C25K - Running mate?

[QuadroVEINia]

Heard so much about this past few weeks I’m planning to take on this challenge in the next few weeks (when I am allowed as I am currently week 5 recovering from bypass surgery). I’ve never liked running so if there is anyone who similarly like me is planning to take this challenge on and Interested in tackling this with a ‘running’ mate to help support and motivate each other please give me a shout... I know I’ll need lots of motivating! 🏃🏼‍♂️

[nowster Graduate]

In a way we're all virtual running mates here. Meeting others is difficult in these times.

[Rennur Graduate]

Check with your specialist as to what they think you should be doing fitness-wise before you start C25K. You can do it. I suspect you might need to start walking first. You will need to ease yourself up to a 20 minute brisk walk for a while before starting the programme. Your doctor is probably your best "running " mate at the moment. It's difficult with Covid around to meet new people. Plus you may be classed as vulnerable for a while. But great to be even thinking like this. Get better soon.

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to Rennur]

Thanks for your reply. Naturally have been consulting with my specialists every step of the way last few weeks. So you understand I sat up in a chair for an hour and completed 5 minutes standing ‘marching on the spot’ less than 24 hours after coming out of surgery still in hospital/ICU. Discharged on day 4 after surgery due to achieving good sensible progress with recovery. Have engaged in some form of daily walking exercise since to build up.... to your specific 20 min brisk walk point ordinarily you are quite right as everyone is different, however I’m already past that point completing between 10-15000+ Fitbit steps daily comprised of twice daily walks of around an hour duration each, will be commencing standing wall push ups and exercises using super light weights next to condition arms again all under direction and blessing of hospital cardiac rehab team... you are right on need to do any activity under guidance of specialists if anyone is reading this as each person is different and they will tailor for each individual need as everyone is different with recovery depending on condition pre-op and how they cope effects of major surgery. I have been doing everything well under or within my limits to keep sensible and safe. Important to add I have not been immune from the usual effects of constant exhaustion and tiredness post surgery as my body repairs itself, they have still been very much part of my recovery, like you I can’t reiterate enough staying super sensible and keeping to specialist advice before doing anything physical, I still have a long way to go before I can start running. To your covid point we may not wholly agree on this, without going into detail I am well versed in and have been operating infection control measures to keep self and everyone else safe as I also run and have continued to run organised outdoor team sport during lockdown, all fully in line with Govt and safety guidelines... Hope this paints a bigger picture but appreciate your good advice and encouraging comments as everyone will have different outlook and needs.

Cheers.

[Hidden]

Once you are ready to go you will find lots of running mates on here. New people start all the time and the support of the forum is invaluable in getting to 30 minutes and then to 5k, 10k and beyond (if that's what you want to do!)This is a brilliant programme and I recommend you read the guide to completing.

Sounds like you have been given a whole new lease of life. Enjoy

👍😀👍

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your advice. Will read guide once closer to getting all clear to start this programme (a few weeks away yet).

Had been delaying the bypass for a couple of years... now humbled by this profound experience, would encourage anyone else in my situation to trust the amazing clinical staff who perform these miracles, they truly are amazing. 🙏

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your decision.You will have well over 100,000 running mates in this community who will encourage you all the way.

I believe you are better off running C25K on your own, with no compromise on pace, nobody to let you down by not turning up and with the freedom to run when it suits you.

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.

Enjoy your journey.

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks for sharing your experience and insight... already giving me food for thought thinking ahead! 👍

[NotPrime]

Hello. You’ve had some good advice already on taking things steady at first so I thought I’d offer a longer term perspective based on my personal experience.

I had a quadruple bypass just over six years ago. In May 2018 I started on C25K and haven’t regretted it. I’m able to run 5k in under 30 minutes and have managed to run distances of up to 20k. I live on the edge of the Highlands so longer distances usually involve uphill trails. Fortunately I’ve discovered I really enjoy hill running.

The effect on my health has been dramatic. I no longer take beta blockers because my resting heart rate is now so low. My blood pressure has stabilised well within the target zone. My BMI has decreased from 25 to 21. And best of all as a diabetic I’ve been able to come off insulin injections.

I’ve been able to do this because I had cabg. It’s given me a life and enjoyment I never expected to have. So take it steady to start with, build up your strength and resilience and give C25K a go when you’re strong enough.

Good luck!

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to NotPrime]

Thanks for sharing.

That is a very inspirational journey and gives me something to aim for, you should be proud of what you have achieved, especially coming off the meds which is amazing. Do you mind me asking how old you were when you had your op?

[NotPrime in reply to QuadroVEINia]

I was 61. My GP at the time told me I was “young” for the procedure 😊.

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to NotPrime]

What you have and continue to achieve in terms of fitness is remarkable. I think you should change your profile name to PrimeAgain! 😉 Well done. I am 52 so you have given me a benchmark to aim for... keep well.

[NotPrime in reply to QuadroVEINia]

Thanks a lot. The name is a family joke, explained in my profile. Good luck with your recovery I hope it goes well.

[GoogleMe Graduate]

You've joined the C25K forum - you've found your running mates, thousands of them! As IannodaTruffe says, in terms of actually being out on the runs, you are probably better off alone. It doesn't sound as though you have any confidence issues around being seen in public as is the case for some, and it's especially important for you to be totally free to listen to your body and learn your own pace (it's similar for me) But committing to getting out, reporting back... and spending your runs thinking of what you are going to post to us, we're here for you!

[QuadroVEINia Graduate in reply to GoogleMe]

👍