Twinkle, twinkle, you're a star, remember what an inspiration you are....

[Mummycav]

Happy Friday everyone!!! The weekend is here again, my how the weeks are flying by?!!

I just wanted to give you all this message this morning because something lovely happened to me on my run this morning. I am doing a programme on Garmin to try and improve my 10k time so this involves a 10 min warm up then 3 cadence drills to get my legs going 'like the clappers!!' followed by 3 acceleration glider runs where you jog, speed up to a run and then glide seamlessly (!) to a walk, finished off by a 10 minute cool down jog or walk...it takes some doing and it's a really good workout but it really get your body working hard...and I feel great afterwards but nothing makes me feel as good as when I had stopped...there was a lot of dog walkers in the park this morning, there was dogs everywhere so I was dog dodging as well as feeling for my watch to vibrate when it was time to change runs, when I'd finished my last run, just before the cool down I noticed a biggish fella with a massive dog hanging about, looking like he wanted to talk to me, as I approached him he smiled and said hello so I turned my headphones off and paused my watch. He asked me if there we're too many dogs around this morning, he thought that was why I kept stopping, No, I said and I told him about the programme I was doing. He said he had been watching me and wondered why I was slowing down and speeding up and that one of the times I'd gone passed him I'd got him thinking that he needs to do something about his fitness. He said he used to be in the army but quite a few years ago but now he's out of breath when he walks up the stairs..So I told him about C25k and that I wasn't a runner 2 years ago either but I am now and I told him about the benefits of running and the feeling of just being outside. He said he'd tried parkrun a couple of times a few years ago but was slow and I told him it isn't about speed, it's about running, your runs are yours and they're all about how they make you feel..before he said goodbye, he said I'd inspired him to do something!! I was thinking about him the whole time while I was walking home and it got me thinking too...about you lovely lot...

I know some of you have only just started c25k...and some of you are well into the weeks...and some runs are a struggle but just think...that run that you have just struggled to do might just have inspired someone to do what you're doing, so be proud of it....and what can be better than to inspire someone to do something?? I was really proud of myself this morning...and happy to think that next time I see this fella might be at parkrun or just out jogging along with his massive dog...What a great start to the day? I just love running, it's fantastic!!!

So we can all be an inspiration without even knowing xx

MC xxx

[Buddy34 Graduate]

What a lovely story Mummycav. Your running plan sounds great . How nice that you stopped to talk and maybe inspired this man to take up running, you never know. It's nice to give someone a moment of your time as for all you know you may be the only person they speak to in a day . Have a great weekend 😊😊

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

I could see that he was waiting to speak to me...I really, really hope he feels better for talking to me x

[backintime Graduate]

That's great that you are a C25K ambassador

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to backintime]

On here and in real life!! x

[Slinkymalinki Graduate]

What a lovely post! You never know the impact you can have on others - I do hope this man does get back into fitness, it was good of you to wander over and give him the opportunity to talk. Well done for cracking that Garmin workout too! Twinkle twinkle MC star 🌟!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Slinkymalinki]

Aw thanks Slinkymalinki ..we are all inspiring...I just wanted to remind people...everytime we step out of the door it would be wonderful to think we have inspired at least one person...even when our run feels rubbish x

[Couchpotato2 Graduate]

lovely, thanks for sharing!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Couchpotato2]

😊

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

That’s great 😃 to be an inspiration, I started on a whim with no plan in mind and it’s this forum that has kept us going and inspired us to get out and run

Thank you

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Inspiration on here is like a tidal wave washing over us every time we tune in...and it keeps so many going, me included x

[Fishypieface Graduate]

It doesn't matter what you do, where you go, you just can't help it - you are a massive inspiration to everyone! Just proven. Natural talent for that my lovely! xx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Fishypieface]

Aw Fishypieface ...I'm inspired every time I'm on here...by people running miles and miles and miles...running 5k/10k/3k...and just by the determination of the new starters getting out there and believing in themselves x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

What a great story MC! Thanks for sharing 😊

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Thanks SaskAlliecat ...hope you're doing well? x

