The 'Runner' has returned 😊🏃‍♀️

[quirkybee]

Hello my lovely, lovely, special running family 😘😊👋

Well, as some of you know, I haven't been running for about 4 weeks or so, just can't seem to fit it in and with the darker, late nights too. Anyway, it's no excuse, but the fact that many of you run and probably have lots more going on than I do, is absolutely brilliant and I admire you for it. I just can't do, I'm stuck with work 9 til 5, that the day is gone by the time I leave mums around 7.

Annnnywayyyyy, 😁 today was the day, I had to do it. I definately wasn't looking forward to it really, I definately wasn't. I sat and ate my breakfast cereal, thinking of all the jobs that need doing before the start of the working week and kept putting it off in my mind. My friend who has started the C25K has now finished it and running quite regularly in between work etc, she's lost 3.5 stone since Christmas too and said a lovely thing that it is thanks to me for encouraging in her to run, that it has helped with her weight loss. I felt chuffed for her.

I didn't run far and can't do 5k in one run without stopping, despite having done it in the past, but that's down to not running regularly. I did just under 2 miles with a bit of 'jeffing' in between, haha. I do love jeffing though, it's my favourite thing since I started it the last time I ran 😁😁 it helps me too to keep going.

Chest felt bit tight after and still does around my throat, but I know that's because I haven't run for a while. Plus, it was colder this morning, though ideal for me and my menopausal sweating 😂😂 but there was that cold air which does affect my chest on times.

But I did it, got back in the swing of it, met a few friends and acquaintances on the way for a quick chat, so a very positive morning even if I didn't do the full 5k. Its not important, I'm learning to accept that if I run for half or a mile then that's good and more than I'd be doing if I'd stayed at home. Plus, this is good for my mental health, diabetes and overall health, whether it's 15 minutes a day or 25 minutes one run a week.

If there are those of you who feel a bit despondent lately about running or anything else in life, I know how you feel. It's good to talk and I never thought I would on a forum, but I know I have some lovely friends on here and others who comment or like any of my posts, and I may not know you so well, but I appreciate you taking the time to pop along and read my dreaded long posts 🤣🤣 but as you can see, I've waffled on again, but my point is, for those who have gone through a bad time in their life for whatever reason as I know there are a few on here who have, for those having a bit of a rough patch with running, again I know those who are going through that, then I understand how you feel. It's tough here at the moment, not only with my two delightful 😁😏 pups, believe me, its hard at times and my nerves aren't the best, I stress terribly with other stuff too, but we all have lots going on in our lives, it is difficult to focus on what makes you feel good, as we tend to get swallowed up in the everyday run of the mill things, then find out we haven't done anything to help our mind and body. But if you feel low, the effort of even getting up for work for me is awful sometimes, but I just put a smile on and get up and go. It is difficult, but as with running, the effort is huge with that too, but today I forced myself despite those gremlins as we call them, saying don't go, you need to do this or that, I went out and did the best I could. I did it to mainly for the feeling of feeling better at the end, so that has to be good.

Get out there lovelies, it's tough for some of us feeling like this, but think of the good feeling factor at the end it has to be worth it. 😘

Plus getting older doesn't help your confidence, I turned 51 a week or so ago and it suddenly hits you, but I feel young in my mind, when my mind is working properly, 🤣🤣 so that can't be too bad.

Now, to the rest of jobs that need doing and dying my ever fading hair is one of them, in between the dogs and cooking whilst I'm waiting for it to take. 😂😂🐶👍

Happy Sunday lovely people, sorry to have bored you xxx 😘😊❤️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

You don’t look 51!

It’s great that you’re fitting some running in and spring will be here before we know it... then we can do some practice for moaning about the heat and not being able to sleep well when it’s light at 4am again in the summer 😂

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Thank you UnfitNoMore 😊 I know, we can't win, with the weather x

[Nita49 Graduate]

I'm so going to love your posts 👍

And it's much better to get out there and do something, than nothing at all... In time I'm sure you'll be back at it... You've made a start again so well done 👏

Life gets in the way at times, don't beat yourself up about it....

We've all got hurdles to get over..

Keep smiling my lovely x

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Nita49]

Aww, thanks Nita49 I shouldn't beat myself up about, we're too hard on ourselves sometimes, aren't we? x 😊

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Nice to see a post from you QB, it has been awhile. This time of year is definitely a challenge for motivation and for having a low mood, but if you can get out for any run, regardless of how long, it will help. Good for you for getting out. It is hard to make time sometimes, but you have to take care of yourself first to continue to be able to care for others.

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks SaskAlliecat this time of the year usdd challenging and to be honest. I find everything an effort really. I try to think of others worse off than myself and that gets me moving a bit, but then I feel sad for those people and then that starts me off down the road about people cruel to animals and children and I feel mentally exhausted from that then, oh dear, not good haha, but I hope you know what I mean. I'm a jolly person, love a good giggle and banter, but I think having had post natal depression and then full depression, I don't think it ever goes, but I'm so much, much more better now its my son and I and much better physically since starting running, so there's lots of positivity there xx 😊

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to quirkybee]

I know exactly what you mean. Everything is definitely a challenge this time of year, but you’re putting one foot in front of the other and that’s what matters 😊

[Sarakc Graduate]

Hi!! It’s so great to see your lovely smiling face again and well done for getting out there again and inspiring others around you!

