What happened next… nothing… then jeffing!

[HouseworkCanWait]

Long first post alert…

I completed C25k last summer on a treadmill as I was too embarrassed to try running outside where my neighbours could see me if I failed. I tried running outside once during that time but the cold air on my lungs nearly killed me (or so it felt!) and my lungs didn’t recover for a couple of weeks. Other joint pains got in the way too and eventually the treadmill had to go as there was no practical place to keep it at home, and there the running stopped. But, around this time, I heard about Jeffing (the Jeff Galloway method) where you run/walk/run and it really appealed to me for a number of reasons, not least because this overweight almost 50 year old suffers with all sorts of joint and other aches and pains. So… a couple of weeks ago I put on my big girl pants (ie, decided to be brave) and did my first run in nearly a year, jeffing style, around my village (I chose 30 seconds running, 30 seconds walking). It felt good! I got an app for it as I’ve done no running for months and was barely even walking my dog this Spring (due to other health problems) but I started! I was always a sprinter at school, a good one, but longer distances were the bane of my life, I hated them but now I really want to get to grips with running regularly for my health. My goal is to do my local Parkrun in Shrewsbury. It’s my motivation to keep going as I need to improve my fitness and health. I’ve done four runs so far and feel jeffing is a method that will enable me to keep running long term and hopefully get me to participate in parkruns too. 🤞🏻Thanks for reading. 😁

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Brilliant strength of character👍👍 well done you

[Returnagain Graduate]

Firstly we'll done on getting off the couch and doing exercise. It really doesn't matter what you do as long as you enjoy it as this will keep you motivated. Keep up the good work and keep us up to date with your progress. This is a great forum to keep you motivated with lots of advice. Good luck.

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Thank you for your post I graduated recently on treadmill only, coming back to the UK for a vacation in 2 weeks and hope to keep up the running although it will be outside. Many things on my mind like you the neighbours but I plan to walk out then run when out of sight ha ha, the air catching in my throat, the weather, the paths, what should I wear, lots of questions going through my head. I’m sure they will all be answered once I get out there. I’m really interested in your Jeff Galloway method so about to go look that one up. Happy running and well done for getting out there again.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

I’m always surprised that people worry what the neighbours think, mine are all so impressed if they see us off out in shorts and tee shirts, and ask how far we are going You are doing great and if the cold gets to your lungs but a buff, wear it over your mouth it does help

[Andrino Graduate]

Great job you are outside I hope you enjoy being closer to nature . I like the Jeffing approach too , when I’ve been fitter and running more I do a walk uphill and run the flats and downhills … stopping to enjoy the view of course or get my breath back … just feels natural !

[Rennur Graduate]

Jeffing is great. I did 10 miles at the weekend. Usually 85/15 or 80/20 ratio.

[Jackapoodle Graduate]

Love jeffing! I jeff my longer runs now, and I don't suffer the same issues with joints that I was experiencing when continuous running over distance. My recovery time has massively improved too. Using 45:30 at the mo but suspect I'll drop that down. I enjoy the variety of pace as well, it's good fun to do. Good luck with your Parkrun goal, I'm sure you'll smash it! If you're on Facebook, check out the Girls that Jeff page. Really friendly group and full of good advice on jeffing 😊

[HouseworkCanWait Graduate in reply to Jackapoodle]

Thank you and yes, I’m a member of that Facebook group after someone else mentioned it when I did C25k last year. I really think it is my ticket to lasting, enjoyable running. 😁

[Turquoise19]

Good to hear you, I am just now wanting to build a bit of fitness after an ablation on my heart for atrial fibrillation and flutter . Not sure if u had health issues before that set u back? I have to be a bit cautious now in getting back into exercise.

Didn't know it was called Jeffing. I am thinking of building back up with walk /run too till I can feel a bit stronger with my heart.

[HouseworkCanWait Graduate in reply to Turquoise19]

I’ve had a number of health problems to deal with but although quite debilitating at times, none were serious thank goodness. I have woken up with severe chest pains twice in the past 4 weeks but luckily nothing sinister was found! Jeffing is definitely the way to go if you have any kind of health issues and not just to get you back to full fitness but as a means of keeping you there without further injury. It seems illogical but many people are shocked to find they get personal best times when they’re jeffing. I’m not out to be the fastest, I just want to build a healthy sustainable habit that I enjoy. Hopefully jeffing can be that for you too. All the best with your recovery.

[Turquoise19]

Yes thanks v much for that . Will deffs give it a go

[FriendofRondo Graduate]

I too worried what people might think if they saw me puffing and plodding round the park. And what I discovered instead was that no-one cares! In fact friends and family are really encouraging. Keep telling yourself what a wonderful thing you are doing. Keep us posted!

[Birra1 Graduate]

Brilliant, loved reading your post. You keep going, after all you know you can do it as you already have the badge.And you are right, as your post name says, HouseworkCanWait, wish I had thought of that name. Love it 💕