Today I planned a 15 minute recovery run, 10 weeks to go to run a half marathon.
Got home from work, Willow said he didn’t want to go, then he said he doesn’t think he wants to run any more, he stopped enjoying it a while ago.
I feel a little sad but it’s up to him, I’m still going to run.
Put dinner in oven, set timer, and off,
Walked to end of road, warm up walk and run….. slow and steady with Coach B asking how I’m feeling, ran ashort loop that took me through our park at the end.
It’s warm, I’m tired, it’s hard running after work, and wondering about lone running, where will I go? will I bother driving to lake or sea or just run around the local streets? I can run to the seafront in under 15 minutes, it’ll take a lot longer to run to the river but I’ve done it before so could again.
Originally Willow ran because I wanted to, now he’s decided that he doesn’t so it’s back to a solo Sola
Run or rest happy 😃
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SueAppleRun
Graduate10
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Sorry to hear that Willow doesn’t want to run anymore but if he’s not enjoying it I can understand. But I am sure that once you’ve got used to the idea you will be fine Sola. In fact you have been running most of your runs on your own recently. There aren’t many of us on here who have a running partner, and I’ll confess I often send mine off on his merry way so that I can focus on me and my pace.
If there is a place you can drive to that he might enjoy walking, perhaps you can still go together on little trips when you aren’t fitting it around work.
It’s amazing how much you run in addition to your busy job. I’m not sure I could run everyday. So a round of applause to you.
Thank you Dexy, I know I’ll enjoy running on my own, and he can walk any day, at the moment he chooses not to If I don’t run I feel more tired so I run 😀
Well done to you Sola on your run today and I wish you luck for your Half Marathon in 10 weeks time, sorry about Willow no longer wanting to run, I hope at least he goes walks and doesn't go back to smoking.
Aw I’m sorry to hear that, I’m not surprised you’re a little sad. I bet though that you’ll start finding some super new solo Sola routes! You’re doing brilliantly 😊😊😊.
Thank you Frenc, I’ve got a 10k this week on my plan and my brain keeps running to the seafront and turning right instead of left and wondering how far 5k is and whether I’d go far past the pier, 😂 The thing is I think he mostly came to please me and maybe it’s just time for him to please himself…. I’m also wondering what I’ll spend the price of his next pair of running shoes on as he won’t need new ones now
There you go! Exciting new routes already being planned 😁. And you can treat yourself to something snazzy that’s running related or nothing whatsoever to do with running. 😊⭐️.
That’s a shame Sola, but you’re an experienced runner and I’m sure you’ll deal with running solo just fine. It’s quite liberating actually, and I savour my ‘me’ time - and I don’t pack half of what you do into my days.
Keep smiling, keep running and keep posting. We’ll all keep each other company. ❤️
Sorry to hear Willow doesn’t want to run anymore, maybe timeout he might think different and come back. A half marathon , good luck and keep up the training, you can do it. Good luck as well in your 10 km , keep us posted.
It sounds like the end of an era, Sola! It's so lovely of him to have kept you company for so long. I know what you mean about having to decide where you run - but I'm sure you'll get into a routine that works for you. When I'm not injured (😶!) I tend to alternate a run (or two) from my front door with one I have to drive to, so I can run in the woods.
Thank you, yes, I’m happy to run out the front door, for Willow it’s always been drive somewhere, I can get to the seafront in under 15 minutes so I’m happy with out the door
Give my best to Willow. I think you're both amazing. It's not always fun or easy to run with outside pressures and work. I admire you very much indeed. Keep going as long as you can and every single time you lace up please remember that we're all rooting for you xx
Thank you, I’m hoping to be lacing up for years yet, spoke to my sister a few weeks ago and she’s older than me, has run several marathons. she said she runs a couple of miles most mornings now and is happy with that. I’m running away from old age
Oh I do understand why you are sad, but if he isn't enjoying it...I have only ever run alone. Mr B just doesn't get it. I really value the headspace and me-time and I think you will too.
Keep going. You are amazing and I really don't know how you fit so much into your life.
