Graduation

[Naomi425]

Did it. Now to carry on with this hell

[DawnRun]

That's encouraging for everyone else doing it!

[Naomi425]

Sorry. Just telling it like it is. I think most people get an endorphin rush. I don't. I'm just tired, hot and achy after running. But it does help my type 2 diabetes so I'm going to keep at it

[Withitmum1 Graduate in reply to Naomi425]

I appreciate your honesty. I'm sitting here at 5:30 am drinking coffee and trying to muster up the will to leave my cozy bed to go run this cold morning. It doesn't get easier but I too recognize the health benefits. Thanks and good luck!

[Naomi425 in reply to Withitmum1]

Thank you

[Saralexis Graduate]

If running isn't your thing there might be something else that is, or maybe you'll find the pleasure in it in time... the best exercise is the one you actually do though, and if you can't find some pleasure in it then you probably won't keep it up long term...

Why did you pick running to try it out? Is there anything about it you enjoy? Have you tried running with music/without music/with a podcast or an audio book? New routes? With a friend? A running club (they're very welcoming and often have sessions suitable for beginners)?

Or something completely different- swimming, bikes, cross fit, tennis, zumba, Pilates, hiking, tap dancing...

[Naomi425 in reply to Saralexis]

Hate exercise in general. Used to pay for a personal trainer to come round 2x week to help me exercise. Hated that too. Now can't afford trainer and am type 2. NHS suggest walking for diabetes but I hate walking more than running . So I Picked running coz of couch to 5k. Did it last year and did a mud run too. I will keep at it over spring summer and early Autumn but I know I won't do it in deepest winter (too cold). I listen to podcasts whilst I run which just about keeps me sane (I constantly look at my watch to see how long left). Not sure about a running club. The ones near me seem rather professional. I signed up for park run but it's 9am on a Saturday (too early for me) and their times are way better than mine. So I'll plod on

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

If it is hell, try running in heaven..........there is loads of beautiful countryside out there and running through it is far more life affirming than mere walking. Try to consolidate your 30 minute runs, but maybe now, with the relentless weekly increases in demands easing, if you wish, you might be able to enjoy it.

Have you considered parkrun. It is welcoming, inclusive, supportive and just about the greatest celebration of being alive that you could take part in for no cost on a weekly basis. It always makes me smile when I get overtaken by a nine year old.

[Rignold]

to be fair you have been doing the bit where it gets harder every time so far. give it a few weeks just doing what you can do now and see how you feel.

[Naomi425 in reply to Rignold]

Hmm remember I did it last year. Completed in June and kept running til mid October. It is just part of my treatment for diabetes. I'll probably always hate it but it has to be done.

Oh and I run in a beautiful abandoned cemetery so it's not the surroundings

[wigiwig in reply to Naomi425]

Ohhhh... how about downloading the ZombiesRun app? That might be fun in the cemetery 🏃🏽‍♀️👻👻

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Maybe try to encourage yourself a bit more? Referring to it as hell will only re-afirm your dislike.

Try a positive mental attitude, you never know it might rub off on you a bit.

[Naomi425 in reply to Millsie-J]

If I didn't ache and feel wretchedly cold after maybe I would be able to feel positive. Eg I'm now lying on the sofa with the covers over me trying to warm up.

[runlikeagirl Graduate]

Well kudos for getting through the programme feeling that way is the first thing to say! I hope you can find a way to enjoy exercise though as it can be fun and then it is such a different experience

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Is this a for real post or are you taking the mickey here? Every positive post from forum friends you seem to put down. The cemetery remark really seems a bit over the top. You will have route choices, you could most probably run elsewhere if you really wished to.

If you really want to wallow in the pits feel free to do so. However I do feel trying to be more positive could only help.

[Naomi425 in reply to Millsie-J]

The cemetery is beautiful (look it up- Tower hamlets cemetery park - a bit like Hamstead cemetery but smaller).so yes it's for real and tbh I'm trying to find another whinger so I can share the pain rather than hear how wonderful it all is. Because for me it isn't. I know it won't get any better. If I'm not allowed to share my pain I'll shut up

[Withitmum1 Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

I feel that this should be an honest forum...Naomi425 didn't say that she was quitting, just that it's a struggle. We should try to support each other on our positive AND negative days. Love to all.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

You are allowed to share your pain, but maybe a more positive approach would help yourself embrace the sport you have taken on.

You have successfully completed week 9 again, that's an absolute positive, well done! You run a lovely route, that has to be a positive doesn't it? You are exercising to help your condition, fantastic work! It can only help I'm sure. You are doing more than many many others in your position ever attempt, and you are doing it well!

