What are you "thankful" to running for.

[operation2015]

Just being nosey really

[Hidden]

wow that is quite a question operation .... I am thankful that I found running and what the benefits are (minus the injury but that is still part of it)

It is being part of a group virtual and real doing something like minded ,they get you straight away

[operation2015 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Arent i philosophical!

[mfamilias Graduate]

I'd definitely say for pushing me out of my comfort zone and getting myself to meet challenges again.

[carerof Graduate]

i love the fact C25K motivates me to run three times a week--barring injuries of course and there have been a few!!!! lol-- it has given a new found confidence in my self that i can do something i didn't think i could, it maintains my weight-- i don't loose any but i don't put any on either, it makes me eat healthier, i feel good about myself -- in fact virtuous!!! lol. I love the fact that i am still plodding on a year later, and of course i am hoping it is holding back the older age illnesses high BP diabetes and lack of mobility. I could go on but i think you may get the picture, it is great!!!!!

[Juliejam Graduate]

I have a list

1. Blood pressure. -systolic down from 159 to 110

2. Resting pulse down from 75 to 55

3. Weight down. Almost three stones

4 dress size - from 16 to 12

5. Never though I would get a bikini body back. - but it not far off

6 energy. - bags of it -it is simply not measurable

7 mood - I am just on a natural high. Life is great

8. You lot - I have hundreds of friends more than I ever

so Why am I thankful

It's changed my life. And your story ??

[lou-34 Graduate]

My sanity lol. I have 4 kids and a very noisy house. Running gives me my quiet me time to de-stress and its healthier than having a bottle of wine. 😊

[EmmainCrete Graduate]

For showing me what my body can do and what I am capable of. For making it that bit easier to go on the beach this summer!

[Kasmcc100 Graduate]

A chance to do something for me. Showing me that you can always make a positive change.

[useitorloseit Graduate]

Thankful that I have finally found an exercise I can do and which I have stuck at. Thankful that my body is still able to move, and that I know I will keep moving it until the inevitable happens (or hopefully not ... MS isn't a death sentence). Thankful for the peace and quiet of a lovely run. Thankful that my son is proud of me. Thankful for all my lovely forum friends.

[useitorloseit Graduate in reply to useitorloseit]

And forgot to say ...

VERY thankful that I live in a very flat area! The aesthetic qualities of west Cambridgeshire are almost non-existent but, boy, it's easier than hills!!!

[Sparkyifhungry Graduate]

Breathing space and thinking time. Two commodities in short supply in a busy life.

[millwalki8 Graduate]

fitter, lighter, prouder

[ju-ju- Graduate]

for finding me, and finding my love

[AncientMum Graduate]

For the sheer absolute joy of it.

[ViaM Graduate]

Not too sure yet, it's early days for me but my partner is thankful to running for I am so less moody these days

[the_tea_fairy Graduate]

Because it's cheaper than therapy and more socially acceptable than murder?!

Because it stops me slipping into a horrible negative relationship with my body. If I run I can directly experience what an incredible bit of equipment it is. If I want to run, not eating is not an option.

Because it makes me feel capable.

Because it helps me fall in love with the landscape and the changing weather again and again.

And my bum's not looking too bad either.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to the_tea_fairy]

Brilliant post Tea, and youve got gorgeous hair too ! xxx

[ActonHighStreet]

For turning every street in London into a potential playground.

[Ruthieroo77 Graduate]

Thankful to realise that my 'glass knee' excuse not to exercise is just that - an excuse.

And that somewhere, underneath that belly fat, I am starting to see some definition and curves. Never in a month of Sundays did I believe this body was hiding under there...

[Junew Graduate]

Personally I have always dipped in and out of exercise for years and thought myself pretty fit but on the flip side I also dipped into smoking several weeks at a time and then stopping again. I shocked myself last July when I went for a run with my sons partner and literally felt as if I couldn't breathe , this frightened me as I am now 55. So I haven't had a ciggy since last July. I have just run just over 5 1/2 k tonight and if it wasn't for these guys runon, JJ , 5k or bust and all the rest, too many to mention I would have given up as on top of ciggies a young work colleague felt I was to old to run, well to put it politely GOTCHA, lhe he x

[Potty Graduate]

My increasing health and fitness

My sanity - running is just for me

A new sense of pride In this old body for what it can do

The steadily increasing activity levels of my youngest daughter (11) as she starts to want to achieve too

Renewed enthusiasm

There's so much less of me shower

Constantly changing perspectives

I could go on and on and on - but I won't

Fab post btw

[Steve_L Graduate]

Because surprisingly I've found I profoundly love to run. I love to find out what my body can do. I love the burn of tired legs that has been earned by a hard run. I love to know that I am a runner.

[ActonHighStreet in reply to Steve_L]

This.

