Runniversary one! 😀

[Elfe5]

I have often seen posts where people celebrate the end of their first year of running, saying that they have run three times a week for a year and made amazing progress - and I am delighted for them. 😃

I have not had such a smooth and spectacular start to my running, but I’m still here enjoying it and I DO want to say a huge thank you for all the wonderful support on this forum and to our mentors and administrators who do such a fabulous job. 😄

Some of you know, that I began C25K expecting to run W1 repeatedly over the winter when cycling was not so enticing, simply to avoid losing fitness. I had no worries about not managing a run because I assumed that I wouldn’t! 😂 For over half a century I had believed that I was NOT a runner. At the end of each week I discovered, miraculously, that I had managed and thought “I might as well try the next week.” Nobody was more astonished than me that I reached graduation, (Mr E, a gazelle runner of many years experience, was extremely astonished too!😂)

My year has been considerably interrupted by injury & illness, so I have had to restart the program twice, BUT I’m still hanging on in there and gradually loving running more and more. I have lost some unwanted pounds, toned up & dropped a clothes size. The benefits are fantastic and I would not like to see them disappear from my life, so although it has not been a smooth journey it has been well worth persevering.

I have loved sharing the journey with you, hearing your stories and cheering you on. I like to run by myself but I’m really glad not to have to do it alone - so a big thank you to everyone who has encouraged me. 😃

To those of you, who like me, have not had a smooth start to your running, please do not be put off. The benefits are well worth persevering for & everyone has their own journey. 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Happy, happy Runniversary...you have had some interesting times and some great runs too... well done you!

Wishing you ,many, many more Happy Runturns

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you lovely Flossie- I have appreciated your advice, encouragement and ramblings very much. 😀

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Well done! Great story 👌🏽

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Tasha99]

Thanks Tasha, I haven’t forgotten the Parkrun when I’m ready. 😄

[owmeknees]

Lovely, encouraging post Elfe. Happy runniversary! Hope your recovery is going well 👍😊

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to owmeknees]

Thank you, yes the naughty knee is recovering - I’m building up cautiously. 😃

[Pc59 Graduate]

Happy runniversary you are an inspiration after overcoming injuries & hope that knee behaving better now. It really helps us to hear of your perseverance as i know i have struggled to keep the momentum going as graduated twice & recently got as far as week8 only to have problems with my hip ! But foam roller has really helped as has your post so i nust get my positive, determined head back on as you are so right! Running is fantastic for both physical & mental health😊👍🏃🏻‍♀️Keep up the great runs & postings & enjoy everyone 😊

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to Pc59]

Oh thank you Pc59. We can herple on together shouting encouragement!😂

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Inspirational post Elfe5 ...a year of lovely posts from you & sharing your journey with us has been a privilege x

[CatMo13 Graduate]

Hi Elfe, just reading through old posts, wanted to say well done on your running journey. We have similar experiences with doing the programme twice! Good to know it’s not just me 😁😁🙌 i found you had commented on one of my posts so thought I’d check out your story. Happy running 🏃🏼‍♀️

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to CatMo13]

Hi CatMo13, good to hear from you. Yes it’s reassuring to know other people have similar experiences. I have grown into realising that I want running (however slow) in my life and will persevere through the ups & downs. 😄 Happy running to you too! 😀