Finally Graduated at a very sunny Parkrun!

[louisew99]

This has been a long and emotional journey, which started back in July last year, made it to the end of week 7 and then had eight weeks out with an injured knee.

Started from scratch after some knee strengthening exercises from the physio. Got to the end of week 7 and my beautiful dog died suddenly (only 5 years old). This was 4 weeks ago, been bit of an emotional wreck. Even more reason to find a focus and finish what I started.

Well I saved my graduation run for Parkrun this morning, what a beautiful morning for it not particularly fast but it felt good when I crossed the finish line.

Thank you for all the inspiring post which have kept me going.

Now onto C25k+

[helcl Graduate]

I'm so sorry that your dog died heartbreaking for you. And well done for getting through it all, to complete C25K. You've done so well to get through and finish.

[louisew99 Graduate in reply to helcl]

Thank you helcl!

[Hules Graduate]

Really well done- you are truly a runner after overcoming everything you have on your journey to graduation! Many congratulations

[louisew99 Graduate in reply to Hules]

Thanks Hules!

[Jenwrenarm Graduate]

What a wonderful way to graduate! Congratulations! In spite of all your sorrow you've shown real courage. Well done you.

[louisew99 Graduate in reply to Jenwrenarm]

Thanks jenwrenarm!

[vikicats Graduate]

Congratulations on graduating!

[louisew99 Graduate in reply to vikicats]

Thanks vikicats!

[nextjenn Graduate]

Well done for getting through so many lows to reach this high. I'm sorry to hear about your injury and your dog. Well done for getting out there and doing something positive, that takes huge strength. Congratulations!

[louisew99 Graduate in reply to nextjenn]

Thank you nextjenn!

[aliboo70]

Poor you, my heart goes out to you- i lost my lovely dog last July but he was 17 and i knew he had a long life which made it slightly more bearable, to lose one at 5 must be heartbreaking.

Well done on focusing your energy on something so positive and "Congratulations" on your graduation! Recovering from an injury takes alot of determination. I did my 1st parkrun yesterday and really enjoyed it though it was hard...

Onwards and upwards to your next challenge- good luck!

[louisew99 Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Thank you aliboo, he had gastric torsion, being a big dog we took all the usual precautions but unfortunately it was in his genes. Miss him enormously They don't live long enough in my opinion!

Well done on finishing your first parkrun, not sure they get any easier!

[aliboo70]

Thats really hard. hope you are doing ok ? wish our dogs could stay with us longer my dog had a tumour on his jaw and lasted 5 mths after diagnosis, so i was prepared i guess, but it was still very bad time.......

hope you do well with your future runs..... keep strong....

[louisew99 Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Not sure you can ever really prepare , sorry about your dog, they have such an impact on your daily life. Thank you for your words of support

[aliboo70]

yes i always thought he was no 1 so it was a real shock adjusting . Have just in the last week took on a little dog who is looking for a new home, hoping it will all work out ok, he hasn't been socialised that much but is a nice boy. take care

[supersal78]

So sorry to hear about your dog. Good luck with your running.