Still going...

[nextjenn]

Wow, so I haven't blogged in a very very long time...and I'm really sorry as I'm missing out on so many stories. Must get back involved with blogging and staying part of the community.

Merry Be-lated Christmas all

So where did I leave off? Week 4 I think, and the struggle to do the last five minutes! Well, I am now on W5R2. It took me a long time to get here, but I did it. I even added 2 extra minutes to my last run. My partner was shouting "I'm sure it's been 8 minutes....it's got to be any minute now....have you paused your podcast by mistake?!"...When I got to the end of my route I turned round and grinning like an idiot jumping up and down saying "It stopped all the way over there!!" pointing like a woman possessed. How did I go from struggling through W4 to surpassing this run?

Determination is a wonderful thing and I am so proud of how far I have come. I was too scared to leave my doorway the first run and that first blog post now makes me cry to read back!

I think being burgled just before Christmas has made me want to fight through some of the harder times and "stick it" to everyone, I've been turning my upset into a positive which is what this is all about for me.

I think in a weird way I have even inspired others, I think seeing an overweight girl plodding up the road in visable pain every other morning catches people attention. I'm not a scantaly clad skinny whipet shooting off up the road with all the lastest gadgets, just a knackered looking girl in a hand me down hoodie and baggy jogging bottoms looking annoyed at herself!

Highlight of this whole experience so far? One lady took the time to come out of her house on Boxing Day whilst I was mid-run to tell me that she had seen me getting fitter and slimmer, and that I was doing well..how lovely

I'm repeating R2 this week, as I know the 20 minute leap is a big one, but I am sure I can do this as can we all! Happy running everyone and have a lovely new year!

Ps: so I remember looking back - Im back to facing the hill...I held off and avoided it to get through week 4, but I'm back running up and down it again, yey!

[greenlegs Graduate]

That brought a tear to my eye! What a lovely and inspiring blog. And what a lovely thing to do, to come out and encourage someone like that. Ahhhhh!

So good that you can turn round something horrible and turn it into something positive. Go you!

[nextjenn Graduate in reply to greenlegs]

Aww thank you! It reassures me that there are lovely people still out there!

[Anniemurph Graduate]

That's great to hear - well done you, for focusing on the positive side. All the best for the 20 minutes. I didn't make it on my first attempt, but sailed through it the next time. Post and let us know how you got on!

[nextjenn Graduate in reply to Anniemurph]

I'm trying the 20 tomorrow...I doubt I will make it, but I'm interested to see how far I can get Its good to know you sailed through the second time, I will keep that with me when I'm running

[smhall Graduate]

Look at you go, Jenn!!! You have so very much to be proud of yourself for!! We often times get so caught up with how long we can run, after all that is why we are here, but we gain so much more from this journey!! Thinner and fitter is an lifestyle that is incredible for all of us!! It is so much more effective to hear it from a stranger that notices, though!! I know that that had to put a very well deserved smile on your face!! How about the mental strength that we gain from this journey, also? You have become so much more confident and strong, it can be read in your posts!!

Congratulations on all of your successes!! May you have a Happy and Blessed New Year!!

Keep Running!!

Steve

[nextjenn Graduate in reply to smhall]

It did indeed, I played it cool until I got a little bit away and then burst into a grin!!

I completely agree with what you've said about this journey, its about so much more than running. Its a journey of confidence, strength and determination. I feel very proud to be sharing it with you all. Such amazing people!

Happy New Year too! Keep running

[SBG356 Graduate]

It's great to hear how well you are doing Jenn and how far you have come. I remember your early blogs and it's wonderful to see the transformation in your attitude despite nasty things happening....so sorry to hear about the burglary; I hope you are ok?

We can all inspire others at whatever stage we are at on our journey and it's a great feeling to do so. Keep going and best of luck for the rest of week 5 and beyond! Sue x

[nextjenn Graduate in reply to SBG356]

I'm ok thank you, not much of a material person so we are managing. I love how we all share the weeks, and we can talk to everyone at all stages. It's something that need shouting about, people need to know how wonderful this is and how lovely you all are!!