Couch to 5k

[Dchad63]

Morning,

Has anyone on here with stage 3 COPD done the couch to 5k to improve fitness etc? I have been told it’s possible

[2greys]

Not sure about running, but I exercise quite a lot (rowing machine and static cycle) and managed to walk 5.3 miles across country when at stage 3 a few years ago and can still walk the 2.5 miles trip to my favourite pub that includes 2 long steep hills having entered stage 4, a struggle and with winter closing in will be doing it less often. Next year? well that will depend on other my other health matters.

Now you have shown interest, go for it, it can do you no harm but a whole world of good, even if you don't manage to complete 5K the first time.

[Dchad63 in reply to 2greys]

Thank you 2greys, if you can do that at stage 4 I have to give it a go

[Corin1950]

My next door neighbour has started this a few weeks ago having heard her son is getting married next year and wants to look nice for the wedding. She doesn’t have Copd but is very overweight and has various other ailments. When she started she couldn’t run or even jog at all and even struggled with the walking. But she’s stuck at it and after 5 weeks could manage 17 minutes of jogging in several stints broken up with walking in between. She’s sticking to it and making great improvements.

I don’t see why you can’t try it as you could start off like she did by just doing the walking.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Corin

[Dchad63 in reply to Corin1950]

Thank you Corin I will and good luck to your neighbour

[Badbessie]

I am moderate and managed 5km at a walk and run. This required a long build up. Sadly it was not my lungs that stopped me but my arthritis and a few neurological problems. Any exercise is good for you so do not worry about distance or duration.

[Karenblue in reply to Badbessie]

Y do u say exercise is good for u wen u catholic’s even walk cause of breath in don’t u

[stamford1234]

I have done it. (Severe). Starts off slowly, it's very motivational and gives a sense of achievement. It is quite challenging but worth the effort. If it turns out to be too much of a struggle you have the option to go back to the "easier" level. You have spurred me on to give it a go on the treadmill during this awful weather. It is worth giving it a bash. Also think about upper body and muscle loss prevention. Good luck

[Dchad63 in reply to stamford1234]

Hi,

Thank you,you have spurred me on. Do you have any tips for the inevitable breathlessness? Cheers

[2greys in reply to Dchad63]

Contrary to what your mind says. Just concentrate on breathing out fully, the in breath will take care of itself. When you think you have finished breathing out, keep going for a further couple of seconds longer just like in a spirometry test. This will enable a full lungfull of air instead of a partial one, it will also enable you to get rid of more co2.

[stamford1234 in reply to Dchad63]

What 2greys says! Have fun!