Week 5

[WickedAlwaysWins]

So last week was a bad week. I recieved some devastating news that was very hard to process and come to terms with. When you loose a friend suddenly the emotions you go through are incomprehensible at that moment in time. I was numb, angry, upset, confused and in complete disbelief. On top of all that you still have to deal with your every day work / life stresses and troubles. I ran. For the half an hour when I am running my mind goes blank. I can forget my problems, I can focus on my self. At the start of couchto5k in week 1 I never imagined coming this far, I'm not a quitter but I sure did not like exercise. Last week and today it has been my escape. A place I can put all my anger and use it as energy as I expell each breath and carry on. I'm strengthening not only my muscles, my stamina and my overall health but I'm strengthening my mental health to. I'm improving my emotional wellbeing I'm taking better care of my self physically and emotionally. I've started listening to my body and my mind. Its such an incredible feeling knowing that control has been there all the time but the motivation to take back that control has been pushed into some deep dark corner of my brain and for what? Well I'm done running from my own self and I'm now running for my self to improve my self. No one said this was going to be easy but the challenges we face shape who we are I want to become better I want to be kinder. Kindness costs nothing so I'm starting with myself. Heres to hope, to healing and choosing joy.

[Daznvern Graduate]

Sorry to hear of your loss, but so pleased your running is helping you over come a lot of things and making you stronger. Good for you.

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

So sorry to hear how hard things have been but glad that your runs have given you the strength and belief that you need during a time like this. Keep believing in the person you find on those runs - she has been there all along.🙂🏃🏽‍♀️

[Jogunlikely Graduate]

Sorry to hear of your loss but glad you are finding your inner strength.

I like you comment of choosing joy 👍 far too many people believe they have the right to be happy but never CHOOSE to be happy. A lot can be said for counting your blessings x

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Wonderful sentiments. It’s so hard losing a friend. I lost my best childhood friend 9 years ago. She was 44 and died totally unexpectedly so I possibly know what you’re going through. I wasn’t running in those days, but I believe you when you say you can lose yourself for a while.

Treasure your wonderful memories and take care of yourself. Running is truly magical and I hope it continues to help you. Xx

[bananahead Graduate]

Ah bless, I couldn't read your incredibly honest post and say nothing. So sorry for your loss. You never know what life is going to throw at you; the only thing I would say is take each day as it comes for a while and be kind to yourself (aswell as others).

Take care,

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

A lovely post WAW, I’m so sorry about your loss. But you’re looking forward and I’m sure your running will help ease the pain - keep posting and let us know how you get on.

[molly1973 Graduate]

So sorry to hear of your pain. Many will attest to the fact that running can really help to give you headspace: glad you choose joy x

[Scouser67 Graduate]

Life is not a work in the park,it comes with ups and downs, highs and lows.

I had burn out or a breakdown, depending on your perceptive, which meant I was off with stress, anxiety and depression. As I was in recovery I felt I needed to set myself a challenge: the couch to 5K.

I had never run well and was the chubby child left walking back to the changing during a cross country at school.

I felt that running improved my wellbeing and my mental well being. Whilst I was running I was focusing on my breathing, my movement and running. I had nervous anxiety and I found outlet that used it up and helped calm me down. It cleared my mind and me focus on myself.

After a break from running I have taken it up again. It doesn’t work for everyone, but it has really helped me with my well being.

I feel deeply for your loss and I hope, in time, you will remember your friend with good and happy memories because that is what life is about.

Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Bunnyrunner Graduate]

Sounds like you’ve had a rough week. I’m glad you are finding a way through it. Inspiring for many of us.

[Scouser67 Graduate]

We are here to support each other. 🙏

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

So sorry for your loss but really pleased that you are using that as a positive to be kinder to yourself and that you are finding the running helps.

It helped me reduce anxiety and just generally run off annoyances, upsets etc

[Hidden]

Wow! Go girl, you can make this work for you, not against you! Maybe do it in memory of your friend if it helps!

🌹🌹🌹

[Granspeed Graduate]

A So hard. Glad you are finding a way through. I love the “not running from myself but for myself” perception. I’ll try to remember that someday when I need it. Continue to take care. 💕🏃🏼‍♀️💕