What does running do for YOU?

[Beany123]

I was just thinking about the benefits I’ve noticed since I’ve been running (better mental health, stronger legs, a sense of community and more self confidence) and I thought I’d start a thread.....have you noticed any changes yet? If so, what have you found? How does running help YOU?

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

I started running six years ago at age 67 - did C25k in 2014 . I recently completed my first marathon at age 72 - I have done around 170 parkuns , a number of other events , 10K, 10 miles, HM's. I feel like I have now finished with the road "races" I did my first trail run 11Ks a few weeks ago - walked the uphills with the aid of trekking poles, ran the downhills where safe to do so, run/walked the flats ( where also safe to do so) - had a lot of fun over the 2 hours. My life has been completely changed - I now mix with a whole new group of people -positive, accepting, ALIVE!!!!!

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

What an inspiring guy well done. I knew 57 wasn't too old to start. Thank you x

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Bazza1234]

Wow, you are an inspiration! I am a beginner and stories like this are so motivational 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[Grannyhugs Graduate]

Enjoy a new sport with hubby, feel fitter, look forward to covering lovely new routes, sore butt 😀

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

Great that you run together. My partner is too fast for me (most people are 😂) so I tell him to go ahead at parkrun (which we do together).

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Beany123]

My husband is way to fast for me, does 10k in 50mins and runs hills for the fun of it but has been kind enough to use my last few runs as his warmup then chugs up the nearest steep hill for another 30mins. I’ve no desire to reach that stage 😉 not lady like

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

He sounds like a good one! I’m no good with hills either!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Beany123]

Hills are fantastic!!

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

😳😳😳

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Running...keeps me; happy....calm...healthier...creative...aware...fitter...stronger...

Started at 65..first HM..69...next booked..

Not the only thing in my life...but a huge part of it..keeps me feeling ..me!

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

I agree. I suffer from bipolar type 2 (mainly depression) and it’s mostly controlled by meds. But the running helps immensely. I’m calmer and view everything from a better perspective after a run. After an evening run, I am also more energetic and productive the following day at work!

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Beany123]

Keep strong and calm. Glad you’ found running to be so helpful.

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

I will! It’s definitely made more of a difference to my self belief and energy levels than any meds have!

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Beany123]

Just don't stop the meds please 👍hope you have loads of happy runs through the autumn and winter months

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Grannyhugs]

No I won’t! I’m on a low dose and have been told I’ll probably need them for ever. I’ve been well for a long time now so I’m very lucky. I stopped smoking 7 years ago and did my PGCE 2 years ago. I’m lucky as some people will always suffer. Xxx

[Grannyhugs Graduate in reply to Beany123]

So happy for you 😍

[Portlandprincess Graduate]

I'm just deciding to go for it. Here on blogs for the inspiration to get on and do it

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Portlandprincess]

Just go for it. It will change your life ❤️

[Ssasqueen]

I gained a waist again! AND I feel my mental health is stronger. I’m proud of myself for completing couch to 5k and my goal of regularly running at my local park run. During the 9 months Ive been running I’ve enjoyed seeing the seasons change and watching the duckling and goslings grow up (I generally run alongside the canal).

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Ssasqueen]

Fantastic! I would love to run along a canal ❤️

[Redcat19 Graduate]

For me i feel happier, and a sense of achievement. My legs are stronger and toned. My blood pressure and resting heart rate has reduced and I generally feel fitter all round 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Redcat19]

That’s fabulous isn’t it? My resting heart rate was in the 80’s and now in the 70’s. Hoping as I lose weight it will go down further 👍🏻. Well done!

[Runrabbit50 Graduate]

Love running that feeling after is amazing and the self challenge is such a good goal to do further to be fitter 🏃🏻‍♀️🏋️‍♀️

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Runrabbit50]

Yes, I’m desperate to improve! I need to be patient though!

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

I’m yet to find out (W1R2 later today), but looking forward to the positives after reading the great posts on here!

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

You’ll love it. Just take it steady and enjoy 😊

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Obviously being so much fitter and healthier .

Positive outlook

Love running outside no matter what the weather .

I've lost 3 1/2 stone

😊😊😊😊🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

Wow Buddy34, I am looking forward to seeing some body changes in myself! I’m definitely getting stronger! Well done to you xxx

[Buddy34 Graduate in reply to Beany123]

I cut out my addiction to chocolate and started brisk walking then running. It took over a year . I had more patience this time 😊

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I lost 2 stones before I started running but have been stuck in a rut for ages! I think I got bored. I’m going to get my act together soon 🙂

[tiggs1 Graduate]

I have more self-confidence and self belief.. I feel healthier and I love the way I feel alive!

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to tiggs1]

That’s what life’s all about isn’t it?

[tiggs1 Graduate in reply to Beany123]

It certainly is, i have also stopped smoking since starting C25K (5 1/2 weeks now) and I know I am going to succeed.

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to tiggs1]

Well done👍🏻💪. I stopped 7 years ago and I wouldn’t have done this if I were still smoking (was on at least 30 a day!)

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Better overall fitness, mental health and weight much more stable. Its also helped me become more in touch with, and better able to control my emotions and anxiety (mostly).

A greater appreciation for nature and our planet in general.

Weirdly I have more energy as ac result rather than as I would have thought, less.

Improved self esteem and confidence.

[Beany123 Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I agree. I love being out in nature. My kids love it too. We as humans need it I am adamant about it. Have a treadmill at home and haven’t bothered with it at all really since I’ve been running outside. I even like running in the rain. When you’ve got the right clothes on it’s not a problem. I am a bit achey this week though so I am not as energetic as you!!

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Beany123]

It will come! Like everything else it takes a while for your body to get into a new groove! 👍🏻😁