Anyone visually impaired running?

[RunningWithRP]

Hello, I am on Week 7 and I’m amazed at what I’ve achieved so far!

I’m using a treadmill in the gym, because I have poor peripheral vision due to retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and worry about tripping on treestumps/ running into lampposts/ branches/ toddlers if I ran outside. Even running on the treadmill can be tricky if I dare to look around or lose my concentration!

Is there anyone out there with more experience running with RP/ glaucoma/ another visual impairment? Now that I’ve got further in the programme than I ever thought possible, I would like to aim for a Park Run, maybe with a sighted guide. Does anyone have any experience of that? How do you find running outside?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on your progress.

I would suggest that you contact your local parkrun via their page on the national website and ask if they can arrange for you to run with s guide. I am sure they will point you in the right direction. It would be worth getting used to running on surfaced routes with your guide before trying cross country runs.

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.

[RunningWithRP Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you Tim/ Ianno, that’s good advice 😀