When I see other runners...

[Trawa]

I started running in August and graduated about a month ago. Initially I felt like I didn't belong, like I was an imposter... When C25K coach at W6 said I was officially a runner I was delighted!!

I continue running and found a love for exercise I never had before. My body is changing, I'm stronger, slimmer, calmer... and when I see other runners I no longer think 'I wish I could be like them' and instead I'm so proud to finally belong to the welcoming and supportive community of runners!! I'm a runner.

And I completed 2 junior parkruns with my 5y and soon heading to do the 3rd. Running has had a very positive impact on my life generally but not only mine - it has impact on others including my children to whom I can be a better role model to show healthier lifestyle.

So keep running!!

What surprising benefits have you discovered?

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Pretty much exactly what you've found; stronger, slimmer, calmer... just overall healthier both in mind and body and spirit.

It's great that you're setting such a good example for your kids, so many barely move now. I miss the carefree childhood days... I can often be found whooping at the top of the hills or singing "I'm the king of the castle" or doing aeroplanes in fields or running backwards, sideways, whatever looks like fun at the time. Feed the child within and we never really grow old (I hope) 👍🏻🤪

[Trawa in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Amazing! I do have a child within me like most of us- excitable, passionate and care free. Running definitely helps to set it free

I'm not yet at the place I could sing out loud on the top of the hill but I sure did crazy celebratory dances when reaching the end of the run...

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate in reply to Trawa]

You'll get there... 👍🏻😁

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

So lovely to pass on your love of running to your children, my surprise benefit was losing three and a half inches off my waist, Willow also has a smaller waist and tighter muscles it great

[Trawa in reply to SueAppleRun]

Great Guys! Waist is the area that health professionals measure to calculate the risk of cardiovascular disease. What an outcome!

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Trawa]

All the other health things are down too, cholesterol and blood pressure even though they weren’t much of a worry before but to have good readings for them in our sixties is great too

We can now run for longer times and love it

[Trawa]

And I'm generally better connected to my body - I exercise and dance more and it simply makes me happy! I'm not tired and out of breath soon and can keep dancing longer with more joy instead of frustration of my weak body being disconnected from my strong and passionate mind.

[Speedy60 Graduate]

Great post, thank you for getting Sunday underway!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Keep running, keep smiling.

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Running really is great. Someone can tell you how good it is and all of the benefits that come with it. It's not until you try for yourself you find out what everyone's been talking about.

For me I was so supprised with the weight loss benefits and it staying off.

Great photo 😊😊

[Leosmit Graduate]

Thank you for that post. Really encouraging.