Recently bereaved

[LucyLooRuns]

My husband passed away suddenly 5 weeks ago. I think completing c25k may be a good way of dealing with the crippling anxiety and shock I’m feeling. Has anyone else found that running is a form of therapy? I have had this app for 4 years- but never used it…

[Cmoi Graduate]

Hi LucyLooRuns , first of all, I'm sorry for your loss. Five weeks isn't long at all when someone you loved deeply has died, and it's absolutely normal to be feeling as you do.

I think it's wonderful that you're thinking of doing C25K, and while I wouldn't dream of saying it will fix things, yes, running can be therapeutic. It can give you time to yourself, headspace, mental strength and confidence. It can remind you that nobody has to be permanently strong, and that some days simply putting one foot in front of the other, literally or metaphorically, is success. It can teach you that you're capable of much, much more than you ever thought.

Why not have a read through the How to run C25K FAQ healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Then find some suitable shoes and clothes, and give week 1, run 1 a go? There are so many people here on this forum to support you.

I wish you strength and happiness.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you.

I’ve found running an excellent way to process difficult feeling and emotions, and I absolutely second everything that Cmoi has said in her post. It doesn’t make things go away but it can be something positive and a way of helping to cope.

There’s loads of friendly support here if you did decide to go ahead and start c25k. We’re ready to cheer you on if you want that. ❤️

[Papillon17 Graduate]

Hi LucyLooRuns, so sorry for your loss. I started C25K in January 2019 in order to compete and graduate by my 58th birthday in order to make sure I passed the age that my Dad passed away at I actually graduated the day after my 58th however this was the day my mum passed in the hospice and having spent the nearly all the last four days there I did the last two runs whilst she was there. I continued to run afterwards and found it so helpful running whilst making the funeral arrangements (my sisters were as useful as a chocolate fireguard) it gave me time to clear my head, time to think, time to run alone with my music and with Laura C25K trainer yes I continued to do around 40 consolidation runs using the last run of Week 9 just found it reassuring to have her in my ears and head whilst running. I think that you may find that undertaking the C25K will be one of the best things you do for yourself. Just remember take it easy, have at least a day between the runs, it doesn’t matter how long it takes you just do it for yourself. Good luck if you need to chat just message.

[markbrom Graduate]

I’m so sorry to hear this Lucy. It can only help can’t it? Go for it and let us know how you get on, I’ve always found this group so supportive on many aspects.

[TimeInNature Graduate]

Sorry for your loss LucyLooRuns. Give it a go, and remember to be gentle with yourself

[Cowladyrunning Graduate]

So sorry for your loss Lucy, I don't know if it will help but I think if you are considering it it must be worth a try? As the others have said, this is a fantastic place for support with your running.... let us know how it goes if you do try.

[Rabbit561 Graduate]

I am so sorry for your loss and it is still very, very recent. I do think running can be a form of therapy - it is for me though I am not running at the moment and really want to get back to it soon. I am lucky to be able to run in countryside and being in touch with nature helps me. Be kind and gentle with yourself, go very, very slowly and notice what is around you. Whatever you manage is a gain, never a failure.

[Liono Graduate]

Hello LucyLooRuns, welcome to the forum. I am very sorry to read this. I can answer your question with a resounding yes. I started the programme six months after losing my father and it helped me process some complex emotions and gave me a much-needed confidence boost, as well as making me feel that I was doing something to take care of myself and my own health. I gained a great sense of achievement and of moving forwards with each run. I only wish I had found it earlier!This forum is a very supportive place and catching up on other peoples posts over a cuppa every day became a new routine for me and a welcome distraction. There is no pressure with the programme either, you can take it slower if you need to. If you are able to run outside and focus on your surroundings then I think you stand to gain even more as the healing powers of nature are well-documented. Take care.

[Chinkoflight]

Firstly, my heartfelt sympathy, you're very brave to share your loss. Running is :Practical

Immersive

Gives you time and space.

So whether you tune into your surroundings, your earbuds, or reflect on a problem it's literally very grounding and physical. Your senses are elevated. If you are good at listening to yourself, and you know you make the best sense, then it will be therapeutic too.

[Dendev75 Graduate]

Oh Lucy my heart breaks for you.

I have found running a great therapy for my mental health this year to the point I no longer need my anxiety medication - and obviously it doesn’t fix anything but to have a plan gives you a focus in life which is a great sense of purpose.

I’d give it a go but what I’d also do is draw a little table of 3 columns for your three runs and 9 rows for your weeks and just tick each one off as you go, it’s visually satisfying to see how far you’ve come and how far you have to go. Best of luck and we’re all here for you on your journey.

[Katnap Graduate]

Completing C25K is very empowering. And you don't have to feel alone. By sharing on this forum we'll be here to support you every step of the way.

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[MakingTheMost Graduate]

Hello LucyLooRuns, I am really sorry to read your post.

Well, I'm now in week 8, I started a lot more than 8 weeks ago and I have found that it has helped me to find a moment of calmness in the midst of processing things that have recently happened in my life. My days are definitely better when I've had a run.

I've found that the outdoors are kind to your soul and this forum is the most supportive place I think I have ever found. If you decide to give it a go, be kind to yourself. There's lots of people here that will cheer you onwards.

[BlackCountryLee Graduate]

So sorry to hear of your loss Lucy. Getting out there in the fresh air and doing something for yourself can only do good. I have personally found running a great stress buster and notice my days are easier to deal with when I kick them off with a good run. Best of luck if you do decide to take the plunge. There’s a ton of lovely people and great advice on here to help get you through.

[Santa_1 Graduate]

Hi LucyLooRuns

I am so sorry for your loss.... I started couch to 5k 15 weeks ago after I completed the 9 weeks I have run 2 to 3 times a week ever since and I must admit it helps clear my mind and reduce anxiety. It is so good for you and I hope it helps. Good luck go with the flow..❤

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

I’ve been enjoying the runners world podcasts lately and came across this one in their back catalogue. I haven’t listened yet but wondered if you might find it helpful.

It’s episode 127: running and grief

“In this episode we're joined by Eliza Flynn and Dr John Wilson to discuss how running can help us to move forward, at our own pace, when tragedy strikes.”

podcasts.apple.com/gb/podca...

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate]

I am so so sorry for your loss, so sad. I don't think it will take away your grief, but I do think it may help you have some peace and stillness in your life, if only for a short period. I wish you well, take care and be kind to yourself.

[Peter44 Graduate]

Hi LucyLooRuns, I would highly recomend c25k, and running generaly, i've just past my 2 year runiversary, and would never have dreamed i'd be a runner, at this stage in my life, turning 59 next month.I too have lost alot of close family, including two sisters, and my wife, all in their 50's, and more recently my mum, and have found running to be a great help with dealing with everything. This forum will help you so much, with all the friendly people on here. I have now met a lovely new partner, which i also didnt expect at this stage in my life.

So, as others have said, i'm so sorry for your loss, and hope you also find running, the help it was for me.