loving support please

[Allotmentrunner]

I’m having a bad time. I lost my husband in March and had to say goodbye to my dog yesterday. I’m on W8 R2 and for goodness sake Laura with her “you can think about going faster, you could step up the pace …”. It was the slowest I’ve ever run today and for the first time since starting the programme I had to stop and walk for a chunk of time in the middle 😢

[Southernrunner]

Sounds like a really rough time for you. Be kind to yourself. Sending lots of loving support!

[Yesletsgo Graduate]

So sorry you're having such a sad year. Despite what Laura says sometimes stepping up the pace isn't what you need. Be kind to yourself and take all the time you need.Sending loving support

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I think you are amazing for running at all at this time. I hope it is usually giving you some comfort, (Laura not withstanding) We all have runs when we can't complete, usually a good one will come next time. Forget this one and move on when you're ready. Big hugs xx

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 Wrapping you in our loving support through this time of grief. Holding you in our hearts and prayers. Well done on getting out there and running. Keep it at your own comfortable pace. Many of us who graduated ages ago still run at snail pace! Do this run again after a rest day, but start slowly and keep it slow throughout. 🤗💜

[61Lady Graduate]

Such a sad few months for you - sending my love and support.

Honestly I reckon we’ve all had many runs that initially were disappointing but look how far you’ve come since starting C25k. You’re doing amazingly well and you should be proud of yourself for getting out there. Speed shouldn’t necessarily be an aim - there’s no shame in being slow or walking sometimes - be patient and be kind to yourself.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Hey, you've been through such a lot, dont beat yourself up for walking, I walk loads and Ive been running for years. I lost my partner in March and cant believe how raw it still feels, so give yourself a break, losing your dog, your best friend must be devastating ....finish the programme then you can run, run/walk, go fast or go slow, its up to you

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you. I’m sorry for your loss, it doesn’t get any easier does it. I’ll persevere with my running/walking

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 SueAppleRun Allotmentrunner two brave ladies 🤗🤗💜💜

[SueAppleRun Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you

[ToothPickJafah Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Lots of love and hugs sent your way

🖤🥰💜😘💙🥰🖤😘💜 xxx

[Kenzo22]

So sorry for your very sad year. Well done for keeping running in spite of a horrendous time. You are an inspiration. Sending you love and hugs.

[Sidmouth203 Graduate]

Don't worry about Laura! Sometimes a day will be depressingly slow but it doesn't matter, slow is good and be kind to yourself. Running helps your mood as well as your physical health. Got a feeling running will help you through this tough time🤗🏃‍♀️

[doggytail Graduate]

So sorry for your loss.I am having an horrendous year, can't run anymore due to prolapsed bladder lost even the motivation to go walking.

You are doing fantastic to even get out there.

Sending hugs love and prayers ❤️

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to doggytail]

Oh so sorry for what you’re going through. Will take you on a virtual run with me next time I’m out 🤗

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate in reply to doggytail]

🍏😢That sounds extremely difficult and must affect every area of your life. Praying for you too!!! Hope you are getting some help and support xx

[maisiesgranny Graduate]

So sorry you're having such a difficult time - never underestimate the deep sadness of losing a pet...especially after losing your husband earlier in the year. It was brave under the circumstances to do your run...and not entirely surprising you felt you had to walk for a bit. Be kind to yourself. I think Laura is absolutely wrong about pace - in fact when I was doing the programme I ditched Laura in favour of Denis Lewis who was much more encouraging. I think the emphasis on speed is wholly, totally wrong. What's it all about? Why does speed matter? And to whom? Surely a large part of the point of running is to have fun and enjoy it. It took me the full 9 weeks to realise how much more I enjoyed my jogs at very slow pace. Who was I trying to impress...and what's the purpose of trying to go faster than you're ready for? I hope running enjoyably will help overcome your sadness, but no more beating yourself up - you're doing brilliantly as it is. Well done.

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to maisiesgranny]

Thank you. Will try Denise Lewis

[kitthecat in reply to Allotmentrunner]

So sorry for your heart breaking time, and admire you for carrying on with the programme. I keep on with it mostly for the mental lift I get. I'm only on week 7 and I'm very slow - but I do find Denise Lewis really supportive. Always emphasises its time not speed and full of praise -' just keep putting one foot in from of the other'. Sending love, encouragement and admiration.

[Leotigris Graduate in reply to Allotmentrunner]

Speaking from experience I would say that Denise is a good choice

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to maisiesgranny]

Ok dumb question! How do I actually change to Denise from Laura?

[Gthants in reply to Allotmentrunner]

Open the app. Across the bottom are four options; bottom right is settings; top option there is Your Trainer > change.

It's there you can make your choice.

