Stronger than you know

[sunshineinapocket]

I've been following #c25k posts for various challenges I've faced along the 8 week journey. I've just completed Week 7 Day 1 #W7D1.

I've found every single day daunting since Week 5 Day 2. Until then every run had rests, from W7D1 there are NO rests. So I put it off for 5 days. Sometimes I need that long just to recover from the previous runs.

I started running because I'm overweight (95kg or 210 llbs and 5'6") and I have sleep apnoea. I also have an 8 year old so I really did need to start looking after myself again in order to be around because I really want to meet my grandchildren.

It's been really tough. I run very slow - 5 miles per hour but I had to slow down more to 4.34 mph to get through this run.

Everytime I run I realise that it's all in the mind. My body just keeps going - it's my brain that says stop. When I really think hard about it while running I kinda go what's hurting here? I had a bit of calf pain, slight lower back pain but all in all - I was fine.

Here's 5 affirmations I repeat to myself that keep me going:

Pain is only weakness leaving the body.

You are stronger than you know.

The only bad run is the one that didn't happen.

If it were easy everybody would be doing it.

Practise makes progress.

The positives far outweigh any short term inconvenience... I'm looking healthier especially my skin, I'm more alert, have more energy to work through a whole day, I'm less forgetful after a run, happier too. Most of all I'm finding that my sleep apnoea isn't as bad, I'm hoping one day I won't have to use my CPAP machine to sleep with. I haven't lost any weight but my clothes are looser and look better on me. All stuff worth running for.

See you on the road.

Cia x

[lightweightkate Graduate]

Inspiring - thanks for sharing as I love reading posts from people ahead of me on the journey as it really motivates me to keep going even when is tough! I love your affirmations especially the one about if it were easy - that really strikes a chord 😀 I think a Whoo Hoo is in order!!

[sunshineinapocket in reply to lightweightkate]

Thanks Kate it's nice to connect with others going through the same journey. All the best in yours.

[Bbunch Graduate]

WOOOOOHOOOOO!!!!

[dddd4 Graduate]

Great affirmations to keep us all going. Well done you and good luck on the rest of your journey.

[Vanessa291 Graduate]

Great inspirational post. Thank you

[Als_mum Graduate]

Fab post! And yes, we are all stronger than we know, and we carry on showing what we've learned from running in our everyday lives as well.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

5 miles per hour is not particularly slow! That's 8km per hour or 7min 30 per km - it took me about 3 months after graduation to get to that pace regularly and reasonably easily. So don't beat yourself up about your speed - at this stage it's only really time that is important. Love your affirmations!

[aostler Graduate]

Fantastic whoop whoop xx

[poppypug Graduate]

Brilliant post !

I love your affirmations , very inspirational .

Good Luck for the rest of the programme , please keep posting , will be great to celebrate your success with you xxx

[sunshineinapocket in reply to poppypug]

Thanks Poppypug, you're a mentor!

[melly4012 Graduate]

Well done for getting so far! It's great to see all the benefits of running that you've discovered.

Please don't worry about the speed. If you have to slow down to get through the long runs then do. The important thing is that you get through Week 9 and then you can worry about speeding up (if you want to, that is).

Keep us updated on your journey!

[sunshineinapocket]

Thanks all, it's nice to be able to give back as I've gotten alot out of this forum for various hurdles I've had through the C25k to get where I am today. It's a great resource.