Still Going Strong(ish)

[AncientMum]

Just popped by to say, yesterday was my 11 year runniverary. Yes, unbelievably, it’s 11 years since I first set out at the crack of dawn to begin my running adventure, proud of myself yet terrified that someone might catch sight of me.

Fast forward 11 years and I’m still running. It definitely hasn’t all been plain sailing. Broken bones (not running related) and numerous knee, hip, back and ankle issues, not to mention Covid and large doses of can’t-be-arsedness along the way, have all featured since I started calling myself a runner. But, I’ve run 5ks, 10ks, half marathons and every distance in between and I can honestly say it’s been life affirming.

I’ve lost track of how many times I’ve done c25k, or parts of it, to rebuild fitness after injury (and the aforementioned can’t-be-arsedness) and I’m actually redoing the programme at the moment - not because I can’t run 5k but because I’ve got slower and slower over the last year and it’s the best way I know of getting fitter and stronger.

So this is me saying trust the process and enjoy the journey. Running is for life, so don’t beat yourself up if it takes longer than 9 weeks to complete the programme or if you never run a 30 minute 5k (I never have!) Somewhere along the way, it dawned on me that comparison is the thief of joy and it’s not about being the best, it’s about being my best. I very rarely post here now but I’ve never forgotten the advice, support and kindness I found here. I couldn’t have done it on my own. Good luck everyone!

[MintT Graduate]

Inspiring post, thank you and a massive well done to you.

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to MintT]

Thank you MintT

[Jancanrunagain Graduate]

Old Floss's favourite saying and it's so true, why compare ? We are not a money saving expert on tv.

Running for Life what a lovely saying, well done you for being an inspiration

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Jancanrunagain]

Thank you Jan

[Yesletsgo Administrator]

11 years, what an inspiration you are to us all!

Here's to the next 11 years

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Yesletsgo]

Thank you so much

[linda9389 Graduate]

Congratulations Acientmum. Eleven years? That's awesome. C25K is awesome 👌

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to linda9389]

Thank you Linda - it is indeed awesome

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Hi AM 👋 how lovely to see you here again!

Congratulations on your runniversary. Lots of memories there and special moments. We are very lucky 😍

Here’s to the next 11 years 🥂

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Ah Thank you Princess. I’ll definitely raise a glass to the next 11 years, although I’ll be proper ancient by then! Funnily enough I was just thinking how long could we runners can keep going if we manage to stay healthy. ASICS have changed the heel drop on the lovely shoes I’ve worn for years and I was wondering if my old bones would cope with a different model or if I should try buy up sufficient pairs of the old Gel Nimbus24s to see me through to the end of my running days. Annoyingly, hubby pointed out that the rubber and fancy foam etc would probably deteriorate and, by the time I got to the last pair, it might be like running in plimsoles *sigh*

Hope all’s well with you xx

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

A few of us have been having this chat about shoes over on Beyond and yes, shoes start deteriorating as soon as we buy them even if they are still in a box!

I went to my running shop yesterday to buy a new pair and they were closed! So disappointing ☹️

All is good here xxx

[drl212 Graduate]

Brilliant! Congratulations…

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to drl212]

Thank you

[aliboo70]

Hey AncientMum ! Irishprincess posted the link on our other chat so I've just gone for a look! That's brilliant,so pleased to hear you're still out there! 😊xxx

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Helloooooooo! So pleased to hear you are still pootling along - it lifts my heart to see a name from early days. (That can't-be-arsed-ness is a tricky disorder to manage)

FWIW there was a 97 year old woman competing in the World Masters Orienteering Championship last year.

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

Hi GM, how lovely to hear from you. I have to say, it is indeed encouraging and heartening to see names from the early days and to know that running has become a way of life for so many of us.

As for the 97 year old orienteering lady - I have no words. Some days I’m so stiff and achey I walk like a marionette 😂 However, as my 92 year old mum says, use it or lose it! Onwards and upwards! x

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

She may well have been walking like a marionette on the 'run in' to the finish herself!

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

😂😂

[Burgdude Graduate]

Congrats AncientMum! I have been off of here for years and thought I would check back in and saw your post. I was all smiles reading your post. Been a long time since I graduated! I must confess, I have kept up the walking but not the running. I may have to start again after reading your post. Cheers!!!!

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Burgdude]

Burgdude!!!! Hi m’dear, how lovely to hear from you. I have been a very occasional visitor here for several years but every time I come back I’m always really happy to see old familiar name. Well done for keeping up with the walking, getting out and about is the main thing. If you do decide to restart c25k I’ll be watching for regular updates. Cheers x

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Eleven years, happy Runniversary even though it's a bit belated. Running is the best isn't it?

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Thank you Sue