So ...I stopped running. Period. I have ended up taking on too much "life" stuff. Mentally, I'm just not in the frame of mind, and my body, and lungs especially are screaming at me following two bouts of colds and coughs, one of which I think was COVID, but never actually tested positive for 🤷🏾♀️I will eventually get back to it, when I'm ready. But I've decided to just....walk. and believe me, even this is a massive step for me, with everything else that I have going on.
I'm not "being soft" (though had a time telling myself that I was and beating myself up for it), but "being kind". I'd rather do what I know I can do, than feel crap after making myself do something I cannot do right now. And that's enough for me.
Anyone else who can share good advice on getting "out of a bad funk" please share. I'm guessing the ultimate one is to just "bloody start again" but I cry at the thought right now.
Feeling vulnerable sharing this, but I think you guys seem to have everyone's backs on here.
Panda x
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PuffingPanda
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You are in the right place... I have just started C25K again after six weeks out....
I have logged a lot of my ongoing journey back to normality after Mr OF's heart attack, ( he is recovering), six weeks ago and the ensuing return of panic and anxiety attacks!!!
You don't have to read these at all, but it may help to know, that I and others in their replies know where you are coming from! It also links to breathing and yoga and other things!!!
Loads of us are repeating all or bits, and many, like me beginning with S and F exercise and walking!!! Many of us starting back, from a not happy place.... BUT...
We are here for each other and we will support each other!
so.... YOU decide where you want to begin.... with walking... ( maybe think about some lovely breathing and simple, keep the body moving exercise too).... and there are loads in my logged posts... and many, many more on the Strength and Flex Forum !!
You can and should try to post.... believe me, it keeps you on track, because folk are amazing!!!
Post here, on the Strength and Flex Forum or on Active 10.... you will get support and lots of empathy!!
Please... now you are here.... stay.... YOU are definitely not alone. !!!!
It's hard enough to get out there, but regular walks will do you lots of good - body & mind. I got injured and an re-doing C25K; and yes, it's frustrating, but it's a known quantity this time round. So - if you want them - the runs will always be there for you.
Meanwhile do what exercises you can and do not engage in any pointless beat-yourself-upness. 💜
Walking is a great exercise and it’s much better to do that instead of forcing yourself to run when you’re “not in the right place” for it. Besides, you also need some time to recover physically as well.
My suggestion is to carry on with your walking and to leave the running until you’re comfortable with the idea of giving it a try. Or, to put it another way, “take the pressure off”.
If / when you feel like giving running another try, do you know any other parents who might be interested in starting running with you? Alternatively, how about a local running club or, maybe, a council supported C25K course?
Hi PuffingPanda! One of the hardest things to do is to listen to your body. It is so important that you do though! Walking is great exercise! I was unable to run for a year. When I was finally able to start back up, it was hard. I found myself having to work back in to it slowly. I started with walking. When I felt ready, I started to slowly run some of those walks. Even now that I am back to fully running, I continue to walk on my non run days. If I am having a run where I feel like I am struggling, I will stop and walk for a bit. I run much slower than I used to, but I have learned to be okay with it. Listen to your body. If a walk is what you are able to do, then walk and enjoy it! No matter whether you walk or run though, be kind to yourself- and be proud that even though you are busy with life, you are still taking care of yourself and getting out and moving. Life puts enough pressure on us all. Let your walks relieve some of that pressure, not add to it.
🍏 Lots of good advice already given! So pleased you took the great decision to write in and let us know how you are feeling. Please accept a hug 🤗 and enjoy your walks. Time for you! The runs will wait and when you are ready to start slowly and gently, we will be here to cheer you on!
With regards to your "confession", I forgive you for all your "sins" 😆 remeber life is a journey and it is not an easy one. The same applies to c25k and it might not be the right moment now, but the important thing is that you tried hard 🏅💐 and in the end you have found what works for you now! 🚶♀️🚶♀️🚶♀️
Walking is one of the best things we can do. My whole fitness journey started with a walking challenge! And walking is the only physical activity I was able to do for many years! Embrace it, enjoy it! Your moment to move on from walking to something a bit more intensive will come and you will be ready then!
Sloooowly but surely you will no doubt find your path to stay healthy and feel your best!
