❤️...🤫...Well...look what the cat’s dragged in 😸!...🏃🏽‍♀️...👈🏽..Moi...😃 (and lazy Sgt Major Garmin 💂‍♀️...🙄!)

[Fabulous450]

Hi Runners!

It was great to see your Quest post TailChaser 😸..🤩! I was just going to pop in on the QT to cheer you all on 🤭. ..😳!

I am feeling a bit of ‘runner’ imposter syndrome as I have not being able to get back to any kind of normal. I’d take a ‘new normal’ 🏃🏽‍♀️ right now...for sure 😊. Those long working hours (and being of an uncooperative and rebellious age ☺️) I have certainly had all of my energy depleted for quite a long time. Davina McCall is spot on about the menopause 🤦🏽‍♀️. I’ve really not had much to post or the time. I haven’t stopped running completely, I do still go out occasionally, but there’s gaps in my running resume, bigger than the Grand Canyon! 🥴...😂!

My wonderful Sgt Major Garmin has been the gift that keeps on giving, as the stats have been giving me a few warnings. He isn’t happy with the heart rate or the body battery or the stress levels..💂‍♀️...🧐...🤨.... He’s just not happy...full stop!!😬. I thought, I shouldn’t read too much into it, but I didn’t feel great either. So, I took myself off to the GP and not surprisingly my BP is very high and unstable and I have an overactive thyroid. That is meant to result in unexplained weight loss and yet, I could definitely do with losing quite a few additional pounds....And it’s definitely not the 💵 type...🙄...! The GP thinks I might be able to get things settled back down with some rest. Sgt Garmin will be pleased he’s right..again 😂!

So, I need to move and I need to rest!...Why is that such a challenging combination? I haven’t quite got my foggy head around it. I have just joined a new 24 hour gym to help me to get into a routine to get up from 👩🏽‍💻 and get out 🌲 🌳 🏃🏽‍♀️..👩🏽‍🦯..🏋🏽‍♀️! I need to revive the mojo and the fitness.

I think a June Quest might be on the cards for us 🏃🏽‍♀️..💂‍♀️, TailChaser 😁!! I will need quite a bit of TLC thrown in too mind.

My June Quest won’t be anything spectacular, but I shall look out for the invitation TailChaser! I’m glad the weather has picked up. I’ve got a bit of a journey ahead and I’m not giving up!! 😁

Happy running Runners! ❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Oh hi Fab, so lovely to hear from you. Gosh what a time you’re having. Tell the Sgt Major to pipe down though, you need TLC!

Seriously, I hope you start to improve with plenty of rest. I assume you can go can go for little gentle bimbles - with summer approaching (slowly! 🙄😅) it’ll be lovely to go out for a relaxing leg stretch, no pressure if you can’t or don’t want to push it.

We need you back to being fighting fit! Sgt Major can wait, he won’t mind! Then you’ll be back to take him on! 😂💥

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Hey Cheekychipmunks!! 👋🏽👋🏽..🤗🤗! Lovely to hear from you too. It’s a strange phenomenon, but I need to slow down to speed up! I’m definitely going to go slow, but go I must. A few walks would be a big help too, as my daily step count was regularly less than 4,000 👈🏽 for a while! 😳 Ridiculous! Sgt Major Garmin really has been my watchdog, so I can’t complain 💂‍♀️..🤗.

Take it easy isn’t really something I generally tend to do, especially when I have a mission in mind. But, I’m going to have to find a way to be less focused on it all and just go with the flow. Slow but sure!! 🐌 🐌 🐌! 👈🏽..😁..Some great OldFloss advice!! No pressure, just fun!! Happy running Cheeky!! ❤️

[RunWillie Graduate10]

Good to hear from you Fabulous450

Sorry to hear you’ve been having a tough time of it. Thanks for sharing that Davina McCall bit on menopause. I’m off to a new Doctor tomorrow for something else but you reminded me to keep battling on to get some help on that front.

Sending you a hug and looking forward to reading your run reports when you’re ready ❤️🏃‍♀️

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

Ah..so good to hear from you too RunWillie!! 🤗🤗 Oh my goodness, the menopause is quite something. After all it’s a first for you when you are going through it, so it’s hard to pinpoint if there’s a connection. I don’t know if I’m experiencing a lot of the symptoms, but lack of sleep is a big one for me and it’s frustrating too. It’s been difficult to rebalance with long working hours and working so closely supporting the emergency response. The body takes a while to understand the easing bit! 😂 But burnout is very real. So I will be gentle with myself. I hope you get some great advice tomorrow. Running is certainly going to continue to be a benefit! 🤩 ❤️

