Old girl wants to improve her cardio fitness

[Tesserau5]

New to Health Unlocked and C25K. I started the programme a month ago and run in my back garden.

I recently joined a netball group in our village and though I thoroughly enjoyed the sessions (it took me back to my school days in the late 60's when I was a netball fanatic) my cardio fitness was poor and I quickly became really breathless. I want to play netball again with my group, when this present Covid crisis has passed and the netball sessions return, and need to get as fit as I can to take part productively in the matches so I turned to C25K to help!

I have just completed week 4 run 3 and it wasn't easy! But I must say that I have found myself feeling stronger and less breathless after each run. It's definitely working. I feel very pleased with myself after each session and look forward to the next stage of the programme after completing a run.

I love yoga, have been practicing for several years now, so I do a little yoga after each run. This yoga practice then makes the whole session a complete "package" on my journey towards a fitter me.

I think I have to invest in more suitable running footwear. My old trainers do not really do it any more and these ancient knees of mine are giving me jib, which I suspect is partly due to the trainers. I do have to wear knee supports. Does anyone else need these supports, and which brand/type do you prefer? Any recommendations for suitable trainers?

Thankyou !

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

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

and includes advice on minimising impact, stretching after every run, hydration and strengthening exercises, all of which will help and a link to a piece about running shoes.

Enjoy your journey.