One year on still red faced but so so happy.

[Realfoodieclub]

This week is my 1st Runnerversary. What a year it's been. Last year at this time I was struggling to run for 1 min. I was beetroot faced and out of puff. In some ways today's run was not that much different from that first run apart from that today I have just completed my first Park Run. I have just got my official time through of 38.06. My time is up to today as I have been coming in at 46.00 on my own runs, so no wonder I was struggling today, but as I have said, last year I thought it would be inconceivable that I would be ever able to do this.

In the last year I have dealt with low iron issues and juggling my thyroid meds and a small operation. I have had days when I couldn't run for more than 6 mins at a time then having to take a walk break and start again, but throughout the whole year, I never stopped going out there and giving it a go. Every week I went out there and even after the hardest runs I came home feeling that lovely buzz that I had beaten the run for that day. Because as they say any run is better than no run. And no run is wasted.

I know I am a runner and I am now sure I always will be. I don't have to beat anyone, I just go and do it for me. Times and distances should always be a personal thing. We all have our own abilities.

This program and the site has given me so much. Encouragement, support and advice so when I came home after not been able to complete run3 week5 I felt I wasn't alone. The friendliness and genuine emotions on this site is humbling.

Before Christmas was a proud moment when they asked me to volunteer to be an admin. I accepted so quickly as I love being part of this. I have the best job, as most days I know that I will wake up and be able to give someone their graduation badge and I know that will make them smile and feel great. Who wouldn't want to give their time up to do that.

So thank you all for the support of the last year.

And as always happy running to everyone.

[frannyfran Graduate]

Happy 1st Runnerversary!!

And congratulations on your first parkrun. A good time too....

You have overcome so much to get there, it must feel so very special.

Bet you are walking on air now!!!

Best wishes for the 10k next year.....

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to frannyfran]

Thank you. You read my mind. I can't believe I might actually be thinking about it. Hehe.

[paul2014 Graduate]

Happy Anniversary

What an inspiring post and it sounds like an amazing, if somewhat difficult, year. Sheer determination has gotten you to this point from what I can make out. Very well done and thanks for sharing

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to paul2014]

Thank you. Stubborn is what my family call me.

[no-excuse Graduate]

A lovely inspiring post RFC, you have done so well. Well done on your first Parkrun, I bet you are well pleased! Enjoy your running x

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to no-excuse]

Thank you. It felt great today.

[LightDark Graduate]

Seems like its a good day for parkrunners today!

Congratulations and Well done RFC its great to see you doing so well for all the support and encouragment you give to others

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to LightDark]

Thank you. Park runs are great such a nice atmosphere.

[Hidden]

Well done on the Parkrun and doing a great job on admin, thank you.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[AncientMum Graduate]

Happy Runniversary and congratulations on your Parkrun. Great job with the site admin. This is a wonderful forum but it only works because of people like you.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Yes, exactly this. Lovely post RFC , very inspiring, and thank you for all your hard work on admin, it is very much appreciated xxx

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thank you for your kind words

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Thank you. But in all fairness it works because of each and everyone of us. We are a lovely bunch.

[grannyjudes Graduate]

Happy runniversary ! What a lovely post

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to grannyjudes]

Thank you.

[Lavender1962 Graduate]

Happy Runniversary! You're an inspiration

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Lavender1962]

Thank you.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Hey RFC! Happy anniversary and congrats on the Park Run.

Sounds like a fab year - and many thanks to you for doing the admin job to keep the site going so well.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thank you. All in all it's been one of the best years I've had for a while.

[Mummysaurus Graduate]

Congratulation on a fantastic year, you have been such a great help and support for so many people and have helped make this forum a wonderful home for those of us that have bored our friends and family senseless talking about running, I hope you have many more happy years running

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Mummysaurus]

Thank you. Yes my main topic of conversation is running, the thing I've found out is there are a lot of closet runners out there.

[tanyag_163 Graduate]

Thank you for being you You are incredibably supportive to others on this forum. I love your Quests. Congratulations on your anniversary & may there be many more to come.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to tanyag_163]

Aw thank you, such nice words.

[notbad Graduate]

You're a real winner rfc and much appreciated by us all - happy runnerversary!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to notbad]

Thank you so much.

[PandaRunner Graduate]

Happy Runnervesary and congratulations on your first parkrun! A great time too xx

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to PandaRunner]

Thank you. I am still in shock at my time.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Darling...you are the best as you are truly a runner because you have the love...and the runners spirit...thats really inspirational...well done...and I am watching to see what happens next year......xxxx

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

From the early days I read panthering stories and I just wanted to be one. So thank you for that. You made a difference to my running. Hehe next year........

[ginbin Graduate]

Thank you for your inspirational post. I needed to hear a lot of what you had to say. Happy Runnerversity!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to ginbin]

Thank you.