Those who think they can, and those who think they can't are both right! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

[Speedy60]

There comes a day for everyone, before or after graduation, when they have to decide whether they're going to be a runner, or give up.

I started running last September and graduated in November. My judgement day came after a Christmas break. I'd spent a few days away with my family (remember when those days were possible? 😞) I'd overindulged, hadn't run for 10 days and felt dreadful. I knew if I didn't run the day I got back, I'd never run again. The gremlins were working overtime as I got changed, but I stuck my chin up and went.

One if the best decisions I've ever made! I'm now a regular runner, longest distance 17k, trying for a half marathon. I turned 60 last week; my sons bought me a shiny Garmin watch that tells me my fitness age is 54. I'll take that!

I read lots of posts here that begin something like, 'I'm not a natural runner'. Well, I'm short, grey haired, post menopausal and was flabby, if not actually overweight when I started. I may not be (definitely am not, actually) a natural Olympic runner, but I'm a human being, and therefore definitely a natural runner - long slow running is what we evolved to do as a species. Some of us just may not have done it since we were at primary school.

If today, tomorrow or next week is your judgement day, please just push on through. You may have to dig deep, but you won't regret it, I absolutely promise!🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️👊

Pep talk over, you'll be pleased to hear.

Happy running! 👍

[EThomas Graduate]

What an inspirational post

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to EThomas]

Thanks! That's what I was hoping.

[Reliclullaby Graduate]

Very inspiring and very true 😊

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Reliclullaby]

I hope so. Thank you.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Great post... I hope folk read and are inspired Well done you!

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks. That was the effect I was hoping for. 🤞

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

And it's folk like you encouraging me here that kept me going. Thank you so much. X

[U0011878 Graduate]

I love your post, I hadn't run for 12 days (to hot or wet for me over the past week or so). I went out this morning and knew it would be tough but I slowed my pace and kept running (only just above walking pace in some places). I did it i kept going for 35 mins if I hadn't gone today that might have been the end of my running but I did it!

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to U0011878]

Good for you! Physical fitness is part of the challenge, but shere bloodymindedness wins out.

[Dtay1978 Graduate]

Yep yep yep, your mental game has to be on point, otherwise it’ll constantly be a struggle 😊

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Dtay1978]

Happy running! Keep at it. 👍

[Nilsam Graduate]

Brilliant post, Speedy60. About to restart after the break. Exciting and scary...very motivational post. 😎👍

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Nilsam]

Good to see you back, Nilsam. Go you!👊

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

Thank you, Speedy60. So impressed with your progress.

[Thismumcan_run Graduate]

Brilliant post. Thanks for sharing 😀

[Sandraj39 Graduate]

Brilliant post Speedy - very inspiring! We all get those days of self doubt but it is about digging deep, getting out there and becoming what we what to be. With running, you really do get back what you put in! Thank you for posting this.😀

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Sandraj39]

It's folk like you who encouraged me. Happy to give back. X

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Thanks for that post ! 👍

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

No problem. Keep going! 🏃‍♂️

[Roxdog Graduate]

Digging deep is a feature of being a runner! Digging deep at the moment because I'm recovering from an injury. There have been moments where I've thought I'm too old for this and might give up, but there was the runner part of me, which told me to persevere, do my physio and get back to running because it makes me feel so powerful and fearless. These are important things to feel for this 60 year old woman. I will not be beaten by any gremlins or by this bloomin injury.

Your post brought tears to my eyes because I realised how important all of this is. Running is not just exercise!

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Ah Roxdog, I really hope they were good tears! 💕

I started running last year because I wanted to run 5k by my 60th birthday. I only had a vague idea of how long 5k was, but I pushed on anyway. I've had people tell me I'm too old, too short, too fat, my knees would give out, my uterus/bladder/pelvic floor would fall out (😳), they don't make sports bras my size. I wasn't having any of it and here I am with a proper butt, waist and a cardiovascular system of a 54 year old.

And more than that, just like you, running makes me feel powerful and fearless. I think it's too easy for women to lose their confidence in their sixties. Well not you and me!

If you ever need mutual support, you can pm me, or if you're on strava we could follow each other. Up to you. Just keep at fighting back! 👊

Best wishes x

[Roxdog Graduate in reply to Speedy60]

What a wonderful reply. Us women in our 60s need to stay powerful for all sorts of reasons. I've had people tell me I shouldn't run because of my knee arthritis (it's better than it's been in years due to running making my legs strong). No way is anyone, or an injury I can beat me doing my wonderful runs!

[Movegroove Graduate]

Love this ❤️

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Movegroove]

This is me on a good day. I have bad ones too. 😉

[Hidden]

Beautiful Speedy, thank you.... I think you beamed this through to me early this morning before you posted it! Post coming soon.....

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Did I mention, I have psychic powers too. 🤓🤣

[Elfe5 Graduate]

Great post thanks. 😄

I have now chucked out my lurking fear that I will never reach 10 K! I’m one year older than you, and if you can do 17 K, I’m sure I can aspire to such distances too! 😄

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Elfe5]

Oh, you absolutely will! Don't be in a hurry, vary your distances and speeds, throw in the odd hill and job's a good 'un.

I have found the consistency of lockdown has helped too.

Good luck 👍

[Grannyasbo Graduate]

Hi Speedy. Fabulous post. I will hold it in my mind and use it when I need it. And I am sure I will need it. Thanks so much . 🙏

[Speedy60 Graduate in reply to Grannyasbo]

It's a pleasure. I'm a bit humbled by the reaction, if I'm honest.

[RunGirl1989 Graduate]

Very inspirational post Speedy60 🥰

I am so happy for you and definetely agree with the "being powerful" feeling when you run x

It just feels right

[Hidden]

Great post Speedy! Thank you 🙏🏼 😊

I better climb out of bed and get my gear on then - post when I get back!

Now I’ve committed this to words I have to follow through. There’s no better motivator for your conscience than being part of this fab forum.