Staggering on

[ButtercupKid]

Dragged the Black Dog out today. I managed 14 1/2 minutes last time, so I decided it was ok to stop any time after the halfway bell on 9:1, and I managed 20 minutes. Onwards and upwards !

[Granspeed Graduate]

🎉👏🏼💕

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Huge well done...the dog will tire..they hate the runs...you are awesome...never,ever forget that!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks Oldfloss. 20 minutes actually felt good, compared with the 20 seconds I struggled with last September 😄

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Xxxx

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

That's progess BCK, sort of week 5 run 3 again, well done to you, at least you are starting to tame that black dog a bit, no harm on rerunning week 6 run 3 again, 25 minutes, more experienced experts here will no doubt advise you what run you should do next, once again congratulations on running for 20 minutes today. 😊 🏃

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr. As I was walking home I realised that I’d just done 5:3 again - and I remembered how proud and delighted I was then. It was a real boost. Aim now is to get out again tomorrow and see where I get to.

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Good luck with that run tomorrow BCK, kick that black dog where it hurts most, you know where. 😊

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

I’d rather train it to run with me 😄 Some people only have depression once, but for most of us it’s a returning phenomenon. I’m learning to adapt and work through rather than against it, and I genuinely think it’s a better approach. Live and learn 😀

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you for your reply BCK, yes I now agree with you regarding your training through it rather than against. I wish you all the best for tomorrow' s run, be well hydrated, drink plenty of water. 💦. 😊 🏃,

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks AlMorr. Up and at ‘em ! 😄

[vab71]

Well done ButtercupKid xxx

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to vab71]

Thanks ! How’s your own running going ?

[vab71 in reply to ButtercupKid]

You're very welcome

My running is ok; did W8R1 yesterday after almost a break of a week due to the snow. It wasn't easy, but I did it!

I'm struggling with my own black dog atm and am finding that the running is really helping me.

Sending lots of love xxx

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to vab71]

It’s a triumph getting through 8:1. Three minutes shouldn’t feel that much when you can already run 25, but it does ! Very well done you ⭐️

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

That dog is pretty determined to do this too I see! Pretty sure he will run 30 with you soon if he doesn’t give up! Great job getting out there again.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

My dad is allergic to animal fur and we were very limited regarding pets. As a child I was desperate for a dog and had an imaginary black Labrador named Duke. I used to take him for walks every day. So maybe this is some kind of regression therapy 😄

[UnfitNoMore Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Sounds good to me... so we have Duke and he will run for 30 minutes... he will love it too!!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

Ought to be good for us both 😁

[Shelley2310 Graduate]

Well done for getting out there and getting further than last time. You’re a star 🌟🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Shelley2310]

Thanks Shelley. Really appreciate all the encouragement x

[molly1973 Graduate]

You are amazing and resilient! That dog will tire of this soon 👍

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to molly1973]

Thanks 😊 At the moment it’s like having a go with one of those pull toys for dogs and seeing who lets go first !

[micey2 Graduate]

You’re an inspiration😊😊keep it up

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to micey2]

Thanks micey. Never was a quitter 😄

[BishyBarnabee Graduate]

Brilliant stuff - well done! May the lampposts en route illuminate your run and distract that dog, too!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to BishyBarnabee]

What a great thought ! I’ll take him to the woods next time and see if the trees tire him out 😂

[Setters Graduate]

Yay go girl, so pleased you stuck to your guns and ran today.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Setters]

Thanks 😊 I’m glad too x

[ktsok Graduate]

Well done BCK, onwards and upwards indeed 🙂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Go, lady!!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I’m going ! Just extremely slowly, but you know the one about the tortoise and the hare 😄

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Great for getting out and doing the run doesn't matter how long the good thing is you did it good luck

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy x

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

Well done! Keep fighting, you will win this!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

It’s the only way. Been here before and will no doubt be here again, but I’ve never had support like this before. I just wish I could send everyone on here flowers to say a big thank you to you all x

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

No need for flowers, our gift is seeing you succeed! I am sure you are also encouraging other people whether you know it or not 😘

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

I hope so. It’s worth struggling if others benefit by it. We’re all in this together 😄

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

others definitely do! I only got through my second run in the first week because someone had said something nice to me and encouraged me. Likewise, reading that people have difficulties but still do it, is inspiring. You've / we've got this!

[Keeponrunning1 Graduate]

Well done. Take it slowly from the start and you will get there. You got further than last time so you are getting stronger with every run. Keep going you can do this. 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️🏃‍♂️

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Keeponrunning1]

Slow and steady is the only way. I’m so slow at the moment that it would take around an hour and a quarter to get to 5k, but it’s getting out that matters, especially in depression. Thanks for your encouragement x

[Bodg Graduate]

Good girl. Keep it slow and steady. You are still getting further than sitting on the couch. <Hugs>

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Bodg]

Thanks Bodg - I needed that hug 🤗

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

Nice! Great job BcK!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks 😊

[Tartancat Graduate]

You're a determined bugger BK - you should be so proud of yourself. I know we're all proud of you!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Tartancat]

Thanks TC. My stubbornness is legendary and sometimes I’m glad of it 😄

[Elfe5 Graduate]

🎉🎉🎉👏👏👏 Good for you. Squelch that “dog”. 😄

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Thanks ! I keep trying. It’s a matter of time and patience, but I know getting out helps. How’s your own running ?

[Elfe5 Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

My running is temporarily on hold thanks to a viral infection & much coughing. 🙁 I’ll be up and going again as soon as I can. Staggered back to work today after 3 days off.

