Last run of February, last run of week 7

[NettieNoo]

Week 7, done! I don't know that it's feeling any easier yet, but then I remind myself that I've got to week 7 in 7 weeks (6 actually, as I started at week 2) and when I first did c25k it took me about 8 months to get to week 9 🙈 Today's positives;

The compression socks are fab. I don't know if they help in any way other than psychologically, but who cares?

Fitbit thought my walk back was a run! Makes a change from running for all I'm worth and it telling me I've been for a stroll 😆

My heart rate is improving.

My cheeks are pink. I'm starting to look a bit healthy 😁

I couldn't quite say I'm enjoying running again yet, but I'm enjoying the process, if not the actual running.

Best of all, the last 6 weeks have improved my state of mind beyond recognition. Last year was dark and stressful - I think I cried every day from May to Christmas and I spent a LOT of time sat in my dressing gown, doom scrolling and feeling hopeless. I'm now feeling much more positive (almost perky sometimes) and the running has generally made me take better care of myself ... eating better, not drinking, taking lots of exercise as well as the running, washing regularly (I know that sounds awful, but I was so miserable that there were days I just couldn't be bothered to get washed or dressed). I have no real expectations this time round ... if I just carry on like this i.e. running for half an hourish 3 times a week, that'll do for me. And I'm NOT stopping this time.

[MrsBump Graduate]

That’s wonderful, NettieNoo! It really does transform our sense of well-being, doesn’t it?

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

You certainly won't stop... you are determined and we will be watching for you too! Huge well done to you... You have quite literally pulled yourself out of the slough of despond , right back up to better physical and mental health !

It has not been easy and you should feel very proud of yourself...maybe, as you carry on, you will feel confident in the terrific way that things have evolved; I wonder if the feeling of not enjoying the running is not so much the running, but the actual weight of 'needing' to do it?

Some new routes, gentle runs. relaxing into them and letting the success of your progress carry you and make your steps a little lighter

You are doing brilliantly!

[NettieNoo Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

It's such a physical effort right now that I can't appreciate it until it's over. I'm doing 2 out of 3 runs in the dark after work, so the same route every time (somewhere I feel safe in the dark) so as soon as the clocks go forward I'll be trying out somewhere different. And yes, I think the fear of "what if I can't keep doing this thing that makes me feel so much better?" is real. So I'm being sensible and listening to my body, not pushing so hard that I just make myself hurt. I felt like I could have kept going last night, beyond the 25 minutes ... but I didn't, I followed the plan because I know it works if you do.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to NettieNoo]

I understand...and yes, gosh, I can see why it is hard to relax running in those circumstances. You are doing the right thing... stay strong.. you will get there x

[RodneyP]

I completely understand where you are coming from!! But it is all in the past now, because this version of yourself is worth keep running for!!! Well done!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Wow, well done, what a brilliant thing you've achieved for your own wellbeing. I hope once the evenings get lighter you'll be able to enjoy the runs for themselves too. It makes such a difference when you can choose a route you enjoy. I've had a bad case of the toxic ten this time around, so I'm only starting to relax into it now I'm on the longer runs and running long enough to get past that feeling. And I am going veeeeery ssloooooowwly!Keep posting, we are here to cheer you on 😊💪👏

[NettieNoo Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thank you! I'm finding it toxic 20, so I'm hoping that when I move on to 28 minutes running (tonight!😰) the final 8 minutes will be euphoric. Fingers crossed!

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate in reply to NettieNoo]

🤞🤞🤞