The warm responses from so many of you to my "I HAVE HUNG UP MY RUNNING SHOES” post healthunlocked.com/couchto5... was exactly what I have come to expect from the wonderful supportive membership of this forum, however the widespread praise of my wisdom and character are not quite how I see myself. My family would roll around in hysterics if they heard me being characterised as being wise.
I haven’t replied to any of the responses individually, (apart from a handful who asked specific questions), as they are all of equal value to me, from those who I have come to know over the years and all you new runners and I thank you all. So, I want to address some of the points you have raised and bring you up to date………….a lot has happened since I put up that post on Wednesday.
I describe myself as a principled pragmatist (I can imagine some might want to prefix that alliteration with pretentious). Life throws all sorts of crap at all of us and it is very easy to, legitimately, get weighed down by the emotions of a situation. My approach in life changing circumstances has been to take a deep breath, then appraise the new set of circumstances and formulate plans to move on from there, to whatever aims we still have. I believe realistic and achievable targets are crucial in life, as in running. I have felt the same frustration we all have when we get an injury or setback in our running, or life, but that new situation is where we have to move on from, not where we were previously. This, to me, is a statement of the obvious, but so many get angry with themselves, especially with a loss of performance metrics, which really are not a rounded measure of ourselves.
Let me give you a rundown of what has happened to me in the last couple of days, which may illustrate what I am attempting to communicate. On Thursday morning I rang the oncology helpline at my hospital to get advice as my pain relief was not keeping pace with my back pain. In less than an hour I was booked in for an emergency MRI the following day and in under an hour after the scan I was admitted for further investigation of suspected spinal cord compression caused by the cancer.
This is not taken lightly, as it can lead to loss of limb function and continence, so spinal surgeons looked into the possibility of major spinal surgery, contingent on the results of a further CT scan, from which it would take at least three months to recover. I was kept in overnight and pain relief was adjusted as I tried to process the new set of circumstances. The following morning I was informed by the oncology doctor that the spinal cord compression ruled out the proposed Radium 223 therapy, around which we had been planning what may well be my last summer. Slightly later the spinal surgeon came to inform me that my next best hope, the spinal surgery, was also a non starter due to the degradation of my spine. A lot snatched away in a short period of time.
I had time to process this and work out how to best communicate this to my wife and two children, who, because of the circumstances were permitted to visit altogether, rather than the one visitor protocol that normally prevails. This was an emotional visit but the big positive that we could all take away, was that it was a family occasion, where everybody parted as fully informed as possible and being able to have hugs all round. Full and frank discussion and communication is vital and cathartic in these situations.
A further radiotherapy pain relief treatment was given and further tweaking of meds took place as I stayed in another night. Yesterday, Sunday, they were happy enough with my mobility, strength and sensation to discharge me, with the longer term therapy, possibly further chemo to follow fairly soon.
I have had a weep, (emotions need to be acknowledged and expressed) and we have had to put aside all our plans for the summer, until we know my capabilities and limitations and have explored the likely progress of the disease. It is easy in these circumstances to fall into despondency and believe it is all over, but the sun is shining out there and I will soon be standing in it, basking in it’s warmth and hugging my family again.
Two months ago I had my last run and despite it only being fifteen minutes, it was, under the circumstances, a triumph to be celebrated, not some kind of performance failing. A couple of weeks ago we had a fabulous sunny five mile walk in our glorious sector of mid Devon with some old and valued friends. In the next couple of weeks I will find out what I can practically and safely achieve in future. I hope I am not housebound as being out in the green of nature beneath a blue sky is life affirming balm, even if I am only able to lie in the warm sun on a Devon hillside.
There is a huge difference between the atmosphere of this C25K forum and the HU prostate cancer forums. Here first time runners take empowering steps into an exciting life of new found physical confidence, discovering their true potential, along with all the fitness and mental health benefits that come for free. It is uplifting, exciting and truly life changing, which is why I am still here, vicariously sharing those journeys and offering what help and advice I can. It has been a wonderful distraction for me since I was so perceptively offered the role of mentor by Realfoodieclub , our then admin coordinator. It is a magical community and I have loved being part of it.
