The absolute joy of being in this for the long haul (and with all of you)

[AnneDroid]

Ever since this post, my running journey has continued to be difficult. healthunlocked.com/couchto5....

Anaemia and thyroid tests were negative. I was told to come back if it didn't go away (if it did it would probably have been a virus). Anyway, I still haven't been back because some friends, who've either never run before or not for years, thought they would like to do C25k. So I just enjoyed doing the plan with them and together we ran the Perth kilt run in August. Since then I have continued with "jogettes" and continued to feel weak but of course now I don't know if I'm engaged on a 5ktoCouch reverse process due to lack of self-belief or whether I actually have some issue or other. I ran a slow 4k yesterday and was weak all day. So, I am going to do my best - I mean ACTUALLY DO MY BEST - to make real progress through November, and then unless I think I'm making real improvements I will take myself to the docs at the end of this month. I'm declaring that here to encourage myself to do so!

But the point of this post isn't to moan. Quite the reverse actually. After all the progress I made from C25k last year up to 10 miles in the spring, I have been sad to miss all the events I had hoped to participate in this year BUT there is an odd but VERY REAL sort of satisfaction in the fight back run, isn't there? I know many who frequent this forum have had to fight back from injury or illness so you'll know what I mean.

Week 1 Run 1 of C25k, Week 5 Run 3, Week 9 Run 3, a 10k, a whatever-distance all bring their own reward when we know we've had to try very hard to achieve them.

Today I've been thinking that when we take up running we are in it for the long haul. Improvement may be slow. Setbacks happen. But the road is in front of us and it's welcoming us all. Not just today or tomorrow but into 2018 and beyond. And we've got each other here, which is the icing on the cake - to switch metaphors suddenly.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

What a great post... thank you!

So apt and appropriate for many, many of us. The journey is about so much more than running... and teaches us so much about ourselves.. and indeed those around us.

You are going to do this... and each and every one of us will be at your side.. as you are at ours...

Take care of you... listen to your body and answer any of its needs. You.... are your most valuable asset...

Please. keep us posted x

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Aw thanks Oldfloss. You're right - this is about so much more than running for us all.

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Our best is always good enough Anne, however please do go back for medical advice if you are still feeling weak and feel like something is awry.

We all run together here and want you to get the most out of your running in terms of enjoyment and fulfilment.

Slow is fine, you know that, it builds stamina. Take care and post your progress.😊xxx

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks Jan. "Our best is always good enough" is a good mantra.

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Lovely post Anne. If you are still not feeling right go back to your GP. See a different one at the practice.

So great you still run, a great come back! We all run together here as you know, so keep coming out with us!

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Thank you Millsie-J. Cyber-running buddies are a great blessing.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Couldn't agree more, AnneDroid - definately in it for the long haul here! Like you, I had a tricky time with my running not long after my half marathon success in the spring - virus, infection, sciatica (which resulted in nerve damage😮) and then finally a diagnosis of underactive thyroid (they had been monitoring a while). The nerve damage resulted in a slight foot drop which made running impossible at first, but just as my good physio promised, it slowly slowly recovered! A few months later, I am finally getting back to where I was with my running - in fact I just ran my first since before the nerve injury and am feeling particularly pleased with myself this evening!😀 I can not lie - it has been a long hard slog at times but I am finally back at my favourite 10k runs too. So yes, the road is long but never stop believing in your own strength. Good luck with your running - take it slow and steady and you will get there.🏃🏽‍♀️🙂

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

So glad to hear of your progress. Well done for digging in and keeping going.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well said Anne.

I think you should go back to your GP before the end of the month. Speaking from personal experience, delay is not a good idea.

My running life seems to be nothing but short lived comebacks at present, with another on the horizon later this month when I start radiotherapy. Just knowing that running will still be there, even if on a different level, is great for spirit.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

You're always such an inspiration and I like your phrase "running will still be there even if on a different level". I think that's what I was getting at.

Also, if you're facing radiotherapy with such courage I'm sure I can face a visit to the GP, now that I think about it...

[poppypug Graduate]

Lovely to see you on here again Anne.

I lost my oomph, and a lot of physical and mental stamina after a few health scares in the last 6 months or so . I am not putting myself under any pressure , I am just enjoying getting out there and being able to run when I can.

I agree with the others , that you should go back to your Doctor, if youre still feeling under par . Take care lovely lady , sending you hugs and best wishes xxx

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Thank you so much. You've had your challenges since I've "cyber-known" you but you're always a lovely encourager.

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Do please look after yourself as you continue on your journey.

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Thank you. I'll try to!

[Pc59 Graduate]

What a beautiful post & so true you helped me on my journey last year & i lost my way a bit after graduation but something keeps pulling me back .. think its the benefits gained from running, the sense of achievement at my age 60 now😱& the friendship on the forum & encouragement😊. I do think you should go back to drs & get a checkout your health & wellbeing so important. So good to read your post & keeping running...🏃🏃do take care. 😊

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Thank you very much. 60 is the new 21. Which makes me 12.

[Hidden]

As Irish-John says a run is a run is a run, so every run counts no matter how long,short, fast or slow. Every setback overcome is another lesson learned in the head and in the body. You were one of the first people I checked out on this site, because you were running with Mr Smooth as your coach and I had just chosen him too. Your running journey hasn’t been very smooth of late, but what is impressive is your determination to get back and you are so right the ‘come back’ runs have a joy all of their own.

Lovely to see you back I do hope your health issues are resolved and that we get to see some more of your great pics in kilts and more...

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Jan. I sometimes forget that a run is a run is a run. But - as ever - Irish-John is very wise. It all counts doesn't it? Not sure I can get my wee kilt on at the moment - too little running whilst still eating as I did when I was doing 10ks regularly. But I'm meant to be doing the Santa run in December so I'll try and post a picture of that. The belly will make the look so much more authentic.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Anne, sweetheart - I can't imagine the Forum and programme without you and those of you who welcomed, inspired and educated me when I drifted in here

There are people who run great, and great people who run - the latter is the more honorable race to pursue, and you lead the pack there

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Aww. You're a sweetie. Thank you.