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks for asking Mummycav. I've been struggling with motivation and running in general since my race last month. I had started a new 5 week plan to train to run a faster 5k earlier this week to help find my mojo but then got the phone call from the hospital on Monday that they could do my gastroscopy on Tuesday. It all went well (no abnormal findings so some biopsies were taken) but I couldn't run Tuesaday since I was sedated for the procedure. I thought I would run Wednesday but my throat just kept getting more and more sore as the day went on. On examination, I found a large abrasion at the back of my throat so I'm guessing I must have retched during the procedure (which was my biggest concern hence receiving some amazing sedation so I remember absolutely nothing about the procedure). My throat is still sore today but it is improving so I'm planning to get out for a short speed workout today. Time to get back on the running train and focus on shorter quicker runs for a while. My anxiety is climbing again so I need the therapeutic effects of running.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Oh Gosh SaskAlliecat ...I thought I hadn't heard or seen anything of you for a while...now I know why. What a horrible procedure you've had to endure, you poor thing..I am so glad though that everything came back normal and I know how painful your throat will be but thank goodness that a sore throat is the only ailment xxx I can imagine the frustration you're feeling by not being able to get out Sask, I really do, you are just one of those runners who need to be out there and the benefits you feel from running are obvious from the posts that you treat us to afterwards! Please, please be kind to yourself, don't try rushing out, your next run is waiting for you right outside your door...I will take you out with me on my next run...in the meantime, here's a massive Mummycav Yorkshire hug for you ...I hope you feel better soon Sask, I miss your posts and your enthusiasm . Take extra special care my lovely friend xxxxx

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks Mummycav . That means so much to me ☺️. Rest assured I am here reading everyone's posts every morning but just haven't had it in me to post or respond as much to people's posts. I am in the background though and know I'll be running again soon, finding my joy and passion once again.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

That is music to my ears xxxxx

[Annieapple Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

We hope we can lure you out SaskAlliecat to join us on a gentle, feel good run but we will wait until you are ready! 💐

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thanks Annie! I just ran a nice quick much needed interval run to blow off some steam but am looking forward to a lovely gentle feel good run on Sunday ☺️. I love these forums and the support and inspiration we get from them. You all are so kind 🥰

[Annieapple Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

🥰

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Hi Sask! 🤗 Sorry to hear that you’ve had some challenges recently. I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy your run today. You know we’re here to cheer you on, as much as you have done for me and others. Right there with you Sask! We can do it! 💪🏽🤗❤️

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks Fab 💕. I’m just gearing up to head out for a nice short 2.8k interval run.

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Well I did it! I got out and ran a quick interval run. Left the watch behind, just listened to my body on the intervals so some were faster than scheduled some were slower but it felt good to push it for short intervals and let go. I’ve spent so long running slow and steady training for longer distances it was nice to kick it up a notch.

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Woooh hoooo Sask!! Yes! That’s it girl! 🤗🤗! I know that feeling of ramping it up a bit! It really makes you feel like you’ve had a good run. Blowing off the cobwebs. (That’s me, not you! 😉)! So, so pleased for you! 🤩❤️

[SaskAlliecat Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

Thanks. I was definitely blowing off the cobwebs 😆

[Fabulous450 Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

Well, why not? It just feels so good!💪🏽 😃❤️

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

This warms the very cockles of my heart, dear MC. You are FABULOUS! Now, could you please come and have a word with my boyfriend? I would desperately love him to take up running! 😂 xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Hahaha...I love warm cockles!! You too are fabulous and inspiring and all of the things that i'm trying to get across in my post...

right, send that boyfriend of yours up here on the train, he can stay with me for the weekend and I will get him up and running!!! Does he even realise what he's missing not running with you??? COME ON FELLA!!! xx😂

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

I know, right?! I am setting a good example and everyfing, but for some reason he is resistant! I know if I push too far with it, he will REALLY dig his heels in, so am having to tread gently...when I get in from a run I just harp on about how good I feel etc, and hope that this inspires him. 👍

