Just a very quick post. Today, I had to see my GP about something very mundane. She asked me how I was. I said “Very well, thank you!“ She looked surprised and said that she didn’t hear that very often, and what could she do for me (after a brief moment of picking herself up from the floor). I told her why I was there, but also said that I had nearly completed C25K. She was really surprised (again - I really was a lazy lump in the past) and congratulated me, and asked how I felt about it. I told her that I had managed to wean myself completely off antidepressants (which I had been on for most of my adult life), and felt more alive. I told her that my running buddy had told me only yesterday, that I was much more confident than I was eight weeks ago. Again, she congratulated me and was very impressed in the change that had happened in a few weeks.
When I got home, I realised that I was smiling. I was actually feeling happy, truly happy, deep in myself. There was nothing happening to cause it, I was just happy. I honestly don’t remember the last time I had felt like that. Probably many decades - possibly dating back to childhood.
I know that my current mental state has been brought about by running. Pure and simple. I know it sounds corny, but I believe it to be true. ❤️
Written by
MuddledGardener
Graduate
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Thank you, Stephen, there really is. It’s not just the endorphins that float around immediately after a run, either. I think the brain seems to re-calibrate itself back to factory settings. 😁
What an amazing journey you are having thanks for sharing, we did week 3 run 1 yesterday and i felt really happy all evening and energetic too, did laundry and played music and just felt good to be alive and consider it was only day 2 of back to work after illness for five weeks was a great feeling i love running and love hearing about your journey too
I can feel your smile from here. I am so inspired by your message and it shows that running has so many other benefits and I am glad it has brought you a happinessx
thanks for asking....it is getting there. Been able to get up to 3 mile walks now. Still feel it tight when I get up from sitting but I can stretch it out. I think I over did the tennis ball pressure yesterday though as I now have a lovely bruise trigger point, but maybe that is a good thing as hopefully it is breaking up that elastic band feelingx
How wonderful it was to read this post and understand what an achievement it is that you feel this way. C25k works a special sort of magic, and somehow it releases something inside of us that is hiding just under the surface, waiting to shine through. Your running buddy noticed it before you.... It is a very special moment when you recognise this for yourself. ☺️ Xx
You are absolutely correct , the happier mood that stays and the overall feeling of being positive is brought on by running , I also believe so . Long may it continue 😊😊
Congratulations on consigning those meds to the bin... that’s a massive victory right there... and you’re about to close this out for another. Enjoy the new happier healthier you... you did all the hard work.
Personally never suffered with mental illness but after taking up running it still lifted me in general
Rather than binge eating or going from work directly to the pub etc I now strap on my shoes and go running, it’s good for mind and body and if you are short on time sprints work well you can still get enough work out in 20 mins with sprint work if a long run isn’t possible
Keep up the awesome work and keep smiling and influencing other to try running as a medicine
Well done muddledgardener! It’s definitely a confidence and mood booster! And as i tell everyone ‘if i can do it anyone can’! I’m even contemplating a treadmill fir the long dark winter months as we live in the middle of a field and my husband is forward thinking for me (he suggested treadmill) as he can see how much I’m enjoying c25k! Park runs are my next plan - think they will be addictive too - don’t know if you’ve tried but meeting like minded people will also be fun for you. Well done you!!
Wow! That’s great well done! I too am enjoying both the physical and mental benefits of running. Everyone notices the weight loss (which is encouraging) but not everyone recognises the change in mental health. Keep up the great work running takes both physical and mental strength (I’m slowly realising that it’s actually more about the mental strength)
I understand Parkrun have been partnering with some local GP surgeries to try to encourage people to take up running. Maybe yours could be encouraged to look into that after your success!
This is the reason why I started running as well. I wasn't on medication but I felt something was off with my mental health. It works, it s not corny. Regular activity makes you a happier person and I hope this post inspires those in a similar situation. I wish my brother could see this. Keep it up. 5k is just the start. You re awesome.
