Tim’s run, Newcastle upon Tyne

[Vespina]

Tim, along with many others on this forum, were such an encouragement and vital part of my Couch to 5k journey… and beyond.

Today’s run was scheduled to be a 10k - my first since starting my running journey again in March. I knew that I was going to need some guidance to get me through - and so I thought about all the wise words Tim had shared in his posts, his blogs and his wonderful comments on my posts and others’.

That helped before I got out of the door. 10k felt like a daunting prospect but I thought about what Tim would have said. And that made me think about the fact that I’m surrounded by nature and have wonderful places to run. And that I don’t have to do this, I get to do it. And I thought about all the runs we’re doing for Tim today because he can’t. And I laced up my shoes and went.

I’ve been struggling with motivation over the last week but today’s run felt right all the way through. Tim often reminded me in his comments that every run doesn’t have to be a PB but I’ve only recently started being able to get that right and choose the right pace for the run. Today I started at conversational pace and kept it that way.

It was a lovely afternoon. As I’d left it so late to go, it was heading into dusk so I kept to busier roads and tracks and enjoyed it as all the Christmas lights came on and seeing all the rides lit up at the Christmas fair.

It was busy out and, without exception, everyone I smiled at and said hi to returned my greeting and smile. That seemed so perfect for today’s run. Keep smiling and they’ll join in too.

It was a perfect run thanks to Tim’s words being with me at every step. Every time I had a wobble, I thought about what Tim would say and followed his advice to settle into it again.

I wouldn’t have had such a wonderful run without his fantastic advice that I could draw on with each step and I may well have not still been running without his advice and support at crucial steps in my journey. This one was for Tim. We miss him but I know his legacy will live on every time anyone reads his blogs or calls on his advice before, during or after a run.

Keep running, keep smiling 🏃‍♂️😀

[CBDB Graduate10]

Amazing. Beautiful. And “I don’t have to do this, I get to do this”. I love that. A lovely way to commemorate Tim. 😌🙏👍🏽🙂

[Vespina Graduate10 in reply to CBDB]

I have to remind myself that I get to do it when I don’t have the motivation to go. It certainly helps to remember everyone who can’t get out there in nature and experience the joys (and challenges) of running. We’re so lucky

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate10]

This is such a lovely post to read. You’ve perfectly encapsulated how so many of us are feeling today. A fitting tribute ❤️

[Vespina Graduate10 in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks. It’s been so moving to see all the posts and read everyone’s thoughts. Just confirms the wonderful impact that Tim had on everyone.

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate]

Perfectly put

[Vespina Graduate10 in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks. Loved reading your post and seeing the beautiful location where you ran. Tim would have liked that, I think

[SueAppleRun Graduate10 60minGraduate in reply to Vespina]

Thank you

[Instructor57 Graduate10]

A brilliant tribute run for Tim .... What a guy ! His memory will live on 🙏

[Vespina Graduate10 in reply to Instructor57]

It certainly will. He’s left a lasting legacy

[Beatlesforever Graduate10]

A beautiful post ♥️