WK2, Run2 - Toughest one yet...

[QuadroVEINia]

Not completely sure why but really struggled this morning... maybe my C25K programme dip point but so early?!

It was freezing cold again just like Monday feeling minus 7’ but felt much worse today, possibly the new breathing technique introduced is testing me and in my case my lung capacity perhaps has not quite got back to a ‘normal’ level 13 wks post bypass, will be discussing with my friendly neighbourhood cardiac rehab team later today... only silver lining, I completed run so stay on track! 👊

[Barb6374]

From the pic it looks really cold. What new breathing technique are you doing ? .Take care

[Hidden]

Don't worry about it, it's all miles in the bank, or "grist to the mill" as my mate used to say. You often find the second run is harder than the first, you will be tired from Monday - don't stress about it just look forward to the next one. What is this breathing technique? My Mrs started running couple of years ago with me after my "event"(cheeky Madam is outpacing me now just shows what 6 less years does for you!) but she struggled with her breathing quite a lot at the start. You need to try and get into a regular rythm, possibly using your stride as a guide, or even imagining a beat in your mind. It could be you are trying to go a bit too quick? Just come back myself, it's baltic but lovely once you get going.

[QuadroVEINia in reply to Hidden]

The breathing technique comes from the app, simply put it guides you into a rhythm to match your breathing cycle (in/out) to 4 steps each time... sounds a lot easier than in practice. I’ll give it another go again on Friday during Run3 and failing again I think I’ll just revert to breathing normally. Spoke with Cardiac Rehab team earlier and they didn’t seem surprised I struggled given freezing temperatures having a bearing on my physiology... they also remain suspicious I might be doing too much... I swear I saw a snail overtake me this morning!!

Well done yourself for getting out there... and great to hear your Mrs is outpacing you! 😁

[Hidden in reply to QuadroVEINia]

It's not great, She is winding herself up ready to try and do me on the first Park run we get a chance to go on, and the way things are doing she might just do it. I have had a patchy 6 months last year due to problems with my eyes, but they are resolved now but it seems harder to get back into the swing than it ever was before, must be my advancing age, hopefully nothing to do with my RCA still being 50% blocked. That breathing app sounds like it might be aimed at more experienced runners, I tend to take a breath in every 2 paces and then out for 2, which is what it sounds like it's getting you to do, but that's only when I have settled into a reasonable pace. I think it is a good idea to try and sync your breathing and pace but that cadence might not be right for you yet, so you could maybe try and do it to a mental "beat"? I have even imagined a big steam hammer or engine or something similar pounding away in my mind to breath to, it can take your mind off the effort as well sometimes, once you drift off into the zone. Keep it going it will get easier.

[QuadroVEINia in reply to Hidden]

Being a gent, I’m sure you will simply be ensuring your good lady is first.... (you can tell her that if she does do you on that first run!).

Sorry to hear you had challenges getting back into the swing, doesn’t sound like advancing years to me, you clearly have a great attitude and remember age is just a number. I wouldn’t worry about the RCA too providing you are having regular monitoring checks. I had the amazing scaffolders in 8 times prior to my recent bypass to prop open 10 closures incl RCA, LAD & C/flex, like you I do what I can and leave the rest in their hands what would we do without the NHS?

Sorry if I was unclear earlier, the app is the same standard C25K programme app, at week 2 it guides you to start focusing on your breathing... I think your advice is spot on so I’m going to incorporate that if I struggle again on Friday or maybe wait and try again when weather is a little warmer, hopefully by then my new pipe work will be a bit more resilient to air temperatures.

Do keep me posted on who comes out on top on that first park run and remember if she ‘does’ you... you were being a gentleman! 😉

[Hidden in reply to QuadroVEINia]

Blimey sounds like your plumbing was in a right state? Like you say you should be OK after the bypass upgrade. My Mrs has taken to it very well, along with many woman who seem to be quite well suited to running in later life, you see loads of them out now, far more than years ago. Not sure about this "regular monitoring" you mention? Nothing like that here, just a yearly blood test if I badger them, but I guess it is down to how you feel. I have adopted a fairly strict diet so along with regular exercise all I can do is hope for the best. When the Park runs finally start again I might have to resort to some tactical running and experience at this rate...She knows I won't be "being a gentleman" I am afraid!

[QuadroVEINia in reply to Hidden]

Not great genes I’m afraid, just playing the hand I’ve been dealt and still in the game! That’s all any of us can do! 💪