The cancer forums are addressing totally understandable worries and often trying to give positive responses, but the acceptance of diminishing opportunities in life have to be faced, so are far less upbeat, in total contrast to this forum.
In both instances I believe that good clear information is crucial to fully understand the implications of the two very different journeys. Some of you praise me for my knowledge, but it is just me spouting the assimilation over time of relevant facts that can make the processes easier, safer and more satisfactory. I would encourage anyone reading the FAQ Posts to do further research beyond them. I am no expert.
Knowledge is power and appropriate application of that knowledge to match the circumstances, might seem like wisdom to some. To me it is common sense. My family are still writhing on the floor in hysterical laughter………..
Being described as an inspiration, I will gratefully accept, in the context that I believe each and every one of us can and do inspire others, often unwittingly. Like most newcomers to C25k I did wonder whether at 57, with a history of dodgy knees, it might be asking too much. However, a graduation post from a chap only a few years younger than me, saying how he was still four stones overweight, but was now fitter and happier than ever, after a lifetime of being exercise phobic, convinced me that it was worth giving it a go……………Why did I wait so long?
All of you, when seen out running, are changing social norms. It is not just lithe athletic young gazelles who run, but ordinary people, like you and (once) me, of all ages, shapes, weights, abilities and disabilities who make others think, "If they can do that, maybe I can too."
You will not only change your life, you will inspire and influence others. We are all amazing……..so just believe it.
I started writing this in my hospital bed, (whereas being out on a nice long slow run used to be my creative thinking/drafting time) but now I am home, facing a new week and many unknown challenges, which will require learning and application of new knowledge to come to terms with. I will be physically a lot less active and have a lot of time on my hands, so, although I will pull back from a daily presence on the forum, I have tentatively suffixed this Ramble with Part 1.
Life is good. Live it.
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You really are an inspiration, despite everything you can remain cheerful and positive. In my last job I worked with occupational health nurses, and they often spoke of PMA, positive mental attitude, helping to achieve the unthinkable. Keep pushing forward Ian, easy for me to say I know!
I could not agree more........but I am heavily dosed up with Dexamethasone........the steroid that kept Donald Trump up through the night continuously tweeting in block capitals, stating how he felt INVINCIBLE.
Add in the morphine .............and I may not be in my normal state of mind.
I am making arrangements to meet up with good friends this week, so I still have lots to look forward to.
That’s a lot of changes to face and process for you and your family. So sorry to hear your news and hoping for better on the horizon. Your positive and pragmatic response is truly inspiring.
I’m glad that you are on here sharing, as we are thinking of you and wishing you well. I’m also pleased that you will be continuing to visit the forum as we all benefit so much from your posts and the perspective it brings.
Wishing you more sunshine and hopefully some trips outside very soon to experience it and the Devon countryside. I’m hoping that the pain relief helps with this and you’re able to get some nature therapy very soon.
Will be looking out for part 2 of your post whenever you’re ready to share.
Part 2 is already taking form.........it's the steroids again........and I will attempt to make it less self centred, although my situation does focus comparisons between the current stage of life and all that has passed.
No tolerance required at all. We all experience things through our own perspective and it’s good, as you say, to experience and express how we feel. That’s what this community is about - being able to share where we’re at and how we’re feeling. Your honesty and openness is refreshing and inspiring.
[Insert word to describe situation which is not permitted per HU rules]
Thought of you as we took Google, my once constant running companion, for a 'walk' yesterday. Thought of you as I got out for a 20 minute run this afternoon, first run in ages, laughed when Runkeeper informed me of my 'pace'.
I hope you've had a referral to palliative care - I had blithely assumed it would be early and automatic but we had to bang on a bit to get it but whilst, sadly and I know thankfully unusually, I have (almost) nothing polite to say about our local day and inpatient hospice services, their community staff, especially the OT, were always 'on it'.
I am delighted to hear of your family writhing on the floor in hysterical laughter.
GM you have always seen through my facades and I have always appreciated your no nonsense view of the world.
In the excitement of being discharged yesterday and it being a weekend, there was no opportunity to quiz an oncology consultant, but the hospital phoned me this morning, before I got round to it and all my queries are to be addressed shortly by my nominated specialist nurse, so there is ongoing communication............I hope......
