7 years running today 😀❤️.

[Realfoodieclub]

7 years ago I took my first steps out door with a little podcast called C25k, I had found it when I was looking through the web for ideas for learning to run. I had tried a few years before but hit a medical problem (hyperthyroid) that needed to be sorted.

I had also chosen to do a sprint triathlon in August the next year and it ended up with a 5km run. So I thought fine no problem, 9 weeks to 5km then start my triathlon training 😂 😂😂.

I laugh because I am not that sort of runner, I got stuck on week 5 so it took me 12 weeks to finish the program and I was not at 5km by the time I got to end so it took me a lot longer than I expected but I eventually started training for my triathlon and found that for me the most enjoyable part of running is having a training plan and ticking off the boxes.

I really did miss the structure of the c25k program when it finished but I found my feet again when I started my new plan. In 7 years I have done many plans and I have to say they are my best running times. Even when I am not training for an event I will have a plan written out so I can come home and tick the boxes off, once I start a plan I keep going until it is all finished, it is the thing that works for me and the reason why after 7 years I am still running.

I have had time off over the years

2x frozen shoulders (physio disallowed me from running for 4 weeks Each time)

Kidney donor ( doctors disallowed me from running for 16 weeks but for a great cause 😀)

Lockdown shielding with my husband (7 weeks waiting for a treadmill) I am back up running three times a week now and loving the treadmill.

A couple of weeks here and there with sinus infections

A couple of weeks with ice (terrified of the stuff, I always break a bone)

I have always come back to running and I am sure I always will, this forum is a big part of that, it became my life in so many ways and will always be special to me. Trust me I can tell you the guys that keep these forums going are working so hard in the background for us all and they all do an amazing job.

Happy healthy running to you all and if you have a break don’t worry you can get out there again, it will always be waiting for you no matter how much of a break you took,

Rfc xxx

[Granspeed Graduate]

Ah, rfc, this is so inspirational for me. I have only passed the 2 year mark and here we are in lockdown. But you reassure me that it is not The End of Running. 👍 I can aspire to more. 🎉 Hurray for your good example.

Happy Runniversary to you, Realfoodieclub. 👏🏼🎉👏🏼🎶 May you have many more productive years of running. Go You!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

Thank you, I’m glad I could help. I always mark today and think about the last year of running and this year it does feel all about getting back to it, rest assured it will feel amazing when we all get out there feet on pavements again 😀 stay safe and take care. Rfc x

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Glad you are liking the treadmill. I keep pondering, but no idea where I would put it! 🤔😳

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Granspeed]

The plan was to get one that folds up and put it in our small alcove which should be a dining room but since it went down we just walk around it 😂 as we both use it daily, eventually it will be folded up somewhere, we will cross that bridge when we need to . Rfc x

[Granspeed Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

🤣🤣 I could just see it taking over our downstairs! Lockdown decor!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Happy Runniversary xx

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thank you xxx

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Lovely to see you here too!

[Jell6 Graduate]

Congratulations, and thank you for all your great advice over the years.

In weddings that would be wool, so...🐑🐑🐑, okay perhaps not.

Have these instead 💐💐😘

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Jell6]

Thank you. I don’t think I could run in wool 😂😂😂. Now that would be a 5km charity challenge. 😀xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Happy 7th Runniversary Rfc🏃‍♀️❤

Its great to hear you are enjoying your treadmill runs, and no doubt you have worked out a training plan to follow!

Happy running!🌻xxx

I'm on my way back from my first proper running injury after five years, it's not all plain sailing, but I will get there... x

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Bluebirdrunner]

Thank you. I am so glad to hear you are Coming back, it feels slow at times but it is so worth doing it right and taking the time. Look after yourself. Rfc xxx

[Hidden]

Congratulations and a big Thank you for sharing your experience, your encouragement means a lot, on my second break already after only 5 months running... first due to illness and now injury after a nasty tumble whilst running 🤨.... hoping to restart again very soon 🙏🌞🤗

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ouch, sounds nasty, recovery is always best done slow and Done only once. After my kidney op I was itching to get back to running and my consultant said as he increased my time on the couch from 12 to 16 weeks you can wait the extra four weeks or you can go back to the beginning add some more time on and do it all again, Hehe somehow I really felt that first run could wait. Look after yourself. Rfc x

[Hidden in reply to Realfoodieclub]

Ahhh... I see, maybe i’ll add on another week or so... 🤗

[skysue16 Graduate]

What a lovely post! Congratulations on 7 years running 👍😀 Yes, this forum is great and the folks who work to keep it going are wonderful - thank you to them all 😊

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Thank you, it is strange I feel like running has always been a part of my life and it a way it has only 8 years ago I hated it 😂😂😂.

[skysue16 Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

😂

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Go T, you are a star.

Great message for all...........we will prevail!!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you, T xxx

[Hidden]

RFC you’re an inspiration really you are. I’ve had two frozen shoulders too, so got banned like you, but you keep on going despite the hurdles, whereas I wimped out for a while. Well done especially on the treadmill - we are in the little apartment in London - there’s no space for one, so I pound the near empty streets instead. But you’re so right the call of the run calls you back again. Well done you XX JCR

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you. Stress= frozen shoulder for me, so I’m determined to keep it all at bay, enjoy your runs they sound like fun, we have been told we can go out but are waiting a couple of weeks just to make sure. Stay safe. Rfc x

[mrrun Graduate]

Well done and congratulations - your inspiring posts were one of the first that caught my eye nearly 4 years ago, many thanks! 👍🎂

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to mrrun]

Thank you. 4 years that is great, stay safe out there. Rfc x

[Raspberrypink Graduate]

Well done on your runiversary. Seven years is great. Just think of the miles you’ve covered. Glad you are enjoying your treadmill. You will be super fit when you get back out there. Thanks for all your efforts and posts on the forum 👍🏼

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Raspberrypink]

Thank you. So far only 1.5 lb on and fitness at around my off season level so I can complain 😀. Take care. Rfc x

[Mum22boys Graduate]

7 years is amazing, a really inspirational post that really shows your love of running

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Mum22boys]

Thank you, it has added so much to my life and I think things like coping with lockdown is easier with having an outlet like running. Stay safe. Rfc x

[Mum22boys Graduate in reply to Realfoodieclub]

I couldn't agree more, I didn't realise how good running would be for my mental wellbeing but it's so good.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Fantastic post 💖 Happy Runniversary! Here's to many, many more to come 👏🏻💞

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Thank you, stay safe. ❤️ Rfc xxx

[Sybilw Graduate]

Happy runniversary! Great tale of persistence Rfc. I’ve missed your updates so glad to hear you’ve embraced the treadmill. My plan is just to get out every other day and for the first time since lockdown I failed at the weekend but am set to go now. I tried a running group but they were too intense (young!! 🤣) so I’m happy to potter. Keep safe and I hope you get out soon.

[Realfoodieclub Graduate in reply to Sybilw]

Thank you. My mum always used to say I was one of the most stubborn people she knew , I find that helps with running 😂😂😂. I see that word “failed”. nooooooo, you took a well derserved break and I bet you body will feel stronger for it 😀. Stay safe. Rfc xxx