Decisions decisions... : I was woken this... - Bridge to 10K

Bridge to 10K

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Decisions decisions...

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate
67 Replies

I was woken this morning with a phone call from work. It's my day off and I realised that every day off I get s***e from work, someone's gone sick, can I pop up for a few hours, someone's said someone's been rude to them can I pop in and smooth things down, so suddenly my decision to retire was made for me.I haven't run this year, and there's another round of really awful colds knocking people down, so I was determined to run before I get sick again or I have to go into work.

We went to the river, it was fairly full, flat and murky looking, looked across at the downs and could hardly see them.

Cross the bridge set the NRC mile run, it has been 25 days since I last ran, we both set off running together then Willow dropped back to a walk and off I went, deep breaths of cold air, wish I'd brought my buff, freezing face, freezing hands, should have worn gloves, it's 1 degree by the way.

Big big grin spreads across my face, I'm going to have more time for this! What fun.

1k and turn, 8.56 so faster than usual, point 6 on way back then brisk walk to car, Willow met me on the bridge he'd walked almost all the time I was out running

Run happy or rest well

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SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRun
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67 Replies
AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate10

Good to hear from you Sola, nice run and despite the murkness a nice photo too👍

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toAlMorr

Thanks Al

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate10

It does sound like they have been taking full advantage of your willingness to drop everything to help out at work SueAppleRun . Days off are important to recharge your batteries, especially in your line of work. I’m glad you got out for a run today even though it was murky.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toDexy5

It was so good to be out Dexy, it stopped the "have I done the right thing" brain worm that's driving me mad since I clicked send on the resignation email

Doris8 profile image
Doris8Graduate10

well done Sola good decision. Hopefully you’re getting over the worst now. I see you’re getting the cold whereas we getting milder . Retirement good I recommend it, just started and me and Mr D we went a walk this morning . Fingers crossed for u😊

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toDoris8

Thank you, I'm panicking a bit but it's time and I'm sure I'll adjust

Chinkoflight profile image
Chinkoflight

Cool photo! 😉 Work life balance, good priorities today it seems. 'Work (hard) to live (hard) not live to work' my Dad always said.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toChinkoflight

Thanks and it's time work went into the past, it encroaches on every day

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10

It’s great to break a streak of not running. I bet that felt good. It looks freezing there-murkily beautiful! Congratulations on a great run today. 🎉

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toMissUnderstanding

Thank you, it felt freezing and I ran faster, because it was shorter, I went slower and slower as my runs got longer and barely breathe faster so today I pushed it a bit, I'm sure with more regular running I'll improve some

MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministratorGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

I was similar after my injury break from regular running. I felt all over the place. Totally uncoordinated, couldn’t settle on a steady pace, almost like I’d never run before. I did a short run every other day for a couple of weeks (max fifteen minutes) and that really worked well for me. I’m absolutely sure you’ll get there. The main thing is you’ve broken that no run streak which will make the next one much easier. Really good luck 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️❤️

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate10

Good for you! You'll love it! Great decision Sola! You deserve it!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRoxdog

Thank you, now I'm panicking a bit but I do know I'll fill my time, hopefully with running and music, rather than cups of tea and cake

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

I panicked a bit, but it was easier than I thought! You'll love it

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRoxdog

Oh thank you, it's the next 3 months I've got to get through but it'll be fine

Roxdog profile image
RoxdogGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

Yes, that 3 months might feel strange and lots of goodbyes! But you will retire being known as a superhero, so that's good. It's best to retire before you get resentful of how much of your life you spend working! That said, I'm super busy all the time and haven't found time to run in the last 10 days due to things going on with my dad and of course, the dreadful weather! Had enough of winter now!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRoxdog

Oh yes, I've had enough of winter too, I think resentful started to kick in, now I have to write a list of how to's for the next one, that would have made my first few months so much easier

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10

Congratulations on clicking that send button, I know it's a difficult decision to make, like you I had one day when I just thought that's it I've heard enough. It might take a while too settle but you'll love it. All that extra time to get out 😊😊It's great that you finally managed to get your running shoes on and I just imagine your smile

🧘‍♀️👍

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply todijep

I've been wavering for a few months now, and always just thought I'd work a bit longer then this morning I thought, enough, it's ruled my life long enough

dijep profile image
dijepGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

I know exactly how that feels.

