for years I felt my legs were short, stumpy and fat. It took lots of persuasion from people here to get me into running shorts and now I love them.
What's more I noticed my legs are changing. I can see more definition in my calves. They feel stronger. My legs are more toned which gives me more confidence.
Some of the posts I've read enlightened me to the fact that even those I think are progressing well and without issues are facing their own struggles. So that made me decide to accentuate the positive.
Running has changed so much in 6 months. So what if I'm not running sub 30 5k. I'm safe in the knowledge it will come slowly but surely. I just need to keep the faith🤞🤞
Written by
Allbarron
60minGraduate
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Wow, your post has just blown me away 🥰🥰 you are so right, running changes us in ways we could never imagine. It works on body and mind, and our confidence grows because we are continually facing challenges and we overcome them through sheer determination and will power 💪😃 that knowledge makes us so much more resilient. You're doing great, we all travel our own journey at our own pace 🌟👍🏃♀️🌻
I'm not that person. Sorry.... I mean I wasn't that person. Through this I'm learning and changing and realising I need patience. I didn't do C25K in the prescribed time but I did it. B210k will be the same I'm sure🤞
Love this and you are so right! We all have our highs and lows and ups and downs but we keep going! I'm so glad that you are being kinder to yourself too. Keep going out there and keep running with that smile because you know it's such a great thing to do!
Good morning Allbarron, so pleased you are feeling more positive, as am I.
I am so glad you are loving wearing your shorts too, what a great turn around from how you saw yourself, .....how shocking it is the way we look so critically at parts of ourselves. I feel sad when I hear someone criticise themselves so and yet I have done the same to myself. I try to remember to look at myself and others with appreciation for the vast variety and diversity that we are.....much as we do nature or other creatures, we so naturally appreciate a sunrise or sunset, we don’t say ‘Well it’s OK, but with a touch more orange it would be better!’ or take a tree, we can so easily see the beauty in a broken half dead tree, the life it’s had, the insects it gives home to.
I too have started to notice how much my body is changed from 7 months of regular running, wobbly bits firming up nicely, fitter, stronger, ‘what’s not to like?’ as folks say.
I’m with you Allbarron, there is so much more than chasing the sub 30min 5k, lets chase some joy 😊🤗
Brilliantly put as always Jorge. Having.lost 4stone and dropped two dress sizes I have failed to see that achievement and only moan I could do.with loosing more. From now on I'm going to see myself as that beautiful sunset or that tall strong tree. I'm ok as I am. ☺️
I'm in complete agreement with jorgeRuns on this one - (I like the sunset bit) I am almost off the I C but I can tell you with this being my second time on it - the last time for about a year - you don't know what you have until it's gone and boy, did I miss my running. I am looking forward to just getting out there. I'm planning to test out my ankle on a 10 minute run some time this week. I know I'll enjoy it and that's what it's all about isn't it?
good luck out there 59er with your test run, fingers crossed, so hope you can get back to running again, you are so right, good reminder to appreciate all we have while we have it and enjoy our runs above all else 🤗
Absolutely! I firmly believe that if we can and are able to run, we should as so many people would love to but are unable to. Injuries make the comeback stronger. Good luck with yours!
Sorry to hear your injured and you are right we do take things for granted. Recently someone told me they had changed the way they internally plan things...instead of "Today I have to..." , they say "today I get to...". It does make you change the way you think of a task. I'm going to try it more often. Hope you get to run more soon ☺️
Love this, its so good to reflect on all of the changes that running has made to your mental and physical wellbeing and this is testament to that. I look back at pics of me pre running and I just look overweight and lazy! My body has totally changed and it does indeed feel great. Like you I rarely run a sub 30 5k too... its about so much more than that.
Brilliant post, so positive. Sub 30min 5k is something to aim for if that's what you want, otherwise be happy with what you do achieve then you'll reinforce that achievement on every run. Wearing shorts is great - I wear them all day every day, by the end of summer I thing my running and smart shorts will all be making their own way to the bin. Happy running 🤗
Thanks Grannyhugs. I'm living in my shorts in this hot weather too. 🥵Not sure what I want to achieve in terms of numbers and stats. I think I'm just going to aim for enjoyment and like you say celebrating the positive in each run. Getting out there is an achievement all on its own 😉.
What a lovely post - I think you have put into words what a lot of us feel. My running journey has been full of ups and downs as well.
You are quietly getting on and running your own journey and that's fab! Now wearing shorts, running for absolutely ages, being a major source of support to others on these forums.... Marvellous!
Thanks Fiona. It really is amazing how things just suddenly clear in your head. Running and walking across the fields this morning with my dog just seemed like it gave me the time to assess and accept. It's been great to see the responses to this post🤯
What a lovely positive post 😊 It's amazing how looking at something from a different perspective can make a huge difference to the way we feel. I'm so pleased that you're feeling a return of the pleasure of running. I love your description of your legs 😊 I don't think I'd be brave enough for running short although in this weather that sound rather cool .The only difference I've noticed is that my ankles seem to have got bigger so now my socks are too tight !
Oh no dijep! Those ankles are testament to how powerful you're becoming. 🦵💪👍I'm afraid I was out this morning in running shorts and vest top it was so humid. 🥵I think I'm past caring now. I have no shame🥺
I did end up looking for running shorts on line yesterday but it all got too difficult trying to work out if sat on the waist, size, pockets, loose or fitted. I gave up and decided it will cool down soon 😂
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