Seven year runniversary

[Curlygurly2]

Who'd a thunk it? Seven years!! I came to running when an inner ear problem called Meniere's Disease scuppered my swimming...I wasn't really that keen, but a friend of mine had done it so why not give it a go?

I hadn't realised in those days that we needed proper running shoes , and got shin splints on week 3....Gawd that was sooooo painful! I've no idea why I kept going after such an awful start but keep going I did...I remember my graduation run, not the joyful run I had hoped for but a rather grumpy affair after Mr CG had a go at me before I went out... I was determined to get to 5K no matter how long it took, but had to give up on that after 40 minutes, by which time I had covered 4.3 KM.

I eventually got to the Holy grail of 5K some weeks later, I believe it took 47 minutes. I kept plodding along.....10K took about another 6 months...achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis, and more serious breast cancer plagued me at various intervals and on recovery was very glad we have the programme to get me started again. I must have graduated about 5 times over the years...

So, still here, still plodding...I love where running takes me, I've run in France and Spain, on steep inclines through medieval villages, along the coast at dawn, in boiling temperatures and in freezing...I've done one "real" half marathon race and one solo virtual. I'm doing another proper HM in a couple of months, and can only say it doesn't get any easier..as far as pace - I haven't really got much faster, I still go about 43 minutes for 5 KM. Do I care? Not one jot....I'm running for me, and doing it my way.

[Toonlou24 Graduate]

Wow!! Is it really 7 years!! Must be for me too then! I need to check the dates!! How amazing is that. YOU are amazing. Keep going lovely! It’s the best medicine ever isn’t it. Xxx ps when we earning our next bling?!

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Toonlou24]

Thank you my dear friend! Yes, you were about the same time as me, I remember both our visits to parkrun lol!

I'm ready to do the run whenever you are, how are your shins?

[Mrsrun Graduate]

What a journey, you have overcome much and achieved even more. The beauty of being able to put your runners on , where ever you are in the world and run must be an amazing feeling. Here is to the next 7 years 🍻

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Mrsrun]

Thank you MrsRun, I still haven't quite figured out why I do it!

[Katnap Graduate]

Wow! Happy 7th Runniversary!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Thank you xx

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Happy 7 year runniversary 😬👍🎉🎉🎉You've had quite a journey !

Great to hear you are still enjoying it and also great to hear you are not interesred in pace !! As you say , running for you !

Here's to your continued enjoyment 😁👍

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you! I'd love to be a bit faster, but I gave up on that years ago! I'm a plodder not a

[sparky66 Graduate]

Wow 7 Years!!! Happy Runniversary Curly girl 🎉🎉🎉

Through all the bad and hopefully more good..onwards and stronger for it 🙏

You're a Star 🌟

Have a great day 🥰

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to sparky66]

Thank you xx

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I can trump you Sarah, this month marks my C25K graduation eight years ago.

Like you I have found the simple act of putting my running shoes on and heading off for a run the best route through the crap that life throws up. It has kept me fit both physically and mentally and been a balm through what might have been difficult times.

I hope you have many more life affirming runs over many more years.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[misswobble Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

the “balm” that keeps us calm 😃👍

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you Tim, I remember you as one of those who were here to advise me back in the day, and delighted you are still here advising and helping, and of course still running . Keep running, keep smiling!

[misswobble Graduate]

Congratulations Curly 👍😃🏃‍♀️🎉🥳✊👊💪

Here’s to the next 7! 🥂

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to misswobble]

Thank you Sonia, like Tim you were here when I first started, and still helping and advising. Big hug xx

[misswobble Graduate in reply to Curlygurly2]

Mornin petal 😘. Good for us still to be running🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️ On we go 💪

[PeggySusi Graduate]

Stories like yours of ongoing difficulties and repetitions are so encouraging to other people for whom it’s difficult.. (it seems like that applies to a lot of us!). Thank you for posting this and wishing you many more years of doing it your way..😊

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to PeggySusi]

Thank you, the programme is brilliant and has never let me down.

[Irish-John Graduate]

Happy Runaversaey you lovely and inspiring Lady

[Frenc Graduate]

Ah brilliant! Happy 😃 7 years Curlygurly, that’s quite something. You’ve experienced a lot in those 7 years, I love the sound of running through those medieval villages, how wonderful. I bet when you did that first run of C25K you had no idea where it would take you, running really opens up so many new possibilities! HAPPY RUNNIVERSARY! 🎁🎁🎁

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Happy Runniversary CG! Hope you had a bit of celebration 🥂🎈🥳 as you clearly deserve it.

You’ve been through so much but you're still here and still running 😍 Who’d have thought after that first little C25K run…..

Here’s to the next seven years and joyful running! Love the new profile photo btw xxx

[Bluebirdrunner Graduate]

Happy 7th Runniversary Curlygurly🎉🎉Good luck with your upcoming HM we will be cheering you all the way!

Here's to many more running adventures.

🏃‍♀️🌟🌻xxx