Starting from scratch. Again....

[driver08uk]

Hi everyone. I am new to this forum (as of this very day) so thought I'd make a quick post to introduce myself and tell my story.

Two years ago, a previously inactive and obese me turned 40. I decided then that it was now or never for me to start living an active lifestyle, so embarked, in January 2017, on the Couch 2 5K plan, with Jo Whiley as my mentor. It went brilliantly well and within ten weeks I was running 5k three or four times a week, and was all of a sudden maintaining a healthy BMI. In September of that year, I had my first attack of gout, and, as you can imagine, the horrific pain that caused me put paid to my running endeavors. Again, I had become inactive and, in spite of a new improved diet and a huge cut-back on alcohol consumption, I soon returned to my starting weight.

Since that day, and all through 2018 I was inactive due to my illness, but in the middle of last year I was prescribed medication (a daily dose which I will have to take for the rest of my life) which seems to have prevented any further attacks of gout.

Fast forward to January 2019 and I, like many of you, made a new year's resolution to get back into my running, and have started the plan again from scratch (with Laura guiding me this time) to help me regain some level of fitness, get my heart and lungs working again and hopefully lose a few more inches. Tomorrow, I embark on week three!

I know I can do it- I've done it before, so I WILL get there, but it's great to be involved in a community like this where we can all support each other and share stories and advice. It's a great idea and I hope to benefit from it.

Good luck to everyone, whatever stage you're at, and believe me, if I can do it (twice), then I can see no reason why anyone else can't benefit from this great plan!!

[Hidden]

I am sorry you have had a tough time health wise, but as you say you have done this before and you can do it again. Since you were last here there has been a beginners guide (I know you are not a beginner) but its got lots of good advice. Its under the FAQs

Enjoy the programme (I love Laura!)

[driver08uk Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply. My intention this year was to approach the programme as though I had never done it before and am treating every session as uncharted territory. With this in mind, a beginner's guide will be valuable (I think even seasoned runners can even be surprised at times at certain pieces of advice aimed at beginners which they themselves might not of considered) so it's always worth looking at. Thank you again.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

Welcome back ! Delighted to have you with us again, and looking forward to watching your progress x

[Jundal Graduate]

Ah week 3, the one that made me feel like I was dying! It's a toughie that one. And I liked Sarah millican, Geordie torturer that she is.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome back to the forum.

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

Enjoy your journey.

[driver08uk Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Already checked this out! Thank you- great advice.