Life beyond graduation

[Decker]

This post is for Floss, as she asked us to share a bit of our stories to date. So this is just a progress report I suppose.

I originally started only with the C25k app on my own and stumbled upon this lovely supportive group, who did not mind the odd Canadian. I have been hooked ever since.

My running has been going on it’s second year now and I can’t believe how far it has come. Since last year beyond some 5k runs and a couple of 10k runs, I’ve completed two HM races, a 30k race and a 25k trail race. I am trying to maintain a weekly 20k run in my training. And I’m currently training for a full marathon in October. I also joined a weekly long run group last year who provide weekly bouts of massive inspiration and perspiration. Never in a million years did I see this shift coming in my life. My OH originally jokingly gave me 2 weeks at this “running thing”. Maybe she was secretly motivating me. 😁 My children think I am insane.

Inspiration from friends and many of the stories here provided initial motivation to look at some races. Mostly though, I turned 50 last year and knew I needed a plan to get fit based on my family’s heart and stroke history.

Joining a run group worked well for me, even though I am not a “joiner” by nature. Our group does destination runs from time to time, which I love. We’ve run all over Toronto and I’ve seen places and run trails I never would have found on my own. And the people in the group are first class, which helps immensely.

I have to say that none of this was planned, it kind of just fell together as opportunities opened up and my confidence grew slowly with each PB, with each race and training run. I now see running as a gift and no matter what the weather it always gives you something back. I am still learning and avidly read others stories and reports in the marathon forum here, as well as follow running podcasts and read running books now. I am just getting into trail running too which I think I’m going to love. Through running, I’ve developed many close friendships both virtually with my friends here, and in person with my running group mates.

I’ve posted a montage pic of some of the more memorable runs from the last year. top left was a sunrise group run, top right is the Scotia Waterfront HM, lower left is the 25k muddy, rainy (yet so much fun) Sulphur Springs trail run a couple of weeks ago and lower right is the Around the Bay 30k road race from this last March.

I wish you nothing but success and joy in your running in all the years to come.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Sounds like you're hooked, Decker.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Decker in reply to IannodaTruffe]

I think you may be right IT. Thank you 🙂

[Hidden]

Thanks for sharing where your running journey has taken you with us. I'm in my final week of C25K and am really enjoying reading the posts that you experienced forum members are sharing with us all. it's really helping give an idea what happens after C25k graduation. You've been busy!!

[Decker in reply to Hidden]

I’m happy it offered something to you Delly. It’s weird seeing it all written down like this. 😊 Hope to see you in the 10k and marathon forums soon!

[Lavender1962 Graduate]

What a journey you’ve had in the last two years! Your post is inspiring for beginners and equally so for those of us who have completed c25k a while ago. You’ve described very well all the changes and benefits that running has brought to your life. I look forward to hearing about all your future running adventures.

[Decker in reply to Lavender1962]

Thank you Lavender. It doesn’t seem like such a big deal at the time, but when you see or all at once you realize you have come further than you ever thought, and there is so much still to try 🙂

[mrrun Graduate]

Your story and journey is something I've always enjoyed to follow and, to an extent, relate to. From the start you've been going forward, never negative, always uplifting, funny and inspirational. You know what you're doing and that will always give you an extra edge. Keep doing it, mate!

[Decker in reply to mrrun]

Likewise I with your story. I do try to stay positive though I have my share of dark moments, but the runs seem to help in that respect too, putting things into better perspective by the end. Here’s to many more miles!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

Decker ....you are one of my hero’s...we have been here as long as each other...your running has gone from strength to strength, I’m so proud of your achievements, inspirational, motivational and just flippin awesome...Thankyou for sharing x

[Decker in reply to Mummycav]

Aw thank you MC. I was lucky to have found a supportive run group to push me and keep me accountable. You are doing great things too, consistently getting out there every week inspiring so many people on here!

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

What a great post! From 5k to a soon to be Marathon in a relatively short period of time. You've smashed all the milestones, and keep on smashing them. Just wait until you nail that Marathon in the fall.... then it's Ultras!!! Whoohoo! There's no stopping Decker 💪🏃🏽⛰

[Decker in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Lol you have more confidence in me than I do Sask 😂 But I will keep trying cuz that’s what we do 😎

[damienair Graduate]

Hi Decker that is such a wonderful post. Many congratulations to you on all your success so far in your running journey. It is very inspirational. I have so much respect for anyone who runs longer distances. 10K is my max, but I’m happy with that. I wish you every good health and success in your training for your marathon in October. Very well done.

Damien

[Decker in reply to damienair]

Thank you kindly Damien. What you are doing to pass on the lifestyle of running to your son is very inspirational too! Happy trails my friend!

[Hidden]

I didn’t know that you are an ‘odd Canadian’; always seemed fine to me...although your badass, hardcore progress to date does suggest that there is something a little odd about you👍🏃‍♂️😊

A Quaker saying is ‘all the world is queer, except thee and me, and even thee is a little queer’

Keep at it Decker and please keep posting on the fora as it is great to sit and watch (in awe) 👍👍👍

[Decker in reply to Hidden]

Haha thanks kindly Helen yes I wondered if anyone would catch that. Definitely sit on the odd side I think. 😁 I think that is part of what appeals about the trail runs. I will keep posting as long as I can.