Week 1 with Parkinson’s

[Xisle]

64 yrs old recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s.Have not exercised for 45yrs.

Getting this has pushed me into doing something I detested…..RUNNING !

TBH a recent artery scan that confirmed my heart was in decent condition eased my concerns of having a heart attack,so I pushed on.

Though wk1 got my lungs stretched and heart pounding,it did not make me quit.

One problem I encountered was a tense stiff,pain inducing neck (the same stressful pain as I get when sitting at my desk !)

My Physical Therapist reminded me of the importance of neck/shoulder stretches,and that has certainly helped me.

I’m in the USA and keep one foot in the UK,so am eternally thankful for the NHS.

Running around my neighborhood under grey sky’s on broken pavements I dream of the day I complete this journey and envisage myself doing this in Hyde Park in the Summertime.Good luck to everyone starting out.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.

Just keep it nice and slow. Counterintuitively, it is an easy conversational pace running that builds your stamina and endurance, not fast running.

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.

[Xisle in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks I’m taking it slow!

I just completed week 5 run 2😅

I actually completed a 5k a few weeks ago as I had committed to it,but it was a struggle.

I’m determined to complete the program though and feel I am learning with each run.

I’m lucky to have great support and encouragement from my PT and OT.

Discovering basic yoga is helping also.

[SkiMonday Graduate]

Congrats on getting started! I guess you would have to ease back into running after a gap of 45 years!

Hopefully, your physio can sort out your neck pain, I suppose becoming more active may also help once you’re a bit more used to it.

[Xisle in reply to SkiMonday]

Thanks!I’m getting relief from neck pain by ensuring do some basic yoga before I run