Another newbie to the club - medical conditions

[Scrambled_Legs]

Hello everyone - I have just found this platform for the sharing of couch25k experiences which I have to say was a welcome find! I thought I would introduce myself and say hello to all you lovely joggers/runners

I am on week 5 this week and hope to get out in my lunchbreak to do Run 1. As others have said, I have amazed myself to get this far already.

I don't know if there are any others with medical conditions - I am type 1 diabetic (diagnosed when I was 6 years old) and during lockdown last year I was diagnosed with an auto immune arthritis which I can't remember what it is called (very long word) but affects my hip joint mainly and multiple enthesitis! I could barely move, off the couch, off the loo, out of bed or out the bath! I had frozen shoulder in both shoulders too and it really was a depressing time. I had just turned 43

So, last September when I got my diagnosis and medication to help the joints I thought blow this....I am going to help my muscles and start weight training (as you do)!! I have the most amazing personal trainer and I have been getting stronger and stronger and more mobile ever since. I now do goblet squats with a 17.5kg dumbbell and do deadlifts at 60kg!!

My diabetic nurse said I could attempt to up my cardio which will help my blood glucose and get much tighter control. So I decided I wanted to learn to run. And here I am.

I know age isn't a factor and I am still young in the scheme of things just stereotypically young to have arthritis despite being the autoimmune type. I have a new found respect and understanding for age related arthritis as the aches and challenges are the same.

I was interested if anyone else has overcome their everyday challenges with long term medical conditions with running and if it has helped? And of course any tips/guidance and any pointers always welcome

Apologies for the long hello and I look forward to sharing my journey for which I am nervous and excited about at the same time.

[CBDB Graduate]

Welcome! I don’t have your particular condition but have another autoimmune condition called Hashimotos. As you, I loved discovering running.

But also just wanted to raise awareness that we also have a Strength and Flexibility forum, a sister forum here on HU that supports cross training for all runners and walkers. Link here healthunlocked.com/strength...

[nowster Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Like CBDB, I have an auto-immune thyroid deficiency. It's thankfully compensated for now with a single pill every morning. That reminds me... I need to book my six monthly blood test with my GP.

[Scrambled_Legs Graduate in reply to nowster]

Hi Nowster…I too have an under active thyroid to add to the list. Like you I have to take a pill each morning (levothyroxine?)

[nowster Graduate in reply to Scrambled_Legs]

Yes, 100mcg of levothyroxine first thing in the morning.

[Scrambled_Legs Graduate in reply to nowster]

Ditto 🙌

[Scrambled_Legs Graduate in reply to CBDB]

Thank you for this link this will be helpful. I too have an under active thyroid to add to the list. I will check out the link thank you

[Running-rings Graduate]

Fair play to you Scrambled_Legs! You're standing up fighting and your enthusiasm and motivation are a great for Couch to 5k! I've asthma and the running (only since Feb) has greatly improved my lung capacity and I'm not reliant on my inhalers. Best of luck with the plan. Lots of lovely people on here to bouy you on in if you're ever doubting yourself. 🙏😁

[Scrambled_Legs Graduate in reply to Running-rings]

Thank you running-rings and sounds like you are doing fantastic too and what a positive impact for you as well with not being so reliant on your inhalers. I am so pleased to have found this forum as I like running alone and its nice to share the experience as well.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

There are people on here overcoming all sorts of conditions to maximise their prospective health outcomes and longevity.

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.

[Scrambled_Legs Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you and all read 😊👍...and continue to read and re-read as well 🙌

[Cowladyrunning Graduate]

What a way to get on top of your conditions! I'm very impressed! I don't have any issues like you mentioned, but I did start for health reasons.... (apart from getting fitter) I was getting regular migraines and as with lots of conditions all the advice leads to being told to exercise more! So I thought well I tried all the tablets.... now I'd better give regular excercise a go! I'm pleased to say it worked and I have lessoned my migraine problem BUT only since I started going longer distances so probably after 10k. All my distances have only been achieved following guidance and advice on these forums so I highly recommend the next steps after C25k! Good luck and well done for posting!

[Scrambled_Legs Graduate in reply to Cowladyrunning]

That’s sounds so inspiring. Thank you for sharing. Migraines are horrific and so debilitating . I’ve only had three in my life but they were so bad I remember them well. It’s amazing isn’t it how exercise really can help. It has changed my outlook mentally and physically with helping my arthritic joints and now I can actually run (well move faster than a walk) but having reached the dizzy heights of week 5 can actually be more consistent now too. Keep going I say and my motto like Dorey from Finding Nemo is just keep moving (not swimming) but if it fits just keep swimming too 😄 x

[Cowladyrunning Graduate in reply to Scrambled_Legs]

It is a fantastic feeling isn't it when you get through the stages of c25k and can do it!! Although I do admit I did repeat a few parts whenever I felt unsure! Good luck!

[Teacher23]

I also have an auto immune disease-IBD which can affect joints the longer you have it. I just do what I can in terms of running-I like to think I can do 3 times a week but its not always possible. Some exercise is better than none. As you go through the c25k you will get stronger and surprise yourself. Who cares if it takes 12 weeks or 25 weeks to complete the C25k!!?