Reflection

[Shelley2310]

Just been reflecting on my last year. This time last year I could hardly walk 100m (on several different painkillers for back injury). Then August I gave up smoking, started healthy eating and got GP referral to the gym. Fast forward 8months and I’m 2st lighter, running 5k, I’ve booked on a LIRF course 4th May AND.....ive signed up for a half Marathon in October. 5 years ago my consultant told me if I walked too much and climbed stairs (told me to get stair lift...which I didn’t) I’d be permanently in a wheelchair by the time I was 50!! Well I’m now 53, I still have to be careful about my back and listen carefully to how it’s feeling, I broke it 16 years ago, I’m living proof that if you decide to change and if you want something enough you CAN do it. I’m not saying ignore what the Drs tell you, but listen to your body, you’ve known your body longer than your dr. I now know what my body can can’t do depending how it’s feeling. When I’m running if it feels iffy (and I don’t mean the gremlins playing with my head) I take a walking break. Yes I want to run faster BUT not at the risk of being in a wheelchair. I’ve knocked just over 2 mins off my 5k and I’ll try to knock some more time off, but if my back doesn’t allow me to do that yet I’ve decided I’m not going to beat myself up. For the first time in years I’m just starting feel happy. Thank you to everyone on here that’s helped me during my journey. Sorry for waffling on. 😊

[Caraprice]

What an amazing story you have shared, it has helped me feel better as I am quite new to all this. Just started week 8 and when I run along the seafront lots of other runners go by me as I am quite slow. But it doesn’t matter it’s the doing it that counts (0:

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Caraprice]

Well done for getting out there, this is your journey, the other runners are on theirs. You’ll find no one will take any notice of how slow or fast you run. I also run on a sea wall, I love it during high tide when the waves crashing. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[steviej99 Graduate in reply to Caraprice]

However fast you are there is always someone who is faster. But you're faster than all those people who are sitting and walking and theres millions of them!

[Bunnyrunner Graduate]

WOW 😮 !! 👏👏👏 it’s stories like this that keep me going when I’m struggling 🙏

[Ladyblazing]

Wow. What an amazing story! Good for you. You’re taking control of your life and making it what you want it to be. And you’re not ‘waffling on’. You’re a bloomin’ inspiration!

[Hidden]

Shelley2310 - Not waffling on at all!! Rather a wonderful post to inspire the rest of us!!

Thank you for sharing 😊

[TD2017]

That’s a really inspirational story. I had a really bad back 10 years ago. I put it down to running amongst other things (I only ran once a week for about 30 mins!). Never really liked running but started back then to do a race for life. Once I done it I stopped due to back problems. Never run again since two weeks ago. Something just made me get up and do it. Light nights and nice weather have helped. So far I’ve actually enjoyed it. Keeping at this steady pace and walking in between is a brilliant way not to push too far too soon. I’m on my own journey and don’t care about speed. Just doing it has been a break through for me. Taking it one week at a time and like you I’ll see how my back stands up to it all. Well done for all you’ve achieved. 🤗👍🏻

[steviej99 Graduate]

Fabulous story. Thanks for sharing

[Granspeed Graduate]

Brilliant. 🎉👏🏼🎉 Well done and a lovely inspiring post. Happy (careful) running. 👍

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Shelley, it is great to hear all that.

I believe that C25K really is a positive tool for anyone to use to retake control of their lives............. and you prove it.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks without the support of yourself, oldfloss, UNM and everyone else on here I wouldn’t have made so thank you 😊 happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Wimborne]

Shelley that’s an amazing journey 😀. A healthier hapoy runny you. And a HM as a goal. You are simply amazing.

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

That is truly inspiring Shelley and can’t wait to do the triathlon with you soon x

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

I know, my knee still plays up when I try to ride grrrr. I’m determined though 😂😂

[Couchpotato2 Graduate in reply to Shelley2310]

Hmm maybe change some of the bike settings?

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Brilliant post this is so true...running just for the sake of running, no time or distance pressure is so good for the soul...if you do have a distance in mind and you eventually achieve it, that's fine too....but just running for the sheet enjoyment?? Nothing beats it...I always try and end my runs on a high, finishing when I've had enough, not my garmin....the time you're out there is not Important, enjoying the time you're out there is what matters x

[Aspire24 Graduate]

An inspiration despite life throwing you a curveball. Agree re ending on a high and not worrying about speed. Have you ventured back to PR again? I’ve done 4 now, and being slow isn’t a problem there as always in good company👍

[Shelley2310 Graduate in reply to Aspire24]

I haven’t yet as life seems to get in the way on a Saturday morning. 😐🏃‍♀️