Am so impressed with your training, Bev. Once I am fully rehabbed from my injury I will look into that Garmin plan. At the moment I am allowed 2 short runs a week plus strength work at the gym 3 x week (😱) - I am SO busy right now! 😂 xxx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Haha yes, his heels will be so dug in there'll be no chance of them ever being freed!!! You are def setting a good example for him Sadie, he cant see it yet that's all, but I'm sure, in time, your infectious enthusiasm will be too much to resist!!! I would def recommend these plans , this def won't be my last, I love interval training and I felt so much stronger when I ran on Monday, it certainly feels like its doing the trick..like your short runs and strength work will be doing the trick for you xxx

[Candy46]

This is so lovely to hear....that somebody had the courage to speak to you and you were able to share your story. Love it ❤️❤️ Cx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Candy46]

Thankyou Candy46 ..you just never know what people are thinking when they see you running...instinct and lack of confidence makes you think they're thinking things like "Oh my goodness, what's she/he doing thinking they can run??" when actually, they're more likely to be wishing they were doing the same thing x

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

What a great post! How good is that, inspiring somebody else to hopefully have a go at this malarkey! Well done you 😁😁😁

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

I really hope he does take it up x

[Jazzyrunner Graduate]

That’s really lovely, what a great story. Well done for being inspiring IRL as well as on here!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Jazzyrunner]

Aw Thanks Jazzyrunner , We don't ever think of ourselves as being inspiring do we?? It's just people on the telly normally isn't it??? Errrrr, no...actually, if the population found this forum they would see that real life people are inspiring each other all the time xxx

[Jazzyrunner Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Yes! It’s a brilliant forum! xxx

[Debston Graduate]

Aw, that's so lovely!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Debston]

❤

[Fabulous450 Graduate]

Ah how amazing Mummycav!! 🤗 A great run and what an amazing “chance” conversation with someone who you have no doubt reminded that it’s possible. Brilliant! 🤩❤️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Fabulous450]

I hope so Fab x

[Tbae]

Lovely story and experience Ambassador Bev.❤️

Coincidentally on Wed this week I was doing my 4X30 second bursts on the football field.

As I was doing a recovery walk toward my starting point, 3 young girls, asked me are you jogging 🤔

I promptly went into C25k/Healthunlocked sales pitch mode.Please have a look and give yourself this gift.

It’s a very big impromptu gap to bridge,I could be their GGG.

I think they were taken aback as I sprinted diagonally across the field at 26 seconds/100m.Not exactly jogging.

Hey Ho would do anything to promote this jewel forum to all.

👊💥🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️⭐️⭐️👏👏❤️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Tbae]

They could possibly be out there now Tbae because of you?!

I hope he got in his car feeling more positive than when he got out, he seemed a bit sad that he'd let his fitness go x

[Tbae in reply to Mummycav]

You will make him happy again Ambassador Bev.💥🏃‍♀️⭐️👏👏❤️

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Wayhay! Lovely story Mummycav - well done to you for stopping and talking to him - let’s hope he finds us on the forum one day having taken up the challenge!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

I hope so too Oldgirlruns ...and I can talk for England!!!

[Annieapple Graduate]

You are the star today! Lovely inspiring post. A reminder that nothing not even running should stop us from being kind to those around us! Thank you! 💐♥️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Aw thanks Annieapple ...anything is possible if you put your mind to it I'm sure...we are all thankful that we are runners and thankful to be part of this lovely forum...I would speak to anyone if I thought I could help them xx

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

Excellent start to the day!

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Maddee_6333]

Sure was Maddee_6333

[RunningMigster Graduate]

Great post and 100% accurate.

Its exactly the reason I started.

And you lot plus the encouragement of my wife are exactly the reason i keep going

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to RunningMigster]

You do so well RunningMigster and we are all happy to help x

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go you!! Inspiring others because you are an inspiration! What a super start to the day xx

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Aw, thank you Oldfloss ...I love being a runner and if I can help introduce running into someone's life then I will x