Week 5! I did it.

[SueLyle]

Completed week 5. When Sarah Milligan told me I wa going to run for 10 minutes I just thought. No way! From 8 minutes to 20 - ridiculous. But I did it. Couldn’t believe it. Rewarded myself by buying proper running shoes and leggings. At 67 and have never run in my life. I am inordinately proud. And hope it will help me deal with my recently diagnosed osteoporosis. What’s the medical view on that?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done.

You went from run/walking for 21 minutes to running for 20 minutes, which is why you took it in your stride.

Proud?.........You should be over the moon with your achievement.

I have just been reading about the effects of running on bones and there is a section on osteoporosis. Exercise is good for bone health in all groups but those with osteoporosis do need to be particularly careful about keeping their training gentle and increasing duration and pace only very gently. The extra muscle strength and balance created by running is helpful in reducing the risk of falls, which obviously can have devastating effects.

Diet, in respect of general good bone health, is very important. Calcium, as we all know, is basic to bone strength, but there is not much point taking supplements so long as you have a reasonable amount in your diet, because the body regulates it's calcium absorption and resorption to keep a healthy balance. There is evidence that fruit and vegetables have a beneficial affect on bones along with vitamin Deficiency, which you will get plenty of if you run outdoors.

Keep running, keep smiling.

[SueLyle in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Unfortunately had a fall and tore a ligament in my knee during week 6 run 2 so out of action for a while. However, I’m following all physio advice and apply heat/ice packs and it is recovering well. Went for a swim Thursday and managed 10.000 steps with stick yesterday. I want to continue running but falling has scared me with oesteoporosis and the fear of breaking a bone. Dilemma!