Lessons from a 5K Run (and a Few Fences!)

This morning’s run wasn’t quite what I expected, but it turned out to be full of unexpected insights – the kind that feel too good not to share.

Let me take you along on my reflective 5K Friday run.

It all started with missing headphones…

I haven’t been out for a solo run since last year. My sister joined me for one recently and kindly signed us both up for the Muddy Race for Life 5K Run, which is coming up next week. That gave me the nudge I needed to get out runnig and see if I could still do it.

My usual running playlist is a collection of Rock Choir songs – but I couldn’t find my headphones anywhere. After 30 minutes of searching, I gave up and dug out some old wired earphones instead. Headphones in, shoes on, off I went.

Next A Detour (and a Few Obstacles)

I normally follow the same route every time – I know exactly where the 5K ends. But today I spotted a path leading to the canal and thought, “why not try something new?”

What followed was… a bit of an adventure.

– I came across a locked gate – too far in to turn back, so I climbed it.
– Next, a concrete wall with water on either side. No way to jump across, so I walked along the top of the wall (thankfully not too high).
– Eventually, I found myself looping back around to the very path I thought was fenced off at the start. Turns out I’d just needed to go a bit further.

Each step (and stumble) turned into a lesson:

Lesson 1: Keep going – you’ll get there in the end.
I nearly gave up before I even started, when I couldn’t find my headphones. Then again when I got “lost”. But every time, I found a way forward.

Lesson 2: Don’t assume.
I assumed that first path was a dead end. It wasn’t. I just hadn’t looked closely enough.

Lesson 3: There’s more than one way to get where you’re going.
Different routes, different obstacles – same destination in the end.

Moments of Stillness (and a missed photo)

Back on track and back in my zone, I started to reflect. I first started running this 5K route during lockdown five years ago. A lot has changed since then – in my life, and probably in yours too.

I stopped to take a photo of the swans (a little tradition from lockdown) – and it didn’t take. I was rushing and it didnt take and failed to check before running on.

Lesson 4: Be present.
Slow down. Don’t be in such a rush that you miss the moment.

As I kept running, I passed so many familiar spots. The goats I used to photograph. The pathway where I’d chat with a lady during lockdown – she has sadly recently passed away. So much has changed, yet the trees, the birds, the hedgerows – they’re still there, just te same as they were five years ago.

Lesson 5: Nature always shows up.
Whether it’s animals, the breeze, or the path beneath your feet – connecting with nature is deeply grounding.

Near the end of the run, I felt my hips starting to tighten. I was nearly there. It hadn’t gone to plan, but I was proud I didn’t give up. Then – the final song on my playlist was Shine, its was the perfect tune to end my run.

Lesson 6: Life changes.
We can’t control it, but we can choose to enjoy it. Make the most of what’s here, right now.

Lesson 7: However long it takes, don’t give up.
You can do hard things – and you’re stronger than you think.

Can I Help You Through Your Own Obstacles?

Life brings its fair share of challenges – some bigger than a locked gate or lost headphones. If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just need a little support, here are a few ways I can help:

💚 In-Person Kinesiology Sessions
Support for physical, emotional, and nutritional wellbeing.

🌍 Remote Kinesiology Sessions
Perfect if you’re not local or can’t travel.

✨ Online EFT Tapping Sessions
Clear emotional blocks and bring your energy back into balance.

💚 Ballancer Lymphatic Massage
Boost immunity, reduce fluid retention, improve sleep and more.

🌸 Body Mind Bliss Detox Day
A luxurious 4-hour session to fully reset: Kinesiology, EFT, Reiki and Body Ballancer Lymphatic Massage.

🧠 Self-Help Workshops
Learn powerful tools you can use at home for your own wellbeing – and to support loved ones.