Wow that is so fantastic. Running is amazing . I grin like a Cheshire Cat when I’m running . So glad you are off the meds . Be proud of yourself you deserve it . Fantastic 🏃♀️💃👍
What a wonderful post to read. Made me happy too - for you and for all of us that have been given this gift to lift our spirits. The program does so much more than it says on the tin and this forum is the most supportive and happy place. Wishing you many more years of running and continued happiness Well done you Muddledgardener 😊🏃🏻♀️🙄💐
Dear muddledgardener how apt your post is to me!!! I too went to the doctor yesterday I am a recovering alcoholic and was nine years sober on the 6th June. Months ago I decided to come off escitalopram really a lot after 9 years and am now 5 weeks off it. A week ago I crashed and have been in an awful withdrawal but went to doctor who told me what I wanted to hear I can do this. Told her about my running. Never run before and I'm 62 and run week 9 3 times a week plus a running club and working out she said all that is brilliant and may be run more! I just don't want to give in so I'm off running again now to chase my anxiety away. Thank you for your postxxx
Oh Suegrace, well done for persevering. What a wonderful achievement! My brother died from alcoholism, so I know how destructive it is. You are so strong and a survivor. Keep on keeping on, especially with the wonderful running. Xx
Oh I'm so so sorry Muddledgardener it is a killer disease that dosnt stop when the drink is put down is hard. I'm one of the lucky ones who wanted out of the madness. Found recovery and running ! Well done you. Where are you from I'm in kentxxx
Missed the coming off antidepressants bit. Big wow! It's all about the natural high. Well done keep it up. Stretch stretch and stretch again especially hip flexors and calves. Soon you'll not be out of breath at 5k and will want to do more. Also 10 % rule!
Almost shed a tear there.. wonderful to read! Posts like these keep a lot of us going when the going gets tough. Thank you and never ever lose that smile again 😃
Well you don't sound very muddled to me. I feel really happy for me.
In January I had complete melt down having taken myself (really stupid I know) of my antidepressants because I had been really well for years.
My GP was so supportive and understanding buttoldmei would have to take them again for life.
To try and help myself recover my daughter, who is a psychiatric nurse and runs marathons, suggested I try C25k. She even gave me running gear.
My first week of the programme was tough but I immediately started to feel a wee bit better. Every week after that just got better and better.
The day of the London Marathon I ran my first 5k in 43mins.(my daughter did the 10k in 56min) I felt so proud of myself, my self asteem which was nonexcistant in January went through the roof.
I had to report back to my GP last week. When I told her how well I was she was so delighted.
On Sunday I am running another 5k in East Lothian. My daughter paid for it and bought me new running 🏃 gear for my 69th birthday.
My next challenge is to run a 10k for my 70th next year.
I am just off to run 5k now. I do try to do 3 a week.
That is so wonderful to read. So happy for you 😊 I have been going through some not brilliant times the last few weeks and have taken up running again and things are slowly getting better and better and I believe thats because I am slowly getting better and better. Its not just coincidence. Lets keep it up! X
If you believe it to be true MG, then it is true! You have given us a fabulous post here, it genuinely made me well up! Keep running,stay well and keep posting - you know we’re all with you!
Great, inspirational post. I wish I could say the same. I was feeling great while doing C25K but since graduating it has gone downhill. I’m struggling to run for 30 minutes, am finding it hard and not enjoying it. When will I ever feel that runners high? I’m just not feeling it. I’m miserable, work and life are getting me down,
and running isn’t helping like I thought it would.
I’m sorry to hear this 🤗 x Maybe try your Dr/Nurse? Failing that try a herbal remedy or something (even for a short time until you can see the Dr?) I’m really not sure what to advise otherwise - sorry! 🤞🏻things will improve for you, but rather than not go out running at all, maybe walk instead? It’ll still give you some me time away from it all and/or try some meditation? Hope things will improve 🤗🤗 x
I’m so sorry to hear this. Maybe go back to using the programme to get yourself going again. Have you thought about finding a park run that you could join? Lots of people say what fun they are, and that they meet lots of nice people. Also, try setting yourself a goal. That should help the motivation a bit. I’m still a novice, so maybe ask the admins for help? @Oldfloss is one of them. ❤️
That's a shame Malaymum. Are you able to relax and switch off when you run. I love that I get a chance to get away from it all and play my music. Maybe try a different time of day to run or a slightly shorter distance until you feel comfortable.
We all have off times, it’s when they last for a few weeks that it could be getting out of hand - especially if you can’t put your finger on the reason x Always come on over to the forum for help, advice, a rant or share your successes - someone will always try and help! No one needs to feel alone 🤗 x
Could you perhaps join a running club so that you could run with like minded people - being with others and having a regular ‘date’ might give you back your mojo? Good luck!
