2025… what a year so far! It seems to have flown by, yet a lot of the first seven months were spent waiting and chasing paperwork. Still, it has all been worth the wait… 

First Quarter:

January 2025 saw me trying to get out of my comfort zone by going on solo trips. I also got to see my favourite football team (Arsenal) play in person, which felt like a long time coming.  

I made going to the gym a routine. Rather than listening to music, I opted for self-help and positivity podcasts to get me through my workouts. The podcasts, along with therapy, self-help books and shadow work, helped me to get my mental health back on track. I was then able to start looking towards the future. 

February saw me getting a job interview for a role that really offered me a lot of freedom and opportunities. I was so grateful when I found out that I got the job, and my role started mid-March. I was nervous about starting as I’d been out of work for a while. To push through, I kept telling myself that I had nothing to lose but a lot to gain. 

This also started the momentum rolling and I was eager to try and get a home of my own after having moved back in with my parents in November 2024. Unfortunately, this task proved quite difficult as many private landlords either didn’t accept dogs or were simply too expensive for me to afford on my own. I weighed up my options, then decided to investigate getting a mortgage instead. I found a new build property that I liked (wasn’t yet fully built) and started the process. 

Second Quarter:

By May I was feeling confident in my role. My nerves eased and I was glad to have taken a leap into the deep end, so to speak. I passed my three-month probation period, and not long after picked up a promotion. My mortgage application was progressing with searches being carried out and paperwork being completed. Oh, and I also bought my dream car, an Audi TT S-Line Black Edition. It felt like a massive upgrade from the boring, albeit reliable, 4X4 I was previously driving! 

I finished my block of therapy and was in a much better place mentally. I had a mental health action plan and strategy in place for moving forward. I’d like to give a bit of a shout-out to Trent PTS who were invaluable, along with my mental health nurse who was checking in with me weekly.  

Fast forward to August, and despite a few delays and it feeling like a long, drawn-out process, I finally had exchange day in my calendar. At 33, it was going to be my first time living alone (well, with Lupin), so I had a lot to prepare for and arrange. As such, handover day was a mix of emotions; relief, disbelief, joy, a sense of sadness that it wasn’t how I envisioned my life turning out… having the keys in my hand definitely brought a sense of pride when I stopped and realised that I had achieved this for myself.  

I spent a few days without flooring (and a bed!) and two weeks without a sofa, but I’m now getting there. My bedroom is finished, along with my kitchen and dining area, both bathrooms, and my meditation space. The living room needs a few finishing touches (and a TV!), but the office / hobby room and my gym still need a lot of work. I have a vision for the garden, but it’s lower down on the list at the moment.  

I’ve spent a lot of time exploring my new area as well as visiting places that I used to enjoy. To try to meet some new people, I attended a mental health chat and craft group. This was out of my comfort zone, but I found it worthwhile. I met some lovely people and it was nice to just sit and chat whilst doing something artistic.  

Remainder of 2025:

Now that things have settled down a little, I’m looking to end 2025 by getting back into a routine of running and weight training, but also still working on my mental health via meditation, mindfulness, writing and creative pursuits.  

With regards to Couch To Runner, I’ll be looking at creating a variety of content. I have some reviews planned, including my new Reebok Floatride FR20Z treadmill that I’m yet to use since being ill. I also want to share my training progress, running tips, training plans, mental health strategies, and much more.  

2025 has been a positive and eventful year for me. I’ve achieved things that I didn’t think were possible and can reflect on my journey with a sense of pride. I’m looking forward to new opportunities at work, as well as finishing furnishing my home. I think it’s fair to say that I’ve learned a lot so far this year; it’s been the hardest twelve months of my life. But in the words of Yazz, “the only way is up” … so onwards and upwards we go!