About to give it another go!

[Pymander10]

So I am back again. Finally after 3 months which feels longer. How I ever managed to run 50 minutes I’ll never know!

I’m a very slow runner. I only managed to do 5k in 50 minutes so it’s very disheartening hearing people complain about how slow they are completing it in 40 minutes or so.

I’m 39 years old and have quite a few physical and mental health struggles so I hope no one judges me on my age and that I should be going faster.

I became very unwell mentally a couple of months ago and was sectioned and that was the end of my running journey for then. But now I am doing better and am eager to get back out there. I think it will do me the world of good!

I’ve put on a stone and have been diagnosed as having the peri menopause so I have a couple more things to contend with this time round but I’m sure the running will help with both of these things

I’m struggling with some distressing life decisions and i know having a clear running head will help. I’m hoping to start latest the end of next week.

I’ll be back on here when/if I manage to start week 1 run 1. Please wish me luck this means so much to me and I know it will do me the world of good!

Happy running to all of you

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

I do wish you luck Pymander10, a very good post from you, no one on this forum will judge you for your age and the speed you go, you have got off the couch and will do very well with your running once you start the training program irrespective of the time it takes, congratulations.Sorry for your recent life decisions, I hope running will help you no ends, before you start the C25K training program you could go longer walks to get into the fresh air, I wish you luck for your running journey with C25K, by all means report back here on your progress.

[Pymander10 Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Thank you AlMor I appreciate your support very much. I try to go out everyday walking somewhere but I also have very bad social anxiety so getting out of the front door is tricky but music does help. Hopefully you will hear from me soon as im planning to report back on my first run back!

[Whydothis Graduate]

Yes, it can be difficult reading other peoples times, but you and I both know that running at our speed is good for us! Just go at your own speed! 🏃‍♀️I have (again) had couple of months without running - I have allowed myself to blame the hot weather this time - but your post has encouraged me to get going again - thank you 😊

[YorkieRunner]

Good morning Pymander10, I too, can struggle getting out the door! Sometimes, I try not to think too much before going, other times I think of the benefits, sometimes I just don’t want the anxiety to win and make myself go, knowing once I am out, it will be better. At worst, I think, if it is that bad either walk or come home. Luckily, I’ve not had to do either yet but it does help. Sometimes, it’s just finding that positive thought train that gets you through. As for speed, I don’t worry about that either. It’s nice to make a dent in the time taken but on the whole, I run for my ‘head’. It literally calms me for the day, therefore running at a certain speed because other people do, is insignificant to me. Our heads can be our own worst enemies at times. We really need to be kinder to ourselves, first and foremost. I wish you all the luck in the world, you’ve got this!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate]

Best of luck. You can do this and it will repay your efforts in so many ways: fitness,happiness, self esteem. We are all rooting for you! Xx

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Hey so good to see you back, who care about speed? I’ve run 5k in 40 minutes once! goodness only knows how that happened because it was over a year ago now and I’m mostly just over 50 minutes. I’m older than you but there are people here loads older than me who could walk it faster than I can run it. Just take it steady and listen to uplifting music, And have fun 🤩

[Tazzy_wazzy Graduate]

If it’s any comfort to you, it takes me 50 minutes to run 5K. I think I’m rubbish at running but I don’t care, I still get out there regardless. You’re going through a tough time atm, keep enjoying your running.

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Tazzy_wazzy]

You aren’t rubbish at all, running for 50 minutes takes some doing, be proud 🥹

[Brixcos Graduate in reply to Tazzy_wazzy]

I haven't even run 5k yet but guarantee it won't be under 50 mins, and I'm not rubbish at running and not are you! I'm just slow and steady 🐌

[Lifebeginsat Graduate]

Hi Pymander10, the fact that you are determined to get out there is an achievement in itself 👏👏👏. I have been doing this since Jan 2020, and due to various physical issues and injuries I've had to restart about 4 times. This time had been my longest gap and I felt so unfit when I restarted, and really concerned about whether I could do it. I am now doing 25 min runs, working up to 30. I am overweight incredibly slow ( I could walk faster 😂), but am still proud. As should you be. Start somewhere sensibly. Never compare. Each run will impact your physical and mental health positively. And we are all here, cheering you on!

[Leotigris Graduate]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the speed that you run at - go at your own pace. No one will judge you. I suppose that you are too young to remember Flash, the tortoise from Fingerbobs: "slowly, steadily I go at my own pace, who wants to run a race, as long as I get there why worry, what's the hurry"

[Pymander10 Graduate in reply to Leotigris]

I am too young to remember but I do love that maybe it could be my mantra.I’m just so tired after having visitors last weekend I just feel emotionally and physically exhausted especially after medication in top I think I could have a rest week but then is just that an excuse?!

[Cherie65 Graduate]

Hi Pymander10 - good for you, getting back out there. You are not doing this to try to be a professional athlete and go faster than other people - you are quite rightly doing it for YOU so it really doesn't matter what speed you do, what distance you do or what anyone else thinks (chances are nobody is thinking anything anyway). If it makes YOU feel happier and/or healthier that's all that matters. Best of luck and let us know how it goes if you want to.