Re-starting to find myself again : Hello to this... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Re-starting to find myself again

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate
13 Replies

Hello to this wonderful forum which helped me to keep going nearly four years ago when I graduated Couch to 5K. It was an achievement I never thought I’d ever be able to do and did me soooo much good, there’s not a week that goes by where I don’t think about it.

Unfortunately, I let it go during the winter months that year due to struggling with asthma. Not being able to complete the distances or the times that I’d built myself up to do was just too much for me and I basically stopped. I realised later the next year that this was a mistake and any running, no matter how small, is an achievement. I got far too swept up and consumed by park runs and timings and felt a failure that I couldn’t complete 5k in 30 mins as I’d trained to do.

So now it’s been three years without running and I really do know (and am evidence of!) any running is an achievement. I’m ashamed that I felt that way. My mental health is not too brilliant if I’m honest, I let the stresses of my job and daily life consume me with no regular output or ‘me’ time. That’s what running was. During the lockdowns I have put on weight too and feel so very uncomfortable.

.. and so ... I’ve set the treadmill up and I just need to get on it. I need to do it. This forum was fantastic and without it I would not have completed my journey. So saying all this out loud on here may help me to smash through that fear factor, right? Thank you so much for reading. I intend on coming back!!

Sadie ☺️

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Sadeskin profile image
Sadeskin
Graduate
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13 Replies
Fat2phwoor profile image
Fat2phwoor

I can truly understand where you are coming from. I’m in the same position. Lockdown affected my mental health and I gave up. Now we are heading towards a brighter future I feel more energetic and positive. I’m on my way with couch to 5k but a long way to go! This site is brilliant because we can all support one another through our journeys.

Keep up the good work! You’ve got this!!

Lisa x

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor in reply to Fat2phwoor

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate in reply to Fat2phwoor

Thank you for taking the time to reply Lisa! 🥰Good luck to you on your journey. I’ll look out for you ..

Xx

D25K profile image
D25KGraduate

Welcome back! How exciting, enjoy your new start ☺️ Look forward to hearing your updates 👟

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate in reply to D25K

Thank you! Reading words like this is soooooo awesome 🥰🥰

nowster profile image
nowsterGraduate

There is nothing to fear that you have not already conquered. Go for it!

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate in reply to nowster

My goodness, that is so true!!! Thank you xx

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome back to the forum and well done on your decision.

we are still here offering the same support. Try to put your former performance aside and just relax and run for fun while you build your stamina back up.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help.

Enjoy your journey.

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thanks, I remember you 🥰I’ve got all that knowledge up top thank goodness I refer to it often helping other runners on their journey. Crazy that it hasn’t helped me, until now ....

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate

I am SO happy to see you back, fellow Sadie. 😊 I am, as always, rooting for you. Honestly, letting go of distance/speed/beating yourself up is the way forward. Just run for the joy and the headspace it gives you. For me, sometimes all it takes is a 1km run. Sorry to hear your mental health has not been great. Mine took a real nosedive last year; my runs were the only thing stopping me from getting into real trouble, I suspect. Big hug to you. xxx

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate in reply to Sadie-runs

My Sadie!! I have a little tear in my eye. How silly, but how lovely to read your words. Thank you so much, I’m sorry to hear you have been struggling but THRILLED that running carried you along. Well done you. It means so much to just hear that someone is rooting for you, what an impact. Thank you lovely xx

Sadie-runs profile image
Sadie-runsGraduate in reply to Sadeskin

😘 Oh I completely understand. This site regularly makes me teary (in a good way). Do keep us posted on how you are doing, we will all be looking out for you. I know you can do this, and the fact you are coming back to it means you really want it in your life again. 👍 xxx

Sadeskin profile image
SadeskinGraduate

Week 1 completed!!! Can’t add photos to these comments so I’ll start a new thread, hoping that’s OK. Thanks everyone for your kind comments, they really helped me to get onto it!!

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