Two years ago today, at the age of 70, on a dark windy evening in hilly Chipping Norton, I wheezed, panted and generally struggled my way through week 1 run 1 of couch to 5k. I staggered home, my face a mixture of lurid red and white, sides heaving, head spinning. It was a triumph for me as serious injuries to my left leg had brought my running to a halt in my late teens, and it was 50 years before a change in medical opinion meant I was able to start running again.
It’s been an amazing two years. The support from these forums has made a huge difference to me. I’ve done things I never dreamed I would do, culminating in completing Oxford half this month; and being able to share the stages and bounce ideas and experiences off my friends here, has made the journey much richer. Especially this year when we’ve had a major town to town house move, a death in the family, Alzheimer’s in the family and also terminal cancer in the family, the loss of a beloved cat and the other one slipping gradually downhill towards death. Running has kept me up, enthused and connected with life.
The photo montage shows just a few of the wonderful experiences I’ve had.
I shall share this across Marathon and Race and Bridge to 10k, mainly to encourage others on the path - which has been one of my main reasons for all my posts . Admins, please let me know if it’s appropriate to post on c25k - I don’t want to make them think they have to do races when they are probably aiming for fitness and running for fun.
Not sure how this got tagged with gastroentorostomy - what even is that??!!
Aw, thanks for your faith in me. I don’t know about a full marathon, with my knee as it is. I need to see if it can be sorted as it definitely won’t last 26 miles. Xx
Well done Flick. Your posts, run reports and encouraging responses to others on these forums has helped to inspire and support many more on their journeys down (or should that be up?) this path too.
I am glad it has - albeit after a 50 year hiatus - been able to give you so much, especially as you have had to negotiate some very difficult periods recently.
Thank you lovely Linda. You’ve been an inspiration to me, never giving up when so many people would have been defeated. You’ve got to do Oxford half next year so that I can come and get soaked to the skin and take photos of you and accompany you to the start pens xx
I just saw wyour strava post. Great news about the knee. But. Rest. Rest. Rest. And recover from your bug. Running will stilll be there when you're back to yourself - I should know 😂
❤️❤️❤️ So lovely. Happy runniversary, amazing lady! Lovely photo montage too. You are a real testament to the power of running. I am glad you have had this to help you through some tough times. Thank you for all the tough times you have helped me through, too. You are a gem. xxx
Thank you dearest Sadie. You’ve helped me just as much as I’ve helped you. Running is a gift. Even when we’re grounded, we can still ogle shoes and kit and hoover up other people’s runs 😊❤️❤️❤️xxx
I thought you had started this journey much earlier.
You are so very supportive to the forum and your journey is inspiring.
So considerate also to new starts,hope you post it on there also.
Good luck with your reset and repair following your HM.
Remind yourself of Pete Magill under pinned posts on here.Give yourself your required repair time and don’t run until you feel you are ready again and even then add on a further day just to be sure.
As many have said on the forum be kind to yourself.Your grit and determination is inspiring and everyone on here acknowledges your contribution.
Thank you Decker 😊 I hope so, though I won’t post about it every year. I just think two years shows I’m serious- probably would have slouched back onto the couch months ago if I hadn’t spent so much on running gear: as it is I’m going to have to run till I’m 100 to get my money’s worth 😂😂😂😂😂
Happy Runniversary our dear Flick! It has been a great 2 years. Can't wait to see what the next 2 bring. Let me guess....running, running and more running! Yippee!
I know these forums have helped to keep me running, even when the little blips (like I'm in now) threaten it. I check the forums daily and it helps to remind me I can and will get out running again. In the meantime, I enjoy everyone's stories and journeys.
You are such an inspiration Flick! Your journey to your HM was just one of many that kept us glued to this forum (other social media outlets are also available 😁). Looking forward to following you for many more. The simple pleasure of running (well it is sometimes...) has helped many of us out with so many tricky times in our lives - where would we all be without it?
Yes it did Flick, your determination with your HM has certainly helped me to keep going. I will have you in mind with all the training I’m going to be doing over the next few months x
Ah this is fantastic! Great post and great pics. You've accomplished Masse's!! And are a major inspiration!! This year has been a tough one , but you've kept going and I'm pleased the running has helped. (I think it does) anyway huge kudos to u. U should be well proud and pleased with yourself 😀😀😀😀
Thank you xx I'm glad I've done so much, but there are loads on here who have done more but don't post much. I look at people from their 80s upwards (some of them over 100) who do marathons, and it's so inspiring. Long may we keep running!
Beachcomber66AdministratorHalf Marathon• in reply to
Agreed. I look forward to celebrating your centenary run😊
What a great story and achievement. We need to hear more of these successful journeys. I personally I am going through rough time and I cannot see a way out and I haven't done any productive exercise and the weight a lost in the last 6 months is piling back on. So thank you for sharing this. I need to get up and do a half an hour walk. You have inspired me to keep moving.
It’s so hard to get out and be active when you’re feeling emotionally crushed, but it always makes you feel better. If I hadn’t had a tough five day a week training plan this year, I don’t think I would have been motivated to run. As it was the plan said run so I did. I really hope things look up for you soon. Hugs xx
Congratulations Flick, beautiful photo montage too. You have achieved so much over the past two years and you seem to be getting younger with every passing year
• in reply to
That’s such a nice thing to say! Thank you ❤️😊
Alas, close scrutiny doesn’t bear out the getting younger theory, but at least I’m still getting out there , which is half the battle 😂 xx
I love this Hidden ..Happy runniversary my lovely friend xxx You are such an inspiration to me and many, many people..I love reading about your runs, your walks, your yoga...everything, infact I think I might be your biggest fan!!! Carry on being amazing Flick because it suits you xx
and nope, I don't know what that big word is and I don't think I want to!!!! xxx
Thank you lovely Bevlar. I love reading your runs too. You are such an amazing woman, funny, quirky, and a darned good writer, and glamorous as hell. I hope you will do what you said and write a blog, if you haven’t already 😘 😘😘
That first run in C25k was a real shocker for me too! You stuck with it and have achieved so very much. Well done and many congratulations. Oh and many happy returns
Amazing Flick - I love your passion, inspiration and outfits!! What you've done in 2 years is flipping fantastic (never mind the money you've spent on running clothes and accessories!). You a gorgeous poster girl for running. I hope I look half as good as you when I get to 72! Fab xxx
Speak for yourself. You were one of the people I admired when I first joined these forums. You were witty and seemed to me to be a formidable runner. I’m So glad We became friends xxx
Really???? Now that is a MASSIVE deal to me!! I thought I was terrible at first...always moaning, always tripping over my bottom lip?!! Wouldn't have thought anyone would've admired my running at all!! Sounds like I was entertaining so at least I had that going for me?!!!! You are DEF a friend of mine, I feel blessed that you are xxx
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It all started 2 years ago today .... 🏃♀️
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