Think I just graduated ...

[shakdang]

Week 9 Run 3. Done.

I started 10 months ago. I was told that my heart was smaller in size than average and was not pumping efficiently. My vo2 max was probably way below average. I suffered from postural tachycardia (my heart rate would jump from 66 resting to 130 within seconds by just standing up).

The doctor said I need to get active. For a healthy 32 year old, thats probably not a huge task but I was struggling to even walk fast.

But I ran.

I ran and got myself a medial knee fracture in week 3. I worked on my stance and rested for 2 months. and then ..

I ran.

week 5 and I got tibial stress fracture this time, I rested, strengthened my legs and ..

I ran more!

I resumed in May and slowly increased my distance, I repeated week 5 about 7 times to condition my body .. within weeks I ran my first 5k, I carried on. Soon I was running for 40min+ around week 7.

When I first started I would hit 196bpm within minutes and max I could run was for 5 minutes.

Today I ran 7k at 6:30/min avg. heart rate of 169. My resting heart rate has dropped to 54bpm avg for last month. It's all thanks to this app and this community. I feel better than I have ever before, I'm no longer scared to run jump or walk. I am not afraid for the future of my cardiac health.

Thank you all!

10k watch out cuz here I come!

[wyersmith Graduate]

Wow! Great work. Well done!

[shakdang Graduate in reply to wyersmith]

Thank you!

[Runsome Graduate]

Well done what a journey good luck with the 10k training

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Runsome]

Thanks, starting on Friday, fingers crossed

[SANDI_runs Graduate]

Well done on all your achievements. It's amazing the difference just one little app makes 😁

[shakdang Graduate in reply to SANDI_runs]

Thanks, yes c25k has been crucial .. I don't know how I will run without MJ anymore

[Gran4z Graduate]

Wow, that’s some achievement, brilliant. Keep running, keep fit and look after yourself. See you on the journey to 10k. And once again, congratulations on graduating 🎉🍾

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Gran4z]

Thank you very much. I certainly have caught the running bug and I don't see myself stopping any time soon. It's so addictive!

[Gran4z Graduate in reply to shakdang]

Agree with you on the addictive comment. I'm suffering withdrawal symptoms this week as I'm busy with grandmother duties and am shattered by the time I get her to bed I'm just too tired!! However, I'm determined to go out when she zones out this evening...granddad can keep a listen out! Hope she goes to sleep quickly, fingers crossed I really need to get out before I go stir crazy :0

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Gran4z]

Lucky that we have late sunsets these days right? Have fun

[Gran4z Graduate in reply to shakdang]

Right yes still light enough. Got out by 8.50, just a quick jog round the block - so invigorating just to get out there and run. Was only 17mins but was gooooood 🙂, relaxing to just blow away the cares of the day - happy now 🌻fun had, thank you.

[owmeknees]

Wow, what an incredible journey! Well done to you for persevering and never giving in. Inspirational and amazing. 👏👏👏🍾🥂🎉🥇

[shakdang Graduate in reply to owmeknees]

Thanks, high five!!!!

[Bandit14 Graduate]

Awesome stuff - massive congrats for sticking with it xx

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Bandit14]

All thanks to this community for keeping me motivated! Happy running!

[Annlucia Graduate]

Wow that’s fabulous well done 👍

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Annlucia]

Thank you

[SarahOReilly Graduate]

Wow.. congratulations for sticking with it and completing.... good luck in your running... bring it on 😀

[shakdang Graduate in reply to SarahOReilly]

Bring it on indeed!! thank you!

[Boo43 Graduate]

Amazing work. Very inspirational story for all those who think they can't do it. Well done. 👍🏃‍♀️

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Boo43]

I doubted myself too, thought maybe I should run on treadmill or swim or do some other less intensive exercise but I'm so glad I persevered. If I can do it anyone can! Thank you for you kind words.

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate]

Oh wow, what a journey!! Must have been both scary and frustrating at times. Bloody well done 👏👏👏

Many, many congratulations 🏅🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Enjoy your acheivement, your healthier state and your new ability 👍😁

[shakdang Graduate in reply to GoGo_JoJo]

It had it's ups and down I have to admit but that I constantly reminded myself of how far I've come and now ho far I can actually go! It's a great feeling!

Thanks and happy running to you too

[bunty65 Graduate]

Congratulations and thank you for posting it's a great inspiration for those of us who have any health issues your determination to finish is admirable

[shakdang Graduate in reply to bunty65]

Thank you, our bodies are capable of more than what we might think sometimes, but it's important to know the limits and don't push too fast too soon. Wish you best and happy running, thank you!

[Liliuk]

Fabulous work, how resilient. Congratulations, well deserved !! 👍👍

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Liliuk]

Thank you, it was indeed tough getting here but totally worth it!

[Emmajane71 Graduate]

That's some determination! Amazing, well done, you must be extremely proud of yourself!

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Emmajane71]

Indeed feels great to have finally done what seemed impossible only a few months ago. Thanks!

[Runip Graduate]

Truly inspirational. Massive congratulations to you.

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Runip]

Thank you very much Runip.

[Little-runner Graduate]

Well done on persevering despite all the injuries you faced, as well as a heart condition too. You seem to have a very sensible approach and are listening to your body and taking your time. Isn't this running thing fantastic??

[shakdang Graduate in reply to Little-runner]

It's one of the best things I've ever done indeed. Very easy to get carried away so sensibility is must, I agree.

[Little-runner Graduate in reply to shakdang]

Yeh me too....never thought I could run, but I absolutely love it!