After my on off break and a little lost I’m back!

[FreedomToRun]

Rewind a year and I started running at the beginning of the pandemic. Graduated in May. Ran some more but lost my way and to be honest lost the joy. Found it again and this time it has stuck. No pressure, just the joy of running. Started to run without music. Enjoying being out and free. I mixed up the runs some with a bit more pace and some really easy - and some run/walk Jeff style (certainly helped my stamina).

Today I was rewarded with a PB 5k. But more than that I LOVE running. For the first tome today as I ran I thought this is who I am. Not fast, not competitive, just pure enjoyment of feeling my body move and exploring all the backstreets of a city I thought I knew really well. I ran today to meet friends for a social distance coffee and chat. Pure joy. Today I graduated. I finally am a runner!!!

If you are starting out, my still novice advice is to spend time really enjoying the experience much more than worrying about pace or getting to the next C25K week. When it hurts which it will take a couple of days away from it and try again. You’ll be amazed how much you can do.

Enjoy it!!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

For some it takes time, but removing any competitive element and concentrating on the life affirming joys of being physically active is normally the key to the magic.

Congratulations, fellow runner.

[Archerygoddess Graduate]

What a lovely post! It's too easy to get hung up on pace or distance and forget about enjoying your running. I hope you have inspired others to appreciate their new-found abilities and their surroundings, wherever you run.

[Mittymoo Graduate]

Your enthusiasm shines through the post. It encourages me thanks!