Very nice! I have decided that I will retire in November (when I turn 62 yikes) No point in keeping on with the daily grind until you are too old to live life to the full, is my view. This year I have some financial commitments but then I'm off!

In your line of work, you can always pick up a few shifts if you need/want to, but without the additional stress of having to manage people/feel responsible for the service. Happy days and lots of time to run 😀

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply to

You are exactly right, I've stayed longer than I should really but it will be wonderful to have the summer for running and swimming

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate10

Well done on the run and well done on the decision to retire!

When that happens... the salary ain't the same but.... the benefits... WOW ! You will wonder how you found time to work!

Seriously... an evocative run.... you should have taken your buff and gloves...I was so glad of mine across the fields...A beautiful photo and the weather seemed very like the weather here.

Huge well done to you... won't it be great to have more time to do this? xx

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldfloss

Yes it will and thank you xx

Oldlady64 profile image
Oldlady64Graduate10

Seems as if the right decision for you was staring you in the face! Lovely to hear that you’re out running again, looking forward to hearing more about your plans 😁.

I’m hoping to do a brisk 5k walk on Friday, I’m 15 days since I tested negative for covid so will pick things up a bit over the coming weeks.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldlady64

A good walk for you, yes I needed to make that decision the time is right

Oldgirlruns profile image
OldgirlrunsGraduate10

So do I gather from your post that you’re actually going to retire this time Sola?! From my own experience, I’m sure you’ll be so relieved when the deed is done! You’ve loved your work but it’s now time to get out and run! Even on the murky days like today!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldgirlruns

Yes I am, I have to work 3 months notice so last day is 30 April, I'm feeling very strange but I decided it's time, I want to do lots of things so don't want to work til I drop

Oldgirlruns profile image
OldgirlrunsGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

You’re right - it’s time! Time to have some fun!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldgirlruns

Lots of fun coming up

Folkylass profile image
FolkylassGraduate10

Well done on your run and your decision to retire. Sometimes people can just take advantage of kind , generous people can’t they ?

I know when I handed my resignation in ,it felt great. And driving from work for the very last time was a great feeling even though I knew I would miss colleagues I knew I was making the right decision.

I have never looked back at all and now in May it will be four years. It has flown by.

It’s going to be great for you both Sola…….It’s time! 👍👏👏🎉🎉

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toFolkylass

Thank you and maybe in May we can do a virtual run together to celebrate

Folkylass profile image
FolkylassGraduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

Your on! I would love that ! 👍👍😂😂x

Dendev75 profile image
Dendev75Graduate10

Well done on your huge decision - I’m sure it’s the right one and you deserve some time for you without being pestered. I bet that run felt lovely and you had a huge smile on your face ☺️

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toDendev75

I did have a big grin, mind you it nearly got frozen in place

Dendev75 profile image
Dendev75Graduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

🤣😆

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10

🙂 if you feel a bit panicky, just think how all those who have been taking advantage of your sense of duty and kindness will feel! There will be some sleepless nights ahead for them…..you though, should rest easy and try to enjoy your last three months…..and be resolute when people try to persuade you stay.👍

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toBeachcomber66

There's no turning back, I will enjoy it, not least because I have some leave to book and there's 2 bank holidays too, which either means extra days off or extra money in my last pay packet so a win win either way 😀

Beachcomber66 profile image
Beachcomber66Graduate10 in reply toSueAppleRun

👍

OldManRunning profile image
OldManRunningGraduate10

Happy retirement. Enjoy it and your running 😊

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toOldManRunning

I might even get faster

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate10

Made a similar decision 6 months ago, suddenly felt so abused people taking advantage of my good nature and handed my notice in. I left last week early retirement it feels weird but that work related stress is depleting and the running free increasing 🙌🏻

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toWavy-chick28

Just what I needed to hear thank you, sounds perfect

Rabbit561 profile image
Rabbit561

I remember feeling very much taken advantage off at my work before I retired. It’s probably the only decision I’ve made in my life that I’ve never regretted, even though I loved my job. Retirement is just the next chapter…. For me it’s when I started running.

