HI - considering starting this process

[rainbutton]

I'm new. I do not have a start date chosen yet. I'm giving myself permission to do each week as often as necessary so as to accommodate my arthritis. Two years ago I had both hips fully replaced in one year. I've learned to not over do it, but to keep moving. After water therapy I think I'm ready for this. I feel motivated when the weather is nice, however, it's 40 degrees and pouring rain right now which makes me wonder if I have the gumption to follow through with this plan once I start. Last year I lost 20 lbs Jan - May, but then gained it all back by March of this year. I'm not wanting to go into the hot summer months huffing and puffing every where my family wants to trek. How did you pick your start date? Do you forgo cold wet days if you are achy and then pick right back up on the next best day? Is it easier on my joints to run on a flat forest path than concrete?

[rainbutton]

I should have read FAQ POST first. Questions have been answered.

[Kar43]

Hi and welcome

Good for you in wanting to make a start.

I would say just start as soon as you feel the urge, I did.

I'm doing most of my training on gym treadmill so the rain hasn't been a problem for me, well yet anyway as I'll be outdoors soon and staying outdoors

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

The guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and is full of tips.

Enjoy your journey.

Don't use the weather as an excuse for not starting, otherwise it will never happen........just start.

[rainbutton in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Sounds like a plan.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

You only need to think about that first session.

If you can get yourself to flat forest paths, then I would definitely recommend doing so, so long as it doesn't become an excuse not to get on with the programme. I avoid running on roads and pavements a) because I can b) because it is prettier/better for the soul and c) because I am a delicate snowflake who has to spend most of her life in bed and has plenty enough pain anyway. I definitely notice the difference with hard surfaces and avoid running on them more then a couple of times in succession.

I'd suggest re-thinking redoing completed weeks - that's only to accommodate a lack of confidence and the mistaken idea that not completing a session is Failure and that Failure is a terrible thing, not about the needs of the body. I have often said that if I'd had to keep repeating Week 1 until it felt comfortable I'd still be doing it instead of the 10k+ I can now do. My hunch would be that for your issues a better strategy might be to have extra non-running days between sessions if you feel you need them.

Avoiding heel striking (despite the suggestion to do so in the audio coaching) would be my other urgent suggestion for your situation.

[rainbutton in reply to GoogleMe]

Thank you so much. I agree that the forest is what my soul needs. I will consider not repeating weeks. It makes sense to add a day of rest only when necessary.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

Well done on - you’ve taken the first step by posting here which is really brave. Do you walk lots? Or do other exercise? That will all hold you in good stead. As you have your approach to this is good, huge well done and keep posting 😎

[rainbutton in reply to ju-ju-]

I can comfortably walk 30 minutes at a moderate pace, but I have yet to ever stick with doing it daily or even 3-4 times a week. I think the hardest first thing will be committing to a schedule. My schedule easily allows it, I just have to do it. Thank you for the encouragement.

[RobW73 Graduate]

Welcome.

You will find this forum a bunch of supporting and helpful people at all stages of the programme and of all ages, abilities and different health situations. We are a diverse bunch.

I saw this plan and started within a week. No messing about, otherwise I would have delayed repeatedly. I just needed to make sure I was prepared and first route planned.

For me, the first session was the most nerve wracking, then it was about building a habit. Find other members around your stage in the plan and keep tracking their progress and post your own. The forum can help you through.

Finally, I'd be terrified of running in 40° conditions. I am running some days in the late 20s and I'm finding it really hot. Not surprised you'd rather wait until it cools down. But if you can get out there in the beginning and stay hydrated, you should be ok.

Good luck.

[Rua8 Graduate]

Welcome aboard! It’s a great programme and you won’t regret it Start tomorrow if you have a pair of trainers! There have been some rainy days where I didn’t feel I fancied going out, but if it was a scheduled run day I went, and always felt better for it. You don’t focus on the rain once you get going, so don’t let weather put you off. If you’re achy you can always take an extra day’s rest, or more if necessary.