5 years on - a (sort of) précis 😅

[cheekychipmunks]

How ironic. I was penning a post to follow on with the theme of sharing our running journeys to celebrate our runniversaries, and in it I’d mentioned my family glazing over when I got on my running soapbox. Well I made myself glaze over! I was going on … and on …. and on! So I pressed delete and saved you all! 😅

In a nutshell (I’ll try my best)

11/06/18 my 54 year self embarked on C25K.

Michael Johnson was my hero and he guided me through each run until my enthusiastic graduation in August 2018. I’d never run before, but I felt like I’d conquered Mt. Everest, I was that proud. My dog came on each run. It was wonderful. 🥰

I registered for parkrun and my Saturdays changed forever (try it, you’ll love it).

I worked my way to 10k with the fabulous Magic Plan which brought some of us like-minded VRBs together on the forum and ultimately in real life. It’s been an ongoing friendship, with more being picked up along the way. Lovely lovely people. You know who you are. ❤️

I’ve done 126 parkruns, lots of those as a tourist, I’ve done enough races to require a new medal hanger (10k, 10 miles and HM, with aspirations to one day run the London Marathon) and running has helped me through several life changing events. I’ll be forever grateful to my daughter recommending. C25K to me, and now my younger daughter has the bug too and we attend PR together most weeks. She’s fast, I’m not, but the joy we have each week is immeasurable.

Any misgivings you newbies may be having, toss them to one side. C25K is the best. Life changing even. These forums are invaluable and I know they kept me going and kept me uber fit at a time of life when things can slide. Do it guys, you will not regret it.

Seriously, that was meant to be short! I apologise! 😅

[David_G]

Well said cheekychipmunks I’d agree with everything you’ve said. The last five years have been hard work for many of us, but running has kept us going. 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to David_G]

Thanks David, yes it’s been a funny old 5 years, and without running, especially during lockdown, who knows how they’d have turned out?

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

That is remarkably brief summary of an amazing 5 years CC. You were a pathfinder in the group. Always aiming for the next milestone with real determination (which you sometimes labelled stubbornness). I remember you and UTS running your first HM together. This forum is an amazing mutual support group and you have played a major part in helping others run, and encouraging us when we have had injuries and other set backs in life. So here’s to you and Flossie on your 5th 🥂 and wishing you many many more happy runs.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Thank you BC 😀 I’m a bit renowned for getting the job done, and if I enjoy something, all the better. I didn’t know running would take over my life like it has, and I’m amazed how supportive and friendly the running community is.

Yes, UTS and I made a pact to run our inaugural HMs virtually together on the same day in September 2019 and it was such a boost knowing someone was out there achieving the same result! I know I got on my soapbox that day too, and maybe, just maybe, I was a tiny part in several VRBs (mentioning no names!!) following suit.

Thanks for your support too! Class of 2018 ❤️

[UpTheStanley in reply to Beachcomber66]

First and last in my case! It’s just too far to be any fun 🙄

[Beachcomber66 Graduate in reply to UpTheStanley]

I can definitely see what you mean. I have done three now. One at about the same time as the one you did with cheeky; that was a complete accident. I had run 10 miles, so I set out see how far I could get and shocked myself with an HM. The second one was for Epilepsy Action and the third one was a couple of weeks ago. That was the product of using the NRC HM app to build up my running strength again and the HU HM just came along! I would like to do another whilst I am still HM fit, just to see whether I can improve the pace a bit; but it will still be very slow. I think that I have got used to plodding along at a steady pace. You, on other hand, have real pace, so an HM probably brings insufficient buzz for the time expended. A good team needs different talents 👍

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Yes, totally agree BC. I know all too well about running at a happy steady pace. The hardest part for me is deviating from it!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to UpTheStanley]

Certainly true with the speed you go UpTheStanley !

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

And the hat a great advert the class of '18 is, it's been inspiring and encouraging reading your posts over the years

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thanks Sola, and the same certainly applies to you! Happy running. 😀

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Happy runniversary..! One heck of a running adventure and it still goes on...Thank you for posting this.. as one of our most inspirational runners here on the forums...it is good to let our new runners see just where their running will take them.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Ahh thanks OF. The adventure certainly continues. Isn’t it great how every run is so different? Never dull. 🥰

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Never...ever...dull! Xxx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

❤️

[skysue16 Graduate]

Great post - don’t apologise! 😊👍 What an amazing running journey you are having and wonderful successes whether it was for a medal or simply for the joy of running. I might do a ‘little’ post of my own because I recently completed the programme again (with variations!).

