Health anxiety: Hey everyone,I just wanted to... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Health anxiety

DanDSC profile image
17 Replies

Hey everyone,I just wanted to ask if anyone else has health anxiety and how did you get through it to get started?

I know it probably sounds stupid but I am 40 in a few weeks and I keep thinking what happens if my body can't cope and I have a heart attack or something.

I don't smoke and don't really drink although I did a fair bit of drinking up until late 20's. I used to play football and tennis so weight\health was mostly ok. My weakness is sugar. I eat too much sugary crap but I am working on it.

I have done an online consultation to ask my doctor if I am good to go. I don't have any major physical issues that I know about. I really want to take this seriously but not rush it. I have my running clothes areiving tomorrow and want to get started.

I started working as a taxi driver about 9 months and my weight has crept up and I am not happy about it lol. I am about 6ft1 and 17 stone or just under.

So yeah, just wanted to ask as you all seem really nice here. Thanks 🙂

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DanDSC profile image
DanDSC
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17 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Hello... well here you are, First step taken, welcome.

You have got the go-ahead from those in the know so the next thing... please do check out the essential pinned post.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

You do not need to read it all in one go...phew! But, please do use it to get you on the way, safely and with enjoyment.

There are links in there, which will give you the advice and support you need...firstly, telling you the safe and easiest way to begin this programme.

There is a link then to all other issues you may come across as you progress,

Your eating regime.. well, you know there is a problem and you know how to deal with it... there is a programme for weight loss that works well, alongside this one... and a fair few of our runners are on both forums.

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

The advice I give always, is, at all levels, take it slowly and steadily, This won't be a quick fix and there will be times when you may struggle and wonder what the heck you are doing... but stay with us,

We will support and hopefully support your motivation.. we will encourage and we will too, give you the odd shove if necessary!

Do,please, keep posting. Read replies, read posts and use this forum to help you as you run on.

Main thing.,,? Enjoy!

Looking forward to your first running post.

Week One. Run One, Slow and steady :)

DanDSC profile image
DanDSC in reply to Oldfloss

Thanks so much! That guide was exactly what I was looking for to get some finer details.

After reading so many positive stories and seeing how much of a nice community it is here, it has really motivated me. I am looking forward to getting started.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to DanDSC

That is brilliant!

GoogleMe profile image
GoogleMeGraduate

I reckon that it is the other way around - people get started and doing the programme really helps with the health anxiety over time.

Looking forward to hearing how you get on.

DanDSC profile image
DanDSC in reply to GoogleMe

Yeah thanks. I am seeing a lot of motivational stories and great people here.

JoP61 profile image
JoP61Graduate

Good advice from Oldfloss !

Sounds like you've done the right things - consulting your doctor and thinking about your diet etc. Take it steadily, and listen to your body - don't run if you're in pain as that will only get you injured.

I worry about my health (although I'm fitter than I've ever been thanks to C25K), but I'm a lot older than you.

Anyway, we want to know how you get on, so please post about your progress, and good luck.

Happy running! 👍

DanDSC profile image
DanDSC in reply to JoP61

Good advice, thank you!

Folkylass profile image
FolkylassAdministratorGraduate

Excellent advice from Oldfloss. Consulting with your doctor is a great move too. Always listen to your body . You really are the only one that will know exactly how you are feeling when you start to run. Just take it slow and steady at first then if you feel confident enough to take it further then do so but if it becomes painful then stop and rest up.

Looking forward to reading about your progress 👍😀

DanDSC profile image
DanDSC in reply to Folkylass

Thanks, the only problem is that the doctor said they will reply to me on the 30th May lol

I am just going to start but take it steady.

Madwife60 profile image
Madwife60

Welcome. I started my journey at 60 when I was lazy, 5 stone overweight and lived on chips and pizza so I quite understand how you feel. I did tackle the weight with the Fast 800 (and I have kept it off mainly because I NEVER want to go back to miso soup and counting 10 almonds for a snack). When I started my shuffle through C25K I truly thought I would drop dead with a heart attack and after my first 60 second run I could feel my pulse in my head. I had my husband on speed dial ready to call 999 and almost gave up. However the future looked bleak so I was determined to keep going and it took me around 14 weeks rather than 9 and by about week 6 I did feel I could get through it. That was all 6 years ago and I’m still going. 5k is still my average run distance but sometimes I do a bit more or a bit less. My goal is 30 minutes 3 times a week alongside yoga and walking and I feel fitter than I ever did in my 40’s and 50’s. You can’t turn back time but you can make the time you’ve got better

Good luck and go for it.

DanDSC profile image
DanDSC in reply to Madwife60

I love this. Congrats on your progress and for being determined to push on through.

I am looking into yoga as well.

drl212 profile image
drl212Graduate

Hi! You've got the OK from your doctor; you are getting support here. I would recommend that you try Week 1 Run 1 and see how you do.

My journey started 11 weeks ago and I would never have thought that I would be here, graduated, and working on 35 minute runs.

I had the same thoughts and a history of shin splints which shut any hope of running several decades ago.

Take it slow, repeat runs if you have to. The important thing is to get out there, listen to your body, stop if you need to. Any health concerns get back to your doctor.

All the best! The programme has been a life changer for me. Once I get through my consolidation month, I think I'm going to start training for a 10K! You might find yourself in the same position in 9 short weeks!!

DanDSC profile image
DanDSC in reply to drl212

That's brilliant, congrats to you.

My doctor said they will get back on May 30th but I can't wait that long. I will just start and be careful.

There is no reason I can see why she would say anything other than go ahead.

Runawaytrainer profile image
RunawaytrainerGraduate

It's helped me, finding out that sugar is one of the most addictive substances we can consume. It's motivated me to work on giving it up, because I don't like feeling I'm an addict, but also to be kind and understanding of myself when I get cravings. Zoe health advice has helped, too.

DanDSC profile image
DanDSC in reply to Runawaytrainer

Yeah that's exactly it. It literally does feel like an addiction. I think if I can continue to cut sugar down then I will lose weight already.

Like you said though I am kind to myself and realistic. So I will do it gradually.

Ping-pong profile image
Ping-pongGraduate

Hi and welcome. I echo all the previous replies and with your determined but cautious approach you should do well and enjoy the journey.

One other thought since you mention sugar as a particular issue. I find it really helpful to use the MyFitnessPal app. If you log everything you eat and drink it will break it down into calories, carbs, fat, protein, sodium and sugar and show progress towards daily goals and the balance of your input over time.

DanDSC profile image
DanDSC in reply to Ping-pong

Thank you. I will download it and try it out 🙂

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