Self-Help Groups, or SHGs, have been an essential part of my journey towards personal growth. It’s incredible how a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, understanding, and encouragement like no other. SHGs create a safe space where you can share your struggles, celebrate victories, and learn from the experiences of others. I’ve found so much inspiration and motivation within my SHG, and I’m curious to hear about how others have been impacted by their involvement in similar groups. How has being part of an SHG influenced your personal growth journey? Share your stories and let’s continue to support each other on this incredible path of self-discovery
Running (or attempting to) is the only thing that makes me feel good during this shit show journey. Congratulations on your half marathon, that’s an awesome achievement!
Well done!!!
I picked up running as well! I trained for and ran a half marathon in October, a marathon in March, and have two more full marathons coming up this fall. I’ve been in this IVF journey for way too long and with only one embryo left, I said fuck it let’s go and do all the things. I was tired of my body telling me no, you can’t have a baby. I still don’t have a baby, but at least I can run kinda fast now 
I’m running a half in less than two weeks. It’s my first race since TTC though pre pandemic I was a pretty avid distance runner. I’m rediscovering my relationship with running in this new, IVF riddled body. Maybe not super advisable by many but my race is a week after my FET 
but I’m hardly running hardcore enough for it to really matter. It just feels nice to do something for me again. Proud of you!
I took a month off in January for my ER, and have been training for the London marathon since February. The next cycle, in late May, will be my first FET.
I did a big bicycle trip recently as a consolation prize for not being pregnant. 
It was my first foray into endurance sports and I loved it. I am doing my first ER soon and already feeling sad about my no-exercise stim and recovery time. 
So glad that you found running - keep going!
Well done!! That must feel so good to have accomplished that. And as you say, have something to focus on, that’s under your control.
I’m so jealous. In the lead up to my next cycle, I’ve been advised the last few months to only do low impact things such as walking or yoga, which has been sooo frustrating, and I can just feel my fitness getting worse and worse. Along with my mental health. Hope it’s worth it for a better ER4!
I gave up running for IVF, it just became too hard. I had to take 3 months off to take zoladex so I signed up for a half marathon, and in the second week of training I tore my calf muscle and had to give my race entry away. My TTC journey may be ending soon (not in a good way), and I’m trying to count “get back into running” as a silver lining. I didn’t think I’d miss it this much.
Congratulations to you - a half marathon is a massive achievement. Very proud of you and hope it benefits your next ER!
Good work! That’s amazing that you trained for and completed a half while going through IVF. Running has always been something I love to do too and I’m trying to get started again after my first ER. Thank you for the motivation to get going again!
Congratulations! You are amazing! 
Congrats on finishing, what an awesome accomplishment! I’ve also started running during the long course of IVF but having to stop and start has meant I haven’t done a race longer than 5k (my next one is in a couple of weeks). It’s so nice to have a goal to focus on that isn’t related to infertility. Take that win and enjoy the feeling!!
I did a half marathon shortly before starting this cycle. I’m planning another for six months’ time (tho obviously not running during stims). Planning to do stuff like this, and achieving it, has hugely improved my energy and my relationship with my body.
amazing , running does help calm the mind <3
Great work! Well done!
Congratulations on your success! 
It’s tough having to stop running during egg retrievals, and no one understands the impact it has on my mental health. Running is my social outlet, so why should I be expected to just let it go and be grateful for the process? It’s comforting to know there are other runners going through the same thing. Baby dust and running stroller manifestations to all of us on this journey! 
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