Week 1 done!

[Pepper86]

So I have recently had a bereavement of my partner, aged 39, from cardiac arrest. It made me realise how short life is and I decided to take up this challenge to help me get out the house and give me something to focus on. I thought perhaps I was going mad as I have a chronic pain condition which affects my spine and hips as well as asthma and reduced lung capacity. When I did my first run I was fully prepared that it might be an utter disaster.

However I surprised myself. I didn't collapse, I got through it and more importantly I enjoyed it.

I've just completed the first week and I can't wait for week 2. I know this course is going to be tough and I know it may take me way longer than 9 weeks to complete but I'm determined I will do it.

[Fifitrixiebell73 Graduate]

Well done for getting out there!

It doesn't matter how long it takes you, just go at your own pace.

Sorry for your loss x

[Cmoi Graduate]

I'm sorry for your loss.

Your attitude is brilliant though, and can only help you with your running. Keep going, keep enjoying!

[Greenk Graduate]

I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss. You are a complete hero for getting out there and having a go. I'm sure, like all of us, you'll have some ups and downs, but this forum is full of lovely people all there for support. Enjoy your running, and keep us posted on how you're getting on. x

[Tasha99 Graduate]

Wow that’s amazing 😀

You may find it helps your asthma and it’ll certainly help your mental health and grieving process 😍

[BowlingT Graduate]

I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. Bereavement is quite a difficult journey to travel.

Congratulations on starting couch to 5K and completing week one! The hardest part of this program is starting out and you have done that!

Just keep going ! You have totally got this!

[SweatyHettie Graduate]

Oh my goodness what a terrible shock for you, I’m so sorry.

How lovely that the programme was a pleasant surprise in terms of your ongoing conditions- I’m no expert but hopefully it will help.

And the biggie- lots of people, myself included, find this programme really helps with well being and mental health. Perhaps you will find that getting out there and connecting with nature as you run will give you headspace to process your grief and a bit of time to yourself to begin to come to terms with it.

Keep us posted and we’re all here to support you

[weejillymc68 Graduate]

A true inspiration 🥰🥰

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

Absolute credit to you!..... You sound like an amazingly positive person to be getting out and doing this!...

I promise you - its a magical plan.. it will support you ... and you get there... doesn't matter how many weeks it takes... you're here and we all welcome you! The beauty of it is you go at your pace!.. repeat runs if you need ..there is really no pressure at all.

You're 3 runs in!... Amazing!.... You talk of disaster runs!... haha! if you read some of mine... I'm like the Bridget Jones of the forum!.... It's not easy but hey nothing worthwhile is!....

Run 1 i found so challenging as did so many of us on here and I"m now on week 9 ... I never in a million years thought possible!.. but this magical little programme gets you there!...

For me the forum is as important as the running activity itself because i could not do it without the support from those on here!... It's a little running family... and we do have some fun on the posts!... I am as chuffed if someone else completes a run as if it was me doing it!...

You will love it!

SH*T (Forgive the expletive) - I read your post and I just had to say that!.... I'm so so So sorry for your loss!.... x

[Pepper86 in reply to Tinytears60]

Thank you so much for your lovely post.

[Mittymoo Graduate]

Are you still running Pepper86? I wanted to say hello. I have recently lost my super fit husband and I appreciate seeing that someone else has taken up running during a grief filled period