Wishing you well and lots more happy running.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRabbit561

Thank you so much for that, that's exactly me now and I can't wait

Wavy-chick28 profile image
Wavy-chick28Graduate10 in reply toRabbit561

certainly is a new beginning 🙌🏻

Week7 profile image
Week7Graduate10

2 excellent decisions running and retiring! Congratulations on both.So sounds like you have 3 months to build your strength and rediscover your running powers in preparation!

Just imagine - running, walking, coffee , cake and no work! Amazing

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toWeek7

Noooo I don't want coffee and cake, but the rest sounds good

Sandie1961 profile image
Sandie1961Graduate10

Congratulations on pressing that button 🥳 It will take some time to adjust, but just go with the flow. It will be a great summer for you!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toSandie1961

I'm very excited now

Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministratorGraduate10

Congratulations, this 3 months will pass before you know it. You deserve a break after all your hard (and absolutely essential) work. Big changes ahead (and the weather will be way better for running come May)😁

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toYesletsgo

That's very true

LottieMW profile image
LottieMWAmbassador

Well done on deciding to retire…you won’t regret it! It will feel strange at first, but imagine the joy of being able to spontaneously do things without having to look at which shift you’re on! You’ll have free weekends and not have to worry about working bank holidays…and as you’ve said…those last minute phone calls.

It’s great to be able to just go out and run too, whenever you want! Enjoy!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toLottieMW

Thank you, I'm looking forward to it and beginning to plan how to tidy all those ongoing bits of work away

Cmoi profile image
CmoiGraduate10

Congratulations on sending the "I'm outta here!" email SueAppleRun ! Can you use any accrued annual leave to make your last working day sooner than 30th April? Less head-messing stuff, more running and other fun!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toCmoi

I will have a couple of days 😀and I have some left to book in February and march, I'm in the process of making the rotas to end of April so I can get them all booked

MrBassmanjazz profile image
MrBassmanjazz

End of a shift I turn my work phone off. I don't get paid enough to worry out of hours.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toMrBassmanjazz

If they can't get hold of the boss I'm second in line, but being available doesn't help my time off and it's time I wasnt

Rungranny profile image
Rungranny60minGraduate

Wow, you'll be unbeatable with all this extra time to run. Seriously, I'm sure you have made the right decision, time to enjoy your life while still fit and healthy.

Take the next 3 months to plan your free time , research cooking classes, volunteering, local library or whatever floats your boat. The world is your oyster as they say ....

Soon you will wonder how you ever found the time to work.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toRungranny

My plans so far, run, walk, read, play saxophone more often, I might meet up with old friends a bit more

Rungranny profile image
Rungranny60minGraduate in reply toSueAppleRun

Sounds perfect. Enjoy. You write so well, I'm sure we will all be following with interest.

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate10

Too young to retire here, and no decent pension in the offing either (and the actions of the lettuce lady didn't help there).

Enjoy your new-found freedom to tell them to stuff it. 👍

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply tonowster

Well I'll have worked 16 extra months after retirement date so it time

Newbie59 profile image
Newbie59

It's very sad that "they" don't realise that you NEED your day off to recover from your days at work! I had a moment like that 6 years ago, I gave them 4 months notice of my retirement, but wished I had only given the required one month notice as I had so much hassle being persuaded to stay on! I left, and have never looked back.

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toNewbie59

I think the notice period is always hard but we have a couple of trips away booked and I'm hoping to run in different counties, once we've done that I'll be completely out of work mode

Newbie59 profile image
Newbie59

It's great to have some trips booked for soon after you retire!

SueAppleRun profile image
SueAppleRunGraduate1060minGraduate in reply toNewbie59

Yes

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