Warning – rather long rambling post alert! (but might be worth a read)
So, I’ve been trying to work out when my 1-year runniversary is. It’s a bit difficult since
a)I didn’t log my early runs 🙄
b)I had a false start after straining my calf on Week1 Run2 by trying to go too fast when I probably didn’t warm up properly and my poor old pins weren’t used to it. 😢
What I do know is, I joined this amazing community on April 13th 2020, logging my first ever post on social media, asking for advice a week after knackering my calf. I was taken aback by the speed of the response, the helpfulness and positivity. ☺🤗
Well I finally worked out that today is the 1-year anniversary of my re-starting C25K, and the beginning of an adventure that I never believed possible.
Like so many people, I started running during lockdown. I’ve never been in to all that Joe Wicks leaping around type of stuff and I’ve never ever been to the gym. I have hated running all my life and would walk during school cross-country when I though I wouldn’t be spotted.
Swimming was my (only) exercise of choice, but lockdown arrived, and the pools closed. It would have been so easy to just collapse on the sofa after work, but I knew I had to do something – so I started C25K.
It hasn’t always been easy, physically or mentally, especially in the beginning and I seriously doubt I would have carried on were it not for the advice and unconditional support from all the amazing people on this very special corner of the internet.
But, at the age of 56, I fell in love with running 🏃♀😍💕and it has been my saviour during these crazy times we are all living through right now. I am fitter and leaner and feel more mentally alert than I can remember.
I run because:
•It gives me time to myself - we all need that.
•It gets me out of the house, I love being outdoors – it’s good for your mental health, boosts the immune system and gives you your Vitamin D
•It gives me headspace and is a fantastic way to de-stress. I don’t take my problems on a run with me. I just live in the moment.
•You learn something about yourself on every run. Running is a mental challenge as well as physical. It’s about pushing your body and mind to achieve things you never thought you could.
•Running is freedom – it’s one thing I can control.
•Most of all my runs are for me. Fast, slow, long, short. They’re all runs.
Anyway, I graduated C25K on June 19th last year, covering just over 4.5km, including warm up and cool-down walks. It took me until almost the end of July to run a “5K” which took me 43:24. I managed my first non-stop 60 minute run on August 22nd, covering a distance of 6.58km
Looking for a new challenge, I started Ju-jus Magic 10 Plan. For my graduation I ran the Virtual Vitality London 10,000 in a time of 1 hour 28 minutes, raising just shy of £1,000 for the Sue Ryder Manorlands Hospice. Being able to do that was a privilege.
Since then I’ve run several 10ks, taken part in the HU 1km Winter Speed Challenge, where I improved my 1K PB by 33 seconds, and am currently having great fun taking part in HU COGH Ultra Relay. I’m doing LEJOG9 and take part in a monthly distance challenge with work colleagues.
I think I’m well and truly hooked. I even took my running kit on holiday with me twice last year – and used it!
I’d planned on marking my runniversary by re-doing Run1 Week1, along the same woodland route I used a year ago. Alas things have come full circle, and I find myself right back where my running journey began, on the IC, after injuring my hip during the HU Virtual Spring 10k on Easter weekend. 😢
I managed to secure a face to face physio appointment last week who diagnosed gluteal tendinothapy. And, as linda9389 suggested should happen, I now have an exercise program focused on strengthening and recovery, with hopefully a gentle return to running within another week or so. It feels like a positive step.
And in another total about face, the pools are now open and I can at least swim again to try and maintain some level of fitness.
A year ago running saved me when I couldn’t swim. 🏃♀✔🏊♀❌
And now swimming is my saviour when I’m unable to run. 🏊♀✔🏃♀❌
What a mad year it has been!
So, to conclude on these philosophical musings, if anyone is just starting out, or struggling – you really can do it. Trust in the plan if you are following one, but most of all believe in yourself. You will be amazed at what you can achieve.
And for all of you reluctantly sitting on the injury couch alongside me, I wish for you a speedy recovery, and to come back stronger and better than before.
Happy Running All 🏃♀🏃♂😁
I took the photo on my lunchtime walk today. I started all my C25K runs at this point. It’s also happens to be the starting line of my local parkrun. Sometime soon, fingers crossed 🤞
One year Runniversary and some reflections...
A small step towards some normality 
Another Runniversary 🏃♀️🏃🏻
