Thank you...... Mental health.... Penultimate run!

[SammiN3]

I want to say thank you! My posts have not been the most uplifting and I want to say thank you to those who have helped, replied, given words of advice, or posted their own inspirational posts... you're all fantastic and I couldn't have done this without you.

I started this programme on 18th may, so it will have taken me longer to complete than many. I had a week off with slight injury then lacked motivation and another when I was waiting for emergency lockdown dentist appt 😳😳

I have struggled with depression so I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to read some very, feel sorry for myself posts and help me through. I have been off my antidepressants now since mid June and you have no idea how much of that is down to running. Its not just been a physical battle but a mental one too.

I have learnt to fight my demons, not give up when it's getting tough, to believe in myself and to love the after run feeling.

I wanted to post this now with 1 run left (although 1st of many many more to come) as I already feel like I've achieved! This is for my mental health, my next for my fitness!

For those of you starting that can't possibly see yourself getting out of bed to run, through the day or not feeling yourself. If I can... you can!!

Someone told me to write down the reasons for doing this at the beginning and I did. I look at it everday and I finally feel that I've got there.

[acountrycabbage Graduate]

I LOVE your booklet, it’s so creative and such an awesome way to visualise your personal progress. Might have to copy it

Well done on getting to where you are now x

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to acountrycabbage]

Thank you x copy away😊 I wish I'd put in time too as it looks like I've done some 5ks already but I haven't, it included walking and a lot extra cool down where I ran out too far

[Beatlesforever Graduate]

Thank you Sammi for such an honest and inspiring post! It really sums up what running can do for mental, as well as physical health. Well done, you've made such fantastic progress, and you're so very near graduation now! 😃👏🤸‍♀️

Best of luck with your final c25k run, enjoy it!🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️🌻

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to Beatlesforever]

Thank you! Im a little nervous for it to be over. I know it's not, it's the beginning of thinking if myself as a runner but I've loved the structure and someone else planning it!

[Beatlesforever Graduate in reply to SammiN3]

I know what you mean, it does feel a bit like 'what now' but I would advise you to keep on listening to the last C25K session during your first few consolidation runs. Then there are the C25K+ podcasts (some people love them, I couldn't take to them), and then there's JuJu's magic plan on the bridge to 10k forum to take you to either 60 minutes or 10k. It's just structure, there are no podcasts. I've started it this week and it does make it easier than just running on your own 🙂

There are many other plans out there, although I haven't tried any of them. I'm also using a zombies run app that is fun and also does intervals - you have missions to complete and at certain times you need to runa bit faster to get away from zombies 🧟‍♀️🧟‍♂️😂😂

Take some time to explore and find out what works for you while still getting out there and enjoying the freedom to run for fun 😃👣

[Brunsamarathon Graduate in reply to Beatlesforever]

I like the sound of the zombie app! I might give that a go. I've been using the nike app but not into podcasts at all while I'm running 😊

[Beatlesforever Graduate in reply to Brunsamarathon]

It's a lot of fun, you do get into the story 😂

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to Beatlesforever]

They sound like a lot of fun! Thank you, will have a look at those

[Brunsamarathon Graduate]

Wow, your post is fantastic to read! I'm sure you will be inspiring so many...including me 😊

It sounds like a massive journey for you with the best outcome. I love running. It makes me feel strong physically but most of all mentally. Like anything is in reach.

The positivity on this forum is amazing. So many different people with different reasons to start but with the same goal. With it comes a wealth of experience and advice.

Really good luck for your final run and next phase 😊👍🏃‍♂️🎉

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to Brunsamarathon]

Thank you so much, it really is a wonderful forum! When I look back to who I was a few months ago, I'm proud of how far I've come. I've fitter both physically and mentally and it feels great!

Scared but excited to start the next part of the journey.

[Brunsamarathon Graduate in reply to SammiN3]

It is scary, it's a bit like having the tow rope cut lol! Definitely use the week 9 runs for consolidation until you feel ready to change. It sort of eases you on I think. 😊

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to Brunsamarathon]

I will do, thank you x

[Dreambird Graduate]

Well done - your post is truly inspirational - you have made such amazing progress both mentally and physically- good luck and onwards to your graduation run and further 🏃🏼‍♀️🏃🏼‍♀️👏👍

[SammiN3 Graduate in reply to Dreambird]

Thank you! I can't wait now!