Running through my grief made me feel better. - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,410 members158,563 posts

Running through my grief made me feel better.

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate
23 Replies

Sadly my mum passed away on Saturday evening with me and my family by her side. I was due to do run 1 of week 8 yesterday but couldn't face it. I woke up today feeling numb and in shock and through all the messages of condolences popped up an email from healtunlocked. I read through some of the messages went upstairs and changed into my running gear.

I have just got back from my 28 minute run with a clearer head and a determination to lace up my trainers every other day and keep running.

It would be really easy to give up right now and let life's events stop my from completing this program but I know mum would like me to carry on. So that it what I intend to do.

Written by
Gwennyjenny profile image
Gwennyjenny
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
23 Replies
backintime profile image
backintimeGraduate

so sorry for your loss! life is so hard sometimes.

having something to do has always helped me get through the difficult times and if running is what helps then hang on to it.

hang in there and take care of yourself through this difficult time

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to backintime

Thank you for your reply backintime. Sorry it has taken so long to acknowledge it.Your kind words mean a lot.

I'm so sorry for your loss, loosing someone you love is never easy, I can only imagine how your feeling right now. I'm sure no words will make you feel better right now, but try to take some comfort in knowing that you and your family were there for her when it mattered the most. Make sure you take time to greave and look after yourself. My thoughts are with you and your family 🌹

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to

Thank you for your kind words Shar71

Mammybear profile image
Mammybear

Hi so sorry for your loss and very well done for getting back on it! I lost my mam not long ago and I totally agree with the benefits of exercise to cope with what's going on mentally. Keep going and best of luck to you through it all x

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to Mammybear

Thank you Mammybear x

Bluebirdrunner profile image
BluebirdrunnerGraduate

So sorry for your loss Gwennyjenny, your mum is the person you would turn to, to help you through tough times.

Do carry on, finding comfort and solace in your running, taking your mum with you, and do it for her as well as for you.

Take care.💞xxx

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner

Thank you Bluebirdrunner. I will carry on. I appreciate your kind words.

Debston profile image
DebstonGraduate

Sorry to hear your sad news, it must be a very tough time for you. Be kind to yourself and if running helps you in your grief, then go for it. But also cut yourself some slack if you need to.

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to Debston

Thank you Debston x

Mike_Bravo profile image
Mike_BravoGraduate

I'm really sorry for your loss Gwennyjenny , I'm really happy that running is helping. I'm so glad we're able to support you in some sense.

I know it's not quite the same but half the reason I'm running again is because it's a welcome distraction from me waiting to find out if I've inherited a genetic mutation that'll cause me to get MND or FTD in later years. Running really is a fantastic thing. Long walks can almost do the same but I don't think as well as a jog can.

DiscoRunner profile image
DiscoRunnerGraduate

So sorry to hear you lost your mum, such a sad time. But it is important to look after ourselves when grieving, I think the shock of loss can really effect our health, so running for you & your mum is really important. Well done for getting back out there. All love to you x

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to DiscoRunner

Thank you DiscoRunner x

robew88636 profile image
robew88636Graduate

I cant comprehend your loss but right now you need to be strong for yourself and your family. Look after each other in the time of need. Take a little break from running if required. Only do it if it feels better to run.

Take care of yourself and the family.

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to robew88636

Thank youCheapRunner, your kind words mean a lot.

JaoJao profile image
JaoJao

I am so sorry for your loss, sending lots of love your way. I’m glad your run helped you today and you have this community of you need support during your runs

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to JaoJao

Thank you JaoJao x

Granspeed profile image
GranspeedGraduate

💕💕 Lovely. Your love for your mum shines through your grief, and she would undoubtedly be pleased that you found something that helped you. It’s a terrible shock to lose a parent - my friend said to me, “It’s so hard to know we’re the grownups now.” But to carry on with something she was sharing as you did it sounds a brilliant way to feel her with you. Lots of us will be thinking of you as we run too. 💕

Zippy17726 profile image
Zippy17726

I’m so so sorry for your loss, take care of yourself and your family and allow yourself to grieve too.

My thoughts are with you x

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to Zippy17726

Thank you for your kind words Zippy17726

TuxCatLady profile image
TuxCatLadyGraduate

I actually started c25k the day before my dad passed away in March after sitting in the hospital room with him for weeks. It has been incredibly therapeutic in the difficult weeks since his death to have something new to focus on, just to be able to throw on my trainers and go whenever I felt like it. I'm sure your mum is looking down and cheering you on.

Gwennyjenny profile image
GwennyjennyGraduate in reply to TuxCatLady

Sorry for the loss of your dad too TuxCatLady and thank you for your reply.I am glad that running has helped you with your grief and loss.

Running has also given me something to focus on and given me headspace.

I actually started running because my dad had a cardiac arrest in February followed my a triple heart bypass in March and I wanted to do something to improve my own health.

I will carry on running for the health benefits and for the headspace it gives me and will think of my lovely mum as I huff and puff around my village.

All the best to you x

Verovero profile image
VeroveroGraduate

So sorry about your loss, grief is not easy but running might help you. You might also need to talk about your mum, the fond memories you have of her and the good times you shared. I lost my big sister when I was 7 I still miss her, 38 years later. Talking about her helps me and running helps me clear my head and feel closer to my sister. Take care and take a day at a time it will get easier.

You may also like...

Running through grief

Still managed to run a 5k Sunday morning and plan another 5k tomorrow. Running is such an amazing

Running helps me clear my head, and feel better about myself

I am back at running. I started running 5 years ago and was able to run 5 km in less than 35 minutes

A 💩 day made better by love and running

happened, but we've supported each other with messages, photos and love. I went out at lunchtime...

Running has carried me through

very grateful to C25K. It has carried me through a traumatic life event and set me down gently on...

W4R2 Running made me feel good :)

my run now and 10 minutes later I was out the door. Even more shocking was that half way through my