BHF link to C25K - running for non runners as a health and cardiovascular improvement programme.

[Chinkoflight]

I'm sure becoming a runner is not on everyone's agenda but the NHS programme and App Couch 2 5k is signposted by BHF as a suitable progressive exercise programme.Following a severe Cryptogenic stroke last March reversed with thrombolysis what to do to help myself out of what might have been a downward spiral of depression and inactivity. C25K and a signpost to HealthUnlocked.

A month after my stroke I started week 1 run 1 a series of walks and I minute runs. Over the next 9 weeks, 3 times a week the running stretched to more running than walking culminating in a 30 minute run. From the first 100 m in 1 minute I ran about 3.6 Kms non stop in 30 minutes. And to be clear although called C25K it's actually about time spent exercising and for me as a complete non running 70yr old overweight (my one life style risk factor) male this was okay.

Following on from this I joined the Bridge to 10k on HealthUnlocked and today ran 10k for the first time, 6 miles in old money.

C25K is a well evaluated programme. If you want a challenge, not least as the days lengthen and subject to GP approval give it a go.

The picture shows my first 1 km walk, a real challenge after discharge from hospital, my first and last C25K runs my first Saturday parkrun (5k) and in the centre today's 10k.

I think this is amazing, I'll say so myself, but it's C25K and the BHF signpost that opened the door. Thousands of people have successfully benefited from this programme.

Give it a go??

[RufusScamp]

Well done. Best wishes for the future.

[Hidden]

Congratulations and keep it going

[Chinkoflight in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[Czech_Mate]

I'm a walker rather than a runner these days, but getting out there and appreciating how the days are getting longer (if not warmer yet) is a great mood lifter and help with sleep.Good luck 👍

[Chinkoflight in reply to Czech_Mate]

Thank you. On my runs I see many older (than me) people walking daily. I definitely want to be in their shoes and of course help myself stay mobile. One of the unexpected benefits right now is a strengthening of my knee and hip joints which I had previously been thinking were potentially limiting issues. Sleep too!

[Cee-Cee1]

Brilliant news Chinkoflight - well done to you and many congratulations! Thank you for sharing. Carol x

[Chinkoflight in reply to Cee-Cee1]

Thank you.

[Chinkoflight]

Parkrun is the new challenge, I want the tee shirt!!! 15 so far and volunteering adds to the social and community feel. And of course an anniversary run!😁

[Wooodsie]

Well done Chinkoflight. Keep it going. I did C25K a while back, but for one reason or another have stopped even jogging. I now struggle at the gym to get any true cardio. So keep it up 👏👏👏

[Chinkoflight in reply to Wooodsie]

But any movement is good and circumstances are all unique. I guess my message is do what you can while and when you can. I owe it to the brilliant NHS team from call handler , ambulance and stroke nurses to do my bit.