Slow but sure

[NettieNoo]

Feeling good. I've just done 1st session of week 2 and it was much easier than I was expecting, although it's taken me about 4 months to get there! In explanation, I started in January, but had to stop for a month after a cataract op, then got back to it, but hurt my back and could hardly walk for a couple of weeks. (My GP suggested Parkrun as an alternative to anti-depressants when I visited him at new year with severe stress and depression.) When I started, I couldn't even run for 30 seconds, so I gradually built up to the minute and I've been doing week 1 over and over again, not really believing I could ever do any more. I'm now doing a beginner's hiit video 3 times a week, hula hooping 20 minutes a day, walking an hour every day, doing c25k twice a week, plus Parkrun on a Saturday (I do it like c25k, running / walking alternately). I'm pathetically slow, but very determined - Parkrun time has gone from an hour to 47 minutes and I've dropped two dress sizes. Progress feels slow, but I've never been very patient and I've been bone idle for so long I guess I shouldn't be over ambitious. Never would have believed it possible, but I'm actually enjoying it!

[Hidden]

Well done! What great tenacity and determination and it's great that you are enjoying yourself too

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and explains the recommended easy conversational pace............ slow is good.

Enjoy your journey.

[NettieNoo Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you. Yes, I've been trying to run far too fast I think. Tried really slowly yesterday and found I could keep going much longer. All the other advice on here I think I've been following correctly, just pushing myself too fast so running out of breath and exhausting myself. I have started trying to count and regulate my breathing too, so getting the hang of consistent rather than 'panic' breathing. Getting there!

[Oldman51 Graduate]

I'm keen to know more about your referral to parkrun by your GP. There is a movement among some GPs to create "parkrun practices" where this is pushed. Were you advised to just turn up and give it a go? Were you advised to have a look first? How did you feel? I've never participated, but have been at a parkrun venue and found the atmosphere totally intimidating. Loads of eager, athletic, mainly (but not exclusively) young people. Ideal for promoting feelings of self-doubt. I anticipate howls of rebuke from regular parkrunners, who will claim its inclusivity, but I can only report my own feelings. Anyway you're clearly a winner with a fantastic 5k time already. Well done and good luck!

[NettieNoo Graduate in reply to Oldman51]

He didn't 'refer' me as such, but suggested it as an alternative to conventional medical responses to anxiety and stress. He knows me well and knows that I would rather not take medication if it can be avoided. He's a successful parkrunner himself, having taken it up some time ago and lost weight and enjoyed psychological benefits. He said it's not a race, the only competition is with yourself - and that's true, I've found. He suggested just having a go to see what I thought and that it was fine to just walk it, which is what I did the first time. I admit to finding going the first time quite daunting and intimidating - I bought running gear and went out dressed in a way I wouldn't dream of normally! There are lots of athletic types who run in 20 minutes or so, but there is also a very diverse range of ages, weights, levels of fitness. Having been for a few times now I'm finding it more and more encouraging. Last week a few of the 'athletic' runners congratulated me as they zoomed past, the marshals were incredibly encouraging and the tail walker gave me lots of helpful advice. I have found it very welcoming and accepting. Inclusive? Well, it's kind of hard for someone to be inclusive when they've run the course, had a cup of tea and driven home in the time it takes me to get round the course, I guess, but I don't feel left out. I've decided not to care what anyone else thinks of my running or what I look like anyway - I'm doing it for me, not for them, and it makes me determined to one day be finishing while they drink their tea rather than when they've left and forgotten about it. I go with my husband and a friend and have found that very encouraging and helpful. I don't know if I'd have felt comfortable going alone, certainly the first time, so I'd recommend going with someone you know and trust. And I remind myself every time what the Parkrun posts on Facebook and Instagram say i.e. an hour's parkrun is the same distance as a 15 minute one. I get nervous before going, loathe doing it, then feel incredibly smug and virtuous afterwards! I don't expect to ever be one of the athletic ones, but I just want to be the fittest version of me that I can be.

[Run46 Graduate]

Wow, you sound very determined. Sounds like a very successful last few months...trust in the programme and am sure the next few will be just as good 😊👍