We go again!

[Yodamummy]

I was gutted to have to stop my C25K last November (after getting to week 6) due to becoming ill and being diagnosed with very low ferritin levels therefore I was diagnosed as being iron deficient and had to take iron tablets, I couldn’t walk up the stairs let alone 🏃🏽‍♀️. 3 months past and my iron level‘s have improved but still not in the normal range and I am still having some symptoms. I have just completed week 2 and whilst it was tough I WILL get there and keep going! Onwards and upwards! Happy Friday! 😜

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

If any run is tough,just slow down.

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.

[Frenc Graduate]

Hi Yodamummy! Like you I was put on ferritin, which has helped me enormously, it’s like night and day - I could barely get enough oxygen in sometimes and that was just standing up and talking to someone! I was gasping away like an old train. Once the pills kicked in it was as though someone had flipped an energy switch, it was brilliant. Anyway, I guess what I wanted to say is that I completed C25K at the start of January, so just to let you know it is absolutely possible and you can do this! All the best 👍🏃‍♀️😀👏🏼.

[Yodamummy Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Thanks for your reply, that is so reassuring to hear, how long would you say it took before you felt back to normal? My ferritin was 6 so I believe that is very low it’s now 25, I’m taking it easy at the moment as I still feel abit lightheaded at times and tire but I have definitely seen an improvement which is positive!

[Frenc Graduate in reply to Yodamummy]

Hello again! I will need to have another blood test in about 3 week’s time to find out how effective it’s been - the doctor never gave me a ferritin number, just said I was pretty much anaemic. I’ve been a vegetarian for over 30 years so put it down to that to be honest. I felt a difference in about 2 weeks, but to be honest I was so used to feeling wiped out, I figured ladies of my age just felt like that! Had no idea it wasn’t normal. It sounds to me as though your levels were a bit lower than mine, so I think it may take you a bit longer to feel more energetic - but you’ll get there! And thank goodness iron is a fairly easy fix! Stick with it, and enjoy the new found energy albeit a slow reawakening. And don’t forget to enjoy the running 🏃‍♀️.

[Yodamummy Graduate in reply to Frenc]

Thanks for your reply, I think when you get to that certain age you just put it down to that, maybe more middle aged women should see there gp if symptoms persist and get checked out! The running definitely helps clear the mind just need the energy to kick in which it will! One step at a time! 🥰