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to skysue16]

You definitely should do your own post SS. It’s wonderful to hear about everyone’s journey and how it evolves. The vast majority of my runs are for fun - I don’t think I’ve ever regretted going out. ❤️

[Dexy5 Graduate]

I think you’ve fitted in 5 years of running love into your post extremely well cheekychipmunks . It’s been lovely to run with you on several occasions.

Happy runniversary.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy. It’s hard for me not to write War and Peace type posts and even replies, but I’m glad I was able to get it down to a manageable size and still project how much running means to me. 😀

Yes, we’ve had some great runs together haven’t we, and some great laughs too. More to come! 👏👏

[Gthants in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I'm half way through my re-re read - of W&P, not your post!😂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Gthants]

Not much difference in length though! 😅😅

[Irish-John Graduate]

Congratulations on five years Cc 🙂👍🏻

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Irish-John]

Thank you I-J, I can’t believe it, it’s flown by. 😀

[backintime Graduate]

I love a long read, soap box or not, you should have offered both the long and short versions

You've been a huge influence in these forums, congrats on your runniversary!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to backintime]

Haha I don’t think you’ve have said that if you’d seen how long the original truly was backintime 😅 Even I was rapidly losing the will to live. 🥱😅

But thank you. I do love to share my love of running, and want people to know that if I can, they certainly can. 👊

[Shake-and-run]

happy runniversary Cheeky and Flossie.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Shake-and-run]

Thanks Shakes! Here’s to many more years of running and run meetups. 😀

[ToothPickJafah Graduate]

Happy Runniversay to you 👏 love your photo…I just wanna boop your dogs nose! 🤗

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to ToothPickJafah]

Thanks ToothPickJafah ! Haha, Flossie wouldn’t mind; boop away! 😅

[CBDB Graduate]

You are making me curious of what the long version would say! 😂😂😂

Great post reflecting on a great journey!

Let’s keep running!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Haha, you really don’t want to know CBDB. I can go into serious detail, and believe me that post was above and beyond. 😅

Thanks, yes let’s all keep running. 🏃‍♀️ 🏃‍♂️ 👏

[Hedgehogs123 Graduate]

what a lovely summary of how you started, loved reading it and great photo!! Totally agree about ParkRun, I so look forward to my Saturday mornings, Saturday will never be the same again!!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Hedgehogs123]

Aww thanks Hedgehogs, it’s been a wonderful addition to my life, and PR is the icing on the cake each week. So much fun. 👏👏👏

[Katnap Graduate]

Have a lovely runniversary!

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Thanks Katnap! 🥰

[grumpyoldgirl Graduate]

Five years, goodness me. Very happy runniversary Cheeky, and here's to many more happy runs in the future! 🥂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to grumpyoldgirl]

Thanks grumpyoldgirl! Yes, I don’t know where that 5 years has gone. But when I mentioned it to Mr Cheeky he was surprised it wasn’t longer. It must feel that way to him with the way I harp on about it! 😅

Thanks, I’ll toast that sentiment too! 🥂🥂

[Sandie1961 Graduate]

Happy runniversary fellow musketeer 😁 I have such a big grin thinking about all the wonderful experiences we have already had together. Here’s to many more to come my lovely friend xxx🥰 Up the Class of 2018!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Sandie1961]

Aww back at ya Musketeer! ❤️ Haven’t we had the best time? Something tells me there’s more where that came from, so woohoo! 👏👏👏👏

[Sandie1961 Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Absolutely 😃😃😃

[JonathanP Graduate]

Great to run with you Cheeky - looking forward to repeating that as soon as I'm able!🤞

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to JonathanP]

Oh yes please Jonathan! Just say the word and I’ll be in my car. 🥰

[Gthants]

Not yet done my week 8, run 1 run this morning, so this is inspirational!