Thank you for all your very wise advice . It taught me how to enjoy running safely in middle age .The world needs more people like you . Stay strong .You are loved and needed here to continue helping so many to enjoy running . Sending you thoughts and prayers for healing ❤️
And he knows where to come for ludicrous suggestions eg getting a man into a house through the conservatory in the snow with the Red Army Choir playing loudly, tipping a man out of a wheelchair into a swimming pool, throwing a man into a wheelchair and running out of a hospital with him...
Hi TimI was devastated by your 1st post on this. Marked it as unread meaning to comment. Circumstances intervened and I can't remember my reply.
Sorry to hear doesn't help.
Let's go - your advice and support have been inspirational. (Started at 61 as a conscientious objector. I have no idea why. (Weirdly I think I was inspired by a Technician in a schoolI used to support who just started running. (I know he was recently training for the Belfast Marathon).)
Why did I waIt so long?
Your support and advice have been invaluable.
Your positivity, also inspirational. I'm sure that will also transfer to other forums.
We often say it is "never too late", which unfortunately, I am discovering, is not a universal truth, but it is so easy to characterise ourselves as being incapable of trying something new and demanding. We can expand our self perceptions and discover something new and wonderful, such as running in later life. I haven't given up on life just yet.
It just begs the question, when the benefits are so blatantly obvious, what is wrong in physical education that turns so many of us off this sort of life enhancing exercise for most of our lives?
I knew this thing had been stalking you for years, so it's not a total shock, but I'm so sorry it's finally grabbed you by the jumper. Your contribution to this forum has been invaluable - both encouraging the falterers and calming the over-enthusiastic!
"What's wrong in physical education...?"
For most of us here, it's been a long time since we did school PE. I like to think it might be better now than it was back then (1980s for me). My secondary school PE lessons were based around the two sports that our PE teacher liked (cricket and rugby), aimed at forming a competitive school team. Anyone who wasn't going to contribute to that was of no interest.
There was nothing on the health benefits of physical activity. Nothing on the way exercise enhances athletic performance. Nothing on how to exercise safely, avoiding injury. Nothing on diet. Nothing on smoking or exposure to other harmful substances. Nothing, for that matter, on recognising symptoms that should send you straight to your GP.
No kids, so I'm out of touch with current practice, but I like to think that it might be better now than it was back then.
Physical education raises so many questions on so many levels. My school was almost exactly as yours in respect of who was encouraged.........the remainder were positively discouraged, through chivvying and treated as inferior, at a time when good habits could still be have been inculcated.
When my kids went to school, the overwhelming number of PE teachers had appalling diets and eating habits. Awareness of what we intake is in my mind is part and parcel of looking after our bodies.
Thank you for your thoughts. Highlighting some of the issues that cause people issues when starting to exercise is something that I am still hoping to add to the knowledge base.
In primary school (1962-63) we were frog marched regularly to the open air swimming pool in the park. Non swimmers like me were left in the shallows with a square of polystyrene floater to splash about with. The swimming instructor was an alpha male type (I can still picture him and remember his name) who spent all of his time at the deep end teaching the swimmers how to dive and retrieve things from the bottom of the pool. I eventually taught myself to swim at the age of 14.
In Grammar School (1965 onwards) I absolutely hated PE. The focus was on hockey, we had to have our own stick (my parents weren't well off, they didn't need that expense on top of the uniform). In all team games of hockey and rounders, team captains chose their team members one at a time. I was always second last to be chosen, being small and the youngest in the class, the final one being a rather plump girl. I dreaded those games and got shouted at by the PE teacher for leaping out of the way when a hockey striker came hurtling towards me!
We had a state of the art gym but unless you were naturally athletic there was no great encouragement. The school did have cross country running but I was never ever offered to go on one. My younger sister went to the local Comp School and she ran competitively for her school, though she stopped running when she left school.
I was immensely proud of myself when I graduated from Couch to 5k in 2020, at the age of 65, and even more so when I achieved 5k in 35 minutes a few months later.