[Girlyswot Graduate]

Because I have improved my fitness that I had kept promising myself that I would do (and didn't get around to), I have gone from a size 12 to a size 10 (much more toned), I can now run (slowly) ! 5k which seemed impossible in week 1 back in August, I have discovered the joys of running after dark on starry winter nights, for finding a great de stresser (I work with politicians) !!! and finally for discovering the joys of Parkrun !

[Anniemurph Graduate]

I'm thankful for lowered blood pressure, a swifter recovery rate, hugely improved lung capacity, increased determination and bloody-mindedness, killer thighs, time for myself and friends who get what it's all about and support me through good times and bad. Fabdoozy

[GoogleMe Graduate]

It's life-affirming.

Like tea fairy says (maybe something to do with running in similar places) it is about where it takes me, appreciating my surroundings.

It is a big finger up to those (sadly respected) 'authorities' who believe that my health condition only persists because I am unreasonably afraid of exercise. I have never believed that, now I have proved it (of course cure would have been a big thing to be thankful for too if the ******** had been right!) It has provided a real sense of achievement yet I can do it at my level, on my own timetable, my own budget, in my own way without it taking over my life or being something done in spasms (given that neither of those routes appealed and were the models available to me)

I get to listen to podcasts... which has encouraged my husband to download them too which has made his business travel more bearable.

It has made losing weight easier and I am now a healthy BMI and holding.

It has introduced me to the wonderful world of buffs (which does rather negate what I said about budget above...), and 'companion stones'

It hurts so much less than a brisk walk, both during and after.

It seems to have pretty much cured my shin pain.

I know I have taken charge of the element of health risk it is in my power to control.

I get more vicarious enjoyment out of other people's fitness exploits.

And many more... I won't say I wish I had done it earlier because I know I couldn't have but I am so glad I found it when I did.

[the_tea_fairy Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Haha, we're lucky with where we live. Not wanting to increase the expenditure even more but have you got a merino wool buff? Heavenly!

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to the_tea_fairy]

Working out where to run that doesn't involve too many hills is a cognitive workout!

Merino buff duly added to my wishlist...

[Zev1963 Graduate]

1). It's a physical exercise that I can do any time, almost anywhere, at very little cost.

2). It doesnt require great sporting ability and coordination (I've never been great at sports, I get scared skiing fast, I feel scared on the more tricky mountain biking, I'm rubbish at football)

3). It gets me out of the house. I love being outside walking, gardening, cycling whatever, once I'm out there. Trouble is, I need to push myself to go out of the door, and the longer I stay inside, the more difficult it is to go out the next time.

4). I can do it on my own, at my own pace. I choose how fast or slow I go and how far. No group to keep up with or hold back for.

5). Having said 4. there is ParkRun when I want it. Running with lots of people is nicer than running with several, as you can always find people running at your pace. If later in the run you want to slow down or speed up, then you can find other people going at your new pace. Running with lots of people that have discovered the joy of running loke you have is a great experience.

6). It is improving my finess. I'm 51, and have exercised sporadically through life (cycling, rowing, walking, a bit of skiing but not enough of any of them). I find that I want to run regularly, and that I eat and sleep to allow me to run better.

7). Having had half of the left lung removed in January 2014, I am keen to improve my aerobic capacity as much as I can. I think that running is doing that for me.

8). It improves my self confidence.

9). It gives me time to think and ponder.

10). It forces me to structure my life a bit, but not too much

[Hidden]

I'm thankful for running to have a structured programe to work towards an acheiveable goal that helps me stay dedicated to keep getting outside and do something healthy, thus keeping off extra pounds (that I've noticed can creep on quite quickly in the passing years) coming from a family that is rampent with diabetes, strokes, heart attacks and other weight related issues, I don't want to suffer from these if it's something I can do to help lower the risk!

[Peter_B Graduate]

Running and C25K in particular has given me something I never had before - the ability to exercise just because I enjoy it.

I was never the most sporty as a teenager or younger adult and avoided getting hot and sweaty whenever possible up until starting C25K. Running was something I never thought I'd be able to do.

Now I love it, I hate it if I have to miss a run, I look forward to my next run and I give myself a hard time if I don't run as well as I think I should.

It has helped me shift a bit of weight (still plenty more to go though), and brought my blood pressure down. And now that I'm a Dad to 2 gorgeous little boys it gives me a bit of "me time".

I do look forward to when my boys are older and we can all go and do a parkrun together.

[the_tea_fairy Graduate in reply to Peter_B]

Running with kids is a joy. I've been playing 'stuck in the mud' on the beach with my nephew (4) and friend's son (11) over Easter, and while I can go faster if I really hammer it, they are so blooming agile and fearless. Best fun ever.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Getting me out in the fresh air, I now love pretty much any sort of weather (except fog)

Learning new things about my home town

Losing a stone.

Reduced appetite, I used to be a swimmer and had to eat all day long.I know most people would find that a pleasure, but I don't like my appetite to rule me I refer the other way round.

I don't feel the cold so much.

Slimmer thighs and calves, wish that had happened when I was much younger!

Improved posture, and no back flare-ups for almost a year.