Thank you and you are so right, I’ve mostly run alone lately and even when he does run he’s only run a little, it’s always been more my thing than his He had no desire to get up before breakfast and run in London but for me that was as exciting as going to the show
I can understand that. When I first did c25k my other half did it with me. After graduation we carried on running together for a few months. Then life got in the way and we stopped running. During the first lock down I decided it was time to get back on the wagon and re-started c25k. But this time he just wasn't keen. So I went for it on my own and now I really love running solo ☺️ you're doing amazingly well and I'm sure you'll soon find your solo Sola joy 😁Well done on that run, I'm in absolute awe of anyone who can run every day! 👏👏👏
Thank you, I don’t run every day but trying to do something in the evenings otherwise I just work cook eat then fall asleep on the sofa then read most the night, so anything to energize me, just got back from a dog walk with daughter so i can go to bed soon
Thanks, I don’t really know why I felt sad because although we mostly start together we haven’t run together as such for ages, he runs faster and I plod on for much longer, and lately when it’s been warm he’s sat on the beach while I’ve run. But we did start C25K together and i. the early days he was my motivator, on days my head was thinking “maybe tomorrow” he’d welcome me home from work with a “here’s a cup of tea, you can drink it while you change” and seeing him all ready in shorts and trainers meant I had to go…..and was alway so glad I did 😀 and you are exactly right, it’s my escape from the world too
Yes those personal touches are great! I used to go walking on the moors with a friend and his dogs; not so much since he fell ill, and I do miss the camaraderie.
Enjoy your solo time Sola.. maybe Willow will have time to find something he enjoys more.. or even do something useful around the house while you are out..? You still have all your virtual running buddies accompanying you on here..😊
I guess you're on this forum because you wanted to improve or maintain your health. As I get older I know I may become or need a carer. My wife and I are both getting age related stuff, can't deny it. By maintaining my health I'm contributing to be either prolonging my good health or staying healthier for a future role. Guess what, having discovered I can run, I love it, and it sounds like you have some great runs on your doorstep. Feel positive, you are fulfilling a need for both of you.
Best wishes to both of you. Longer term, people need to want to run to be a runner….maybe the wheel will turn again in the future, but for now, you have a HM to focus on and that will keep you going. Since starting to run with a pal my routes have changed or multiplied anyway and I have enjoyed that. Company is good; but for serious long runs, I still like to be able to focus on my own pace and respond to how my legs are feeling etc. So, enjoy you solo runs and run wherever you feel most comfortable. Your VRB’s are with you all the way.🙂
You are completely right, and I always knew that without him I’d still run and without me he wouldn’t. I really like to run in my own so will concentrate on my running for now
Sorry to hear about Willow. I have read about your exploits together in the past and smiled many times. You work hard, so this is your space and time to clear away the problems the job involves and refresh yourself for time with Willow and your family. He might well return after a while but this is your time, enjoy it. I run on my own mostly, apart from a friendly running group I belong to or a Park run, and I rarely feel like running when I get out of bed ( I run mornings) but as soon as I’m out there I’m glad that I did. Good luck with your HM , I know you will do well, take care.
I felt really sad reading this Sola but, as I read through the posts, I realised that Willow hasn’t run with you for a while now, and that you are getting used to it. I do hope he doesn’t think this is really the end of running for him, and that he can make a fresh start later. In the meantime carry on as you are and enjoy getting out there no matter where it might be.
Thank you Brian, yes, I felt really sad too but not sure why, he hasn’t run much all year, we got out of the habit when I was unwell earlier in the year and never really got back in it, whereas I spent my recovery time wondering when I could run again and was day 3 post anesthetic too soon? and found out that I needed 8 days before I could runI find myself wondering where i need to go to get a longer run in and have been mapping out routes
What a shame but you have to respect his wishes, I have never run with anyone unless in a race but I love the solitude and a funny podcast or two. Hope you keep on going x
Oh I understand why you feel sad, but I'm sure you can still do lovely things together. I've always been a lone runner and love it. I've enjoyed the odd run with my son, but lone running has its benefits. If Willow isn't enjoying it then it was good that he was able to be honest. Good luck with the half marathon!
Yes I’d hate to think he felt he had to run just because I want to, we do a lot of other stuff, running is just part of it abd I have been enjoying walking out the door and running where my feet rake me
Acknowledge, accept , adapt... If it were only that simple... ?
I feel a tad sad too...always the two...but, the enjoyment has to be there.
