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!
Written by
MarybellM
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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
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.
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.
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
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