Couch 2 5K after AVR

[Stevo1979]

Hi, anybody here done the Couch to 5K after an AVR? I did the first run today and found it difficult, I'm not the fittest person but do enjoy long walks. I must say though now that I'm home I feel great and glad I done it. Would love to hear from other people who have tried the C25K, especially AVR mechanical valve veterans.

[Stevo1979]

That's really good, I have found the forum but would love to hear from people like yourself who have had heart conditions and are doing it. I never ran, always enjoyed a good long walk though but the running is completely different. I'm motivated to get through it but probably not in 30 minutes as it says!. Good luck

[Hidden]

Again, not after an AVR. I started my own version 18 months after an SCA, took me quite a bit longer, but I managed to run full 5K on the treadmill in January, did it in about 33 mins.

Was managing to run it 3 times a week up to lockdown and had it down to 30 mins.

Post lockdown I built up courage to run outdoors, 1st time took me 36 mins, i knew it would be more difficult so took it a bit easier, managed over the 1st 5/6 weeks to get it down to 30 mins, then suffered an Achilles injury and will be out for a while.

If you read Hidden 's post about his C25K experience and the effect it has had on him, then I will simply add it has been similar for me.

I have been cycling more last week or so, as it doesn't really impact on Achilles, managed a 20 mile off-road yesterday, got the HR up to an ave of 130bpm for the 80mins ride.

P.s. the C25K forum is defo worth a look.

[Fredders]

I managed C2C! 🤪 Can’t run due to back, knee and hip problems but have been using an exercise bike, which hasn’t caused any problems. Have only just started on the bike so only managed 2k so far.

[Hidden]

Well done Fredders,keep it going.As long as you enjoy what you are doing you will keep it up.x

[Just-Wanna-Run]

I did c25k years ago when I was younger, fitter and no heart issues and it was really hard at the start, especially the first few weeks. Two years ago, in my mid fifties, I was running half marathons until I started to struggle and was diagnosed with microvascular dysfunction. Now I'm on meds I'll be starting c25k again in the next few days. I'm expecting it to be really difficult so dont worry too much. It does get easier, honest

[Mikedabike]

Hi there, good to see you are thinking about improving your fitness. I had my AVR in December 2019. I would be interested to know when you you had your op, and if you took advantage of the cardiac rehab team. Your general heath seems good if you are enjoying long walks. From my own experience the couch to 5K and similar programs are excellent for steadily building up fitness. It is not unusual to find it difficult when you first start a program like this. From a personal viewpoint I have found the key to something like this is consistency, make sure you have the rest days between sessions. If you miss a session or two don’t worry about it, when you restart just go back a day or two in the program. Good luck and enjoy.

[Stevo1979 in reply to Mikedabike]

Hi Mike, i had mine done exactly a year before you. Totally unexpected aged 39 at the time. I got endocarditis some how which deteriorated my AV which led to the replacement. Then I had a pericardial effusion a couple of weeks after. which was another hospital stay to have it drained. I was in hospital for a total of 3 months and before my op I never thought I would be doing what I am now ever again! I couldn't walk the length of the ward without having to sit before returning to my bed!! I'm writing this just after run 2 of week 1 and it wasn't much easier but again I enjoyed what I could do and have no problem repeating week 1 until I'm there! I loved the cardiac rehab although I found it more mentally beneficial than physically. I must admit I got into a bad rut last year for a few months without doing much which is not good especially for us who have had surgery, I find the more active I am the better I feel.

[Chilscot]

I had an NSTEMI HA at the end of Feb, and started the C25K yesterday so found this post and wanted to see how you are getting on since you are a couple of weeks ahead. I can say that the first run wasn't as bad as I imagined, I actually really enjoyed it despite my worry that it was too soon.

[Stevo1979 in reply to Chilscot]

Hi chilscot, I'm really enjoying it,just started week2 yesterday as I pulled both my calf muscles!! Getting on really well, i spoke to my doc about it with taking antenolol but he had no issues and actually was really enthusiastic and pleased I was doing it. Not going to lie I am finding it difficult, not so much because of the heart, although I do have a bit of anxiety with it, but my fitness for running is not good. I am finding it slightly easier from when I first started, some great posts on the C25K part of health unlocked which will help also. Best piece of advice for me was go slow, which I am doing now and getting through the runs ( I use the term run very loosely, LOL.) I jog, slowly !! Good luck and let me know how u get on

[Chilscot]

Hi Stevo1979, thanks for the reply and hope the calf muscles are recovering. My fitness is not good either but hopeful this will help change this. Good luck and keep going, we have got this.

[Stevo1979 in reply to Chilscot]

When this covid stuff subsides get yourself on your local cardiac rehab programme, I found it very very helpful helps both mentally and physically.