Feeling sad but running really does help... - Couch to 5K

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Feeling sad but running really does help...

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate
20 Replies

Very sadly my lovely little elderly cat died yesterday ... she was old and not in the best of health and died at home laying next to me on my bed with me stroking her. I feel so sad and had a tough day at work today. I normally run in the mornings but just didn’t feel like it today - plus it was dark, which didn’t help. I got home from work and she was not there to welcome me ... I felt utter despair but decided to push myself and go for a run. It wasn’t my best, I felt like giving up half way, and even shed a few tears, but I carried on and gradually I felt calmer and started to find a little bit of my happy place again. I’m so glad I started running and found this forum - running really is good for the mind as well as the body. Sorry for the ramble, and thank you if you’re still reading 😌

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JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAM
Graduate
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20 Replies
MVBrown profile image
MVBrownGraduate

So sorry to hear of your loss. I do understand how you might be feeling. Yet, glad to know you were able to go out for a run despite your grief.

Hopefully in time you’ll be able to think of the happier times , rather than her not being around. Take care.

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to MVBrown

Thank you ... she did used to look at me very oddly when I was stretching after a run, like I was totally mad, and I had a little smile tonight thinking about that x

sparkyjohn profile image
sparkyjohnGraduate

Sorry to hear your bad news, as a lifelong owner of cats (owner? supplier of food, heat and company if and when they want it) I know how losing a pet can feel.

There's no cure for the pain but anything that helps dull it is good.

I didn't notice the "ramble" just a post from one of the club.

Sometimes crying is not a bad thing and if it's during a run you can pass it of as perspiration if you want to.

Keep jogging along, even it's half hearted, it will do you good.

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to sparkyjohn

Thank you x

Sofabunny profile image
Sofabunny

Oh I really sympathise..I've been through that myself..it hurts so much..especially if she was a "special " cat..they are all loveable but sometimes you can be lucky enough to have an especially affectionate and sociable one that weedles their way into your heart..

Not surprised you didn't feel like running..

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to Sofabunny

She was very special - we have 2 others and got my little girl from the same rescue a couple of years later. She was around 16 at the time and no one wanted an old one. I fell in love with her instantly. The other two don’t show much affection but she loved me from the start too (I think!). We only had her 3 and a half years but they have been very special years. Thank you for your kind words x

MatildasPb profile image
MatildasPbGraduate

Sorry to read about your loss. All lives must end and you give your cat a lovely, peaceful passing. She must have felt very much loved.

You’re not alone in finding solace in running. I find it has helped me. It lifts me for the whole day.

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to MatildasPb

Thank you x

UnfitNoMore profile image
UnfitNoMoreGraduate

Feel for you, pets are so big a part of the family.

Amazing that you got out there, and very well done completing it.

Crawlhome profile image
CrawlhomeGraduate

So sorry to hear of your loss JacquiAM but how comforting for her to have you with her at the end.

Cats can hold such a precious place in our hearts and you were so lucky to find each other.

Good to hear the run helped to ease your pain a little.

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to Crawlhome

Thank you - we were very lucky 😊x

Agelesslass profile image
Agelesslass

Aw bless you JacquiAM. I know what it’s like to lose a member of your family which your cat was. Your dear cat had a wonderful life by the sounds of it and you must have some comfort in knowing she died with you at her side and not under a car as many do. Carry on with your running, it will certainly help you mentally. Eventually get another cat and give it a marvellous home. This is what I’ve done and you never forget your lost cat but do embrace a new one. You look after yourself JacquiAM. Big hugs.

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to Agelesslass

Thank you for your lovely words. I usually go to the gym on a Monday morning but didn’t feel like it this week so thankfully I was with her and take much comfort from that... something told me not to go 😌. We have two other cats (all are rescues) but she was my special girl ❤️

Agelesslass profile image
Agelesslass in reply to JacquiAM

Over the years I have lost Sooty, Pinky, Thomas, Smutty and Oscar my big Tom cat who just never came home one night, we don’t know what happened to him, they were all my beloved cats, now we have Lucy and Casper. I will have cats for as long as I can give them a good home. They were all very special and all different characters. Keep going JacquiAM, keep loving cats and giving them a fab home.

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to Agelesslass

Bless you, I will ❤️ x

So sorry to read about you sad loss. Sending you a massive virtual hug ☹️❤️💐

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to

Thank you xx

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate

Just wanted to thank everyone on here for all the words of support ... you really are wonderful people - I have had a couple of negative comments such as ‘it’s only a cat, not a person’ which are hurtful but your kind words have really helped. To be frank, give me a cat (or any animal) any day over the heartless humans who say things like that! Thanks again you lovely lot ❤️ xxx

Zany99 profile image
Zany99Graduate

So sorry to hear of your loss, it is so difficult when you lose a pet, they are family. Running really does help when times are tough, you did so well to push through your grief, take care xx

JacquiAM profile image
JacquiAMGraduate in reply to Zany99

Thank you x

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