Thank you so much Iannoda for Part 1- reading your writings is so positive, informative and insightful. Being able to access the outdoors provides us with an ability to recharge our batteries, clear our thoughts and is so important for our mental health. On a different train of thought- around 40 years ago a charge nurse informed me -“there is nothing common about common sense”! Wise words! X
Connecting with the real outdoor world has always been crucial to my mental well-being since I was a child. City life has never appealed to me, but when trapped in an urban situation there is still sky above, trees and wildlife, but so many do not even notice these vital links to our real natural environment.
Common sense often seems to be in short supply in this world.
Thank you Tim for all the info, advice, and inspiration you’ve so generously shared on this forum. I never ever thought I could be a runner. And I’m confident that without your FAQs and other key posts, which I keep returning to whenever I hit a new running milestone (most recently regularly running 5k - very much at my own s l o w, conversational pace … but still … 5k?!?), I would not have got through my first (in Thailand in 2015), second (in Chad in 2017) and third (in Greece in 2020) attempts at C25K. Third time lucky - I stayed off the injury couch. I am a runner now - and I love it - it is such a gift. It has helped me manage anxiety, depression and PTSD related to many years spent working with refugees - and quite simple, brings me joy. Thank you for helping me become a runner - I am grateful. Wishing you as many pain-free, beautiful days of sunshine with your loved ones as possible. Sending warmth and blue skies from Athens - Julie
That is a lovely reply as I can see that you are aligning with my philosophy that if we balance knowledge of our bodies with the stresses that we put them under, then we can achieve great things. Expectations need to be realistic but can ultimately lead to us exceeding them if progress is slow and steady. Thank you.
I nearly didn't run today, but then I did, and throughout it you and my my dad kept popping into my head (not necessarily a negative). What always impresses me about your advice/replies is that you say what needs to be said, which is not always what the poster wants to hear.
This has sometimes caused the poster to be... less than happy with your advice, and there have been occasions when I have felt obliged to stick my oar in, in your defence As if you need it!
I hope now you are home you manage to optimise your pain management and enjoy your beloved countryside. I hope our replies give your family more reasons to roll around laughing .x
Thanks Jell6 I am a great believer in self expression, but sometimes people need to be protected from themselves. I don't like to preach so the idea of the FAQs was born, where, hopefully, reliable information can help folk see the rationale behind the advice.
I have probably been reported more times than any other member of this forum but would defend each of the replies and their wording, as my intent was always worthy , even if my tone was misinterpreted.
Hi Tim - I am a newbie to this - just finished W6R2 and loving the whole experience despite never having done any real exercise, bar walking, in my 61 years. This forum has kept me sticking to the plan and know that your sage advice has been outstanding and have found the links to your guides invaluable. I am not sure I would have been able to do this without the input and moral support from you and the team as well as everyone else cheering us on. I am so grateful for all your guidance and wisdom and guiding me and others through the process. Wishing you many more precious pain free days full of sunshine, laughter, contentment and peace with your family. I thought of you on my run today and I will dedicate each run on the rest of my 5K journey to you. Thank you for your inspirational and insightful posts.
I am only here so long after graduating as I was blown away by the transformative nature of the simple little training plan that changed so many lives.
The forum was supportive and inclusive when I arrived here and I have taken great delight in maintaining the ethos in my time here.
I am so lucky to have loving family and friends to help me through this. The support of the forum members and the opportunity to verbalise my thoughts is also hugely cathartic and a release for my writing urges.
I absolutely will keep running and smiling. The two really do go hand in hand and thanks to this forum, there is no going back! Please continue to share your writing urges with us - it helps so much!
I think we see the world with similar perspectives nowster and I can tell you positivity (leavened with reality) helps keep the challenges step by step manageable.
Nobody has ever taken me seriously..........I hope.
You are an example to us all on holding onto the positives and important things in life. Your first post put a lot of things into perspective for me. Even with C25K, I found particularly as I've been enjoying the progress I had started looking ahead to personal (selfish?) goals... Parkruns ... maybe 10K. I was out for a walk soon after your post, up round Scrabo Tower, a local landmark and nice spot to sit and look down over the town. I had passed a few people at different intervals that couldn't manage the steep hills or were just quite content being where they were in nature and it had me thinking about the twists and turns that life can throw at us. Until then I had been just enjoying the scenery, peace and quiet and look out for what could be a potential place for a future run then it hit me... A key reason for building up walking and doing this programme was to be able to run about with my kids... I had been unable to do day trips or walk even to the shop around the corner for several years without being wrecked for days and that was time I essentially lost with my eldest son. My youngest will be 2 in the summer. I'm able to enjoy being more active with them so went home and got the football out, to my son's delight.... Better than any walk or run.
