hello

[running_girl]

Hi I’m new here. I’m not really sure why I’m posting….the need to connect I guess. I have a longish history of anxiety and depression but it’s only in the last 5 years that I’ve admitted this to myself, sought professional help and started on SSRIs, etc. My dr and meds have helped save me a few times over I think.

The last 12 months have been particularly rough, although I’m past the worst now. I split with my partner of 20+ years about a year ago and was not prepared for the emotional upheaval this would put me through. Although I wanted the separation, I have not handled being single with as much dignity and courage as I would’ve liked and, as a result, have put myself in situations where I’ve gotten hurt. The most recent being a friend who confessed he had feelings for me, and once I digested this information and started to respond in kind, he completely withdrew from me without any explanation whatsoever. It’s hard not to let this affect my sense of self-worth (and for the most part, I don’t, but on bad days…). I'm surprised at just how frightening I found it to suddenly become single again, although I'm starting to feel more comfortable with it these days.

I have a few friends and some family but no one I feel really close to. My social life is pretty uneventful and the loneliness does get to me, especially on weekends. Also, ever since my separation, I haven’t been able to sit through a film or even a tv show. And reading, which has been my lifelong love, is virtually impossible. Has anyone else experienced this and did things go back to normal eventually?

Anyway, thanks for listening – it feels better just having said this aloud (so to speak) to someone other than myself or my dr.

Take care everyone, rg

[running_girl]

Hi TA,

You are indeed thoughtful to check in with me while you are going through a particularly bad period yourself. I wish you well and soon x

Thanks for asking about my training. It's been stalled a bit by having the flu but I ran 20km the other week which for me is a personal best. I did the Launceston 10km yesterday and will be doing the Ross half marathon in September.

Keep resting up until you're ready to start running again - don't rush it - but when you do, I'd be interested to hear of your upcoming events as well.

My new relationship is fitting in well, I guess. We are gradually ironing out the anxieties that long distance creates and I'm feeling more secure and happy and I think he is too. It's very weird for me to suddenly find myself in a relationship again.

Anyway, TA, take care and be especially kind to yourself right now as things are so hard for you.

Hugs,

rg

[The_Abyss]

Thanks RG.

Sorry to hear you had a bout of flu. Hope you feel better soon. (Thank you too for taking the time for lending me support as well).

Do you enjoy doing races? I love the atmosphere associated with them. I would much rather do an event that training for one, despite the anxieties leading up to them! Will I make it? Did I put in enough training? What will the weather be like? And then the elation of finishing (I am a back of the packer, but that makes no difference!). I get so much from the challenge, the buzz, the crowds, the diehards and the talent. I have to travel to get to most of the events so don't do as many as I would like. I am looking forward to the triathlon season restarting though as there are some great "local" races within two hours of home. Do you have a favourite event yet? How did you go in the Launceston 10? Where you happy with it?

Do you prefer road or trails? I think I mentioned before I prefer trail running. It just makes the distance disappear so much quicker with the scenery never boring, always changing. The sights, the sounds, the smells, the views. If you ever get to Hobart, there is a lady (Hanny Allston - Find your Feet) down there that does running tours (and training etc). She has a passion for all things running and has been an international champion in orienteering and ultramarathons. She is also incredibly nice. If you ever get the chance to do one of her running camps or tours, it is well worth it.

Long distance relationships can be hard, but i also makes the time together so much sweeter. And with skype and video calls, they are much easier than how they were in "my" day!

Enjoy your training!

TA

[running_girl]

Hi Mickey,

Thank you for your lovely birthday and other messages. Yes it was an exciting week but things are more or less back to normal again now – not a bad thing 🙂

How did your weekend away camping go? It’s lovely having something like that to look forward to and the coziness factor of winter camping is pretty hard to top (provided you’ve got adequate gear!).

What sort of things do you do when camping, e.g. hiking, bbq..? It's been years since I've camped. I live in Tasmania and there are so many beautiful places to explore...

Hope the last few weeks have been good to you.

rg

[running_girl]

Hi TA,

Like you, I do really enjoy the races. The atmosphere was fantastic at the Launceston 10 last weekend. Lots of simultaneously happy and nervous people bunched together at the starting line. There is a real feeling of goodwill and support amongst the runners, regardless of their different levels of ability. I did it in 55 minutes which is pretty standard for me. While I’m happy with that result, I’m hoping to get a little faster with more training but my expectations aren’t too high.

I’m with you in preferring the event to the training. I probably don’t push myself enough to get too nervous beforehand but my running mates do (but they are elite runners so…).

I haven’t really done enough events yet to have a favourite. Do you have a favourite? I do love trail running over any other kind. Once I get into a rhythm, I feel one with nature and for that time, everything is right with the world.

I live in Hobart so thanks for the heads up on Hanny Allston. I will definitely get in touch with her.

As for the LDR, it is difficult but lovely at the same time (partly because I know it won’t be long distance forever). I’m counting down the weeks till we see each other in person again 🙂

I truly hope you are doing ok and that next week will be a better one for you.

Take care,

rg

[Quercus]

Hi RG,

Just wanted to thank you for replying to me the last few days. Am finally in a place to return the support. How have you been? What's new in your world?

I've always wanted to go to Tassie. What are a few places you think are vital to see?

[running_girl]

Hi Quercus,

so sorry for the delayed reply. I have broken up with the person I was seeing and am finding it hard to recover my equilibrium. I'll be ok though. Just not yet.

Tassie has so many beautiful spots. Cradle Mountain is somewhere I've yet to go but I believe it is incredibly beautiful. Wine Glass Bay I have seen and it is stunning. I also love the rainforests south of Hobart. If you're more inclined for indoor activities, Salamanca Place in Hobart is a really lovely area.

Hope you are doing ok.

My best,

rg

[MickeyM]

Hi RunningGirl

Sorry I went awol for a while. Funny, but I've realized how much connecting to others can help in our own lives.

Camping was great, thanks. We only went for 2 nights and stayed in our caravan. The last time we went camping in a tent it poured with rain and I cracked it! I told my hubby 'never again!' I was saving to upgrade my car, and ended up with a caravan.

Its actually been a godsend-there's no way we would have gone if we were staying in tents. But I tell you, we were 'glamping!' Our caravan is old and small by comparison to new ones, but there's room for 4 of us. Took the dog, kids' bikes, my brother came with his kids and stayed in a cabin nearby. The site we were on also had its own ensuite! No trudging through mud for a shower, it was awesome!

We didn't do much, I took a few books, we went for a couple of walks. We're busy day to day, it was such a relief to not have a schedule in my head, or planning, or anything. I think that's the real break.

Im si impressed you run marathons! I personally never really enjoyed running, but I used to cycle a lot. Years ago, we lived near a pine forest and I loved riding through it, especially after rain,

Sorry to hear that your relationship didn't work out. That's disappointing to say the least.

Hubby & I went to Tas on our honeymoon-you're right about Cradle Mountain, it's just beautiful.

Take care

MickeyM

[Quercus]

Hi RG,

No need to apologise and thanks for the recommendations. One day I'll get there hubby may have to knock me out to get me on the plane though 😊.

Sorry to hear about the breakup. How are you holding up? I suppose on the positive side considering your first post it's proof that you are capable of meeting new people, forming new relationships and enjoying yourself.

Just a shame it didn't work out. But you'll just have to keep trying 😊. Or just getting out there and doing things you enjoy and making friends just for yourself and your own wellbeing.

Hope to hear you feel a bit better soon. Take care of yourself ok.