Very best wishes to you.

[maisiesgranny Graduate in reply to Allotmentrunner]

No, I'm the dummy - it took me weeks to find this mythical Laura that everyone was talking about. When I joined, I was offered Laura or a handful of celebs including Sarah Millican, Denise and a few others. I started off with Sarah because I thought I would need a laugh....but quickly swapped to the wonderful Denise who is both warm, encouraging AND I wanted to please her (ridiculous, I know!!). If you go into settings in your app, it should offer you a 'your trainer' choice. If you click on that you should get Steve Cram, Jo Whiley and a few others! Good luck.

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to maisiesgranny]

Jo Whiley is lovely, I ditched Sarah Millican and Michael Johnson for her

[TimeInNature Graduate]

That all sounds really tough. We had to say goodbye to our furry family member (also a dog) in January and that was hard on its own - she was the one that kept my routine when everything else was in disarray - so I can’t begin to imagine how hard this is for you

Well done on keeping going with Couch to 5k. I think walking for a bit is totally understandable. You must be shattered.

Take care of yourself

[Rabbit561 Graduate]

so sorry to hear of all your recent losses. What a hard time you are having! Be gentle with yourself and run as slowly as you like. The one thing I’ve learnt doing c25k is you can never go too slowly. I agree that Laura can be by a bit of a hard task master and last time I did the programme I let Steve Cram help me along. He made me feel enthusiastic but not pressured and made me smile a lot. So worth a try if Denise doesn’t hit the spot for you. Good luck!

[Bruch1 Graduate]

So sorry you are going through all this. As everyone else has said, just take it easy and don't beat yourself up regarding your speed. You are doing it and that's what matters. I hope running will help you with your grief. You are amazing and we're all here for you. Sending love and hugs. PS I had Sarah Millican as my C25K coach, she's so funny but still motivating.

[Cassandra61 Graduate]

Sorry you are going through a storm. I graduated two weeks ago but it took me 18 months, yes that long because I was having a bad time too. So look at what you are doing, you have got to week 8 so you are basically there! You are keeping going because somewhere you know it is helping and doing you good. So do what you can and what is good for you and don't worry about the rest. Easier said than done I know, but you will get there and in the mean time doesn't ask too much of yourself 🌞

[RunningChocoholic Graduate]

I just wanted to echo everybody else’s sentiments, you are having a very tough year so please be kind to yourself. I lost my lovely dad last year and the grief has been indescribable at times. It literally is one day (or hour) at a time. For what it’s worth, I graduated years ago (I used Jo Wiley) and I never, ever had anything left in the tank. And I still don’t! But I’m a happy plodder and I get there in the end. Take care of yourself and well done for getting this far xx

[CH951]

Hi feel wot u need to do, things at moment feel bad,yes ir probably think things can't get worse,but think of the good times,would your husband like u to sit about,probably not, think about your well being xx

[445600 Graduate]

Good morning! Just take each day as it comes. If you run you run if you don’t then you don’t. Please don’t make it a chore you possibly won’t run at all if it push yourself too hard. Be kind to yourself do what you want. I can’t even imagine what you’re going through at the moment . Look after yourself- massive hugs ❤️

[JeremiahObadiah Graduate]

You are doing so amazingly well to be countering your sadness with getting out there and running. Bravo for your courage and determination. I am hugely impressed.

In my opinion, you should not worry one jot that at this advanced point in the programme you had to walk for a section. Give yourself however long it needs to get up to this level of running. Do some of the earlier runs for a few weeks to consolidate at this level before moving on if it feels right for you. Read OldFloss’s posts and do some other types of strengthening exercises to complement the running. Don’t push yourself and your body too hard-you don’t want to put yourself off mentally and you don’t want to pick up a physical injury (I did develop shin splints which stopped my running just after i graduated and I wish I’d taken the whole 9 weeks over a longer period with more gradual increases) What’s a few more weeks when you are working towards this fabulous goal!

You are dealing with a lot of stuff in your head at the moment so please be gentle and kind with yourself whatever the very encouraging but disembodied trainer may be saying ! Make sure you are eating well and keeping up your water intake to stay healthy and strong too. Xx

[Oldlady57]

Loving support being sent x

[Getfitordietrying Graduate]

Be kind to yourself, be very kind. I am very sorry to hear of your losses. I think grief doesn’t just affect us emotionally, it affects our bodies too. Keep running or run/walking at the pace that is right for you now. Keep going if you can. Small gains are really important and right now just putting on your shoes and getting out there is a gain. Best wishes

[RosesAreRed777 Graduate]

Massive hug to you and tell Laura (you love her) but not today. So sorry for your losses, that’s really hard so take it easy and be kind to yourself, you are amazing to get out there at all. Sending lots of support for you ((((((((((❤️))))))))))and hugs.