[RunWillie Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Lack of sleep is torturous. That’s probably the only symptom that I haven’t struggled with (yet) Do take it as easy as you can. Being gentle with yourself is really important. Your VRB’s are always here x

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to RunWillie]

🤗🤗!! Thank you and you take care too!! ❤️

[BaddieThePirate Graduate10]

Yes, Davina is right, and that was a very necessary program. You’ve probably been working too hard in that mew job of yours too. Glad you twigged on and got to the Doctor. It’s so hard to have a routine when the weather doesn’t have one (and so easy when it’s sunny every morning!) Good luck and keep us posted. Love your positivity 👟🛋🛏

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to BaddieThePirate]

Hey BTP!! 🤗🤗 Lovely to hear from you!! Oh most definitely working too hard! I arrived in the midst of wonderful people supporting the response, but in an absolute whirlwind of chaos and change in the background. It’s been high adrenaline (and fumes in my case 🥴) keeping us going for sure! However, it takes its toll. I know I need to press the reset button now. So that’s the new mission for me. Looking forward to having a bit more bounce again!! 😃❤️

[Fionamags Graduate10]

Lovely to hear from you although you sound like you've been through the wars a bit.... I love how Sgt Garmin is looking after you and prompting you to visit the doc. Sounds like you need a bit of a reset?

Menopause can be so exhausting and with a demanding job to boot that is a perfect storm. Sounds like my experience! I tried the herbals etc then went for full on HRT and it was a godsend - didn't sort me completely but calmed things down enough so I could catch up on sleep - and the rest followed! Hope you find what works for you.

Exercise does help as well but you need to get your energy levels up a bit and then you'll be good to go. You can't do it all just now Fab - be kind to yourself. Great big virtual hugs xxx 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Fionamags]

Ah thanks so much Fionamags!! 🤗🤗 Honestly...I do feel like I’ve been through the wars! And this is the first time I’ve admitted it to myself too! 🧐..🤭! Thanks so much for the great advice and support!! I actually think, despite it all, I may have reached 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿!! I’ve just not logged my mileage for a long time. Hey, it would be a perfect analogy to be saying I’m on my way back!! I shall let you know!! I hope you’re doing well and look forward to being on the virtual run with you all more regularly soon!! ❤️

[Oldgirlruns Graduate10]

Well hello Fab450! So good to have you back and I’m sorry you’re really not feeling so hot at the moment. You’ve had a really hard year and are being hit with the curse of the Big M which ain’t going to help! Add your thyroid problems and it’s not surprising you’re all over the place! But you still go out for the odd trot and you check up on your VRBs here on the forum so all is not lost! Look forward to seeing you on the June quest (mine’s going to be fairly bland too but we do what we can!); in the meantime take care of yourself and keep in touch, you know we’re right with you!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thanks so much Oldgirlruns!! 🤗 You’ve all brought a wonderful feeling of support for me!! And I’m looking forward to ‘happy exercise’ (as wise Grannyhugs would say)!! ❤️

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Great to hear from you, feeling your menopause pain, but trust me it does go and with perseverance and patience your energy will return. Do try to fit in happy exercise - ie no pressure to reach any targets other than as being good for the soul. Happy running 🤗

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Grannyhugs]

👋🏽👋🏽..Grannyhugs!! Thanks so much! 🤗 Lovely advice! I shall remember that too...happy exercise!! I’m loving it already! 😁❤️

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Good to see you here, let’s hope the rest helps and the move energises rather than exhausts.

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks so much WillowandSola!! 😁🤗🤗 Slow but sure I hope...and steady! 😉❤️

[backintime Graduate10]

Hi Fab, sorry you're not feeling your best, but glad to know you did the right thing and got help! Maybe just start with those Nike 10 minute runs? Short enough to fit in and not long enough to avoid getting the rest you need? You can always work up from there should Sgt Garmin and Mr GP ok it

I'm definitely not looking forward to Menopause (I think it deserves a capital M!)

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to backintime]

Hey Backintime!! 👋🏽👋🏽 Lovely to hear from you! Thank you!! I think the menopause will probably be slightly different for everybody. I have been ok but there are things that have made it much more impactful. The bounce back and recovery from over exertion is slow!! 😂 So no harm in making plans for a mindful period of increased TLC for wellbeing. I might have felt it was self indulgent to do so before, there’s always lots to do , but it would certainly have helped to have a few more boundaries. It’s never to late though!! 😉 And everyone will probably benefit a lot more! 😁❤️

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Good to hear from you Fabulous450 !🙂

I never know where my menopause-related symptoms end and thyroid symptoms begin...or when I’m just plain stressed, anxious or tired!😂 (I’m opposite to you and have a slightly underactive thyroid).

