Keep calm carry on and enjoy

[Julesh15]

About five weeks ago I graduated, running for 30minutes. I didn't complete 5k but over the weeks that didn't become important to me it was getting up and getting out there pushing my limits but enjoying it.

I then went away for a week and whilst my intention was to try and get out and carry on three times in the week my circumstances didn't allow it. I came back and found that for some reason I couldn't pick up from where I left off. I didn't give up though and whilst I'm still not running (jogging at a snail pace) I am getting out and running for 20minutes.

I have told myself 20minutes is better than nothing and have to be honest with the 5min warm up and warm down walks the 30minutes fits into my 24/7 caring role.

I hear people saying about distance or beating themselves up about not being able to run for a certain time. What I would say is you are getting out there and you will enjoy it more if you just relax, push your limits but not to the point that you don't enjoy it. Don't worry about the distance you run but run at a pace that is achievable and comfortable. More importantly for me that 30minutes is bliss and is my time to get out have a bit of space. Enjoy...there are no rules other than it's you who sets the pace

[Smallb34r]

So true. I have a very demanding full time job with an hour's commute each way, a teenage son and elderly parents to look after. When I first started this programme I was beating myself up because I was using a treadmill (the easiest way of fitting it in), and because I wasn't managing 3 runs a week. Eventually I realised the only pressure was coming from me. I started to think of the runs as a treat for me, rather than other thing to be done, and here I am one run away from graduating and very proud of myself. I still have my goals (to run outside, to run 5k, to run a parkrun) but they will come in time and be all the sweeter for the wait 😀

[Julesh15 Graduate]

Aww wow well done you on all you've achieved and in one run time you would've graduated...congratulations 🎉

It is easy sometimes to look at others achievements and their personal goals and feel disheartened but this group taught me it's not about them or the speed we go it's about getting up and doing something. Life does get in the way but there is always a way...I get up very early morning or later in the evening. It's not ideal but that time is mine. I'm not goi g to lie running doesn't come naturally or easy to me but that's part of the challenge. Keep up the running it doesn't matter where you do it, how fast you go or the distance you do it you are doing it your way...enjoy and well done again

[Wizziewood]

Well done you, 20 mins is 20 times better than sitting on your backside!

Absolutely agree with what you say, lovely post, thank you.

Keep running, keep smiling and good luck with your future runs!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Great post you! Enjoy... the word we should all have on our lips as we run !