So now why not embrace the positives of what you are doing, try to move to a change of mindset and really accept this is what you have chosen to do to help you stay more healthy.

It just may help you continue to get out of the door if you can convince yourself you might enjoy it. And you may then find you are REALLY enjoying it.

I wish you good luck with managing your diabetes and happy running!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

You are not the first person on this forum to declare that they hate running, even though they have got through to graduation, but you are in a minority. I started out with a similar attitude, that the only way to stave off the inevitable decline in stamina, due to advancing age, was to go running. It seemed a necessary evil. The big difference between us was that the decision to run was my own, whereas you make it sound as if you have been ordered to run and I fell in love with running, while you hate it still.

I think Jacs-W may be being a bit hard on you in her reply above......running just does not work for some people........but a positive attitude to life can make all the difference to how you cope with whatever gets thrown at you. Just finding the positives in running.....and there must be some, even for you, can change how you perceive things. For me, learning to run was about taking control of my destiny ( I know, it's a glib delusion) rather than submitting to the inevitability of physical decline. It boosted my self esteem and confidence, even though it was bloody hard work.

I seriously think you could benefit from the support of a community, like this one and/or parkrun. Forget about people's times.....that is not what parkrun is about. You will be welcomed, if you talk to anyone at a parkrun, and it really is a supportive event.

PS I meant Jacs-W's previous post. this last one is saying what I am trying to say.

Good luck.

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I guess the one thing I didn't say is we should all be grateful we are well enough to run. There are many who would love to run but due to illness are unable to.

I run because I can, even on a bad run, I still can. That has to be a positive doesn't it?

[Naomi425 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I wasn't 'told' to go running but aerobic exercise is a great way to manage diabetes. And my blood glucose levels do go down when I run. This combined with a low carb diet has meant that I have staved off taking medication for my diabetes so far but it's hard. (Which I guess is why most type 2s don't do it and end up in a cycle of decline) I'm not one of life's natural exercisers. I'm more a good time girl who used to enjoy some of the best things (most fattening) which I can't anymore. So positives are purely I don't want to be on meds so I'll keep running until it doesn't work anymore (or it's too cold in winter)

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Naomi425]

That is a gutsy attitude. Respect.

Have you tried running with someone else? I am a solitary runner, but it works for some.

[Naomi425 in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Way too slow. My fast walk is quicker than my run.

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to Naomi425]

I think the positive is you have successfully taken action to ensure you are not yet on meds. That really is a great achievement! The other positive is you have such great levels of determination you have managed to complete week 9 again, well done on that!

Do you think in the winter there is some other aerobic exercise you could try ? If so it could become a year round sport you could embrace and worry less about the running.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Naomi425]

Running is not the only thing though that will help...if you are not on meds yet.. your low carb diet will be helping.. but there are loads of other forms of exercises that will help too..obviously walking.. which you also hate... but also..tennis

, basketball ,swimming biking?

You need to find an exercise that you are enjoying because if it’s not fun, you won’t do it.. you have already said you won't do it when it is cold ! What happens to your blood sugars then ???

My husband is on meds for Type 2 diabetes, (genetic not lifestyle).....he hates it, so... he walks... a lot... he also cycles and climbs and swims.. linked with his low carb eating regime.. he has lowered his meds.. almost unheard of for a 71 year old.

Also.... how is your stress level affecting your diabetes... it does have a massive effect, and the negative vibes you give off are worrying... maybe be kinder to yourself... you are clearly strong and determined...there has got to be something there that you could enjoy ?

or...if not...some folk on here might say..... if it is as bad as you say it is, and it is that hateful...... just give in and take the meds... Metformin three times a day...?

I really, really hope you find something... that gives you a break and lets you start to find a way to cope with the worry and the issues that are ailing you.

[Naomi425 in reply to Oldfloss]

Guys don't get too worried about me. I came on to have a whinge. I'd hoped there'd be others out there with similar experiences but so far - not. I'm 53 so I can't let the diabetes take hold yet. I know at some time I will have to take meds but I'm not letting it happen yet. Running works for me as I can just pop on some clothes and I'm straight out the door. I'm small, hopeless at racket/ball sports and probably should've been a gymnast when younger. There's not really going to be a sport for me at this age. I'll just get on and do what I can. And maybe I'll find another whinger on here at some point

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Naomi425]

There is always being a trapeze artist?

