The Journey Home”
“What’s in the bag?” asked the little cat. “It looks really heavy.”
Oh, lots of things,” sighed the little girl. “My fears, my worries, my hurts and my mistakes.”
“But the past has gone and tomorrow’s a new day,” replied the cat. “It’s time to put the bag down and leave it behind.”
✍️ Verse Lizzie Jayne
Artist: Unknown
🍏Put your heavy bag down & pop in for some refreshments. Some hot cheese scones on the go this wet and wild morning!
There are many reasons we start C25K and join this community. If you are thinking about it or have just started know that here you are always very welcome! Let’s chat!
“Be yourself; you belong out here. Running doesn’t require you to be fast, experienced, or have the latest gear—it just requires you to show up. Embrace your pace, listen to your body, and remember that every runner started somewhere. The trail, the track, the road—they’re open to everyone, no matter where you’re starting from or what you think you’re capable of. Celebrate each step forward, no matter how small, and know that you’re part of a supportive community. We value every effort, so, lace up, take that first step, and know that you belong out here with us.”
So many of us value the mental health benefits that running brings. Life can be full of ups and downs, challenges, bereavement and stressful situations. However running can offer us some headspace with many benefits and we can read about in Runners World & elsewhere on line. Let’s look at a few of them.
Firstly it boosts our Mood
Running triggers the release of endorphins—chemicals in the brain that create a feeling of happiness, often called a “runner’s high.” It can also increase levels of serotonin and dopamine, which help stabilize mood and combat feelings of depression. This started for me in Week 8 and sometimes I only feel it after a run.
We can run to reduce our Stress
Physical activity like running lowers levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. It also provides a distraction from worries, giving your brain a break from overthinking and helping you reset mentally. For me an early morning runner, it starts as I leave the house and encounter that fresh air and crispness of a new day..
Fight your Anxiety
Running can reduce symptoms of anxiety by calming your nervous system. I love the rhythmic, repetitive motion of running. It is meditative and can create a sense of control and calm.
It definitely helped to improve my Sleep
Regular running can help regulate sleep patterns and used together with good sleep hygiene (you can google that) will give you better zzz 😴
Builds Self-Esteem
I found as I accomplished the week by week running goals with my coach Jo Wiley my confidence and sense of achievement increased slowly but surely.
It can Encourage Mindfulness
Running often forces us to focus on the present, such as our breathing or the path ahead. This mindfulness can help reduce overwhelming feelings and help us manage negative thoughts or at least put them in perspective.
It’s also meant to combat Cognitive Decline
🤣 It doesn’t always feel true when you go into a room & can’t remember what you wanted, or you search for those mislaid keys! However regular aerobic exercise like running can enhance our memory, focus, and overall brain function. It may even reduce the risk of age-related cognitive decline according to some studies.
Chatting here in the forum gives us a like minded community.
This may help reduce our feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging. Many of us have developed ongoing & valuable friendships here as we support each others running and life journeys.
🍏Even a short run can have these positive effects, so it’s worth lacing up your shoes for both your body and your mind. You definitely belong here. Do share your stories or experiences. Even one sentence may encourage someone else! Have you started Couch to 5k, still thinking about it, nearly finished?? We would love to hear from you! Our intrepid legend Oldfloss will be back sharing with us in December and will have some treats so watch this space…
🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️ Catch Up Corner June 1: How’s it going?🏃♀️🏃♀️🏃♀️
