I posted this on the weekend on Bridge to 10k Forum, where I usually hang out now, but also wanted to post it here, as my journey started on this fabulous forum!
And hopefully readers can tell how much my running has contributed to my physical and mental resilience, and in a year that has challenged us in so many ways. So a big thanks to our collective efforts to keep on running! Keep on keeping on, it’s all good!
So this weekend was my first Runniversary.
I started running exactly one year ago. For the first half year, I was just panicking about keeping it up. I had to get used to running in public, and discovered the delights of running in rain. Christmas wish lists filled with running gear. (Runners must be the only people excited about getting socks for Christmas! Love my Injinjis)
I remember that - before I started to run - walking for 20min would give me a severe back-ache. I can now run for 2 hours, and am not utterly exhausted and back-aches are a thing of the past.
Our living room changed, it has now a workout corner with a big screen, yoga mats and a basket holding all sorts of exercise props. My bedroom wardrobe changed, I have now a running drawer and a clothes hanger dedicated to running gear.
I’m a long time hypothyroid sufferer (Hashimotos). Before Hashimotos I used to be fit back when, then I wasn’t. Now I’m getting there again. I still have immense difficulties of maintaining a normal weight, and the one thing that has not really improved is my weight. In a year of running, with most of that year incorporating 3 runs per week and at least 3 workouts per week, and having already cut out gluten and dairy from my diet and counting calories and carbs, I have only lost 3kg. It is annoying.
But I am stronger, I can feel muscles in places where I never felt them before. I have also become more flexible again. Something I had given up on. I can now kneel on the floor again. It seems such a small thing, but it’s making a huge difference.
Running pulled my cross-fitness. I started with getting close to the trees in my garden when listening to Laura’s instructions for half pull-ups and knee bends. During the year that followed I experienced Pilates, yoga, tai-chi, belly dancing, rowing, resistance band workouts. And I love the NHS fitness website!
I got to try out all sorts of digital free apps, from the original C25k app, Runkeeper’s hilarious voices, NRC’s audio guided runs, Strava’s social aspects. I love programming my tabatha timer intervals app. A discovery was FitOn’s free offer of workouts, as well as all sorts of virtual running apps, such as Zombies, Run; RunGo; Conqueror’s Challenges.
And best of all, I joined this brilliant community of likeminded runners and workout buddies on these forums. They kept me motivated and provided advice when needed. In this strange year, where we all were unable to go out and socialise as normal, it felt like this community had my back. There were challenges to keep reaching for the next targets, weekly chats to just keep thinking and talking about what works and what doesn’t. There were virtual events, RunLEJOG, the HU Spring Run and COGH!
So I am immensely thankful for what running and this community has given me!
Health Journeys are always very personal. Sometimes painful but they have their moments. I keep some of my milestones proudly on my profile. But it doesn’t tell the whole story of how much I value being part of this community that allows me to share in the enjoyment that running and fitness journeys bring, and with such delights and rewarding experiences.
Thank you!
To a year of running and workouts! Long may it continue for all of us!
P.s. for those who might not yet know, we have a sister forum on Health Unlocked for all things Strength and Flexibility. You can find me mingling over there as well. Feel invited to drop in! healthunlocked.com/strength...
Keep on running
Runniversary Week ... 😊🐢
Keep on keeping on...
Runniversary one! 😀
KEEP RUNNING, KEEP SMILING