What I do know however, is running helps all of the above!

Good luck with finding that time for you amidst the busyness that is life! 🙂

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you so much Sandraj39! 🤗 I did have to check the overactive bit, as I haven’t experienced the weight loss! 🙄 ...but with little activity, I guess it’s about right! It’s a bit of a conundrum for sure! 😂 You’re so right about the running and I do love it. I’ve always found it fun, so my method right now is to stop trying to work it all out, no big planning and just go with the flow! 😁...I’ll feel a lot better doing it that way too!! Happy running Sandraj39! ❤️

[Dexy5 Graduate10]

Great to hear from you Fab450, and great that you have been to the Dr to try and find out some answers to how you feel. Pleased to report that it does get better but it takes a while and looking after yourself is key. Easy going running will be great, and dare I say it, reducing alcohol, caffeine and spicy food does too.

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Hey Dexy5!! Thanks so much! 🤗 I was genuinely only just thinking that I have increased my caffeine intake quite a lot, as I bought a coffee machine and really got a taste for the flavours that are NOT caffeine free 😂! I only drank caffeine free before. And..I was only just saying what a great investment it has been during lockdown recently too! It’s been put to great use 😳! Just call me FabulousBarista 450! Probably NOT! 😂 Thanks for the tips Dexy! I shall keep those in mind!! 😁❤️

[Dexy5 Graduate10 in reply to Fabulous450]

Yes a coffee maker was our first online purchase last April and we have got quite good at the cappuccinos. Sadly it went to hospital today as the frothed stopped working. 2-3 weeks without it, 😱

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Dexy5]

Great minds Dexy5!! 😁 2-3 weeks without the coffee machine? 😱😱... It’s funny how we get used to these things very quickly. I will definitely be seeking out more decaf options. 😂 I hope you’re cappuccino skills will be back in use soon too 😂! ❤️

[CBDB Graduate10]

Hello runner! 👋👍🏽 Great yo see you and Mr Garmin out there again. The forums are not the same without you!

And my-oh-my, 24 hour gym! 🏋️ Interested to hear what you have planned! And that conundrum of moving vs rest is a tricky one! Also for me. My solution was - as you know - ultra slow running! (Am still snailing up LEJOG4 🤣🤣🐌🏃🏽‍♀️) Hope you figure that one out!

It’s great to read your post. See you at the quest!

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Thanks so much CBDB!! 🤗 There’s an App for the 24 hour gym!! 😂 There’s an App for everything these days. I’m doing the beginners programme which is a half hour workout of floor and machine exercises. I’m going every other day to build up. Well done on LEJOG4. Doing it your way is the perfect way!! ❤️

[Sybilw Graduate10]

So many challenges Fab 🙄. I’m sure, as ever, you’ll come out the other side with a smile on your face (that’s how I imagine you! 🤷‍♀️). I hope you fine some balance soon. Very glad to hear an update though as we miss you.

As an aside do you follow drnighatarif on social media? She’s very hot on menopause issues.

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Sybilw]

Hey Sybilw!! So good to hear from you!! Thanks so much! 🤗 I haven’t quite got the mojo back up, but I am still smiling!! And you’re right...that’s my norm!! 😂 I shall check out the Dr! Thanks for the tip!! 😉❤️

[Slinkymalinki Graduate10]

Great to hear from you Fabulous450 ! The menopause is bewildering isn't it? Just when you think you might have worked out why you're not sleeping & can't lose weight another symptom sneaks up on you! You've got a lot on your plate with the heavy workload of your new job so be kind to yourself and just change one thing at a time over a few weeks so it's easier to stick to.

I've found yoga and meditation work for me & have had to cut back on caffeine too. I've also 'allowed' myself to have some 'me' time everyday guilt free. Such a hard thing to do when work tasks seem never-ending but makes me feel more positive & calmer.

Hang in there, you're not alone! 🤗😊 X

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Thanks so much Slinkymalinki!! 🤗🤗 I do meditation too. Yoga I’ve really struggled with getting into! 🥴 The main thing is rest to be honest, but introducing things slowly and non-negotiable, me time is perfect advice! Thank you! ❤️

[Flaraflarkin Graduate10]

Please bear me in mind for June quest Fabz! I have found my running shoes at long last but life has been tough over the past few months for me - i have come out the other side now and really need to up the exercise and get moving again 🦋

[Fabulous450 Graduate10 in reply to Flaraflarkin]

Oh Flar!! So good to hear from you. 🤗 You’re not alone there. It will be wonderful to join you in the June quest. Let’s go for it!! ❤️❤️