Spot on. People ask me why I started running. I say to get fit. But I now keep running, only 50% to keep fit, the other 50% is my mental health- it's a great way to get out of the house and relax my mind and free myself of worries.
Wow fantastic! I feel so happy for you. Remember this feeling and this moment. If life ever throws you a curve ball you will know how to overcome it now. Well done! You've achieved this all by yourself.
Thank you MuddledGardener for your inspirational post and I personally relate to coming off all antidepressants slowly and feeling normal and happier with this new running lark and long, long may it continue 😁👍☀️
Have just literally started my C25k “journey” and joined this forum, and what you say isn’t corny at all. Only done R1 & R2 of W1 so far but amazed at the buzz and extra cognitive energy you get from it!
I believe you 100% even 1000%. I totally agree. Always, always if I am upset or struggling mentally I always went for a run until my mental state is better. So you are right and keep it up and I am so happy for you that you have found the right medicine RUNNING.
You are absolutely right! I am really glad to hear how good you are feeling. I was diagnosed with cancer last year, so have been through a really dark time: waiting for diagnosis, surgery, waiting for results, radiotherapy, tests, and now the terrifying freedom of checkups. I was always a couch potato, but from the day I got referred for further tests I found it was hard to sit still, and started going for long walks. No matter how terrified I felt, the anxiety always became a bit more manageable after exerting myself like that. Recently the events of last year all caught up, and my GP wanted to prescribe antidepressants. I wasn't keen, so instead I started Couch to 5K. It's been an amazing journey so far (currently on a rest day after W6R1) and I cannot believe the change in my mood. I feel less anxious, less stressed, and more confident than I have in years. I completely agree with everything you've written.
thats brilliant, its a good to know that you have this to try again if you feel down at a future time, we all faulter occassionally, or often !! but well done to you .
Lovely to read this. You are steaming ahead with your journey and are clearly in total control!.... it also sounds like your doctor is helpful too! You got some really positive affirmation there!
I hope running continues to bring you a sense of well being, but if you do have difficult days please do us the huge honour of sharing your thoughts with us. This is a really supportive group who will be there for you - good days and bad!!!!
Thankyou for this inspirational post. I'm 61 and not a sentimental person but I did well up when I read you post. Fantastic. The journey will continue post graduation. Just going out a couple of times a week is fantastic. Onwards and upwards!
What a lovely post and oh, so true for many of us. Running has helped me through many difficult dark times. I am not on meds myself (although have thought perhaps I should be) since running has helped me clear the mind and work through the struggles. I am feeling the darkness closing in again so have taken a few days off work and have a plan to spend a few days at the lake in my favourite place, taking time for running and just making time for myself (selfish perhaps, but so needed). Thank you for sharing your amazing story!
Not selfish at all!! Sometimes you need time out for yourself otherwise you can’t be there for others or do what you need to do - hope you feel better after your little break! 🤗 x
Well I'm sitting here sobbing MuddledGardener - at the positivity of your post and this amazing forum. It must be the most positive and supportive place on the worldwide web! Well done to you, and to everyone on this running journey. It isn't always easy and I certainly don't love every run I do, but it is definitely worth persevering because, as you show, it is life-changing. Happy running everyone!
I'm sure everyone has said it all already, but your post is very inspirational. Running has been very important for my mental health over the last 18 months, and has staved off several black dogs. So very well done to you for making such fundamental changes with your running. You will find it gets better and better, despite the days when you feel you didn't run very well, etc. The key is that you are running! Very best wishes and I'll be looking out for your graduation post and those that follow. 👏👏👏👍😀
Good news, congratulations for gaining mental and physical fitness. I agree that activity of physical exercise and walking and running that employs the whole body and everything in it makes a healthy and intelligent life, active life is intelligent life, and I think that the very meaning of life is being active physically
Hi, thanks for sharing. I feel the same. More remarkably, my little brother smashed couch25K four months ago and now regularly runs up to 10K in very hilly area (Mossley). I agree 100% with your experience. Long may it continue
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20 mins .......Oh yeah.........I blooming well did it!!
Week Six going well
It really is mental!
Well, where do I start?
Back to the gym for strength training
