It Must Be Love...

[BethRF]

ADVISORY WARNING: This message contains nothing of any real value, and is largely just the ramblings of a happy woman.

So, I think I've finally started to love this running malarky. And it's largely thanks to you guys (with a little help from Laura, obviously). I'm starting Week 8 tomorrow, and can't wait. I've just sat back and thought about the concept of myself running for 28 minutes straight, and it hit my like a ton of bricks. I cannot believe, that I of all people, am capable of that. Even less so that I'm looking forward to it!

Physically, I feel so much fitter. I feel strong, I feel powerful, and I feel attractive, and god I LOVE that. I'm starting to feel a bit like Wonderwoman. I am invincible. Come at me, world!

Psychologically, however, is where the major benefits are to be found. Running clears my head, gives me time to think, forces me to unpick all the chaos of my brain. My career as an academic-y type means that this is utterly unvaluable to my mental health. When I don't run, I get anxious and stressed; I don't sleep, and I panic. When I run I get my zen, and can almost physically feel myself loosening up and relaxing my mind. Focussing on nothing but my breathing, the rhythm of my movement, and the blood pumping through me. I can't wait to graduate and really be able to indulge myself; runs without headphones or music, and just lose myself in my surroundings.

So thank you. For the support. The encouragement. The kind words when I was successful, and the even kinder ones when things were looking down. This thing has absolutely changed my life, and without all of you lovely people out there, I couldn't have done it.

Happy running, folks. I owe you all a drink.

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Well done you on getting so far through the programme, you are just about finished and graduated. In the early days of this site many of us used to say running was a great stress buster. It seemed silly to be saying it was relaxing when your body was having to work so very hard, but its true as you have found out. Keep up the good work and above all enjoy your running Loved your post, its very motivating.

[Khrissy Graduate]

What a lovely post. It took me right back to this time last year when I had just graduated and suddenly realised the enormity of what had just happened to me. Life changing is not even close is it?!

[danzargo Graduate]

Beth, well done. What a fabulous post. I can tell you that running without music or any other distractions is a wonderful thing. To hear, smell and experience nature whilst running is peace in earth! Not far to go now then it's "Beth versus the world!"

[Hidden]

That's a lovely post to read - and definitely doesn't fall into the "nothing of real value" category It's great to see when someone gets so into it like this - you're nearly there now!

Best wishes and keep smiling

[Fentaz42 Graduate]

Lovely post! I feel very much the same x

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You sum it all up so well. The beauty of this thing is that it only gets better. If only we could communicate to the vast unrunning public all these benefits and that running is just so much more than a means of getting exercise. We are the lucky ones.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Lily4 Graduate]

Perfectly said! Happy running!

[BethRF Graduate]

Thanks everyone! I certainly wasn't expecting such an overwhelmingly positive reaction to my ramblings!

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Lovely post, enjoy your running

[aliboo70]

Wow what a positive read your post was, its put me in a good mood today This forum is a great motivator and a kind of therapy in a way, you can offload when you feel down and celebrate when things go well. Congratulations on doing so well and looking forward to hearing your graduation post

[Nerdio Graduate]

Nothing rambling about that at all. Just an expression of your experiences and 'side-benefits' of running. And it's all true, I think we all have experienced the same.

Keep it up, graduation is just a few runs away.

[squaremum Graduate]

Great post, and long may it continue!

[Hidden]

Thank you - your post makes me feel that not only can I do it too but that it will be so worth it!

[Hidden]

I reckon you've put into words what most of us think and feel. Thank you for sharing. Good luck with W8. Best wishes.