Heading for home.

[turnturtle]

I fly back to the UK in four days time so have time for two more runs in the Autumn sun before I face the Sahara smog. Quite enjoying doing the programme again after my enforced lay-off, but my age does seem to be catching up with me. Lots of aches and pains this time and it's a bit more of an effort to force myself out of bed. However, that could have more to do with the toll of grandmotherly duties than anything else. On top of newborn Oscar's hospital visit two weeks ago, we have just had to deal with the two year old's 24 hour vomiting bug. Hence my bedroom has become an impromptu isolation ward for Oscar for the last two nights. Not looking forward to leaving them, but something tells me I might recover my energy once I re-enter the retirement zone...

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

"but my age does seem to be catching up with me. "

Piffle -- stop talking like an old woman!!!

Signed

Barry - official C25K Grandfather - 68 in November -- intending to Graduate this coming week

[Fitfor60 Graduate]

Think it's probably a whole lot of things - being ill , the worry of Oscar , helping daughter, interrupted sleep It all adds up I love all my wee ones to bits but when they come to stay I do feel tired after they gone I don't think our age is a barrier to running but it maybe takes a little while longer to bounce back compared to when we had own children You'll emotions will be all over the place -- looking forward to seeing rest if your family and getting back to normal but upset about leaving daughter and co Dont rush things and don't be too hard on yourself Try and focus on you now and don't think too much about how far you could run before Your fitness will come back even if bit slower than you thought You have always given good advice and now its time to listen to others You know running is as much a mental as physical thing Slow and steady and you will get there Take care

[Beek Graduate]

I think Firfor60 hit the nail on the head. When we are younger and looking after our own children we expect that once they move on and set up their own families that life will suddenly be a lot easier. But they are always our children and we always will worry about them!

Be kind to yourself. Accept that we don't bounce any more! Keep doing as much as you can and keep moving. Little ones are jolly hard work, no matter how old you are! The running will probably help you to relax.

Have fun!

[RoRoMama]

Enjoy your last couple of runs, and days with family. Have a good flight home (smog gone now). Running will help you settle back into your rhythm of life here.

[Hidden]

The smog has gone now, thank goodness. Cleaner, fresher and cooler air coming in from the Atlantic yesterday pushed it off somewhere else. It's quite pleasant here at the moment. Have a safe journey home. Best wishes.

[turnturtle Graduate]

Thank you all so much for your responses. I feel as if I am flying home to friends, which helps ease the trauma I am about to face.I just have to be stoical and recognise that sad farewells are the price you pay for joyful annual reunions. I had a lovely 30 minute walk/run through the farm this afternoon, encouraged by my daughter, who said at 4 pm after another hectic day 'Just go for your run Mum!' I really tried to enjoy and absorb the birdsong and scents of the lovely Hawkes Bay countryside so I could recall them in a week's time when I will be back running in the English spring. See you all soon!