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Oh, you poor thing ! Look after yourself and keep up those fluids - get well soon x

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Keep getting out there! 💪😊xxx

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thanks BBR. That’s the plan 😄

[wobbles_when_runs Graduate]

You can borrow my pooch if you want to chase the big black dog away! Well done you for getting out, it’s not easy sometimes x

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to wobbles_when_runs]

Thanks wobbles ! Is your pooch big and scary ?

[Hidden]

Brilliant! You're doing really well. Running with a dog isn't easy, especially a large black one. They like to hold you back so much and speak so much negativity into your head. Mine still likes to make an appearance now and then since I first outran it, but a nice run always puts him in his place now. I honestly wouldn't have believed the massive positive effect running would have on my depression if you'd told me beforehand.

I really want to encourage you though. I'm sure you can do this. The program really does work, I promise. You already managed 5 and a half minutes more than last time, just keep chipping away at it and you will get there. Remember if you're feeling tired, just slow down, even if it's slower than a walking pace, just keep moving if you possibly can. Your breathing will eventually settle down and you'll be able to run again. Honestly at the stage you're at, I think it's mainly a battle in the mind.

Go for it, I believe in you!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Neil. Keeping going ! And I believe in you too 😄

[Hidden in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thank you Buttercup! I’m currently recovering from a slight knee issue mainly due to my own stupidity(!) but I’m hoping to get back out there tomorrow. I know I can do it, it’s more if I should or not, or if I’ll just make things worse!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Take it gently, whatever you decide. Injuries are such a nuisance, but better to take time than thrash on and maybe make things worse. Hope you get out and that it goes well x

[Hidden in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks! I was doing really well until this, working towards HM distance. I’ll be good though, I promise! I’m just trying to not lose fitness completely, plus I need to test how well I’m recovering

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Absolutely. Take your time and enjoy testing it out x

[Hidden in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks, I will do my best! My left knee’s been seizing up after about 4k, but it’s seemed a little easier this week, plus I’ve been doing plenty of stretches, so hopefully it will be better. When’s your next run?

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Should be today, but Storm Erik is raging outside just now and I’ve no treadmill access, so it may have to wait ! Have you tried the NHS Strength and Flex podcasts ? I find them really helpful. Impressed that you’re managing 4K with a dodgy knee - I’ve never been anywhere close to that yet 😄

[SpanishShuffle Graduate]

Well done 💃👏🔕

Really happy for you ☺

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SpanishShuffle]

Thank you 😊

[Ethelbert Graduate]

Well done, proud of you 😀

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Ethelbert]

Thanks 😊

[Dave58 Graduate]

Awesome. It's tough but we can do this

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to Dave58]

Absolutely ! We’re in this together x

[DiverIzzie Graduate]

Well done you!!!

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to DiverIzzie]

Thank you 😊

[SeeJillRun Graduate]

Yay! So pleased to read this post 😁 I’d been checking back since the previous one to see how you were doing so I’m really happy that you got out again. My daughter struggles with depression n I’ve been encouraging her to come n give this a try with me. I was telling her about you the other day n I think she may well come along with me one day soon now she knows that running could be helpful. Keep on keeping on! 😁

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

That would be great, if you managed to encourage your daughter to join in. We all know the programme really works, and this forum is the best morale booster I’ve ever come across ! I know how hard it can be to do anything when the Black Dog strikes, but getting out there helps a lot. You could try pushing the idea that having her company would really help you on ? Hope you’re soon enjoying runs together x

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks, me too. She has done a couple of Colour Rush events, running for a bit n then walking so she knows she enjoys it n would like to do more. She just needs to remember to bring her running shoes from her dad’s house n then hopefully she’ll join me 🤞🤞xx

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

That would be great. Maybe you could treat her to a pair of “Run with Mum” shoes 😄

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

I’m giving it some thought but I’m not sure how keen she is tbh. Her motivation levels are very up n down plus she’s getting used to new tablets at the mo so I don’t want to pressure her about it

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

Makes sense. You can’t make motivation - it has to come from inside. And you don’t want to turn into a nag - kills the endorphins 😄

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Absolutely! I’m hoping her motivation will improve once the tablets kick in n then we’ll see how she feels

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

All the best to you both with it x

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

Thanks ☺️. Hope your black dog isn’t troubling you too much now x

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to SeeJillRun]

Up and down, but I think he’s beginning to back off a little. In my worst depressions I can’t use the phone and I avoid all appointments - this time around neither of those things have happened. I’m sure that’s all down to the programme and you wonderful people on the forum x

[SeeJillRun Graduate in reply to ButtercupKid]

That’s great news, I’m really glad the running n us folk are having a positive effect on it 😊 x

[fitbyjuly]

Hi I am new here, I think your an inspiration just wanted you to know that. I have panic attacks and which are a bummer but reading about courage like you show gives me strength, so a heartfelt Thank you to you xx

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to fitbyjuly]

Hi FBJ. Sorry not to have been back sooner - for some reason a few messages weren’t highlighted for me and this was one of them. Belated welcome to the programme - hope it’s going well for you so far. I’m also a victim of the Panic Moth, but running is a great way to burn off some of the adrenalin it insists on flapping around ! Happy running, and keep us posted on how it goes x

[MaresV]

Oh wow... I have a black dog too and this was one of my motivations for running, taking him with me and tiring him out! You are so inspirational. X

[ButtercupKid Graduate in reply to MaresV]

Thanks. There’s a lot of black dogs about, and apparently this is the month of the year when most of them show their faces. Just as well it’s a short month !