Hi everyone I am new to this so please be gentle with me.
I’ve decided to get my backside of the couch and get moving.
I am on Dialysis and awaiting a kidney transplant. It has taken me months to have the courage to go out the house and start the couch to 5k as I am embarrassed as I am very overweight and very unfit.
I’ve just completed run 2 this evening with my partner and my 12 year old daughter doing it with me to give me the support and encouragement I need.
Has anybody got any words of encouragement or advise of how well they have done etc... or is anybody else on dialysis or had a transplant that is also doing this?
I’m kind of looking forward to run 3.
Jo x
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Jd76
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Never feel embarrassed by weight or fitness. Well done on making a start. That is so important. This programme will get you running for 30 minutes as long as you stay injury free and commit to it. Lots of hydration, rest days after runs and go nice and steady. This forum is an amazing place and we'll encourage you every step of the way. You will do it. Enjoy your journey.
I think once I start noticing a change in my shape I will have a little more confidence.
I went out in the dark tonight so no one would see me but my next run I’m going to make sure I go out during the day. I think that’s the only way I can over come my fear of being seen.
Good for you! It's lovely that your family are supporting you. I'm sure your confidence will increase as you realise what you are capable of. And always remember - you're doing better than those still sitting on the couch.
As others have said, please don’t feel embarrassed, you are out there doing it! Most of us on here are not part of the Lycra lovely set (although they are always welcome too!) we just get out and run ( or in my case, jog very slowly). I finish the C25K tomorrow and 9 weeks ago I would never have believed that I would get to 5 minutes. If you have to repeat runs or take 2 days rest between that is fine, the only thing that seems to be a no no is don’t try to do more than the programme says and take it slow! So enjoy, you are why this programme exists xx
Welcome, and very well done getting started, and also getting the whole family out there with you!
When I started this it was a new challenge as I’d pretty much perfected unfitness! Many of us arrive here as certified couch potatoes... but, faster than you can possibly think, the fitness rises... this is a clever little plan as not only does it get you running, it gives you a 30 minutes or so cardio workout from day 1. Lack of fitness isn’t a barrier for this plan, it’s just something that will be overcome as you go... don’t be embarrassed, be very proud that you’re on your fitness journey. Tell everybody about it, especially us.
I didn’t arrive here overweight, though I’ve been down that road in the past... that’s another story for a different place... but within 15 months of starting I was at a half marathon, something I never imagined myself doing in my youth. I put myself at the rear of the crowd and off we went. The course was two laps, but with a few out and back bits to make up the distance. As I was entering the first of these I saw a guy on the other side of the road heading back to the loop and he was at least twice my size. Did he start too far forwards? Apparently not as I never caught him up! He was half a mile ahead of me when I first saw him, and was wearing his medal and eating a banana looking fresh as a daisy by the time I’d finished! Weight won’t stop you... and with the added exercise and good nutrition, it will slowly fall. Again, don’t be embarrassed, be proud, and inspire people every time you’re out running... someone else of your weight will see you and think to themselves “I can do that” one day, and while you may never meet them, you’ll have changed a life.
I don’t personally know anyone whose done this on dialysis, but I’ve seen many come here with illnesses and ended up much fitter and healthier, as well as running some impressive events. I don’t see any reason why that can’t be you too. Obviously you’re going to have the interruption of the transplant and will have to rest while you follow the advice of your consultant... but you’ll be back. Also, being as fit as possible going into the surgery will only help.
You can do this... you’ve already done the hardest bit. Enjoy your journey, and have a look at the guide to the plan, it contains almost everything you need to know about this. healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Whenever I see someone running I always think “Good for you!” as I think most people do so try not to feel embarrassed. My top tip is to keep it slow. Really slow. Good luck 😬
Always remember, nobody knows how far you've actually run at any given point, so if you really feel self conscious like a lot of us used to, get a running short printed up with something like "Sahara Death Race 2017 Survivor"
More helpful perhaps though - read the begginer posts of Graduates. We ALL started day one, week one, because we "never could run" That's why we needed to do this programme, just like you are And just like us, going slow and steady, you too can look forward to graduation as unlikely as it may seem right now
This programme works, believe me, and a huge part of it is this Forum. We might run on your own, but we never run "alone"
Wishing you many happy miles in your future
We're pretty much at the same stage although I'm in awe of you doing this whilst on dialysis. I finished my 2nd run on Wednesday and plan to do my 3rd run today so please keep posting as we can support each other along the way. I feel a little uncomfortable too when running but I'm hoping that'll fade over the next few weeks. Looking forward to your next post.
Getting off the couch and outside is the hard bit, congrats! Enjoy the feeling of achievement, your body will thank you & so will your mind. (Disclaimer: Body May grumble and ache a little to start with!!) 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏
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