As for your wisdom, despite your family rolling about on the floor, it's been a huge help. Maybe common sense but it doesn't take much research to stumble across contradictory information... I had found a site advocating pushing harder to get results - I'd be properly BrokeyBusted following that. You have clearly spent a lot of time doing research and adding personal experiences so your information and the way you communicate it makes a difference and helps us progress safely, especially to those of us new to it. Thank you.
I wish you the very best with pain management and many more days around the Devon hillsides with the family.
We live in a competitive world where comparison with others becomes the metric of success, rather than being satisfied with our own observation of gradual personal development, which in nearly all instances is more sustainable and satisfying than going for broke and chasing maximum returns in the shortest time scales.
You have made a wonderful decision, both for yourself and your family. Family is the most important thing we have. You will also be setting a superb example to them. Win, win, win!
I wrote this post to illustrate the difficulty of research healthunlocked.com/couchto5... when even well respected sources need to be questioned.
Keep running, keep smiling.
Thank you so much for sharing your story Part 1 and given us an insight into your daily life and the challenges and hurdles you and your family are facing.
I’m sure you are well aware that your knowledge and informative posts have helped and motivated not just myself but many others. You have helped me to do something I thought I could never do….so from the bottom of my heart thank you.
Thank you for granting me the opportunity to indulge my writing urges and reflect on so many issues which are coming into focus at this time, knowing that at least one person may read it.
"You have helped me to do something I thought I could never do"
That is a powerful and moving statement and I believe this forum has done the same for countless thousands. We limit ourselves by our self perceptions, which is why the psychology and even philosophy of running cannot be divorced from the physical. How those perceptions develop and equally how they can be deconstructed has always intrigued me as over the years I watched the progress of so many physically unconfident individuals discover whole new worlds of potential and self confidence.
It is core to the theme of Part 2, which is coalescing in my drug addled brain.
OMG What a week you have had since hanging your running shoes up! You just don’t know what’s round the corner! I have always loved your posts, so informative and direct.
I really am sorry to hear how your week panned out last week, but unbelievable that you were able to send your recent post despite being in hospital. You are made of proper sterner stuff and I think your mental attitude will keep you going further than expected. Keep doing the things you are doing as best you can because it’s helping you, and as you say, live each day.
Thank you for all your common sense that you have provided on this forum, but I look forward to reading part 2 and your future posts on life. Stay strong in body and mind Tim. X
There are proverbial buses waiting round the corner for all of us and we never know when they will come. I just suspect that mine may now arrive sooner, rather than later.
Any critical illness diagnosis can give you a very different perspective on life and help you to assess what is truly valuable. It is a strange gift, which I would not wish on anyone if the illness is integral, but by itself it is gold dust.
Love the idea of running for others. Even if I'm not fab at it, it may inspire someone else to have a go. Healthier people = a healthier world. Big hugs to you and your family. What a beautiful heart you have. Healing vibes. 🤗🤗
What a inspirational and moving post. I am now on week 9 of my second go at C25K after 2 year gap and haven’t posted anything this time around but read the posts from people from time to time and stumbled across yours. I remember all your sensible advice from first time round which is why I haven’t needed to ask anything on this round- so thank you for that. I’m slower but enjoying it more and have somehow become kinder to myself. I couldn’t agree more with what you say about us runners (not being in the lithe category😂). I’m always most happy whilst out running when I see another struggling runner - they are usually the ones with the time and attitude to smile back and nod in recognition of what we are doing like a secret club - ah that looks like someone on this challenge and good for them they’re still smiling! This forum is powerful and is the very reason I have kept going on the hardest days. I hope all your guides will continue to reassure and help others as they have help me. Enjoy those sunny days with your family- they are the best- and thank you.
When I first did C25k I ignored the advice to run at a conversational pace because nobody explained the rationale behind it and I was hung up on that 20th Century "NO PAIN, NO GAIN" mantra, which is so outdated.