[Teaching]

Sorry for your losses. Take it one step at a time. Prayers for you.

[Raisemeup Graduate]

Just do it your way, slow as you need with a walk if necessary. It's your 5k and we can only run according to how we feel and with the cards that life has dealt us. At this time, it sounds like you have been dealt a rough hand, so you are responding accordingly. However, it really will get better, just stay in the game.All the best for the future and happier times.

[Petem56 Graduate]

Just take it as a practice run, don't beat yourself up, you have had more than enough grief, so don't give yourself anymore, next time she says go faster, just tell her where to go😁

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to Petem56]

🤣

[Hidden]

So sorry to hear your news, ignore Laura run at your own pace and run with the thought of this run is for my husband and this run is for my dog. It will give you the motivation to finish the run. Keep them in your thoughts through the run think of all the happy moments and the run will soon be over, “keep on running, keep on smiling” .

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Lovely thank you

[Funbugfan Graduate]

Like others I’m sorry to hear you’re going through such a tough time. Losing the people we love is hard and then to lose your dog on top of that really sucks. Sometimes when I’m struggling I listen to coach Chris Bennet on the Nike run app. Even when I’m not I do. He’s probably not everyone’s cup of tea but I find him to be supportive or at the least mildly entertaining when I jog or walk or both. He also does a few podcasts on the app with Andy Puddecombe from Headspace which I find to be very practical.. Good on you for being out there, do what you can, when you can. Best wishes.

[RollingPea Graduate]

Walking within your run is a thing. It even has a name. It's a training technique known as "jeffing". Sure, it's not part of the C25K programme, but it's still an excellent way to carry on building fitness. I think it would do no harm to experiment with jeffing whenever you need to at the moment, then continue with Weeks 8 and 9 when it feels right. You are doing great and you will get there!Read more about jeffing here:

runnersworld.com/uk/health/...

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to RollingPea]

That’s a new one on me 👍

[Seuzan Graduate]

Keep going, one day at a time and one run at a time. You can do it! Take good care of yourself. Sending you lots of love & positive energy 🌺

[StarTwink Graduate]

It’s so nice to hear all the support and encouragement given to you at a time of loss and sadness. Grief can be a lonely journey, you have been really strong to share it. Bottling things up and having no one to talk to, who understands you sorrow can be a little isolating. Losing your husband and your dog must be such a difficult time. I just wanted to make you aware that the Blue Cross have a pet loss support service. You can contact them via email, phone or web chat. Just might be another source of comfort when you need some understanding and want to talk. Take good care of you and do whatever feels right x

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to StarTwink]

Didn’t know about that, thanks

[PeggySusi Graduate]

I’m so sorry that you are having to deal with so much grief. Well done for getting out there, running or walking is fine at the moment. You are giving some structure to your day with fresh air and exercise. You are so close to the end of the programme! I hope you will keep it up after graduation and it will help you to get through.

Sending hugs and good wishes. 🤗

[west4]

Well done for keeping on through tough times. Take care and keep going...

[Jinxy28451]

Sending love and kind thoughts to you. Condolences on your recent losses.

Well done you for putting your running shoes on, going outside and shutting the door behind you! That's the hardest part of every run. 👟🚪🗝️

The second hardest is putting one foot in front of the other for the time/distance you're intending to. You did that too! 🏅

I graduated from Laura after C25K get me through a tough time a few years ago, but definitely told her to get lost (or words to that effect a few times!) and replaced her with a timer on my phone for the last few weeks of C25K... Now, after a year of poor mental health stopped me from doing things (these gremlins tell lies to keep their hold), 5 weeks ago I finally managed to get back out running 3 times a week; my pace is all over the place 😂 but it's the best 'thing I do for myself' that I've managed to regain.

Speed doesn't matter. It's all about time on your feet, being active and just doing something. You listened to your body and did what it needed. Remember that your mind and body have a huge effect on each other. No two days are the same when it comes to our capacity to do exercise. Emotions can be exhausting.

Some days we celebrate new levels of sporting prowess; some days we celebrate getting out of the house. Be kind to yourself and celebrate every achievement 🤗

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to Jinxy28451]

Lovely thoughtful honest - thank you. And well done you for getting back out there, long may it continue 🤗

[Over60sRunner Graduate]

I was going to click on the like button, but there's nothing to like about your current situation and I am so sorry for your losses 🙏

I will light my remembrance candle 🕯 to help light the way for your lovely dog to cross Rainbow Bridge and I am sending you healing and comfort 🙏 💔 🙏

Candle

[Allotmentrunner Graduate Graduate in reply to Over60sRunner]

Thank you 🙏