Educating Enid - Week 4 revisited: Anxiety is uncomfortable but not dangerous!

[Nilsam]

The thought of that five minute run in week 4 filled my inner ego, Enid, with anxiety.

We know anxiety is something the brain uses to protect us and at times it is not always helpful or appropriate.

I just gave myself/ Enid time to be aware of that uncomfortable feeling. I am listening to my inner self but we are going to do this together anyway.

(We did and Enid did a happy dance at the end. 🤸🏻‍♀️👩‍🎨Returned to hot porridge & fruit as I took advice from this community and ran before breakfast...yum. Thank you. 👍)

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Well done Enid! And especially well done to you Nilsam for your wise words and lovely picture! Glad you’re back on the plan again - enjoy!

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Oldgirlruns]

Thank you, Oldgirlruns. The plan definitely gives me the motivation and structure I need. Thank you so much your support and encouragement.

[Fionamags Graduate]

Yay you can't keep a good woman /women down!!! Go Nilsam and Enid!!!

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Fionamags]

Thank you so much, Fionamags. 🏃🏻‍♀️🤸🏻‍♀️👍

[dijep Graduate]

Yay 🎈🎉 Well done to both of you - for the running and overcoming the anxiety 😊

Can't beat a bowl of porridge 😋

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to dijep]

Hi dijep. It certainly hit the spot...I was thinking about on the walk back. 🍚👍

[Tinytears60 Graduate]

And.... you’re back! 👏👏👏👏

Well done

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Tinytears60]

Thank you, Tinytears60. Got a bit to go yet but the schedule is to complete before September 1st. Then get back to doing 5k runs before winter sets in. 🏃🏻‍♀️👍

[Hidden]

😌 Sounds like your Caring Fairy Nelle might have just fluttered a bit of her magic your way this morning 🧚🏼‍♀️ and is keeping the pesky gremlins and their negative voices in check 😉. Well done 👍🏼

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Ahh 🧚‍♀️thank you, Delly-dot. Of course that was exactly what Enid needed. She may well have sprinkled a little magic on the situation. 😘🏃🏻‍♀️👍Take care.

[Wenderwoo Graduate]

Excellent, well done you and Enid 👍😁 and I bet you thoroughly enjoyed the brekky!

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Wenderwoo]

I did indeed, thank you, Wenderwoo. 😎👍🏃🏻‍♀️

[John_W Graduate]

Please let Enid know that she ran for 9 minutes in each outing in Week 3. Enid should focus on the TOTAL running time, and not fret so much about the length of any individual segment.

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to John_W]

Oh that's a good idea, John_w. I think I will have to focus on that each time. 16 mins for the week 4 sessions. 👣🤸🏻‍♀️🤸🏻‍♀️👍

[dieOR5k Graduate]

Thank you for describing yours fears so eloquently. We all suffer some degree of negative inner voice. It’s lovely to think about them out loud in the safe harbor of the forum.

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to dieOR5k]

Thank you for your support, dieOR5k. I am trying to process and analyse my thoughts a bit more this time through. 🙃🏃🏻‍♀️👍🙏🧘🏼‍♀️👣

[Roxdog Graduate]

What a great post! Acknowledging demons is better than a battle with them. Sometimes gentle is best. Week 4 already!

Funny how running makes you want to dance isn't it! I was dancing in the kitchen after my last run. Hope you enjoyed the early morning, it's a bit hot to run in the day at the moment. Love the fresher mornings. I'm afraid the running vest is on - little moment of 'am I too old to be wearing a running vest' which I immediately told myself off for. Who cares!

Good luck, sounds like you're doing brilliantly and being very patient. Lovely picture as always -Enid is pensive.

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Roxdog]

Thank you so much for you support and encouragement, Roxdog. You put it very well in your response. I totally approve of the running vest. Just right for the weather.

I will imagine the dancing in the kitchen. That will be the goal after each run. 🏃🏻‍♀️👣💃👍

[Dexy5 Graduate]

You know you can do this Nilsam. You’ve done it before and you’ll do it again, but I know that coming back from injury can be worrying. Another successful day for you.

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thank you so much, Dexy5. I do appreciate your encouragement. 🏃🏻‍♀️👍🤸🏻‍♀️🤞

[skysue16 Graduate]

Glad you took the porridge advice 👍😀. How did you find running before breakfast? Doesn’t suit everyone - my hubby always has a cuppa and a banana but I prefer eating nothing before a run (probably may need to rethink that if I ever get to longer distances 🤔). Well done for coping with the anxiety.

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to skysue16]

Hi skisue16, I love an early morning run but it wakes the house hold even trying to creep out and it sometimes easier around 4ish when others are occupied. However, I have left it again today and the sun is now baking hot...😎 Really should have gone this morning. 🤔.

Thank you so much for your support. It is really appreciated. 👍

[Smile23 Graduate]

Well done to you both 🥳anxiety can be crippling but you are doing it. It is so easy for us to say we cant without celebrating every milestone we acheive no matter how small 😁

Btw love The fact you have an alter ego

[Nilsam Graduate in reply to Smile23]

Thank you so much for the inspiring message, Smile23. That is so kind. This forum is so supportive. Celebrating within this community is wonderful because we all empathise with each other. Also, thank you re Enid...I like to have someone to blame for those doubts and negative thoughts. 🙋🏻‍♀️👭🏼Take care and thank you again.👩‍🎨