Out of the pool & into the country

[ChunkyMonkey]

Have had to give up swimming due to severe recurring ear infections - after swimming for 30 years, up to every day at one point. So looking for an alternative way to keep fit. Never been good at running, so need some support. Downloaded the Couch to 5K app, and did my first run this morning. It was harder than expected, but strangely enjoyable. I fear the next one may be much harder, with heavy legs!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Swimming will have helped. Plus, the journey here is slow and steady...

Welcome to this great forum... the support is phenomenal. Take your rest days, do exercise on those days, walking cycling, strength and flex for example.

Expect some aches and pains, it is quite normal Our bodies, if we have never been runners..just wonder what is happening. Take it at your own pace and don't be tempted by anything or anyone to push too hard.

Keep posting too, for the motivation and the encouragement

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thank you for the encouragement . W1R2 now under my belt R3 tomorrow......just hope my trainers have dried out after yesterday!,🤔☔️

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to ChunkyMonkey]

Go for it... slow and steady and you will be fine

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

I came to running via the same route, I was a swimmer but had to give it up due to inner ear problems, the head movements when breathing make my vertigo very much worse. I miss my swimming, but I love my running, and I hope you will too!

I was pretty fit, like you are I imagine, and expected to find running easy - not at all! I think all forms of exercise make you fit in different ways, I was very much an arm swimmer anyway, so the legs hadn't had much exercise!

Do please stick with running, you may find, like me, that it has many advantages over swimming - you can do it anywhere, you don't need water! You get to see lots of interesting places, not just the bottom of a tiled pool...you don't get cold or ruin your hair with all that chlorine!

Just make sure you have good running shies, and a sports bra if you are a girl....

Keep us posted. xx

[ChunkyMonkey Graduate]

Thank you for your support. It's certainly very different but so far so good. Seems odd to struggle so much with exercise when you thought you were quite fit. First week done in some form at least!