Not a post of my run on Monday, that joy comes later...maybe
There seems to be a whole load of folk graduating this very week, (some have already), and I just wanted to say to all of them, Well Done or a huge, Good Luck.
I have been spending far too much time, over the last few weeks, reading lots, and lots of posts, and have made a whole bunch of new friends.
Lots of thoughts, have been resonating with me, also, about the whole Couch to 5K programme.
People running with and against all manner of difficulties and obstacles, some of them totally life changing, and the range of amazing strategies , skills and tactics, they adopt to achieve their goal.
It is as we all know, an incredible programme., but the myriad skills we, as runners, have, develop, and enhance simply astounds me.
The self management and organisation of ourselves, and our running, throughout the programme, is amazing; but it is the way in which support is given freely, and constructively to others which is so impressive.
We support, sympathise, empathise, encourage, cajole, persuade, and even give the odd gentle shove when required. All these skills might prove enviable to a psychologist, yet we demonstrate them to, and with each other on a daily basis!
This programme, obviously, as we know, linked with the NHS, should in my view most definitely be offered through GP services, to folk, as a possible therapy/aid/ remedy, for any number of the ills associated with the strains, stresses and unwelcome burden of certain chapters in our lives.
It is wonderful.
I have my daughter and son in law to thank, for persuading me to set out on this journey, and my message to anyone, even just beginning to think about taking the same journey is...do it.
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Oldfloss
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Love this post and here's to your daughter and son in law for getting you started on this journey, because I love coming on here and reading about your runs and love and admire how in the moment you are to remember such beautiful details to recount to the rest of us. Living in the concrete jungle as I do, it is heartening and joyful to feel closer to nature vicariously so thank you floss.
Here's to them, a.though at times I was not always thinking that!
So glad I take you with me on your runs..but hey, think of the wonderful, not fierce, creature living in your concrete jungle..I'm sure there are a few monkeys, the odd friendly snake, and maybe a few exotic birds?
There are definitely monkeys! And many wily, if not friendly, snakes. But just found out today that we're going to have enough money to move house next month, so goodbye city and hello civilisation ;-P
I absolutely think you have made a significant observation and valid point. Last year my GP made a referral for a 12 week free membership of a national slimming organisation. Yes the group was supportive and yes I got something out of it but it gave me no where near the feel good factor and the health and wellbeing results I have experienced from under taking c25k. I also know that I will for as long as I can stay tuned in! I love this and I cant say the same for dieting!
Oldfloss I wonder if you truly are aware of what an amazing person you are. You truly have a wonderful gift of connecting with people.
Not amazing at all..just a weird old thing who lets her words run away with her.
You are doing so well, and that is amazing, also, that you are getting so much out of this and succeeding in your goals. Long may it continue, for both of us
There are lots of new peeps at various stages of the program , it is great to seeandcread of all of their journeys, as each is individual and special to them.
I remember all the feelings and elation at succeeding along the way and at graduation and still now.
I had just commented on a post of how the c2 5k together with this forum is so amazing.. .. each is amazing in thier own rights.. but together.. well that's where the magic lies!! Fantastically put oldfloss ( wise one ) x
Since I started C25K i haven't been able to be anything other than enthusiastic about it - in fact I'm in real danger of becoming a running bore! The upshot of all this is that one of my close girlfriends and two work colleagues have already started the programme and two others (a mother and daughter combo) are planning to give it a go too. Looks like I will have company when I complete the programme and progress to the local Park Run! Can' t believe that I have inspired others to run, something I have strenuously avoided for all my previous 53 years, it's completely bonkers!
The support on this site is fantastic, long may it continue.
I couldn't agree with you more, Floss! This plan has really helped me to cope better with my anxiety and depression, and I know it's improved the mental wellbeing of many others, too. I'm not only fitter but more confident and feel like I'm doing something meaningful with my time. But I was amazed at how supportive this forum is. I always imagined sporty types - including runners - to belong to this elite club who are a bit like jocks who've forgotten what it's like to be a newbie, so they pick on people who can't do as much as they can. This forum is really the opposite of that, we're all inspiring and supporting each other.
You put it much better than I just did, but yeah. Totally relating to this post.
Super post Floss, you are so eloquent and so very right. C25K provides so many with a new lease of life and everyone would agree that this forum makes the experience and the journey so much richer and more precious - people like you, rare pearls, inspire us every day. Thank you Floss x
Don't it just make us feel good? trouble is I feel like I am much younger than I am, most days, and often try to do silly things!!! Still, while I can..I will!
We are so strong together...it feels like we can literally move mountains
You folk are the inspiration, families, work, busy lives.!!! It keeps me going reading your wonderful posts and adventures.
My mental health has improved as significantly as my physical health and that's just over seven or eight weeks or so. (I'm on week 4 repeating because of a slow start and a gap lol!)
So glad I found this forum, it's boosted me no end to connect with 'real' people.
I know that actually when you scratch the surface most folk are 'normal' and 'real' underneath but I have a feeling that c25k attracts the slightly self doubting non-gym bunny types. Well, that's how we start anyway!
I love that the programme is actually working and it is free with no-one really benefitting from it but me Yeah, ok, hopefully saving the NHS some costs in the long run but no-one profiting by getting me to do something 'faddy'.
I'm glad you're seeing the benefits Floss, KEEP GOING!!
Dear Oldfloss - spot on as usual and beautifully put. I too am spending far too much time on this forum, but I can't wait to read the next posts of all those friends I've made since starting this journey. And seeing others coming up on W2 and W3, wondering when the running bug will work it's magic , encouraging them until they too are hooked, loving their runs, amazed at what this programme does with our bodies and our mindset.
Every time I run now I think of the others just behind me and feel accountable to them. "I can't let Nat down, I have to finish this run" was a thought I had in W6, or "I really hope PumpKim gets a treadmill or sorts her running schedule, she's doing so brilliantly". You're an amazing lot!
It is a generous community. I've seen that people here are very generous with their time, advice and support. They genuinely want everyone on c25k to succeed and it is a great thing to be a part of.
It becomes an amazing journey for all of us. This is what I had to say on a different post yesterday
"It's amazing how we all start this program, thinking the end of the world is here and by the end of it, have caught the bug, have a real sense of achievement and met some really cool/nice/brilliant/supportive (list goes on) people on this forum!!"
I would also like to say thank you to all who have helped, supported, and guided me on my path to right righteousness..
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