A post about positivity and thanks

[Funnyrunner]

I just had to share this because I wanted to help encourage anyone who thinks they can't get this far (like I did).

I did Week 7, Run 1, on my C25K app, which is 25 mins of non-stop running (I don't have the NHS app - I thought I did but it isn't, so am not sure if this tallies with that). Now, I remember the first few weeks and thinking there's no way I can run 3 mins non-stop. Then the step-up to 5 mins non-stop. Then 8, 10, etc. At each stage, I managed it, sometimes more easily than others. I had a pulled quad muscle, bruised foot bones and painful breathing. I was desperate to keep going though, even though, last week, I had the run from hell when everything went wrong. But today I managed to conquer my first 25-minute run and, while I was getting tired at the end, I felt GOOD! There was an amazing sunset which I could watch as my route is 6 times round the local rec ground! I feel so good tonight and actually feel like a runner, rather like a lump dragging herself around a field.

I set myself this goal because my stepfather was dying back in September and I wanted to do something positive, with the aim of doing a sponsored run in memory of him for Parkinson's Disease. Hopefully in the New Year, I will be able to do so but I feel very grateful for the opportunity to train alongside everyone on here (it's so lovely to read everyone's messages) and reach a goal I never thought was possible.

I guess what I am trying to say is: if I can do this, anyone can! There will be hard runs but then the good days - wow. And I am so grateful for such a positive community here. Even though I run on my own, I feel like I am running with everyone else!

[Flossie22 Graduate]

Well said! Excellent post. Great inspiration for all! 👏🏻🏃🏼‍♀️😊

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to Flossie22]

Thanks, Flossie. Just feel so grateful for all the support out here!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

What a lovely post! You're a star Funnyrunner!

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thank you! We're all stars!

[orchards Graduate]

Well done, and what a lovely idea for something positive to do!

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to orchards]

Thank you.

[Lon70 Graduate]

A lovely post and last thought. It is great to read about your journey and success, despite your difficulties. Good luck with the rest of the programme.

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to Lon70]

Thank you!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well done you!

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you!

[Von99 Graduate]

Well done! It's amazing isn't it how far this programme takes us. I was moaning about a "failed run" this week when I only ran 4K not 5, when I suddenly thought, what am I doing moaning about that when back in August I couldn't run for 60 seconds! You're well on the way to graduation now, keep it up!

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to Von99]

Thank you! I totally agree - when I started in August I couldn't run for 60 seconds without feeling really uncoordinated. Any distance now is an achievement - well done you!

[OndaC33 Graduate]

Brilliant post funnyrunner! It is great when you start to feel like a runner - shows how far we all come. Opens all sorts of opportunities and lovely that you are planning charity run for your late step father. Good luck with rest of the programme! 😀

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to OndaC33]

Thank you! Good luck to you too!

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

I'm sorry to hear about your stepfather. Parkinsons is a horrible thing to have. Well done getting to the 25 min stage, it is a great achievement.

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Thank you for your reply. Parkinson's is indeed an awful thing to have and that's why I want to do something to help those who help others with it.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

What a lovely post and well done on your progress... nearly there now 😎

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to ju-ju-]

Thank you! I am very excited.

[Pc59 Graduate]

Great post and so agree I'm a lone runner too but every run someone is virtually with me from here encouraging me on my way!! Also getting me through the bad runs where I've been so close to giving up!! Well done you & so close to the finish line.... Then ... 5ks ... 10k.. The running paths are never ending😊🏃🏃🏃😊

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Thank you! You're absolutely right - it's great knowing that there's such a fab community all virtually running together. Good luck with all your runs too!

[melly4012 Graduate]

Great post - you're so right! The programme is just magic, isn't it?! This forum is just the best place on the internet. Well done for getting so far. Sounds like you're doing great.

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to melly4012]

Thanks melly4012!

[loisamelia Graduate]

Brilliant post and well done for getting this far! Not long to go now

[Funnyrunner Graduate in reply to loisamelia]

Thank you!