I'm glad it's not just me, I was doing well with running consistent and entering runs and getting medals, then life hit me and I fell off every wagon going, food, fitness, self care fast forward to three years later and I'm full of regret for where I was with fitness and weightloss and my running journey. But what I realised recently which gave me a boost and some motivation was that the past is just that it's done and u can't change it, but I can change my future so that's what I'm trying to do. One step at a time. Don't be too hard on yourself and you will get there. Much love ❤️
Goodness I share your pain. I had 8 weeks out with a bad knee and thought I’d never get going again. Kept putting it off and making excuses so I’m the end I just started walking every day and then started at week 1 beginning again. Much to my surprise I really enjoyed it and within 4 weeks I was back up and running again
I’m convinced most “fitness” regimes are mental as much or if not more than physical so be kind to yourself, take it slow, walk in the fresh air, listen to the birds, feel the sun (or rain) on your skin and enjoy being out in the world and slowly pick up the pace
I really feel for you but please don’t beat yourself up about it x I had to do the same and it broke my heart it’s taken me just over two years but I’m flying again so be at peace with yourself, do what you have to do, running is always there for us sat quietly in the background and one day you will wake up or just be walking along and break into a jog because you want to even if you don’t know why x sending you love and light and strength xx
Please don’t beat yourself up about life getting in the way of your good intentions. You have a small child and a job, you are pulled in many different directions and finding time, energy and inclination to run do not coincide is not remotely surprising.
Rather than berate yourself and make yourself feel low, how about doing some short online video exercises at home. Your little one could join in. For example there is an NHS warm up 5 minutes video which gets you feeling good even if you don’t then do more exercise! There are plenty of other free resources as Old Floss has mentioned . Short and frequent will be better than long and infrequent.
Walking is a really good way to keep yourself fit but obviously it’s time consuming if it’s an added extra to an already hectic day. Could you walk to work or park 20 minutes away from work or walk at lunch maybe to make it part of your everyday routine.?
Please keep posting, I believe there are plenty of people who read this who aren’t themselves in the zone and want to know what others are doing either instead of running or to motivate themselves to run.
Hey PuffingPanda, you made me well up with love and sympathy...it's really brave to show your vulnerability. There's no law on earth that says you must run. I'm not remotely religious but there's a wonderfully poetic passage in the book of Ecclesiastes in the Bible which basically says there are times for doing stuff...and there are times for not doing stuff. (You're probably not old enough to be a Byrds fan, but they put it to music brilliantly - the track's called Turn Turn Turn.) It's a wise and ultimately productive philosophy. Walking is terrific btw. And if you ever feel you want to run again - fine. And if you don't - fine. Have a wonderful life!
Walking is great for the body and mind. Just getting out in the fresh air can do you a world of good.
I've been struggling for the last 9 weeks now having been unable to run through an achilles tendon injury. Mentally, I've had a lot going on too with other life things and haven't been in a great frame of mind. I suffer from stress and anxiety and struggle to feel relaxed and struggle to deal with ordinary life stuff. I came upon an app called Daylight which you need to qualify for to set up an account. There's a link here: onboarding.trydaylight.com/ I find the app really useful and it has helped me deal with some issues. I also downloaded the free "Smiling Mind" app which is brief audio modules for meditation which I find really helpful too. You might also like to try Tai Chi if you haven't already. youtube.com/watch?v=cEOS2zo... There are five videos by the same coach on youtube.
Oh how I empathise with you! So many great posts here, so I won't repeat the advice given. Also, thankyou for sharing how you feel, it can be hard to share but hopefully it has been helpful for you. It has certainly helped me! Walking is great for where you are right now in your journey, and that's all that matters. I'm telling myself the same thing. We can do this! 🌼
Hi Panda, I have to admit that it's been a very long time since I have been running because of a lot of life stuff, it can be difficult doing what's best for you rather than all the things you"should" be doing .I'm going to repeat C25K, one step at a time, take a deep breath, listen to how you feel, not "should " feel, be kind to yourself when you are ready.
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It's been a while
Oh dear I have a confession....
Been a while 
I think I'm going to have to give this up for a while and that feels rubbish.
A confession.
