Reduced program

I have just started couch to 5K program but during my 5min warm up walk I had to stop, I have copd and I am totally out of breath. is there maybe a reduced program I could undertake

[UnfitNoMore Graduate]

Welcome and well done getting off the couch. Have a look at the Active 10 app... that’s gonna get you used to brisk walking, and up to 30 minutes a day. Once you’re at 3x10 minute brisk walks a day, try to switch to 2x15... then a 20 and a 10... get to 30 in one go and you should be more than ready for C25K.

[Whydothis Graduate]

Hi NederBrit.

Well done on starting!

My advice would be to start by walking rather than thinking about running. You can do that, in small amounts, every day without harm. If you managed 3 minutes walking today, repeat that for two or three days, then try to increase it to 5 minutes. Gradually increase until you can walk for about 20 minutes before you think about starting the running programme.

Once you do start there will be nothing wrong with taking it even more gradually than the programme - perhaps by doing one of the one minute runs the first time, two the next ... until you can do the standard week 1. It doesn't matter if you take much longer than the nine weeks, so long as you make a little progress each week.

I'm sure you will get some other advice, so you can pick what suits you, but this is mine!

Best of luck with it - don't give up!

[Hidden in reply to Whydothis]

Thank you for your reply and advice, I shall try out what you have advised. once again thank you

[LeeU Graduate]

Main thing, have you spoken to your doctor about starting C25K? My father had emphysema, one of my aunts has COPD as does my mother-in-law.

If you haven't spoken to your doctor or nurse (if your area has dedicated nurses for lung issues) then please do so.

If they have signed off on it then the Active 10 app as UnfitNoMore saying would be a good start.

[Hidden in reply to LeeU]

Hi Lee, my GP obviously knows my situation, plus I have followed pulmonary rehabilitation courses at Brompton Hospital in London. I just started to try the Cto5K program and found myself out of breath very quickly. I am going to try the program but at a slower rate to see how I get on with that. Thank you for your reply