I still have hopes... I always wanted to do that, but ended up being a teacher! 67 now... but.. who knows

[stevy in reply to Naomi425]

Naomi,there is apositive from this--" you have released your,inner feelings to us all";Good for you!

l am sitting here having been signed off from work for another week,waiting impatiently cor a hospital result about a heart condition l might have,it has stopped me running the last week of C25k.l keep asking myself " Why me"? I'm a fitness freak trying different things like running this," What the hell! You've done it hooray for you! Stevy.

[Naomi425 in reply to stevy]

Best wishes. Hope it all sorts itself out

[stevy in reply to Naomi425]

Naomi,Many thanks 😊 l appreciate your concern.You've certainly created many replies.look after yourself and may there be many more of us who are brave enough to whinge.Stevy.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate in reply to stevy]

Sorry to hear that Stevy..best wishes.x

[stevy in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Many thanks Jan,k hope l can get back to running again may be not for awhile,there's hope,Stevy

[Withitmum1 Graduate in reply to Naomi425]

Whinge away girl...I'm following you!

[Sillybilly1 Graduate]

Well done for completing it (again)!

[Ruthiella Graduate]

You know what?? I was going to post something similar last night!! I graduated about 10 days ago and every run since then has been a struggle for whatever reason. But, I succeeded at getting this far and Im determined that's not going to be for nothing. I find having a route that has clear markers for how far along is helpful ( eg getting to the school field I run round, getting to the houses at the end of the field bit, getting into the village, getting to the Primary School, getting past the 2 sets of traffic lights and then seeing how far I get up the road before my half hour is over). Also, don't keep looking at your watch (that just makes it seem forever). Find some tunes you like and the knowledge that the run is only just over 7 tracks long!!

Do I love running? Nope!! But I'm going to carry on as, actually, it's nice to get out of the house and have 40 mins to myself!!

[Naomi425 in reply to Ruthiella]

Thanks. Good to know there are others out there

[Anniemurph Graduate]

I've read all the comments, and I sort of see where you're coming from. I've been running for 5 years now and it took me a long while to enjoy running, tbh. I struggled through C25K (it took me 50 runs to graduate, not the standard 27) and I am still slow by many people's standards. For a long, long time, I actively hated the first 10 - 12 minutes of a run because I felt I couldn't do it, was too breathless, wanted to stop, my legs hurt etc. etc. I never experienced this 'runner's high' people wittered on about. I didn't think I'd ever get to running an 'easy' 5k - hell, I didn't think I'd get to running regular 5ks. I loathed being hot and dripping with sweat, even in the depths of winter, and probably smelling, and being beetroot-faced from the warm-up walk.

But I liked having run. I liked getting back and knowing I'd done it. I loved that I had stuck to something, and that it was good for me. I could see a difference. My blood pressure improved and I could see a difference in my thighs - I had muscle. I was still overweight but my shape changed. The determination carried over to other things.

And gradually - I don't know when - I came to love running for its own sake, as in the act of running. The first few minutes aren't difficult any more, probably because I take them much slower. I still sweat and go beetroot. I'm sure I still stink. I'm still a bit embarrassed sometimes that I'm slow, and overweight, but I don't care enough to stop running, or to push myself enough to change it drastically, because I am happy with what I do. Just getting out there, putting one foot in front of the other for miles, gives me time and space to think things through. It's very meditative. I've met some great new friends - on here and then in person - through running and I've been to some great places that I would have never seen before.

Sorry to have gone on a bit I hope you keep running but if not, that you can find something that works for you, if it's not running. But Rignold is right, you've done the hardest bit because you've been building up and up so far. Congratulations on graduating and getting this far, and all the best with managing your diabetes.

[Whatsapp Graduate]

Well Naomi425 I think you are an inspiration to many. You show a real grit and determination which is admirable. You do it, not for the love of running, but you do it anyway.

I think for those who are struggling, but find they enjoy, dare I say, even love it, they can look to your resolve as an example of triumph over adversity. Even for those of us who look forward to the runs, sometimes it doesn't go our way, and we finish feeling deflated.

Whether you enjoy it or not, the program works. It is perseverance and hard work which gets you through this program - to get to enjoy the ride is just a bonus!

[Chrysanthemum Graduate]

Well done Naomi425 for having a whinge!!!! I do so love a whinge. I must admit to saying that I don't enjoy any form of exercise either and would love to sit in front of tv and eat but I make myself go out ( the hardest part ) and get on with it. I echo what Anniemurph has posted. I must look a sight but I want to be slimmer ( yes, well, if I could just get the hang of eating healthily but that's another story.....) and I do feel I've achieved something for me once I've done it.

Well done for doing it for all your good reasons. Feel proud of yourself for that.

Carry on whinging.,I love it 😄