"It turns out that to survive, you just have to keep going"🏃🏻

[Sandraj39]

That quote is my favourite line from "Running Like a Girl" by Alexandra Heminsley (well worth a read btw). Apologies for the ramble but I hope this might help others.

I began my C25K running journey in March 2015. Full of enthusiasm and a rediscovered passion to run, I bounded though weeks 1-8 until disaster struck at work one day, resulting in a nasty calf tear. 😩 I couldn't run for 10-11 weeks and then had a couple of false starts before eventually graduating in October. Progress from there was sure and steady - running became an important part of my life, helping me manage my own anxieties and comforting me through the ups and downs of life, most notably the decline and loss of my own dear Mum just after Easter this year and then a week later the sudden and unexpected death of my father-in-law. Running got me through the surreal days of paperwork and funeral arrangements that followed and the complex probate process too. Grief comes in waves doesn't it? Good days, bad days, days of normality and then of sadness. My family kept me strong too. In May I ran my first 10k race (Great Bristol run) with my sister. We ran it for Mum and held hands as we crossed the finish line🙂. It was a special day and I felt so strong despite all we had been through. At work I even secured a new post which I begin in September. My running form then seemed to plateau and dip. I developed a hip niggle which I could not shake off. I eased up, I even took almost two weeks off running (😮 that was hard!), I have struggled in the heat to run 5k some days, but you know what? I am still out there, still plodding away and the last few runs have been so much better. This morning's felt like I was back on form at last! Increased strength work seems to have resolved the hip problem, the runs are feeling easier again and I hope to start some longer runs again this week. I think what I want to say to anyone out there, is just keep on going. Whether it's injuries or hard times, we move on through them all. The words above have seemed very apt in my life just recently and have become a bit of a mantra on those harder runs, which we all get. To anyone struggling on the programme - just believe in yourself and keep on running. Hope everyone has good runs today🙂!

[pollyp1 Graduate]

Keep On Running (Spencer Davis band) may need to go on my run list too. Lovely post, and good on you for keeping it up. I might have to read the book and in case I forget: good luck with the new job!

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to pollyp1]

Thanks polly!🙂

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Reading the available bits on Amazon. Definitely on the list!

[McFitty Graduate]

Beautiful, emotive and thought provoking post. Have just downloaded Running like a girl on my Kindle. Will be thinking of you now as I read it. Thank you Sandra

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Well done Sandra - lovely post. You capture the highs and lows so well. Glad you're on the up again!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Highs, lows, sadness and joy... beautiful. That quotation is so true.. we do.. we keep going

Well done you.. an inspiration to all of us Thank youx

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I think we all carry each other a bit on here Oldfloss, don't we? It is a great place to come for inspiration and encouragement.x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

We do.. when we need it, there is someone there who understands.. it is very reassuring

[sparky66 Graduate]

Just what I needed to hear atm.. Thanks Sandra.. .must add its strong words like yours that really make this forum so much part of my daily running/ healthy new lifestyle.. on days when you may just think.. I can't... YES WE CAN.." just keep on going"

Thanks and enjoy your new post in work and wish you every success x

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to sparky66]

Thanks sparky66 - I totally agree about this forum! What a great bunch we are!!

[aliboo70]

Well done Sandra!😊😆you're made of strong stuff and been a good friend to me on here as we shared those same sad days this year.... glad to hear things are picking up for you, on course for GSR I hope x hope you're having a great Sunday 😊

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to aliboo70]

Thanks Ali, your words of support on here, this year have meant a lot and yes, we have both been though some very sad times recently. I have told myself that if I can hit 10k again in the next couple of weeks then I will get that entry in for the GSR! I dearly hope to be able to do it..and we can have a meet up at some stage in the day too! Hope you're taking it easy today!!?

[aliboo70 in reply to Sandraj39]

Yes quite a relaxing day thanks Sandra! Just got to work tomorrow then 6 days off! 😊😆need it i think!

Be lovely to meet at GSR !😊x

[AncientMum Graduate]

A great and inspiring post Sandra. You've certainly had your ups and down but it's so good to hear that, despite it all, you've stayed strong and positive. Hard work and perseverance have ensured that you're going from strength to strength. Well done, have a virtual pat on the back xx

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Virtual pat on back accepted, thanks!

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Fab post Sandra and I just love that book. I always go back to it and read the good bits.

You've been through a lot but I keep thinking you've been running for much longer (that's a compliment btw! Running is a great comfort when life gets tough but this forum is a fantastic salve for us.

I'm really pleased that your hip issue has gone and here's to a joyful, injury free year ahead 😊

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I have run sporadically at different times in my life, but never as regularly and committedly as I have since this programme! Maybe I was always a runner - I just didn't always run!?😉

[poppypug Graduate]

Aw Sandra, Our lovely flying Sandra , Big hugs (((( ))))

You have had some really tough , heart breaking experiences but you have never faltered in your support of others, you are a very kind and caring lady

Great to hear that you have well and truly turned the corner with your niggly hip and I wish you every success in your continued running .

Keep on running Sandra , top, top post , love it xxx

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Aw! Thanks Poppy! 😀 This forum is just such a lovely supportive place isn't it? You always have such kind words and are one of many who inspire me! xx

[poppypug Graduate]

Ah bless ya Sandra, that is so kind of you xxx

Yep, it is a lovely place and long may it continue xxx

[mfamilias Graduate]

Fantastic post - I hope that the hip issue is now officially dealt with. I can only nod my head in agreement at all you have said - running has become my source of serenity, which I never thought I'd ever say! As for "Running like a girl", love it. It's on my bedside table.