I hope that the FAQs, including this one about getting faster healthunlocked.com/couchto5... now give the evidence behind the facts that slow running is the way to go.
I was, and still am, very proud of my speed PBs, but would readily admit that none of them was much fun as I was actually doing them and long slow runs build your aerobic base, stamina and strength alongside injury resistance and are far more enjoyable.
Don't know how I missed your previous post. After reading this one I went back and read it.
Like everyone else I am thinking of you and hoping for fine weather for you to get out in the sun on those green Devon hillsides (I am an "ex Devonian but have found my self living close to other restful and restorative green hills).
I have been reading your posts and replies since I became a "lockdown C25Ker" in May 2020 .Still plodding, still reading posts on this fantastic forum without which I am pretty sure I would have stopped long ago. It's people like you who make this forum what it is.
Best wishes-and very much looking forward to Part 2
I am only allowed in Devon because my wife is born and bred, but it really is home to me now, with such a huge variety of landscapes. Even in the last few weeks I have walked beautiful footpaths, previously unknown to me, just a few miles away and gasped at the spectacularly different perspectives of familiar landmarks.
It is everybody on this forum, helping others, that makes this forum what it is.
Just before Covid stuck a spanner in the works 2 years ago I graduated from C25k. It was one of my own greatest achievements having never liked running before. Your wise words and other members of this forum made it happen because without you I’m not sure I would have stuck at it.
‘Stuck at it’ is a relative term because during the first year of Covid I did 15 hour work days didn’t run and then I’d got out of the habit and once I got out of the habit it was too easy to make excuses and not run. So I stopped. Then I stopped looking at the forum because it was easier not to.
Over the last weekend I have been privileged to witness in a support capacity an amazing lady, Emily King, paddle board around the Isle of Wight in one go (18 hours), the following day cycle round the Island (8 hours) and then yesterday, run a marathon across the Island (6 hours). All to raise funds for the youth mental health charity I work for and am committed to.
Then this morning I read your post.
I am so sorry that you can no longer run yourself and your health is not good, but your resilience, pragmatism (maybe helped by the drugs and realism) remains an inspiration to those around you. Thank you.
By the end of this week, I will be getting my running shoes out from the back of the cupboard, dusting them down, hooking back up to the C25k app and getting out there again.
I hope they get the pain relief sorted soon and you can get back out into the outdoors you love. Please send all best wishes to your family who will also be processing your news right now.
Stuff happens, but running provided me with a huge boost in physical and mental wellbeing well in excess of anything I anticipated before starting and I would encourage anyone who physically can to give it a go.
The secret is to be kind to yourself, not to compare your performance with others, take your time and make it enjoyable, not a battle, by keeping nice and comfortably slow. The benefits will still accrue and injury risk will be diminished.
If you push hard you may achieve some faster runs but you will still be slower than many others and injury risk can stop you in your tracks.
Thanks for your message Jo. Get out there and have a wonderful time in a wonderful part of the world.
This run in Purbeck, which happened just after my cancer diagnosis, healthunlocked.com/couchto5... is still a glorious and valued memory that nobody can take away.
I have just read your 2 posts and, like so many others, want to thank you for your posts on this forum. You are truly an inspiration.You set me up and sent me off on my running journey in 2019 with your practical, straightforward advice. This even involved a detour to Snow and Rock in Exeter 200 miles from home (I was on the way to Salcombe) to purchase my first pair of running shoes!
I wish you well with your treatment and therapy, many happy moments in the beautiful Devon sunshine and more laughter with family and friends. Xx
Such an inspiring, heartfelt and truly amazing post. Love the positive mental attitude that comes across so very naturally. I guess this is a one day at a time period, carry on looking forward and long may the sun shine on you and your family
Hi Tim, I was a new starter who just downloaded podcast and jumped on it without reading anything. I wasn't sure if I could keep at it so why bother reading stuff? You're the one who sent me all the information that I needed to read. It was simple text with links but I noticed this reply at other newbies' posts a lot and I felt that you really cared and wanted help other people. You're a big reason that I felt the warmth and supports from this community. A lot of family and friends couldn't help me. They are either not interested or tried to ignore out of guilt(that they're not exercising). I was lucky to know this group. You're a big part of this super supportive community and I thank you and hope to hear from you as long as possible. Lots of ❤️
I have always been fairly fit, doing physical manual work, walking, surfing and windsurfing for a hobby, but in my late 50's I noticed a decline in my stamina.
