Almost there too!

[HorsePlay]

Hi all, I've read a few posts from folk almost there, and I'm happy to say that's me as well! W9R2 completed this morning...

This community has been incredibly helpful (more than I ever imagined it would be tbh) as I've read interesting stories and great tips/advice, and heard about both struggles and successes, all along the way. So thanks again, all contributors 🙏

Just to add though, it isn't plain sailing for me - I haven't been finding the longer runs at all easy, and am struggling to 'enjoy' them very much at the moment - but, I am enjoying the physical and mental effects that running is having on me!

A tip of sorts from me - I treated myself to some lovely new running tights a few weeks ago, with a promise to myself that I wouldn't wear them until I'd completed the programme - so, hopefully, reward time soon! 😊

Continued good luck to everyone.

[AllSewnUp Graduate]

Well done HorsePlay ! Nearly there - and so great to have a reward waiting for you 👏 Did you ever imagine you'd be running for 30 mins when you started? I always think back to those really early days and marvel at the difference. Graduation is within your grasp now 🙌

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to AllSewnUp]

Thank you! And yes, it is amazing what you can achieve - what a great programme!

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 That’s SO clever! Delayed gratification!! Well one run to go & we will be awarding you your graduate badge. Exciting!

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to Annieapple]

Thank you! 😃

[Xmrkn20 Graduate]

Well done on getting so far. I struggle to actually ‘enjoy’ the runs too, but boy do I love the feeling afterwards! So just aim for that post-run high, even if the act itself isnt ‘fun’! And the new tights will spur you on too, I love it when I get some new kit!

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to Xmrkn20]

Thank you! (That really made me smile!)

[drl212 Graduate]

Little rewards along the way are really helpful. My typical is a new pair of running socks...a way to try a different brand/different colours.

All those little things help to motivate.

Well done on your 30 minute run. Why is it that you aren't enjoying the runs?

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to drl212]

Thank you for your reply and interest! 😊

I think it feels a bit too much like a 'chore'', and, I get aches and pains (I'm getting on a bit, haha, and I have hypermobility too).

I do realise what good it's doing me though (it's amazing really), so am just trying to focus on that...

Thanks again for asking 🙏

[drl212 Graduate in reply to HorsePlay]

Are your aches and pains something you think you should see your medical provider about?

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to drl212]

Thank you drl212. I have an MRI booked this week for lower back pain; running doesn't affect it, but some of my aches are at my sides, so could be connected. Those aches do seem to be getting better though with exercise, so maybe not! Apart from that it's mostly my knees - but they've ached a bit for many years due to the hypermobility I think, and I'm hoping the exercise may help strengthen the muscles around them too. Just a few days ago I started wearing a simple knee support on the worst one, and that has made a difference... Sorry for what's turned into a bit of a ramble, but thanks again for your support!

[drl212 Graduate in reply to HorsePlay]

No worries at all!! I wonder if a physio referral might be helpful...

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to drl212]

I think it might be - thank you!

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to drl212]

Hi again. I'm just catching up on posts, and through someone else's message to you, I saw on the Bridge forum what happened a couple of months ago - I'm SO sorry to hear that. All the very best for everything, and I hope it gets sorted for you ASAP. Looking forward to hearing when you're (literally!) back up and running!

[drl212 Graduate in reply to HorsePlay]

That's very kind of you! I'm hoping it will be sometime in November - so just around the corner!

I've been hoping to post an update of late, but life has kept me from organising my thoughts and putting them down. Maybe at the weekend!!

[HorsePlay Graduate in reply to drl212]

Tbh I was quite touched because you were so supportive and kind to me a few weeks ago, whilst you were going through something awful yourself!

I've been constantly amazed by the folk on this forum ☺️

And thanks and best wishes again.

[drl212 Graduate in reply to HorsePlay]

We are all here to help each other...many thanks!!!