So down

[paul1960]

So down which is to expected but I really feel like I have to get this c25k out of the way so I hopefully can get back to where I was and I hope it's going to help me as the days are so lonely and long,. very lonely infact but running may help so when I feel down and depressed I can just go and run at the moment there's no meaning to life,just don't know what happens next without my wife,irene it's very hard

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

You're so right Paul, it is very hard when you lose someone so close to you. Your running seems to have helped a lot, but there will still be difficult days so soon after your loss. There are plenty more runs waiting for you for the better days, many goals for you to tick off as you gradually build back to your previous achievements. We can all see an inner strength in you Paul which will help you through day by day, run by run, step by step. Take care.

[Irishprincess Administrator Half Marathon]

You’re on the final stretch of the plan Paul so very nearly there and with the longer runs coming up, they’re a step closer to where you want to be in running.

Of course you miss Irene and you feel lonely and there will better days than others. But in time you’ll have less sad days and more better days.

In the meantime, keep doing what you’ve been doing and in no time you’ll be out there running a favourite route with the satisfaction of knowing you're back where you used to be 👍

[GoGo_JoJo Ultramarathon]

Whether you realise it or not, you're doing great. Just like c25k, you're getting through each day at a time. It's horrendous to lose your spouse. 💖

Is there a running club near you that you could join? Both the comraderie and the running based focus could help a lot.

[Decker Ultramarathon]

It’s so hard at times Paul. But if you can keep posting here I hope you know that your friends here will stand by you. Stick to the plan. Just one foot in front of the other. Some days that’s how it is.

[cheekychipmunks Half Marathon]

You’re doing amazingly Paul. Keeping your running up will help you no end. You can take Irene with you in your thoughts and imagine how proud she’d be of you for taking care of yourself. 🥰

[Speedy60 Half Marathon]

I don't know what to say Paul, but I know that one of the worst things about grief is when people are so embarrassed they ignore you, so I'm sending you all the good vibes I can.Keep running: your wife would be proud of you, everyone here is proud of you. It's not the gig anyone would have wished for, but be proud of yourself.

Take care x

[Irish-John Marathon]

My sympathy Paul. Losing someone like your Irene obviously was is a heartbreaker. I'm sure you have already heard a lot of great and useful advice about finding the positive so I won't say anything about that except that on those really hard days when it does seem pointless just see getting through the next run as some point. There are times when I feel that's all I have, but it gets me through to the better times that inevitably come because the only thing that is guarenteed is, nothing continues as it is for ever - change is inevitable and when you are so far down, the next change no matter what is certainly"better" than rock bottom is.Hang in there Pal 👍🏻

[Coddfish 10 Miles]

You can only take things one day at a time. Try to take enjoyment from what you can. A run, a walk, meeting with friends if you feel able. It’s not going to be easy. It’s not going to feel normal. But it will gradually start to feel a little better. Take care.

[Cmoi Marathon]

Nobody would have wished the circumstances on you, but the strength that you're showing by redoing C25K and posting on here is amazing Paul. Just keep taking it one step at a time. You can do this, and Irene would be so proud of you.

[Week7 Half Marathon]

Please keep running and posting.

I have tried writing so many replies to your post but they all seemed meaningless given what you are going through. I really just want to say that your posts have really touched me and I am sure many others feel the same.

You have many people willing you on .You know how it goes-one step at a time. You can do this and ,as you say, c25k is the key to those longer runs which bring more relief.

[nowster Metric Marathon in reply to Week7]

Exactly this. It's impossible to find the right words to say and not come over sounding like a greetings card. All I can say is we are here. We are listening. We are cheering your successes.

[paul1960 Marathon in reply to Week7]

Thank you so much I don't really know how I find the strength but I do .realy missing irene today and so lonely that's the worse bit. tears we'll don't go there just don't seem to have a purpose in life at the moment

[Speedy60 Half Marathon in reply to paul1960]

Paul, allow yourself to grieve. It has to happen, it's a normal and natural response. At the same time, you have to somehow find the strength to reach out. Posting here is good, it shows you're open to help, but maybe you should look for some in-person support. My closest friend had professional grief counselling, referred by her doctor. At the time she was resistant, but it helped her in ways that I, and her family, couldn't.

If you don't like the sound of that, are there any running/walking groups or men's sports or support groups near you?

I'm sorry if I'm talking rubbish today. It's coming from a good place but I don't know your circumstances. I know about the process of grief, but I don't know your grief and that's all that matters to you.

Just hang on in there. X

[Week7 Half Marathon in reply to paul1960]

It is a terrible time for you and , as you say , you don't know where you find the strength but the important thing is that you do . So perhaps best that you keep on running and posting and doing your best and maybe consider visiting your GP who may be able to help you access some support?

We are all willing you on.

Things will improve eventually-just stick with it.

[Oldfloss Administrator]

Well done Paul.x

[Hidden]

Be strong there paul1960

[RunWillie Marathon]

Standing with you and cheering you on paul1960 👍🏻

[johnm12 Half Marathon]

Cant find the words really. Have been close to where you are bud dodged it. Take care of yourself.

[Katnap Marathon]

Good to hear from you Paul, even though you're feeling bad.We're all here for you when you need us!

🐱 Katnap 🐱