I am keen to begin a Couch to 5K but have recently diagnosed with and treated for Ischaemia which has me with virtually no vision in my right eye and a mild fog in the other. Combined with diabetic neuropathy and minor but noticiable balance issues, should I attempt it?
Please factor in that I have a phobia about tripping and night running is a no-no due to aforementioned visual impairment.
Hello and a huge welcome to you...this is a really great place you have arrived at.
Well done you for thinking about taking part in this great programme.
You and the folk who are treating you obviously, know what is happening with you and your sight issues.
We are not able to give you any help regarding the medical implications and it is, (as I am sure you have already done), essential that you get the all clear to begin this?
I am not sure whether we have more folk on here with similar issues, ( although they will not be the same), but... I do know that you there is support out there, which you may be able to access?
I found these links... they may be useful..
There are registered guides for runners.. , and there may be some in your area.
englandathletics.org/athlet...
We did have a forum friend on here who has acted as a running guide for partially sighted runners.
The linked post on How to run the programme is right here. Lots of great advice there.
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
You clearly want to try this... will support you. Slow and steady will be the way to go.
So please, if you have got the all clear to begin this... do keep us posted...
Hi Fatgit72 , I have no medical qualifications whatsoever, but if the health professionals treating you are happy for you to give C25K a go, and you want to, why not?
Regarding tripping, I've always run outside, particularly on trails, and love it. I've had a couple of falls, one of which messed up my running for months. In my present circumstances, which are not yours, I consider that falls are a risk I'm willing to take. For outdoor running, would a running guide, as suggested by Oldfloss , be an option for you?
While I've never run on a treadmill, I understand it would provide a smoother, more controlled running environment. Might that be helpful and something you'd consider?
I don't know the answer to these questions, they're just suggestions. Good luck, whatever you choose.
Not the same thing at all, but I have run on and off over the last 4 years with sight issues. I've had cataracts (both now treated and resolved) but at their worst, they made running tricky, but not impossible. My vision was terrible at night, but I bought a chest torch so I could run in the winter (it's so bright I think I can be seen from space 🤣 and I found the angle of the light better than a head torch). If you've been medically cleared to give running a go, but are nervous about your sight and tripping, do you know someone you could go with? Whatever / however you do it, lots of luck, I hope you enjoy it.
Congratulations on your determination to get going, and I'm sure your medical team will find a way to support you. Definitely pursue the options mentioned by Oldfloss . You'll find a way to achieve your goals. There are registered guidea for runners, and in my local area there have been C25k programmes for runners with sight impairment, so I'm sure the athletics board will have something for you.
Good luck in your quest, and please do keep us posted
Cheers for the comments and all the advice. I'd rather be safe than sorry so will confine my C25K to a treadmill at a gym as at least I will have immediate aid if things go wrong and do a faceplant onto a treadmill and not a pavement.
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