C25k addressed the problem and to my surprise changed my life.........like so many other people.
It can change yours too, but probably the best way to influence those around you is just to carry on. When I started C25k my wife said"You won't get me running. I always hated running. " Before I had completed the programme she tentatively started herself, saying she could see the difference it had made to me in just a couple of months.
I now have to put up with her abandoning me as she heads out for a morning run. We have many happy shared memories of running in beautiful places and I am so glad she started.
Some will follow your example. Others will not. Preaching doesn't help, but becoming a running zealot who can glaze the eyes of a roomful of exercise phobes is just one of the hazards.
You should know better than to apply that adjective to me, Abi.
After five or six days of inactivity, pain, negative news and possibilities being snatched away, this afternoon was a triumph, which, despite my seeming positivity, made me realise just how much my physical confidence had been knocked by the experience of the weekend.
It was just a gentle stroll, 2.2k to the top of one of our local viewpoints with vistas to Dartmoor in the West and Exmoor to the North. Small first steps which boosted my spirits hugely.
Still lots of questions to be answered and answers to be questioned, but it has lifted me. The simple power of beautiful countryside.
I read this post a couple of times yesterday taking in all that has happened this week, to you and also your family. My thoughts were with you and I 'slept' on what I would say to you..
You have no choice but to deal with your situation as it is, which you are doing with bravery and positivity of course. I bestow upon you the Sword of Determination and the Shield of True Grit, which of course you don't need because you have it in bucketfuls...
Know that you are still out there running with us in our hearts and minds. I think of you crossing those lush green Devon hills, stopping only to open and close the numerous gates and to gaze at the glorious views... as I'm sure you have taken others along with you in your mind.
You came with me on my little runette on Sunday and we made it to 5k just with a couple of walk breaks...
I hope you know also that this light banter does not reflect the depth of how I'm feeling, but I wanted to try and make you smile.
My heart goes out to you and your family, Tim. I was so sad to read your recent news. You are such an important member of this forum and have inspired and encouraged so many of us to keep going, even when things got tough. What is happening to you is devastating and unfair, but you are dealing with it in a brave, honest and positive way, still inspiring us all.
I am wishing you a warm, sun filled summer, with your family and friends in the beautiful countryside where you live.
Life is not fair but I have been privileged and fortunate to have been born into a society with a magnificent National Health Service, which I hope will not have the backside privatised off it, as other public offices are threatened with.
I was born in 1955, the first year that worldwide birth, death and life expectancy figures were collected. A vast proportion of those born on the same day as me, never reached adulthood, so having had a happy life in a relatively safe and stable society, I am grateful and satisfied with my lot.
Death holds no fears for me and I can't protect my loved ones from the inevitable, so we will also wish for sun and warmth to see out my days.
Firstly, I would like to thank you for sharing with the community this very intimate time. That alone, is admirable. And appreciated.
I admire your honesty, your strength, your positivity, your love of life. I can only imagine the challenges that you and your family are facing yet I have the feeling that you and your loved ones will find joy and beauty in many moments to come. I wish you courage, pain free days and nights, good company, warm sunshine and blue skies.
After many years of not checking in I thought I would see if there was anyone on here I remember. And there was your post Lannoda. You were always quite the inspiration to me during my journey to graduation way back when. Please know my thoughts for you are positive and wish nothing but the best in this latest hill you travel.
❤️❤️❤️❤️ continue with your extremely positive attitude I totally understand. When ur diagnosed with a new ailment you have to be extremely positive and focus on what you can do not what you used to be able to do. I’m currently starting again on C25K after graduating. Previously I was gutted I had to stop running but now I’m enjoying my new slower routine. I’m more than sure you will succeed and adapt, all the very best ⭐️ You are so right Life is for Living ❤️
Browse the FAQ Posts healthunlocked.com/couchto5... for general advice on a host of running topics, which are designed to help you on your way.
