is there hope?

[mistyhell53]

I'm about to start, but ridiculously unfit and arthritic........is there hope? is it possible?

[Tbae]

Of course there is hope.

Do not put pressure on yourself with thoughts of last ditch attempt to get fit.

If you can walk,then you can run.

You must read the essential reading.

The adaptive programme will address your fitness but you cannot be in any pain due to a medical condition.

I do hope you are good in that respect, because this is a journey and a gift I hope you are able to take advantage of.

🌟👏👏

[GoogleMe Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Well you *can* be in pain (otherwise I could not have done Couch to 5K). But you need to have a good understanding of your own condition to ensure you are making an informed decision.

Some pains arise from things which will be worsened by running.

Some pains arise from things which will be improved by running.

Some pains arise from things which may or will be worsened by running (and most people will experience some less than agreeable effects initially) but the risk may be appropriate given other benefits offered, and can be minimised by various measures such as reading the excellent introductory guidance on the forum (as mentioned by IannodaTruffe ) choice of running surface and footwear, and attention to supporting activities.

[Tbae in reply to GoogleMe]

I think your reply should be very reassuring to the first post Newbie, Misty.

I am very pleased for you GoogleMe and your journey and pleased you have given yourself this gift as I hope Misty will be also.

Although we are all different I can empathise at 75, and taken up running this year.

I have successfully fought off pseudo gout throughout every joint in my body and the past requirement of having to take max tramadol&paracetamol together,naproxen and omeprazole to protect my stomach.

With age you lose stuff also,I have lost as much as I wish for the moment, some sight and some hearing.

This running gift is literally life giving, one hours running gives seven hours of life.

Our bodies ability to renew mitochondria and to accelerate repairs by doing stuff like, abdominal breathing and modest fasting eg,is just an amazing piece of kit.

I hope Misty reads our exchange and it helps her.

I tried to support her🤔 without getting into my medical history.I certainly have completed the essential reading and perhaps more.

The best thing that I have ever done is to have found running and this forum.

Running the golden thread that binds the forum together and the life’s blood of my soul.

Take care of you and best wishes to Misty.

💥🏃‍♀️🏃‍♀️💥👏👏

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Course it’s possible. Welcome along ! Week 1:1 sets your baseline, so no matter how it feels, don’t let it scare you off ! The best advice I’ve had so far is to embrace your inner snail. Anyone can do this, but for quite a few (including me) it’s taking a lot longer than nine weeks. Enjoy your journey x

[Fartmonkey]

You can do this. I was in the same boat. Just follow the program and give it all every time. Don't cheat.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Yes! It’s so possible! And well done for taking the plunge. You won’t regret it. As long as you’re not in physical pain when you run and take it slow (take this little guy along and let him whizz past you 🐌), you’ll smash the programme.

Ask questions on here, tell us how you’re getting on, anything. We’re all here to cheer you on! 😀👏👍

[paul1960 Graduate]

yes you can do it walk or run in your own time and please slow and steady and trust the program and you WILL get there

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

It’s more than possible... there’s lots of hope. The programme is great and builds fitness really quickly... a lot of this is a mental challenge... being here is step one on the journey. Go nice and slow and if you can’t breathe comfortably slow down some more!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

C25K really works and it doesn't matter what your level of fitness is at the start.............it will improve and you will run for thirty minutes.

Just take it steady and you will make it.

Enjoy your journey.

[Pickles1234]

I’m 58, overweight and have arthritic knees. I struggled to walk prior to C25K and am now on Week 6! It’s truly amazing - but slow is the way to go. I “run” at 5.2kph which is brisk walking speed for the majority of people 😂

[misswobble Graduate]

Yeah course there is. What’s the alternative? 🤷‍♀️

Loads of folks have various levels of joint pain etc. If its not too bad we can run. My mate had it quite bad at one point and had to take a break from running (he’s very good ). He gave up drinking quite so much beer, lost quite a lot of weight and got back to it I found giving up alcohol greatly reduced my symptoms, As did quitting fruit juice I only eat whole fruit now 🙂

C25k is a gentle intro to running and you should be ok. The mantra is slow and steady 💪👍😃🏃‍♀️ It’s fun 😃

[Hidden]

Yes I've had two knee ops and just got back to the gym after year's of neglect on my part. Feeling better already.