Having to start again and begin positive thibkibg

[Pymander10]

So guys things got bad and I’m currently detained in a mental health hospital for up to 28 days I’ve been here 2 weeks and 4 weeks ago I had a seizure and hurt my leg badly. It is currently healing and I’m very limited to how much exercise I can do and to be honest I’ve lost my motivation and feel like I won’t be able to do it again

However something is telling me when I get out I can start the couch to 5k again and that is something to aim for and a positive step to look forward to for when I get out. Has anyone else had to be forced to stop. and then somehow build up the courage to start again. 2 months ago I was running 5k every Sunday now I struggle walking in the garden. I feel I have lost all hope and have failed but I need to feel that feeling I know you all know to start again.

Any help or advice will be much appreciated. I am devastated to have lost the running and being in here. I don’t know where to start again in my mind

Thank you for reading

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Hello Pymander10 . I am really sorry to hear you hurt yourself and that you are also in a mental health unit at the moment. I think it’s marvellous though that you’ve posted - even if you can’t run right now, it’s still there in you! You are half way through your stay and I hope they are giving you the tools to feel a bit better when you go home. While I’ve never had to just stop, there are times when I feel like it. Something as simple as picking up a copy of Runners’ World or watching a running documentary can do wonders for my psyche even if I don’t feel like reading or watching anything! I know you can start C25K again purely because you posted about it, although I would obviously make sure your leg is ok first. A colleague of mine was in a similar situation to where you are now and she swears by lists - what are all the small things she can do that eventually lead to successfully starting or doing something. You can do it again and I know you will do it again. Be kind to yourself and keep it simple. Take care! 😊😊😊

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through. Although it may not seem like it at the moment, once you're feeling stronger you'll find the motivation to get back out there and start running again. I first went through couch to 5k in 2017 and I consolidated for a few months. Then a number of things happened and I stopped running for over two years. During the first lockdown I decided to start exercising again and I re-started couch to 5k - the best decision I've made! Since I'd been through it once I had more confidence and I really enjoyed it the second time around, there was less fretting. Your body will remember when you go back to it, even if your fitness levels take a while to get back to what they were. Take care, all the best.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

Ahh Pymander, I’m so sorry you’ve been going through a hard time of late. But the very fact you posted on here means you still want to get and out run when you’re able to.

I think starting C25K would be the perfect way to get back into it. I hope things improve for you soon, and please don’t forget to let us know how you’re doing. ❤️

[Devon_straggler Graduate10]

It sounds like you're going through a really tough time right now, but the fact that you miss the running means that I'm sure you'll find the motivation to get going again when the time is right. I've had to stop a few times due to injury (I'm on the injury couch right now in fact!) and regaining lost fitness can be challenging, and it's only by giving ourselves permission to not try to quickly regain what we've lost that I think it's enjoyable. C25k is a great way of doing that, as is just walking, as it allows you to stop and appreciate the abundance of flowers/insects/animals/birds etc that we're fortunate to see in the spring/summer, even if you live in a city. Don't feel that you've failed by having to stop for a while, I'm sure there's very few on this forum that haven't been forced to pause and restart their running at some point, that's life. Just concentrate on making small steps towards where you want to be and I'm sure you'll be back running 5k sooner than you expect. Just make sure the leg is healed first!

[Vespina Graduate10]

So sorry to hear things are tough at the moment. As others have said, it’s so good that you’ve posted on here to share how you’re feeling.

It is definitely good news that you have something to look forward to. That’s so important and I find I’m often in my darkest places when I don’t see something good on the horizon.

Your target of returning to Couch to 5k is great and you know that it will work for you. I’ve just completed it for the second time. I ran for a while but picked up an injury after training for and running (limping?) a half marathon. I took a few weeks off, a physio told me not to run again and I thought my running days were over. But I’m back on it and the programme felt like it went by so fast. So I’m sure you’ll be back out there again as soon as you’re ready.

Keep us posted on how things are going. We’re always here when you need.

[Sandie1961 Graduate10]

So sorry to hear you haven’t been well. As others have said, just the fact you’ve come back to this forum and are thinking of starting C25k again must mean you think it will be beneficial. Just start with a short walk in the spring sunshine once you are able to and you will know when it’s time to try a little run. Best wishes for your recovery and keep posting. There are lots of people rooting for you x

[Fionamags Graduate10]

I'm really sorry to hear that you are poorly and in hospital. It won't be long though until you are out and ready to run again. You sound as though you have that yearning to run that will see you flying through c25k again. So many of us on here have repeated it after being out for injury or just sheer laziness/lack of motivation. Like others have said, its easier the second time because you know you can do it. But it is just as joyous! "Reclaiming" the runs, is what I call it.

I hope your mental health improves soon. Thanks for posting so openly about this - we need more people to talk about mental health. Let us know how you get on. Big hugs 🤗

[LiisaM]

Dear Pymander, As I write this, I’m restarting c25k for the third year—and I’m approaching age 80! I hope you’re able to start again, as well. Im also wishing positivity for you. I know being laid up like you are is difficult.

[Sybilw Graduate10]

Sorry to hear life has thrown you a challenge. I can certainly confirm that it’s not only doable to get back running after a pause but it’s also enjoyable! I stopped running (no reason or excuse) and restarted recently. The second time round you can relax and enjoy it as you KNOW it works. Hope you feel better soon

[Coddfish Graduate10]

I am really sorry to hear what you are going through. My stop and start was for very different reasons but I hope my experience is relevant.

I graduated C25K in 2015 as a then late 50 something and became a regular, if somewhat plodding, runner. I had a level of hip arthritis all through this, which running seemed to help with. During 2020 and 21, the arthritis got worse, I slowed down even further, and seemed to be getting new upper leg and groin injuries with regularity as I worked round the crocked hip. Eventually I accepted the hip would have to be replaced and stopped running entirely in April 21. I got my surgery done in September 21 and had to start from barely being able to walk a block on crutches. I spent the first 3 months making sure the implant was solid and working on the muscles around it. I tried a few tentative running steps here and there just before Christmas.

In January 22 I committed myself to a 5k training programme and just gradually worked my way back. I had lost a lot of aerobic fitness but the new hip worked wonderfully well and all the injury niggles were gone. I managed several 5ks at a better pace than since probably 2019. Unfortunately I currently have some unrelated health issues I am working through so my progress at the moment is patchy, but I feel sure determination will keep me going.

I think you have to believe in your ability to go through the programme again, and welcome and appreciate the small gains you get as you go through. I certainly find running is very helpful mentally as well as physically. Wishing you all the best.

[Pymander10 in reply to Coddfish]

Oh wow you have been through so much. I would love to reply to each and every message but I just don’t have the mental capacity. But I wanted to say thank you for sharing your story it has really inspired me

[Rungranny 60minGraduate]

How courageous of you to put your story out there, and im sure you will get back to exercise as soon as you are feeling better.

I came back to this forum today to post asking for advice and motivation to get back to run C25k as im struggling with depression and general anxiety. I completed C25k before a couple of years ago having never run before and while it was hard going it really helped my anxiety. Those awful feelings just faded as i slogged along burning off cortisol. My knee caused me to quit but im starting again even if i just walk / jog 4 or 5k .

My GP increases my antidepressant dose so im hoping i will feel better soon.

Depression and anxiety is such a horrible illness , people , even those close to you dont realise how bad you are feeling and that its not just a matter of cheering yourself up or all the other well meaning pleasantries that people, doctors included give out.