Running after bereavement

[MarybellM]

So I graduated from C25K in August and I was all set for my first 5k. Then my brother died suddenly and my world was rocked. Since then I have been comfort- eating and spending time on the sofa just watching rubbish telly. However, I firmly believe that my running ‘investment’ helped me to cope. Obviously I was broken-hearted (my brother who was 53 had a long-term battle with alcoholism so it was very painful for the family) but I was mentally stronger than I had ever been, loving the lift that my 30 minute runs were giving me. I carried with me a new sense of achievement and was just so much more calm, less anxious, and able to deal with unexpected stresses (such as the death).

Yesterday I decided to start again with Day 1 and I did it and felt great!!! It all came back to me, just like riding a bike.

Maybe there are people still on here who remember me first time around. Anyway, I just want to share how genuinely helpful running can be in strengthening mental health and therefore dealing with life’s traumas. Can’t wait for tomorrow’s run!

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Welcome back MarybellM. So sorry for your loss .

I hope you enjoy 're doing c25k again and as always we are here to support and encourage you all the way. 😊

[MarybellM in reply to Buddy34]

Thank you for the nice comment Buddy. I need to get back to running - it improves my life in so many ways. Glad to be back!

[Rigpig Graduate]

Condolences on your loss. I can totally empathise as to the mental benefits. Personally I have not felt as positive or as energised as I have since I started C25K. Keep up the good work, It would be interesting to hear how you do the second time around

[MarybellM in reply to Rigpig]

Thank you Rigpig for taking the time to write. Support on here got me through it the first time around, so no doubt I’ll be visiting here again!

[Speedy60 Graduate]

I'm so sorry for your loss.

One of my reasons for running, which I haven't shared much here, is to help me stay strong after the sudden loss of my closest friend's daughter. I decided I needed to find some extra head space in order to cope with the rest of my week. Nothing can change where we are, we are all struggling through but doing this challenge has helped me. I hope it does the same for you. Best wishes.

[MarybellM in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you Speedy60, and I am sorry to hear about your own sad loss too. There are still some ‘punch in the stomach’ moments where the pain is bitter but as you say, we struggle on and amazingly keep going with life. I’m hopeful about the running being a help. Thank you again.

[JoDak]

Sorry for your loss. Really glad the running is beginning to help. Keep going. Sending love and strength.

[Womangolfer Graduate]

So sorry for your loss. Running definitely helps the head space. Merry Christmas to you.

[Thisoneistrying Graduate]

So sorry for your loss but glad you have found running helpful in your grieving. Keep going. Very inspiring x

[MarybellM in reply to Thisoneistrying]

Thank you to all who have sent such nice messages. This is still such a caring forum just as it was when I first did the C25K. I’m just back from W1R2 and still feeling good. A lovely Christmas to you all. X