Why do I run?

[Katnap]

In July 2018 after a lull in exercise I did too much cycling too quickly for the level of fitness I had and ended up with exertional rhabdomyolysis.

Say what?

I've had milder untreated and undiagnosed attacks before that were inconvenient but last year it floored me! I was unable to walk at all and sleep was the occasional 15 to 30 minutes before being awoken by fresh intense spasms of muscle pain. I later found out that highly intense rhabdo can kill you as your kidneys pack in because of all the waste product generated. Imagine your muscles like a nuclear reactor. When it goes out of control, you keep pumping out Ca+, you get overheated, and go bang...

I had no idea that my underlying condition (MH+) put me at higher risk of suffering rhabdo in hotter weather. A consultant who discussed my condition when I was beginning to be able to walk again suggested I do a more aerobic exercise such as jogging. "I hate jogging" I said, "too much effort for not getting very far".

But Tailchaser who did C25K before me suggested I also get the app and "look here, the local athletics club are holding a supported group C25K".

Anyway, long story short, I did the group C25K and it will be my runniversary next month! I've progressed from being unable to walk at all to being able to run a Half Marathon distance.

Along the way I have made new friends and acquaintances. 😁😁😁 My lovely HU VRBs! 😁😁😁 Some of whom the whole Katnap family have met in the real world at parkruns around the UK.

If you are reading this post you may have already started. Good luck to you! The forum is a great place to get support from both graduates and your own VRBs at a similar stage in the C25K plan. The small army of administrators do a great job of keeping the forum safe so make use of it in the knowledge that you won't get the sort of sniping you might get elsewhere.

Feel free to "Follow" me, I shall follow you in return, as I re-do C25K starting 9th September.

🐱 Katnap 🐱

[Buddy34 Graduate]

You've definitely had so much going on with your health . Glad you're able to enjoy running and I hope it helps you. Good luck 😊😊

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Buddy34]

No worries Buddy! As Beachcomber says, the VRB system really works 😁

[Dexy5 Graduate]

What a brilliant success story you are Katnap. To make that transition in a year is fantastic. I feel very privileged at being A VRB who has met you, TailChaser and the kittens at Southampton parkrun and you can count on us reaching Stratford soon. You have been so supportive on the forum too. Happy Runniversary- celebrate 🎉 🍾🥂

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Dexy5]

Thanks Dexy5 😁 we hope to do Poole sometime 🐱🐱🐱🐱

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Oh do let us know when - it’s a great parkrun. I was planning a VRB meet up at Poole for Wimborne but when she’s fit to run.

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

What an amazing story. Sorry to hear what you have been through / are going through with your health, but look at you now - a proper runner you are! Testament to the marvels of C25K, and a lovely, helpful contributor to the forums, too. Happy running, Katnap. 🏃🏻‍♂️👏👍

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Aww. Thank you! . It would be nice if I can collect a few newbies when I came to re-do C25K.

Have you got any big runs planned?

[Sadie-runs Graduate in reply to Katnap]

Well, I am still trying to convince my other half to take up running, so I’ll let you know if he relents! 😂

I have a half marathon on 15th Sept. 😱 But the training has gone well, so not feeling too scared. My first ever race! Eeeek!

Sadie x

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

😁 do it for the enjoyment and it will be easier....

[Dirty-dancing]

Good for you. What a amazing achievement and a testament to your determination. Very well done. Happy running Katnap. 👍😀

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Dirty-dancing]

Ta! I'm surprised not to see a Graduate badge next to your name..

Were you already a runner before joining the running forums?

[Beachcomber66 Graduate]

Well done Katnap and everyone who encouraged you to start running. Great that the whole family is involved too. You have progressed at an amazing rate in such a short time. Here’s to the second year🥇🥂😊.

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

Amazing isn't it? And I know of someone who started at the same time and went on to do the London marathon this year! 😮

[Katnap Graduate in reply to Beachcomber66]

And as you said recently, the VRB system really works! 😁

[SaskAlliecat Graduate]

What an amazing story Katnap. I can't imagine the pain you were going through with your exertional rhabdo. I'm glad you got through it and found the joy in running. I love reading about all the parkrun tourism you and your awesome family do. It's a great kitty family you have there 😺

[Katnap Graduate in reply to SaskAlliecat]

SaskAlliecat! Thanks for replying. I love to hear about your trail running exploits!

Happy running!

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Lovely post. Part of me is jealous, I’d love to run the plan again... but it is nearly a year since I last did something stupid to injure myself so I’ll probably be doing it again soon enough 🤣

Can’t follow you as I already do... I’ll be wishing for a nice cool autumn and none of that Indian summer nonsense. Happy running.

[Katnap Graduate in reply to UnfitNoMore]

I'm easy both ways. But cooler would be nice!

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

Happy runniversary Katnap. I hope you have fun doing C25K the second time round. You've come a long way. ( Not as far as you would if you'd cycled, it then I wouldn't have met you!) 🥂🏃

[Katnap Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

True! I'll be doing 'extra' runs including of course the Lyme Park VRB meet.

Here's to our next breakfast together! 🍺🥪🥐🍵

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

When is it? I might go book a holiday that weekend 😉

[Katnap Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

The fear is probably worse than doing it.

Earn that post run breakfast! 😁

[BaddieThePirate Graduate]

I've done it before, I know exactly what we're in for. Beautiful, but hard.

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to BaddieThePirate]

I’ve looked at the video, read Jay’s post - no thanks ! 😂😂

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

What an inspiring story and well done from coming back from such an awful condition

[Katnap Graduate in reply to SueAppleRun]

Ta!