I have little left to succeed in...........I am at the sharp end now and a good death and some happy final days, maybe weeks......... months seem unlikely..........is my target.
However long I have left, I will relish every day.
Wow! I’ve read your many posts and support for others and I thought you were an inspiration… despite not knowing all the facts!
And
Now I know all the facts I still use that terminology- inspirational! And I’m pleased to hear you are gratefully and humbly, I might add, accepting the title 👌
I’ve not ran for a while, for a variety of reasons but I always appreciated the support from this lovely lot on the forum…
You speak a lot of sense… We ARE all amazing and it DOES change your life!
Thanks for all your help and advice Tim. I have recently received some bad news on the health front myself but your advice to move on from where I am now has really struck home. Thanks again
While we are rarely fully in control of our destinies, our response to issues such as health complications can make a huge difference to how we manage to cope.
Even employing my own positivity armoury to it's max, it was not until today, when I went for a short, but life affirming walk in a beautiful spot, did I realise quite how much my physical confidence has been knocked by the past weekend of confinement, inactivity and negative news.
The restorative power of a glorious hilltop view brought it home to me that small steps in nature can truly keep me focussed on the best possible outcomes. When so much seems to be being taken from you, those little steps can be empowering and good for the soul.
Try to retain as much control as you can. Don't worry about what you cannot change and what may never happen and keep taking small positive steps to face each change of circumstances only as it arises. Get as much reliable information as you can handle, but don't rely on one source.
Dear TimI missed your previous post and feel a bit teary reading this one! You ARE wise and sometimes stern. You are also very funny- we have had a blast!
Clearly difficult times ahead but also laughs, hugs, singing and lying about in the Devon sun taking (prescribed) drugs.
I am sending my warmest thoughts to you and your family. Thank you for all of your help (and telling's off) over the years.
Honestly, I am quite harmless, but some folk are not good at absorbing messages and I am spent most of my working life only having myself to keep in order, so my people skills are less than polished. Sorry if they were aimed at you............nothing personal!!
Today was a lovely day and I feel very content...........but still drugged up to the eyeballs. Met up with some friends for coffee and am getting wonderful support all round.
Nature is providing me the usual calming balm and future plans and prospects are slowly clarifying.
You are…& always will be…an inspiration to me…I’ve been lucky to be part of this wonderful forum for almost 5 years, most of which I have been fortunate to be part of the admin team, although some new comers might not even know my name because life has been hectic over the last 9 months as I have taken the big step back to work…but I have been lurking & I know that I can always come back and find the support, advice when I’m slipping & try, in my own little way, to give encouragement to others…but you??!! Well, you have been a constant on here & although your family might fall about in hysterics (fibber) your wise words never fall on deaf ears…I love your replies…straight to the point, no nonsense and with the very best intentions..making the poster realise that, although it might not be what they want to hear, it’s given with their best interests at heart…often saving them from injury or giving up on what you know is a life changer…running. So we’re all here to give you a bit back to you what you give to us…
Be you…tears and all…hug your family, make the most of the outdoors & bask in the sunshine as long as you can…and when we all run, we will run those runs that you can’t …for you…with you safely tucked into our pocket…& I know that when I run in the sun I will run with you because I know that I wouldn’t be running if I hadn’t found this place…where you are & so many others who have kept me going… Admin joke coming up….and I’m not ‘jive talking’ (see what I did there??!!! Tim…I mean Barry xxx🥺💖)
Dear Tim, When I joined this forum I was unenthusiastic about running but needed to get less unfit. Jo W's friendly voice helped me start Cto5K, but I think I'd have given up by Day 4 without the links you sent to your notes. Your practical information and commonsense advice about mental approach kept me going - thank you. I've done Cto(3.5)k twice now and let it lapse but I guess you'd suggest giving it another try so I will. Along with many others, I wish you all strength and hope the positivity from this group supports you in turn now. I don't know what you've done in other parts of your life, but you have made a difference to lots of lives in this forum.
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Reflection
Tonight, I felt like a 'proper' runner (Part 2) (and Laura confirmed it). W6r3
Retirement
Completed week 1 - newbie runner
Septagenarian non-runner
