Remembering, and thinking back and forwards

[Anniemurph]

This time last year I ran my fastest 5k for a Remembrance Day run. I ran thinking about those who gave their all and when I started to struggle and think, 'I can't,' the memory of all those who've served spurred me on.

Today, I can't actually remember my last run, although consulting the calendar tells me that it was actually only a couple of weeks ago, but the one before that was over a month ago. I'm sitting here wheezing because of a bad cold but my mojo is temporarily absent, and I'm going away next week, and then I'm away again the week after, so...

My point is (are you still with me? ) that running is always out there. I started C25K in 2012 and I have had periods where I've done very well with my running and periods where I've been on the IC for months, or where I've just been too busy or fed up to fit running into the week. I see posts on here from people who worry that they are too slow (never!), too shy to go out in public (no one is watching you, believe me), concerned that they have missed a week so need to go back to the very beginning (unlikely - try a run and see what happens), aren't getting support from their loved ones (stuff them, you're doing this for you) - but the thing is, people are posting and people are running! Or if they're not running, they are wishing they were!

Running is amazing. We can all do it, in our own time, in our own style and in our own way. I'm not running just now. But I will be.

Happy running, everyone

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Really sorry to hear you’re not running right now Anniemurph but a great post to let our new runners know it’s possible to have a blip and get back on it.

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks, Sask! I used to think blips were the end of the world, but I've had so many of them now, long ones and short, that I know they're not! And there are people who have had to stop running completely who still manage to find something else, stars that they are.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Massive thumbs up to all that Anniemurph. 👍👍 All except the fact you’re under the weather. 👎

Running is fun. It’s good for you, whatever speed you go. People are too hard on themselves, I agree.

Let’s all love our runs and be thankful for our ability to be able do them. ❤️

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thanks, CC! Thanks as well for the sympathy

Yes, we are often too self-critical. Any run is a good run Even if I planned a 5-miler and baled out after 15 minutes, it was a good run because a) I got out there b) I ran for 15 minutes and c) I can work out what the problems were and hopefully deal with them next time.

Running! ❤

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Annie...... there you are, you have been missed!!!!!

You will be back on it soon, take the time you need, and keep posting xxxxx

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to Millsie-J]

Aw, thank you! I'm so busy with travel at the moment, and now this wretched cold that seems to have half the UK in its grip!

Never mind, the roads will still be out there, and I will be baaaaaaack! xxxxxx

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go Annie... well said you... so true and reminding us that the runs are still there.. always!!!

Sorry you are feeling grotty and hope you feel better really soon... So many horrid bug things around at the moment!

Lovey to have you back here with us... Newbies take note... this lady is special!!!

Hugs to you xxxxxxx

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Oh, Floss, you are the special one! Thank you for your kind thoughts - I'm sure this cold will go soon!

Hope your running is going well? I am enjoying catching up on the forum again, it is great to read about what everyone is doing even though I can't run at the moment.

Distant hugs, so you don't catch this thing! xxxxxx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Good to hear from you Annie.

I haven't run for a week for various reasons, but as you say it is always there and I will always be a runner, like you.

I am sure you will soon rediscover that mojo and track down that life affirming run that is waiting just around the corner.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks, it's good to be back.

That's the thing, isn't it - we can take a bit of a break, for whatever reason, but we know we will get back to it. Personally, I don't much enjoy running in the winter so my running for the next few months will just be to keep the legs ticking over, but I will get out there when I'm back from all my travels, and all will be well again.

Always smiling

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Annie! Lovely to see you here again, wondered where you were.

Great post and so true. Once a runner always a runner no matter what.

Sorry to read you’re not running atm but as you say it’s only temporary x

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

IP!!! How are you doing, your Maj? It's so nice to be back on here

That's it, once you've been hooked there is no escape. It is just a temporary downturn, that's all. This year has been a bit of a wash-out for me running-wise but it doesn't matter because the legs have kept going (more or less!) so they will be able to pick up again, I'm sure x

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

Your legs will definitely pick up again x 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I'm eyeing up roseabi 's upcoming HM plan

[Hidden]

Oh Annie it’s so good to hear from you again. Your a big miss ! Anyway your post is brilliant and do you know what it just describes me to a tee at the moment. I last ran on Saturday in that pouring rain. This morning I was going to run the last one of wk1 10k. However I didn’t sleep well no reason why,it just took me ages to get off to sleep.

So Thursday I’ll run as tomorrow I’m Xmas shopping ! Which is most exciting.🤪 and as you say running will still be there. Especially when I’ve spent all me money hee!hee!❤️☃️

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Peggy! Thank you Well done for running in the pouring rain, as you know I am a total wuss about rain so I would have looked in horror and gone back to bed

Enjoy your Christmas shopping! And then have a great run on Thursday

[Hidden in reply to Anniemurph]

Will do Annie!❤️x

[Sybilw Graduate]

Thank you for your words of wisdom. It’s good to see the bigger picture now and then because I know I’m not the only one that obsesses with the details - number of runs / distance run / have I done enough? Other than an extended holiday I’ve not deviated from 3 runs a week, but maybe with the winter looming I can adopt your very healthy (sorry for the choice of words!) attitude. Speedy recovery.

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to Sybilw]

Oh, believe me, I can still obsess over numbers and detail But the years have taught me that running is here to stay, so I don't get as upset if I miss a week, or even a month or so. The fitness you build up takes a while to leave, and you get it back surprisingly quickly. Well done for your 3 runs a week, that's great! By all means keep it up through the winter. There are loads of people on here who love winter running and revel in cold, damp runs, coming back flushed and triumphant If you're kitted up well there is no reason to avoid winter running.

And thank you for your good wishes

[Sybilw Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

I plan to continue , but thanks to you I will give myself permission to skip an odd one without any guilt!! 😆. Thanks.

[Anniemurph Graduate in reply to Sybilw]

Fab!