Hi everyone. Im a newbie. Did my first run yesterday of week one. Aching a fair bit today. Recently been diagnosed with high bp.

[robertsclan2011]

Noticed whilst i was running how overly fast my heart was beating, to the point of it making me feel rather funny. I suppose it scared me a little. Do i need to take the pace down or will i be ok to push myself and complete this c25k?

[Khrissy Graduate]

Are you on medication for your BP? Is it under control? Your heart will beat faster when you're running and you will feel out of breath but you shouldn't feel 'funny'. Maybe it's just that you are going too fast but I think you should see your GP or practice nurse and just get yourself checked out x

[Oldgirl Graduate]

Did you check with your GP before starting the program, might be wise to do so in view of the high blood pressure?

Its not unusual to have a fast heart beat when starting a new exercise, after all you are asking your body to do something its not used to and the engine (heart in this case) will protest until it gets used to it. If you are very unfit perhaps do some fast walking for a few weeks to build up your strength and stamina. Don't however be put off if you get the go ahead from your doctor, he I am sure will be pleased that you are working towards improving your health and fitness. Be aware too that this is not a race, take your speed down if you are finding it uncomfortable and you are getting too breathless, I know the first run I had I thought it was going to be my last, I thought I would die from lack of oxygen, it does get easier I promise. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Jaynew01]

Have you taken up exercise on the advise of your GP and are you on medication. Just to keep yourself safe I would consult with him/her to ensure that what you are doing is good for you at this current time. There maybe other types of physical activity that would suit you more for the time being. Hope this helps and good luck

[Hidden]

Definitely see your GP and discuss this with him/her. If you get the go-ahead then take your pace right down to very slow to begin with. Again, brisk walking might be your best bet for the time being. Best wishes.

[agedsnailspace Graduate]

Agree with everyone else, it never hurts to consult with your doctor - having said that, setting off too fast is a very common mistake! I remember back to my wk 1, when my 'running' speed was actually slower than my walking (and local dog walkers left me standing!). It doesn't take long for the heart and lungs to improve just keep reminding yourself slow and steady!

[ajwyld Graduate]

I have high bp and am on medication, but have recently completed the programme, so it can be done. But get it checked out anyway ! When I started I used to push myself to walk as fast as I could in the walking bits, and then take the running bits really slow and steady (pretty sure I was walking faster than running at one point!). I was hoping that more exercise and a better diet (I've completed c25k and lost 8kg in the last year) would bring my bp down, but sadly so far it hasn't made a difference so I'm still on the meds - blaming my Scottish genes !

[Pigivi in reply to ajwyld]

My bp went back to a normal range after loosing some weight (not much, 6 kg and still 15 to loose...) but i think what really helps is meditating every day

[Tintin501 Graduate]

I have also been plagued with a bad hip on and off for the past year and often have to take painkillers. However it hasn't got worse since I started this running programme and I don't think running makes it any better or worse. I also struggled the first few runs - thought I might have a heart attack!!! But now at week 5 and feel great even though I find the first run of a week a challenge. Your body gets used to it quickly and adapts! Good luck!

[robertsclan2011]

Yes im on medication for the high bp. I wouldnt say i was completely unfit. I managed to not long since do the insanity program for 6 weeks. Only stopped coz i got the flu and then lost my will to complete lol.

Thanks though everyone for the advice. Im off for run 2 of week one later and i will try take it a bit easier. If it persists the feeling i got other day i will mention to gp xx