Hoping to stay as fit as I can

[Jogon2024]

I’d been meaning to do c25k for a long time but never quite got round to it, but after a horrid chest infection was devastated to be told it might be COPD. Life upside down & need to get as fit as I can. 1st week 2 runs down. Any tips & encouragement greatly received 😊

[Annieapple Administrator Graduate]

🍏 healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Good morning Jogon2024. Welcome to the program and to this forum. I have posted a FAQ about running that will be worth reading. You are welcome to ask any questions as you go a long. Well done for doing two runs already!! The secret is to run slowly so you can breathe normally and hold a conversation! Let us know how your next run goes!

[Jogon2024 in reply to Annieapple]

thank you! Not sure how to access the FAQ as can’t see an attachment ?

[Jogon2024 in reply to Annieapple]

found it! Wasn’t looking

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

Sorry you’ve had such a rotten time. Exercise can be such a positive thing when life is difficult. Well done on starting. How have you found the first couple of runs?

Top tip from me? Just be really nice to yourself and try and put aside any judgements about what running “should” look like. Slow and steady is best, even if that feels more like walking. You’re aiming for a pace where you can hold a conversation out loud without gasping. That gets easier as you get fitter. The other thing to remember is we all have rubbish runs, so if you feel like you’ve had a stinker, you’re in good company and that’s absolutely normal!

You’ve taken the hardest step in starting. Wishing you loads of luck.🍀

[Jogon2024]

I think it’s been really helpful hearing to slow down. Think I went to fast already but know for next week to go a bit slower lol!!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate in reply to Jogon2024]

If it helps, I ran the whole programme too fast and only discovered the joys of both running and breathing comfortably once I finished!! I was such a slow learner. This is the great thing about this forum. Between us we’ve made all the mistakes and we can pass on our experiences!!

[Jogon2024]

🤣🤣 so glad people have gone before me….

[Fionamags Graduate]

Well done on completing the first two runs! Like everyone else says, slow and steady gets you through. Think of it as Snail Power!!!!🐌🐌🐌

[Shuffledaway Graduate]

Well done you. I’m 59 and trying to keep as fit as I can too. Go at a pace you’re comfortable with and you’ll soon start enjoying it. Being fit is such a good feeling! My mantra is ‘doing something is better than nothing!’

[drl212 Graduate]

Agree with everyone! Go as slow as you need to. When I first started, I thought it was ridiculous that my 'run' speed seemed to be lower than my 'brisk walk' speed. But I kept at it and I'm now heading into Week 7 and I know my speed has picked up a little, but I still start at that slow speed until I get rid of the toxic ten (perhaps someone else can post a link to that...

All the best.

[59andrun Graduate]

HiWelcome to c25k. I started last August completed the course. I had an knee injury in February and I have started c25k again 2 weeks ago. I remember posting on here regarding it feeling so hard. I came home one day and was physically sick. I was advised no matter how slow I felt I was going I was going too fast and pushing too hard. I took the advice and it made a big difference. When you start out you feel so slow and insecure, I know I did !!The forum is full of very lovely kind people, who are always there to give advice when needed. Or sometimes just to listen. I am still very slow and I am OK with that, but running is the new love in my life. I am sure you will feel the same. Be kind to yourself especially on the hard days. Look forward to hearing how it goes 😊 x

[Jogon2024 in reply to 59andrun]

I feel supported already. Will keep updating x

[Gthants]

I started at 60 after 3 years laid low by long Covid. It really is worth it, so well done for completing the first two runs. When you get to the longer runs keep in mind that you have already done the hardest run of them all: Week 1, Run 1. Putting on whatever kit you have at that stage and putting on your pumps or running shoes, now THAT is a major achievement, so well done you!

[Jogon2024]

thanks that means a lot xx

[woodenchimera]

As a personal trainer I'm not technically allowed to recommend supplementation, but it might be worth looking into N.A.C. I'm currently working with a copd sufferer and it seems to be helping him quite a lot.

[Petem56 Graduate]

Hi Jogon, 12months ago today 5th April, after 4 weeks trying I completed run 1 of week 1, all in all it took me 18 weeks to complete C25k, now I've travelled to Brighton, to run the Brighton 10 km run on Sunday, I won't be fast, I may have to walk some it, but I will complete it, just never give up and take your time and really keep it slow, enjoy it🤗.

[Jogon2024]

ahhh that’s really inspiring- I will just keep trying. I am enjoying being part of such a lovely group x