Wk5 R2 Done!! Eek!

[Beelady]

Not been posting as had a few false starts over the past year. Completed c25k few years back but as soon as id done wk 9 I lost my mojo. 6 months later diagnosed with Rheumstoid Disease so last 2 years been quite immobile and had to give up work. Anyway fed up with my life shrinking Ive decided to try a different approach to just waiting for meds to work and get fitter again and lose a bit of weight. Im working towards doing a park run on Aug 24th as its the 13th anniversary of my 12 year old sons death. Am feeling so good about getting this far but am on a tight 'running every other day' schedule to get to wk 9 by end of August. Bit worried about leap this week from 8 mins to 20 mins in next run. Any tips? I get alot of pain in my joints(feet, hands and shoulders) and swelling but weirdly not noticed it being any worse after runs just the same as if I do any activity so fingers crossed...anyone else Running with Rheumatoid?

[backintime Graduate]

I don't know where to start.

I will start by saying that I'm sorry that you have that anniversary at all. No parent should have that.

I am in awe that you are mentally strong enough to keep going in light of that and your health issues. I love that you are not just sitting back waiting for the meds to kick in. It would be so easy to use that as an excuse.

You are amazing.

[backintime Graduate in reply to backintime]

Oh and for W5R3 there is a special post

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Comfortnotspeed]

I am in awe of your resolve and spirit. I don’t have any words of advice, sorry. If positive thoughts and wishes could help I’m sending you all mine 💕

[Buddy34 Graduate]

Hats off to you running and having RA . Don't worry about wk5r3 you've done all the practice you need, just go slow and enjoy . Lots of luck with your upcoming park run . Your son will have been so proud . You can do this 😊😊

[RunBrianRun Graduate]

I’m lost for words. What an inspiration you are. Good luck with everything and I really hope you can make the parkrun on the 24th. It’s a tough ask but you seem to be the sort of person who will try regardless.

[AliHC Graduate]

Well done with your run! I've just finished Week 5 Run 2 too! It seems the more I worry that I can't do the next run the more I enjoy the next run!

You've come this far with all that life has dealt you and you've got through. The mental hills you have climbed were/are far more challenging than the next 20 minute run.

Enjoy the next part of this journey and keep us up to date on the park run!

Lots of love to you xxx

[Oldgirlruns Graduate]

Inspirational Beelady! Well done you - while it hurts you, you must find it really good that you’re in no more pain than if you don’t get out there at all. Which is a lesson for those of us with no health issues but loads of ‘reasons’ for not running! My only tip is the same as everyone’s- take it really slow (Japanese Slow Running slow) and keep well hydrated. Enjoy your parkrun- there’ll be some walkers there so you can enjoy overtaking them!!

[LeeU Graduate]

I fully understand, July 21st is the anniversary of my son's death, he was 4 months old.

Anyway, week 5 run 3, simple advice here:

Sort your breathing out, belly breathe, nice deep breaths to keep the oxygen flowing to your muscles. If possible in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Don't clock watch, just go with it.

This is the most important one, believe in yourself, the program gets your body ready for this but there's only you that can prepare your head for it. If you start thinking I can't do it, you'll struggle.

Slow and steady will get you to the end of the run, you can do it.

[Beelady Graduate in reply to LeeU]

Thank You and so sorry about your son. Appreciate you sharing that. Sending a hug 🌻

[Beelady Graduate]

Thank you for all the kindness and the top tips. Helpful to be reminded of perspective and breathing and positive thinking. Much appreciated x