My journey to 5k

[Survivor1952]

I'd tried doing C25k more than once but fell at the second or third fence each time, I just couldn't push through that barrier.

So we come to October 22 and I have a medical episode that basically put paid to any exercise of any sort, 150 yards was the most I could cover without having to rest.

May 23 and a follow up from October sees 5 weeks in hospital and I emerge with a new Aortic valve, two stents and a bypass. Part of the rehab is an 8 week physical exercise programme which is as hard as you want it to be.

Anyway a couple of weeks in to rehab and I feel I can, and should, do more to improve my fitness. I asked the course leaders if I could consider C25k and they said yes. So, after spending a couple of months walking up to 45 minutes at a time and covering 2 miles or a little more in that time I thought I'd have a go and did a lap of my local park run course, my time was 49 minutes 33 seconds, a brisk walking pace really.

Moving on that encouraged me to do the park run for real, still not a fantastic time, almost 2 minutes faster though. The company of others jogging and/or running is incredibly encouraging. That was on 16th September, exactly 3 months after my surgery. And today, although I'm waiting for the official time, I've got a time on my watch that is another 6 minutes faster. So I'm into the 41 minute zone and targetting further improvement.

All very uninspiring really when you look at folk turning in times under 20 minutes but they have a slight advantage that I've not mentioned yet, age. I turned 71 just before my first park run whilst the quick guys (and girls) are still in their 20's (or even teens, we have a 10 year old running sub 20 minutes for their 5k). Mind you the record holder for my age group ran a 20:42 a couple of months ago!

So I would say to anyone who is struggling - if I can do it then you can as well.

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏🤩Well done! Keep on keeping on! You are indeed a survivor!!

[MrsLydiaWickham Graduate]

AMAZING!

[VWBW Graduate]

I loved reading your story very inspiring, it must be so scary getting back to exercise after a big op like that. Well done you 👏

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate]

What an inspiration you are! That time is fantastic considering what you’ve been through lately! It’s great that you’re getting back into it at a gradual pace….don’t forget though that slow is good…means you can run further or longer…😉

[RollingPea Graduate]

I would disagree with "All very uninspiring really....." You are what I would call super inspiring. Every time you are out there smiling, walking, recording your improvements, you are showing others how to do the same. Well done you!!

[Survivor1952 in reply to RollingPea]

Thank you. I'm not setting any records nor will I but if I can get one other person out there doing what I'm doing then that is good. My story is in a couple of places now so ...