Although I still go out regularly it’s definitely not as much as I used to!

This morning instead of a run I went for a nice long walk with my husband who works away all week! Lots of photos and a leisurely coffee! It is hard to fit it all in sometimes but you’re right about feeling great after a run! Makes it all worth it!! Take care of yourself and well done again!! 😀🏃‍♀️👍xx

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Sarakc]

Aww, thanks Sarakc that sounds like a nice walk and with your hubby too, you're lucky you have a partner. I know they can get on our nerves haha but vice versa too. Plus, a good walk is just as good and very good exercise too. Thanks for your support and encouragement xx

[Hidden]

How lovely to hear from you! So glad you’re back out there. Unfit is right though, you don’t look anywhere near 51, I’d have put you mid 30’s?

Anyway, the important thing is that you got out there and back off the couch. I find the dark mornings and evenings really hard, so you have my sympathies totally. If you can manage to get out even once a week it will really help. Also give yourself little challenges that are achievable, and that will boost your confidence no end.

Take care, you are still a great runner xxx

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Hello Hidden my lovely, thank you for your kind words. You are an encouragement for my running, I read your challenges and they always inspire me, but when I can't go out, it's like being physically tied up, haha. But yes, even going out once a week is something and it's being active that's counts. Cheers Neil 😊 x

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

My pleasure! I really hope you can continue to run over the winter months. I struggle with that too, I'm going to have to start running in the dark before work I think!!

[Hidden]

Welcome back quirkybee! It so nice to see your smiley face. i thought you were only in your thirties not 51! 🤗🤗.

Anyway sweetheart take care and happy running. Keep going!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🐶🐶

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Hidden lovely to hear from you, how are you getting on? xx

[Hidden in reply to quirkybee]

Hi quirkybee. I’m doing fine thanks. At the moment Im redoing B210K with added extras. I’m taking my time with it as I reckon that there’s no particular time scale on it eg. no set date except it just needs to be complete in so many weeks. So this morning I went out and completed W2R1 and then 30 squats when I got back home.

In 5 months I shall retire from work (NHS) after 26 years service so I’m looking forward to that.....can’t wait! (Hubby is already retired so we’re both looking forward to doing more things together along with our two beautiful labs) So after that I’ll Be able to get out running more. My aim is to do a couple of 10k races hopefully.🤗🤗❤️

[KoKo30 Graduate]

Never boring, I love hearing about your life’s ups and downs. Well done for the run. I do much less now but still love the after glow. Hope the dogs are good. If my dog weren’t so reactive I would run with him but that is sadly impossible as he needs 100% attention and so does my shuffling so the 2 don’t mix. Keep going and keep posting, my next run will have you in my head spurring me on, thank you.

[quirkybee Graduate in reply to KoKo30]

Hey KoKo30 thank you my lovely. Aww, bless your dog, Finley the lab needs attention, the yorkie Alfie is a right tough nut, sweet face, but don't be fooled 🤣🤣 I tried a bit of a run, only 2 minutes to be honest, with them in the park, god I nearly died and not having running gear on, no supportive bra, well, not the ideal photo if someone was going to take one with me running arms out front with dogs on the leads, my hair blowing in the wind and everything bouncing, haha. I will take them when they're about 18 months, I think that's the suitable age I don't kniw though. Pity you couldn't coordinate it with yours though.

I'll have you spurring me on too next time xx 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Hi QB! I have 3+ years on you so I know just how you feel! I love running when it’s colder. 👍

So happy that you had time to fit your run in today and you defeated the pesky gremlins. Every run is precious and no matter how long or short it is, it’s a run and wayyyyy better than being stuck on the couch (which is where I am now as it’s rest day for me today!) 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️😀😀

These forums are amazing aren’t they? We’re all like minded and can’t possibly bore each other! I tell my husband about my runs and he’s pleased for me - but he runs 8k in his lunch break regularly as he’s a competitive rower so it’s nothing to him!

Hope you’re able to fit more running in again soon. Stay happy and positive and come back here to chat often! You can tell that I write long posts too, just by how long this reply is! 😅😅

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

There you are!!! I know that wonderful smile and what a super, super post ..

Lovely to have you here running and sharing this great post with folk who are running this at all levels.

Inspirational, and also realistic.. we can all learn something from your post.. about life and about the way we sometimes lose ground, but how we can always come back to our runs!

You look absolutely fantastic as ever... !

Take it steady and carry on as you are, just enjoying those runs as and when you can !

Thanks you my friend xxxx

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

I’ve been there too and I’m right with you,QB. Sometimes it needs real heroism just to get out of bed. I’m finding running really helps, and it sounds like you are too. Taking care of yourself is never time wasted. Happy running x

[Imnotarunner43 Graduate]

That was a lovely post. Made me smile and brought a tear to my eye while reading things very true to me too. I haven't run since last Monday (which was the 1st for months). I will hopefully go today sometime ... gradually back into it I think xx