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Gthants]

Ahh I don’t know how I missed your reply Gthants , my notifications don’t always ‘notify’ 🙄

I’m happy you found that loooong post inspiring. It’s great to share my love of running, and I wish you every success on your exciting journey! Hope your run went well. 😀

[Jools2020 Graduate]

Happy Runniversary, Cheeky! Lovely, well written post, if a little short 🤣

Great photo, too! 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Jools2020]

Haha don’t tempt me Jools! 😂 You’d regret it for sure. 😅

Thank you! My dog isn’t sure she approves of the angle, but I thought it was sweet. 🐕🥰

[Wine]

Brilliant post and thank you.... I love it too

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Wine]

Thank you so much Wine ! 😀

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

Congratulations to you CC on your 5th runiversary on graduating from C25K, you like me are part of the class of 2018, it's just next week that I will celebrate 5 years as well since graduating, I intend to rerun run 3 of week 9 at exactly the same place where I graduated, once again a big congratulations to you Cheekychipmunks ✅✅✅🎉🎉

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to AlMorr]

Ahh thanks so much Al! I remember you and I starting running around the same time, although you were a few weeks ahead of me. My graduation was on August 18th. What a wonderful thing we’ve done, and here’s to many many more years of running! 😀

I hope you’ll write a celebratory 5th runniversary post too! 🎉

[Huffnpuf Graduate]

Loved your post, encouragement and your dog 🐕 😍, so positive 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Huffnpuf]

Aww thank you Huffnpuf, it’s honestly the best thing I’ve done! My dog is now 11 and still enjoys running with me, but only off the lead. She’s my running buddy! 🐕❤️

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

fabulous cheekychipmunks ..what a great journey it’s been…I’ve been on here for 6 years now & I remember my graduation run like it was yesterday!!

Here’s to many, many more years of running 🏃‍♀️ xxx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks MC, isn’t it amazing how running has affected our lives in the best way? 🥰 Yes, here’s to more of the same in the years to come! 🥂

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

yes…I don’t know what I did before!!

And I agree, here’s to many more x

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Mummycav]

Cheers to that! 🥂

[Jackapoodle Graduate]

I'm just catching up on posts as I'm on my jollies in Cornwall and just wanted to say that you're one of several people on here whose posts I really enjoy as they're always fun, supportive and informative 😊 And your doggy's nose is irresistibly boop-worthy 😍

(Brought my running gear away with me but haven't got out yet lol 🙈 )

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

Thank you Jackapoodle! I get a bit overly enthusiastic with my posts sometimes, and need to rein myself in. 😅 But I do love supporting and encouraging people, so maybe that’s a good thing!

Flossie is pretty special. She’s 11 now, but her nose is still boopable, I agree! She still runs with me, but only when she can go off lead. 🐕❤️

Oh, enjoy your hols - and your eventual runs! We’re off to Brittany at the end of the week (Flossie too 😀), and my running kit will be coming, if only to counteract the sheer number of calories I know I’m going to consume!) 😅

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

I missed this! Happy Runniversary! What a wonderful post reflecting a wonderful journey. Massive congratulations to you. You’ve got so much to celebrate and so much more to look forward to. Rooting for you to by lucky for London.

Thanks so much for being here with so much inspiration and support for everyone. ❤️❤️❤️

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Thanks much MU. I’m always happy to share my love of running and want others to feel that same joy. 🥰

Running the LM would one heck of a cherry on an already delicious cake. I’m keeping things tightly crossed 🤞❤️

[Irishprincess Graduate]

How did I miss this Munks?!!!

Many congratulations to you and well done for keeping at it 🥳👏👍

Your joy and enthusiasm shines through every reply and post in these parts and of course I love your passion for the old bling!

It was an absolute pleasure to meet you in person and I hope we can do it again soon.

Here’s to the next year of running free and happy xxx

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

I’ve been missing things recently too IP. My notifications don’t always do what they say on the tin - notify. C’mon now notifications, you have one job! 😂

Yes. 5 years has flown by and it’ll be exciting to see what’s in store next. I’m hoping for a LM place one day, and of course to run the ill-fated Bath Half. It’s back to March next year I’ve heard, so maybe 2024 will be the year. Interested? I’d love to see you again! 🥰

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Definitely! It’s happening in October this year too so I’m hoping I’ll be out of these injuries and able to do it then 🤞

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Oh I hope you can too IP! 🤞 I would too, but of course it on the same day as the GSR which is plain ridiculous. 🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