A new adventure, new routes and different decisions: and the best bit, we are all right here to run those new routes and take different directions with you!
We are great company, except I talk far too much! xxx
And... Willow will be there with a meal to greet you, a warm, or cool drink, a towel for after your swim and company on any walks you do together...
Good for you for still going out. Try not to be sad that Willow has said he doesn't want to run, it's better to know than, perhaps, someone running with you half-heartedly. Just keep on doing your thing and you may find he'll start again out of the blue, when he realizes he doesn't feel as good as when he was running.Meantime, keep your goal firmly in mind and enjoy your passion, you will be so pleased with yourself when you do your half marathon and so will Willow!
You may be a little sad about the idea of Willow not joining you but in reality it feels like when you post you have mainly either run alone, or often even going back quite a long while you'd run further than Willow & he'd take a rest or pop back to the car. 😅
If he's not really been quite as enthusiastic as you then he's done a marvellous job of supporting you so far...and we can all see that you have the experience & love of running to do wonderfully going it alone...you just need to get your head around the idea, and who likes change really! 🤷♀️
On a different note, I've not been around a lot & missed that you were in training for a half-marathon...exciting!!! Well done you 😊👍
No more feelings of guilt, and you can go where you fancy, when you want...hills today, why not! Fancy running in the rain, hell yes. Or if not then, nah, I'll go when it dries up! When to run faster, when to walk, when to take a detour...it's all up to you.
I love being able to choose on a whim without having to consider anyone else's feelings.
I hope like me you learn to love this one thing you just do for and to suit yourself.
Sorry to hear you will now be running as solo Sola. I am sure that Willow will join Mr Week7 who is now a non running partner and excellent support team . Non running partners' in my experience provide excellent recpvery coffee/water when I stagger back through the door after a run. Also available to rescue me by car mid run if necessary !! Best of luck with your plan.
I got back this morning to coffee and water and was told to go out and sit in the sun to drink them while "team support " finished hoovering the lounge!!!-result🙂
Yes it’s great isn’t it? I usually make the drinks, and put the washing on the line but both were already done when I got back I think O could become to like this
I've only ever run solo. I don't particularly want to join any club. My partner is incapable of running (the bones in her feet are almost fused).
The only time I've run alongside someone for any great distance was during the 10km race last October. That was with a colleague of half my age who left me in the dust on a long hill.
I’m realising that what I really want to do is go for a run and not worry about where Willow wants to go or if he’s waiting too long for me to get back, I like running most days even if just short runs, so now I can do that and lucky to have him not mind
Ahh, sorry about that Sola - enjoy your special "YOU" time! No more to add to what others have said, but I can sympathise, with an OH who won't do any sport, though we met through sport. Makes me sad 😔 and worried about him keeping strong and fit. And don't mention the music!! Anyway, we all love reading your posts and are inspired by you with your humour and tenacity.
Wow, a HM! Keep letting us know how it's going, even if it takes years!! But if you don't get that far, I'm sure you will keep running and running away from old age!! 🥰🏃♀️💃🏊♀️🧘♀️
I’m a bit late coming to your post, but it looks as though you are reframing already. I have run on my own for most of the time as Mr S can’t run owing to knackered knees. I got really fed up of running on my own and joined a couple of running clubs, but that brings its own stresses, so I now enjoy solo runs with podcasts (Stephen Fry’s 7 deadly sins was the latest one) and joining with others to push myself a bit. I’m sure you will find a new rhythm!
Thanks 😊 I’m happy to run alone and this mornings short run Willow walked so at least he’s getting out, I’ve always known if I didn’t run he never would but if he didn’t run I still would
That must be hard when you've run together. My other half has never run and has zero interest, so Im used to running on my own. I always look at couples and families running at Parkrun and think that must be so nice to run together. However, I like it because its my thinking time, my 'me' time and the time when I sometimes go out feeling sad, stressed or both but usually come back feeling much better.
Im sure you'll adjust really well and enjoy it just as much. Take care.
Absolutely, I look forward it especially when things are tough. My mum has dementia and as Im sure lots of people know, its a horrible disease. Sometimes I run home from the residential home, just to have some 'me' time and time to clear my head and think things through.On other days, I just love getting out on my own and appreciating the countryside and singing along if I have music on. You'll adapt Im sure.
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