Exercise - Giving me my zest for life back

In the next in our series of monthly guest bloggers, I introduce you to Janet. I have only known Janet for a little under 6 months. I met her through the running group that I run too. Despite only knowing Janet a short period of time, I class her as a friend. I asked her to do this blog after such a short period of time, because I felt her story was worth of sharing. Below are her words.... My journey started about 6 years ago. I was 54 and classed myself as active. I went to the gym and walked a lot. I worked for the NHS and I was loving life. I started having some medical problems, which seemed to come all at once.

My back was one problem. After having X-rays, physiotherapy and cortico-steroid injections for a protruding disc and degenerative disc disease, I was told I would be an ideal candidate for ablation to my nerves in my lower back. I agreed to this procedure because at that point I was unable to walk without pain. The ablation was a great success. I was told to exercise. I was able to walk pain free. Sadly this was short lived due to my second medical problem. This one was a little more serious. I became somewhat poorly due to a bowel problem. I had almost given up on exercise, becoming unsociable and housebound for large parts of the day, due to needing a bathroom close by. I had to give up my job within the NHS. Yet again I found myself going through more unpleasant tests and more procedures. At this point I felt alone and very unhappy. Almost 2 years ago, I was admitted to St. James Hospital, Leeds for a loop colostomy. Almost a year later, I had to return for a complete colostomy. This I knew was for life. I wondered how I would cope with this. I thought at the time I had nothing left to offer. I felt very low and very angry. I felt I would never be able to socialise again, and never regain my zest for life. I didn't realise at the time, how wrong I was.

In April, I turned 60. I was still feeling sorry for myself. I was staying in bed until lunch time, zest free. I felt poorly, weak and miserable. My daughter, Keeley-Ann sent me a link in for SMART ( Salendine & Mount Aiming to Run Team) which was a new starting walk / jog/ running group, devised to encourage people to get up to 5km. I knew I had to do something for my mental health.

So on Monday 8th May 2017 I plucked up the courage and went to the first session. I was very nervous and was aware my body wasn't strong after all of the surgery I had undergone. The first night we walked and jogged around a field. Those first few weeks we stayed in the field. I realised I was gaining both strength and confidence all of the time.

After a few weeks, we ventured out onto the roads. I continued to gain strength and confidence. On 29th June 2017, I completed my first 5km jog around Greenhead park. I continued with SMART and also met up with friends to run during the week too. I realised I was getting the bug. My mind and body were become stronger.

On Sunday September 3rd 2017, I had booked to complete a 5km race for a local charity, Kirkwood Hospice. However, with the confidence I had developed, and the strength I had gained, I decided to upgrade to the 10km run on that day! I only went and managed the 10km, and I did it without stopping!

All of the odds felt like they were against me, but I have beaten them! I still run with SMART periodically, however, with my new found strength and confidence, I am able to run with our local running group; Acre Street Runners. I now know that whatever life throws at me, I can and I WILL beat it! Knowing exercise will always get me through! I have met some amazing, supporting and caring people on my journey. Exercise has changed my life!!! And now have my smile back and I LOVE MY LIFE. Thank you to all. You amazing people who have been part of my journey (so far...)