Lungs, Lycra and Me

[Shaney2212]

Had covid last year, Left my lungs in tatters and from there it was far too easy leap into a huge weight gain, type 2 diabetes and a fatty liver.

Decided to try C25k cos I could not stand myself any more. I started 2 months ago after research and finding slow running. Even that was rough, I had to pause and rest in between each run and walk. But I kept repeating it, every other day for the last 2 months and I can now complete it without stopping!

I did Week One Run Two today and completed it, Run Three is being done the day after tomorrow. Then moving on to Week 2....I dont even care that I may have to repeat it until I can do it without stopping. The fact that my lung capacity continues to improve run after run is amazing.

I have also lost 6lbs and an inch and a half around my waist as an added bonus. I am determined to repair my liver, repair my lungs and get rid of my type 2 diabetes by the time I graduate!

Still dont like the look of myself in Lycra, but I smile and say Good Morning to every single person I pass and think myself lucky to be here at all. I never thought I would get up, go out running and come back smiling!

So to everyone who is struggling, YOU CAN DO THIS!

[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.

Enjoy your journey.

[nowster Graduate]

That's the attitude! 👍

[Running-rings Graduate]

Hi 👋 thanks for sharing your story. My cousin (in her 20s) got covid last year too and hasn't got her lungs back to 100%. After reading your post, I must tell her to have a go of C25k! I have asthma- not too bad but it used to catch me out if I had to sprint up the corridor at work or catch a bus! Week 1 and 2 my lungs were feeling a catch toward the end but week 3 on I've noticed they are able for it and now (finished week 8) I can really feel that extra capacity- It's a great feeling to overcome something you never thought possible! Good luck on your journey 😀

[Shaney2212 in reply to Running-rings]

I would be happy to chat to her if she really wants to, honestly it doesnt matter how many times she stops, it will improve if she sticks to it every other day. I could only run in 10 second intervals before my lungs screamed at me, but I just paused the app and waited until I got my breath back completely before unpausing and doing the next 10 seconds. I did the same with the walking. Although it took me forever to reach the end of the run, just the finishing it felt brilliant. Once shes comfy with that, she can try 15 seconds before pausing, then 20 and so on. I have to say though, slow running is definitely the key for improvement. My 67 year old mum has started doing it too, so we are now calling it the Shuffle.

[Running-rings Graduate in reply to Shaney2212]

Haha the Shuffle...that's brilliant 😄 Thanks for the info!