Firstly, I am loving seeing so many people on this fantastic C25K programme! I completed it 2.5 years ago at the age of 46, having never done much in the way of cardio exercise before. And, I have been running ever since, getting up to half marathon distance in Sept 19. Loved it.
I originally started C25K in an attempt to deal with work stress and some low level depression. And you know, it really was the best thing I ever did, and it is the “medication” I still reach for whenever I can feel my mood slipping downwards.
Last week proved very challenging. VERY. I find (like many people) January the hardest month for my mental health, and on top of that, my partner had to go to hospital for emergency surgery on his back. It was stressful. He got out very quickly, but of course he was quite poorly, so we were cooped up at home all day for the entire week. This is where running saved me. I was short on time, as I didn’t want to leave him alone for too long, so, I set myself a mini challenge. I ran 1 mile a day every day. (I have been running for 2.5 years, so my body can cope with running everyday - at least short distances). I added on a little strength work at home at the end of the run. And you know what? It really got me through a tough week. It left me refreshed and cheery, but not exhausted.
I thank myself and C25K every day for my ability to run now! I often do parkrun too - and meeting and chatting to other runners has been so helpful for my mental health too. What a wonderful thing this running is. ❤️
Hope you are all doing well - keep up the good work!
Sadie-runs x
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Sadie-runs
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That’s so helpful to hear how you adapting your running to work with whatever life has going on and keep giving the magic running benefits 👟 hope your partner makes a swift recovery
It really has served me well in periods of stress or sadness. Am back to longer runs now, but might try the mile-a-day thing again soon, as it was so invigorating! x
Running to lift mood is wonderful, i came out of a long and stressful day at work once nearly in tears, straight to change for a run and off we went, came home calmer and had a nice evening, without the run i would have been moaning and niggling away all evening
I love that you ran a mile a day to keep you fresh
Oh wonderful! It never ceases to amaze me how much a run can defeat a bad mood/a sad feeling! It’s wonderful. And thank you for your kind wishes, he is on the mend. x
I’m another who realises the importance running has not just physically but also mentally. When I do manage to get out I often go out early morning to watch the sun rise as I run. It’s a great way to clear your head of all the rubbish life throws at you.
It doesn’t really matter if it’s running or walking I just think being out in nature helps put everything in to perspective.
In our busy lives we don’t always get time to properly digest information, so we NEED to try and have a little bit of me time.
Oh absolutely, RFBS. 😊 My favourite runs are the early morning ones in spring/summer, when the world seems all fresh and clean and full of potential. I am lucky enough to have a beautiful park with attached woodland to run through, and it really soothes me. A big part of the joy of running has been getting outdoors so frequently (come rain or shine) for me. I cannot help but feel it is a more natural state for us human beans!
Glad that running is doing wonders for you, too. 😊
Yes yes yes! I live in the countryside so get so see a fair bit of wildlife too. It all adds to the excitement. Yeah it’s good getting back to nature and I think you’re right it being a more natural state for us.
There is no medication available in the world that can equal the glow that happens during & after a run. To watch a sunrise, a sunset or the seasons unfold as we propel our bodies forwards ,is truly a gift of physical & mental health like no other. 🍏 😊🌷
I too run for my mental health as much as my physical wellness.
I never thought I would get some much out of running as I do, think it's wonderful to be open about mental health struggles and for others to empathise and support.
It really is a help, isn’t it? And I feel no shame talking about my occasional depression. It’s amazing how many people open up to you when you do; it’s not uncommon. And talking helps. As does running. And I love to run and talk too!
My husband is feeling so much better, thank you for your kind wishes. xxx
That’s great to hear. I’ve started Couch to 5K for my mental health and it is doing me good so far (just finished week 4). Hope your husband is getting better.
Thank you. 😘 I can go out in the worst mood, and come back smiling. Something very soothing about the rhythmic motion of running, it calms the soul. All the best to you on your running journey. Hope it really helps you too. 👍😊
Lovely to hear SR! It has been a complete PIG of a month this year I will be very glad to see the back of it! So sorry your other half's been so poorly, you've had a lot on your hands to cope with. Very sensible Sadie, to take care of you - to take care of him.
I need to follow your example and just get OUT. I'm having such difficulties on that front at the mo....I want to, but life and body are not playing the game. I won't give up though! Even a 1 or 2k is better than no k! That needs to be my mantra.
Love the fact you are an ambassador! I must have missed that.... I can't think of a better person to take up the mantel and join the amazing team on here. We are so very lucky to have you cheering us on! xxx
Fishypieface the hardest part is getting out the door when life is hard for whatever reason. Your mantra is so right...a run is a run no matter how long it is. I find getting my kit ready the night before & then just rolling out of bed into it, very helpful. Don’t think, just get up & go before the gremlins wake up! That first breath of fresh air plus some music is a tonic in itself...then comes the joy of the sunrise..different every day! Soon there will be signs of spring (if you in the UK) to wonder at... & tempt you to get out.
My dear FPF! Thank you. 😘 I dislike January at the best of times, but this one has been a right doozy. Sorry to hear it has been a pig for you too.
I had to get cheery to keep his spirits up; he is a man Never Known to Be Depressed, so it was hard to see him so low after his op, poor love. But on the mend now.
