This is a part of me. New runners, the road IS long but always worth it in the end.😀

[Sandraj39]

...my heart has hurt a lot lately, with regards to my running! After the highs of my first Half Marathon in March (The Bath Half - just an amazing experience🙂) I have struggled to stay fit. Illness was followed by injury and a long slow period of recovery where I had to be patient with the demands I put on my body. Recovery has been frustratingly slow! Anyway, those who have been around a while will know the story but I just wanted to say that today, (a little later than planned due to impromptu trip to the vets🐱), I have just got back from a lovely 5k run. Special because it is the first time I have run that far in several months. It was slow and it was hot but it was niggle-free and beautiful!😀. Throughout the ups and downs of the last few months, I have continued to be inspired by the posts across all the running forums and love following the many different journeys. From those stepping out on Week 1, to that first 20 min run at the end of Week 5 (my favourite posts to read) to graduation and beyond - those running 10Ks, HM's and further😮. My run today meant just as much to me as my graduation run and I have worked as hard to get there in a way, as I did for my HM with all it's miles of training. It has been a much harder journey for me, knowing how much fitness I had lost too. Today though, it just feels good to run.😀🏃🏽‍♀️

[Hidden]

Wonderful that you feel so happy in your running after the enforced breaks, it's so nice you're back.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Yeay..... this is what the whole thing is all about my friend Getting back after the IC and other stuff is hard enough.. and when that first run comes... wow!!!

You have done amazingly, as ever... and this is the kind of post, I wish everyone would read... for the positivity, the patience paying off, the recovery road and that first happy run..

Thanks you! xx

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss, it has been a long and winding road - but hopefully I can make some progress now....!🙂x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

You can and you so will.. we keep on running don't we

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

We definately do....!🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️🏃🏽‍♀️

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

Woohooo so pleased for you, it feels like a never ending journey some days as you get yourself ready to get back out there and then there are days like today that make the wait and trials and tribulations all worth it, I am so very happy for you.

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Thank you RFC🙂 - I am in it for the long haul! X

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I love that film.. The Never Ending Journey... it is a bit like our running!

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Really good news. Well done to you.

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Thanks🙂

[Joy57 Graduate]

Very well done Sandra hope you can build on it 😄

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Joy57]

Me too! 🙂

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Yeah! So pleased you ran a lovely comfy 5k today Sandra😊..

I saw your reply earlier to Irish John and saw that you have been struggling with lots of health issues this summer that has put your running back a lot.

Its great to know its still there isn't it 😁and the long haul (a fit and healthy old age) is what we are all aiming for...

I ran a 5k today too!

Happy running and you are an inspiration..keep well. xx

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks for those lovely words Jan🙂. Sounds like we are both doing ok and still getting out there! I have been beaming about my run all day and hope I can now keep things going in the right direction - it's about time!!😉x

[Irishprincess Graduate]

I'm so pleased for you Sandra 🤗 That 5K back again after IC time is as satisfying, if not more, as the very first time. It's been a long road for you but it sounds as if you're back on track and can enjoy your trails again. Happy days!

Hope the cat's ok 🙂

[Sandraj39 Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

The cat is fine - he has a flea allergy that is triggered every summer at about this time, despite all my attempts to destroy the little blighters!! Seems he only needs to pick up one or two and his skin reacts - he is a sensitive soul!!☺

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

Pleased to read this. A cat with sensitive skin. Aw ☺️