Let’s go round again …

[61Lady]

It’s been a while I know, but have been keeping an eye on your lovely posts and finally I have something to write about too.

Life took over a while ago and running wasn’t on my agenda but I came to the conclusion that even if things are not going smoothly, I generally feel mentally stronger and more able to cope when I run. That should read - especially when things are not going smoothly !

I started C25k again and graduated for a 3rd time a few weeks back. I’ve been going out 3 times a week for 30-35mins. Today I decided I was going to try 5k. When I did this a couple of years ago, it took around the 45min mark but I’ve learned that for me, this is all about the process and not speed so just went out for an enjoyable trot. The weather was quite warm but a bit blowy.

I can’t quite believe I did 5k in 40 mins 11 secs. and this is with what I thought was quite a strong head wind on the sea front for the last kilometre ! Didn’t listen to anything - just my own headspace.

I’m glad I’ve found my happy place with running again and feel part of this wonderful community once more.

Even though I haven’t posted recently, thank you all for being there - your posts have been inspirational and one of the reasons I got going again🏃‍♀️💪🏃‍♀️

[Week7 Graduate10]

Sounds like you are right back in the swing of it! Good run!

Good to hear that running helps your head space. I totally empathise. When life is going through one of those tough phases it's so much harder to get out of the door but the relief provided by a run is more welcome than ever.

[61Lady Graduate10 in reply to Week7]

Thanks W7 - you’re right. I’ve discovered when I really don’t want to go for a run, that is precisely the time it will do me the most good - perfect therapy and self help 😀

[Week7 Graduate10 in reply to 61Lady]

Me too- Reading all of the posts in these chats shows that we are not the only ones!

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Lovely post and I completely agree how we can sometimes let things slip when “life” gets in the way - when running is often the very thing that’s gets us through! Well done!🙂

[61Lady Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you - will definitely look back on this at low points in the future - it will be a reminder of value of running to me

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

That’s fabulous and a really good pace well done

[61Lady Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you - I love reading about your outings and always admire how you fit everything around demanding work - truly inspiring

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to 61Lady]

I always am inspired by reading posts on here and the running gives me the energy and enthusiasm to keep working at the pace I do

[Frenc Graduate10 60minGraduate]

So good to hear you are back out there 61Lady . I had a few things going on recently and the last thing I felt like doing was going for a run, but as you say, that’s when we need it the most! Well done on a brilliant 5k. 😊😊😊

[61Lady Graduate10 in reply to Frenc]

Thank you - it’s taken a while but I now know running makes me resilient - much stronger in so many ways … and happier 😀

[CBDB Graduate10]

What a fabulous post! And it sounds like it was a beautiful run! Happy running!

[61Lady Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

Thank you so much - lovely to be up and running again 😉

[Oldfloss Administrator 60minGraduate]

Good to see you back here... just getting out there and finding that the legs and your running body know exactly what to do, is terrific!

So, so many of us have repeated C25K over the last two years, and many, many of us have had similar feelings to you, letting life, or unable to stop life issues, getting in the way of our running. I over used my running to escape things and ended up having to stop for a while!

The mental benefits of our running, when done properly, are immense, as are the physical benefits.

Do please, stay around and do keep posting your runs. It really does help, to share and let others know that the running always waits, no matter how long we are away!

Well done you!

[61Lady Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for your support OF. It took me such a long time to appreciate the mental benefits which was probably the reason I didn’t return earlier - just didn’t see the connection 🙄Now I enjoy the “me time”

[Scruff55 60minGraduate]

Great run welcome back to running. Good time for your first 5 k in a while well done 👏👏👏

[61Lady Graduate10 in reply to Scruff55]

Thank you S55 - embarking on Juju’s Magic plan next … and I’ve joined the HU team for the Vitality Running World Cup so hoping to keep on track this time 🤞

[61Lady Graduate10 in reply to Scruff55]

PS - that’s the distance version of MP by the way - will post on how I get on