As for getting out, well, that one-mile-a day was just the ticket. Recently, I have really let go of that whole notion of having to go out and run at least 3-4km to make it count. I cannot tell you how exhilarating it was just to nip out and knock out a speedy mile! All in (with warm up and cool down walks), I was only out 20 mins max. I loved the fact that as it was just a short distance, I could really go for it too!
So, in short, my lovely FPF, just get out there. Short runs are good when you are not feeling motivated or are carrying a niggle (which I also am, when am I ever not?! Hip this time, pffft!) I know you won’t give up, you’ve just got to find what works for you now. Running never stays the same, we have to continually adapt. And you are a runner whether you are knocking out a km here and there or a half marathon.
Absolutely spot on Sadie. I agree with your post entirely. Whereas I’m fortunate in that I don’t suffer from mental health issues myself, running has comforted me in so many ways since I started in June 2018, including the illness and subsequent loss of my dear little rabbit, to worrying about my mum.
My mum had been suffering from dementia and was in a care home for 2 years - a lovely one - but each time I saw her I was acutely aware that she was gradually declining, although her physical health remained good. She was always on my mind, and running enabled me to clear my head.
She passed away peacefully at the age of 94 in October. I was out on a run at the time, fortunately one close to home. My subsequent run the next morning enabled me to dedicate it solely to her. I needed to get out and sort myself out, and my goodness it helped.
So yes, running is the best. I wish I’d found it decades ago. I’m 56 now and hope to have another 30 years of runs ahead. There are some octogenarians at PR and I want to be one! ❤️🏃♀️
Big hugs to you and I hope your partner is on the mend. You’re a fantastic ambassador - congratulations on that role! 👏👏👏👏
Thank you so much, dear Cheeks. Very glad to hear that running got you through some sad times. So hard to watch loved ones, especially your mum, slip away. Sorry for your losses. At times like that, it does us good to get out of our heads a little, and running allows that, leaving you just a little stronger to be able to cope and get through the hard stuff life deals us.
And thank you for the kind congratulations. So nice to “formally” give something back to such a wonderful community (yourself included) if people. xxx
Brilliant post, thank you Sadie-runs. I agree absolutely about the calming and supportive effects of running. In the 1 year since I started C25K, simply running has made more difference to my life, physical and mental health than I could than I could ever have imagined. Take care of yourself and I hope your husband is recovering well 💐
Aw, thanks so much, Jerichomile. And so pleased to hear that running has helped you so much, too. You have to work at it (running) but the rewards are so worth it. x
Running definitely lifts my mood and is a bit of a leveller when home life is crazy busy. I love the half hour or so of headspace that running gives me. I tend to run in the mornings and I find it sets me up for the rest of the day.
I either tune in to the radio or listen to favourite tunes. Sometimes I listen to my surroundings as I run in the woodland and on the common land near my home and it’s lovely, even when dodging the mud and puddles!
I think we all need something as an antidote to life's difficulties and all need to look after our mental health. Some do meditation etc but many of us find exercise and movement the way to de-stress. Sitting around is bad for us. It's nice to hear your story!
Thank you for sharing your story. Hope your next week is a bit less stressful. It's so powerful though that you devised a plan to help you cope and that you felt better for it.
I've said this before but running has become my sanity. I have 2 boys, one 3 and one 8 months, and as much as I love them to bits, at the end of the day I need that mental downtime and a little bit of me time. And combined with the 30 day yoga challenge, I'm now getting this every day. I love nothing more than being outside, regardless of the weather and running, where it's just me and it's just for me
Thank you so much, Mum22boys. Things have calmed down considerably, and my other half is on the mend now. But honestly, those quick little daily runs helped so much. Phew. January is always a tough month, but at least I have coping tools. 😊
And oh my! Two little ones must keep you so busy! Brilliant that you have your running to decompress and have some time for just yourself. So very important for mums, who spend most of their time tending to everyone else’s needs. I do yoga most days too; a really good complement to running. 😊👍
Oh icklegui, it is SO lovely to hear from you again, it has been so long! I do hope you are well?
Thank you for your kind words. I am amazed (but in a way, not) at the responses to this post. Makes you realise how many people can identify with you when you talk about these things, and how supportive this community is. Proud to act as an “Ambassador”. x
I am all the better for having been out for a run - today and Sunday, so starting to feel like I'm getting back to it. My mental health had slipped downwards, blood pressure gone up, so definitely good to get back out there and back on here too!
Glad to see old and new runners on here, it's the best. So much support around!
Oh I am so pleased you have got out for some runs, so pleased. Nothing better for what ails you. January is a hard month for the soul, and I am clinging on by my fingertips right now. I know you have a demanding job, so making some time for yourself is so important. So well done dear icklegui. 😘
oof - it's good that you are clinging on, but of course hopefully things will get better than that, and soon! I see your partner had to have surgery - when mine did a couple of years ago it was a very rough month or two for both of us.
Thank you for your kind words, which I echo back to you! Keep keeping on x
Clinging on is better than falling off the edge completely, so I’ll take that, for now! Thanks icklegui. 😘 It was horrible seeing my partner in so much pain, and a bit of a shock as it was emergency surgery...but we are on the up now, thankfully. Now. I just have to find a flipping job and everything will be dandy! Run day tomorrow and I just know that will “re-set” me a bit. You keep on keeping on too. 😁 x
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