Good to be back...

[amyelle]

Last July I ran the British 10k in just over an hour. I was incredibly proud of myself. I did it for my Mum, who was ill at the time.

On the back of that - I'm sure for some, relative - success, I entered a half marathon at Silverstone. My Mum died suddenly just before Christmas. I lost all focus apart from keeping my Dad going - I'm carer for him -. I also have two children under 5 and was finishing my thesis. Yesterday was my Mum's birthday. Today I finished my thesis - only to the point of approval by my "no nonsense" supervisor, and I went for my first run since July last year. I did 3.53km in 23 minutes. According to "google" this is rubbish, but I don't care. i didn't stop once, I found it really emotional. I didn't make the half marathon, and probably never will now. I am only 34 but life's commitments are tricky at the moment.

Has anyone found any good motivational literature on running? I want to continue, it makes me feel good physically and pstchologically, but I am also in South London and struggle to balance the safe places with the nice places to run.

Thank you in advance.

[con-brio Graduate]

Not a rubbish time at all, amyelle. You've had a lot on your plate, but you're strong and this run result proves it. Running (any exercise) is an excellent form of therapy and escape from everyday stresses.

Haven't read any myself, but there are a few recommended here: couchto5k.healthunlocked.co...

I'm sure there was an inspirational book written by a woman facing many personal challenges mentioned in a recent-ish blog, but can't find it. Anyone???

Pininterest: pinterest.com/ducu/inspirat...

Runners World mag.

[HappyRunningFi Graduate]

I think the one con-brio means is 'run fat bitch run' and also 26 reasons to run which is free on amazon kindle downloads.

Definately not a rubbish time, you're up and out and have had lots to contend with, good luck

[mrqwest Graduate]

3.53 for 23 minutes running is a good time, especially after not running for 9 months. Well done you!

I've always found this forum to be the most inspirational for my running. If I'm feeling a bit naff about running, an hour or so reading this forum and I'm generally raaaring to get out there! A lot of people have also said that Born To Run By Chris McDougall(?) is a very good book to read.

As for running in South London, ditto!

[OldNed Graduate]

At only 34 you've plenty of time to contemplate, and acheive, a half-marathon. I'm 63 and planning to do my first one next year! And, as others have said, that's a perfectly respectable time; good for you for getting out again.

[vixiej Graduate]

well done for getting out there! You have (and had) so much on your plate, be gentle on yourself, you are doing great. You haven't run for ages, yet you managed to run for 23 minutes? I'd have been puffing after 5 (I just had 6 weeks off and was relieved to get to the end of my first 15 minutes when I came back to it, having previously been running for over an hour at a time!).

I can't help with the safe london streets, unless you can take your under 5s to the park with a friend with small kids and you run while they all play? It's not so exciting to run around the same park, but it's a start and it is good when you want to do something like speed training podcast, which is short and sweet (ok, maybe I lied about 'sweet' )

I'd also try to do some yoga if you can, it sounds like you need some focused 'me' time and this you could do when everyone goes to sleep (or playschool). Not quite the same as running, but healing for the soul, nevertheless.

Sorry I can't help with the reading list, other than suggesting reading some of the blogs on here, which I've found very motivational at my lowest points.

Good luck, and know there are many virtual hugs coming your way from the lovely people on here

[kernow1]

How amazing are you. My mum was so Ill 6 years ago and we could so well of lost her. Grief is so personal and we all deal with it as we do. Fab you are running again. I live in Cornwall so can't help with place to run but go for it. What an achievement already x