Still around

[GoGo_JoJo]

Well it's not been the year I was expecting, or hoped for although at least the same can be said for most! 🤣

I was on target to be back up to 26 milers in Sept but I simply haven't had the time to be out that much over the past couple of months. I didn't get any additional time throughout this weirdness, being a truck driver, nothing had changed for me and my colleagues apart from being treated even more than normal as some kind of leper/walking infection...

It's affected my mental health really badly at times, hence my lack of posting across all 3 boards, although running has helped me hold onto the threads of my sanity and slowly pull myself back together.

I've simply shelved 26 for now. It's far more important to get out and do whatever I can. It's turning into a weekly tramp of around 15 or a bit more and that's OK for now as it gives me the quality time/therapy I need.

I'm going to make a concerted effort in September to find more time (I don't really know how as summer is my busiest work season) to do more and more frequently regardless of how small the effort seems.

Sometimes it's all about the quality and sometimes the quantity makes a difference too.

Yesterday was a good effort and allowed me to find some new ground. I love exploring the little local churches I find so now I seek them on the map. I considered running through Worthing straight to the sea but Worthing is very unappealing and actually the sea is not my medicine, green trees and fields are.

No matter how small you think the effort is, or seems to be, each outing is a stepping stone or building block in your running journey. Even when it feels hard or too much, just getting out there at all is a win. 👍🏻🌈

[Granspeed]

Welcome back! 🎉 You have clearly had a gruelling time of it. 😢 But your medicinal countryside looks gorgeous and your mindset sounds so positive - all good things. The fresher, more run-friendly weather seems to be upon us, so hope that helps. All the best - one step after another! 👍👏🏼🥰

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Granspeed]

Thanks, yes the countryside is my saviour. Succeeding more at keeping (and believing) the positivity. 😘🤞🏻

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

Hello lovely lady! It's been a really tricky year for you, but you've made time for and hunted down some glorious runs, dug deep despite injuries and found new things to explore and find joy in. The harder it gets, the stronger you seem to become in the end. I love reading about your epic runs and seeing your lovely photos bring them to life, not least because I know these are often the highs in what have been miserable times. Keep running lovely lady, keep seeking the peace and joy it brings 😘

[Hidden in reply to linda9389]

Love this Linda

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to linda9389]

Thank YOU, even when I'm struggling you give me inspiration to just do something, anything. Watching you go from strength to strength reminds me what I have done, and can do again. One of these days (before too long) we need to arrange a lunch meet 👍🏻😁😘

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

We do indeed! I have definitely 'taken from you' and it is perfect to think you may have done the same. How positive is that on a cold grey Sunday 😍

[Stephen_UK Half Marathon]

Very good to hear from you, JoJo. I think we are all affected in strange ways by these unexpectedly difficult times. Not surprising, really. Wishing you health and happiness, and many more good runs.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Stephen_UK]

Thank you Stephen, yes, it's been a truly odd time and so different for each person. Let's hope we're through the worst! 👍🏻😁

[Hidden]

So lovely to read your post because you are so supportive of others. What a super run yesterday too. 17m is a fabulous distance and to be out that long on your feet too 😊

It must be difficult for you to find the time to run with the work you do so I really think that any run is something valuable to you. You can get back there and this is a really good run to show you that it's all still there. Sending lots of love and warm wishes 🧡

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, yes, whilst I'm usually only achieving half my weekly target, I'm at least managing that. Anything is better than nothing, and I'm so lucky I have such beautiful territory on my doorstep from which to draw strength 👍🏻😁

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

Amen to that! xxx

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to roseabi]

😁😘

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

Lovely photos JoJo 🙂 I love exploring churches too, they're fascinating and for me the churchyards somehow put everything into a clearer perspective as I wonder about those lives.

We can only do what we can do and it sounds as if you’re doing pretty well with the running thing 🏃‍♀️😍

Hang on to those threads x

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Irishprincess]

Thank you, clinging on! I was hoping to go inside but there was actually a service of some kind happening. I did peer through the cracks in the ancient doors, windows were stunning 😍

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

Some of those windows are breathtaking with the colours 😍

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Irishprincess]

I have an added interest as I took a stained glass course and made quite a large panel myself. Quite proud of it cost me quite a lot in the end in materials but it is lovely.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

What a wonderful thing to learn. My brother made me some stained glass Christmas decorations years ago and I just love them, they’re very special 😍

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

So good to hear from you on here JoJo - and what a fabulous run! Hope you find the time on the trails that you love - and need. Stronger with every run.x

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Sandraj39]

Thank you Sandra, I don't always feel stronger, but every one helps, I know that much over 👍🏻😁

[Buddy34 Half Marathon]

Nice to hear from you and I'm glad you're still getting out running no matter what the distance. Its nice to find places that you enjoy to run . 🤗🤗

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Buddy34]

Thanks Buddy, it certainly makes a difference to love where I go, really makes the miles that much easier 😁

[SlowLoris]

You’ll be back running marathons soon.

I did my last long run before taper today. Hopefully will soon be someone who has run a marathon.

Not the same as a Marathon Runner like you. Different beast entirely.

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to SlowLoris]

Fantastic, best of luck. Slow and steady as always and watch your hydration, you'll do it!

Ah, anyone can do it, there's no secret as you'll soon see (apart from being a little crazy!) 👍🏻🤣

[backintime 10 Miles]

Hi JoJo, glad to see you're doing ok

I haven't been around much due to my own injury problems, but I'm glad you're still running and are finding time to get out

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to backintime]

aw bless you, just had a quick read up, yes, you are still suffering, awful situation 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻 for your knee. 😔

Time is such a pain, why can't we just press pause, take some time and then go back to it? 🤣

[backintime 10 Miles in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

I honestly didn't realise it would take so long. It's been nearly 6 months and I struggle over 3K.

I have a doctor's appointment next week to see if he can refer me to a physio

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to backintime]

A good physio can make all the difference! Here's to hoping! 🤞🏻😘

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

Totally agree JoJo, running is the perfect therapy whether we think we need it or not. You’re smart managing your expectations and putting your Marathon plans on the shelf for the moment, and just running for the sheer enjoyment of it is clearly helping you. I’m so happy for you. 🥰

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to cheekychipmunks]

I genuinely don't know how I would have coped the last few months without it. Mother Nature has all the answers 🥰

[Katnap Marathon]

Oh no! Have you been a grumpy GoGo_JoJo? I'm sure a smile was never too far away The Downs help you appreciate the ups! 😅

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Katnap]

🤣🤣🤣 no so much grumpy as desperately miserable 😔 I'm working on it and the Downs are really helping, as always! 👍🏻😁

[Leosmit]

Great post and honest. Sorry to read of the impact of all this on you but you seem to be rising above it now with a refocus and a balance that works well. Great stuff!

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon in reply to Leosmit]

Thanks, I hope to find a balance, we're nowhere near through this thing so I really hope running will get me through the rest, whatever that might be 🤞🏻