Running definitely helps

[OldPossum]

Hi all I haven't visited the forum for a couple of weeks mainly because this is such a wonderfully positive place and I didn't want to bring my negativity to you all! The "outlaws" have been staying with us 😱😱 never an easy experience for me😞

I have continued my running, it's been my saving grace in many ways but it has been different. Since finishing C25K I have been steadily improving speed and distance but with my descending gloom I felt my legs return to lead and my body generally flag. The runs have been harder and slower. Since starting running my mood has improved immeasurably along with my fitness and I have realised this week that it isn't just the running driving the mood, my negativity has influenced my running too. I have still felt way better by the end of each run, it just hasn't lasted as long! So I just wanted to say to anyone who's feeling a bit low and like staying on the couch - get out there it definitely helps, the feel good factor may not last as long and the run may not be as good but it really is worth it.

In the spirit of updating you all but without too much drivel ! Fazzical and I have finally had our first running date - his legs are too long and he runs too fast 😁😁 he needs to remember I will be in charge for the blindfold run😀😀

Also my last post was about jogging v running and OldWheezer mentioned she sometimes enjoyed a little jogette, impromptu run. I just wanted to say I tried that yesterday and I am definitely NOT built for jogetting! If I ever doubted whether a good sports bra makes a difference - I don't now 😳😳

Am going to catch up with what you've all been up to now. I have my smiley faces at the ready 😀😎

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate]

Running can keep you sane - well done for discovering that while the "outlaws" were staying! Hopefully now they're gone you can get some fun back!

[simonwilliamstutor Graduate]

I have "outlaws" too... ones that make me want to take up ultra-running!

I know exactly what you mean about the feel-good factor not lasting as long. For the first six months after C25K I was on the runner's high for the rest of the day after my run. Now it lasts probably a couple of hours at most (longer if I have achieved a PB!).

[OldPossum in reply to simonwilliamstutor]

I'm hoping the long lasting high will come back one they've gone !! The adrenalin will have less negativity to overcome

[SuperMouse Graduate]

Running is good for the soul and for me it makes me feel strong and in control again after having serious illness but it can make YOU powerful in so many ways!

[yatesco Graduate]

Sending you (the politically correct amount of) hugs OldPossum - there are more of us 'doom fighters' than we know :-).

[OldPossum in reply to yatesco]

Thank you. Hopefully my current "doom" will be departing on Saturday morning.

[Fazzical Graduate]

I am reading this you know!!

[OldPossum in reply to Fazzical]

I know - you are meant to

[OldWheezer]

Now I feel bad. Apologies for any pain I may have inadvertently inflicted but hopefully it has taken your mind off the mood swingers.

[OldPossum in reply to OldWheezer]

That'll teach me to think I'm skinny. I've lost weight but not that much

[Ellymeg Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

You are getting fitter - hurrah for you!😎

[Mollydex Graduate]

It's great you can run whilst the outlaws visit , imagine it without running!! I know the weeks I couldn't run in the summer I really missed it

Well done getting out there when you didn't always feel like it . As for the sports bra , I'm 100 percent with you thinking of running without one is a bit like sponge pudding without custard why would you???

[OldPossum in reply to Mollydex]

I might forgo the custard if I could have ice cream instead 😀😀

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Oh OP - don't let the outlaws get you down. Glad the running brings you some respite!

If Fazzical runs too fast, you just need to tie his laces together!

[Ellymeg Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

You always have such practical advice Ullyrunner 😂😂😂😂💐

[OldPossum in reply to Ullyrunner]

Very practical advice. Thanks 😀😀. It would be like a 3 legged race but without a partner 😂😂

[Ellymeg Graduate]

Some times we run fast, sometimes we run slow, (mostly I run even slower) but we run! Good for you getting out there under difficult circumstances, there is not always the same buzz, but so much much more than if we didn't run. So 🎉💐🎉💐🎉 for you lovely girl.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Gosh... I thought I was the only one who christened them 'outlaws' ? Well done youx

Huge hugs....and positive vibes.... I am sorry for the late reply..but at least now I have positive vibes to send,,, XXX

Thank goodness for running eh? What is the quote? " Running, cheaper than therapy! xxx

[OldPossum in reply to Oldfloss]

Whoever wrote that hadn't discovered running gear but I guess that's all part of the therapy 😂😂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to OldPossum]

Ooops..never thought of that.... My running drawer is very full...

I have treated myself to a cross trainer too... how many therapy sessions would that be? EEk!

But, as you say...that is therapy in itself and the strength in my legs has really improved already! So... totally justified!

[NeverSayNoToJeffing Graduate]

Jogette? Must try that.

Do you think you'd benefit from running with others? I am thinking of trying to join a running club once a graduate and can do 5k. It might be the extra support you need (and of Corsica good sports bra!).😎👍🏻