Periferal Arterial Disease (PAD)

[--John--]

I have been dealing with PAD for over a year now and can now walk 5k unaided and 10k with poles. I am trying to introduce jogging to my programme now with the hope of completeing 5k in an event in May. Can anyone advise on the best way to do that? Is "slow and steady" best or should I push hard and into the pain barrier? Thanks.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate]

First of all, massive congratulations on all you e achieved so far. Walking 5k and 10k is massive. Well done!

With a specific challenge like PAD, we’d always recommend a chat with whoever looks after you medically. They’re in the best position to advise you, knowing your history and having expertise that we don’t.

Generally, we’d never suggest anyone pushes hard during couch to 5k. That’s totally not what the programme is about. It’s taking it at as comfortable a pace as you can manage and adapting to your own level of fitness.

Really good luck to you!

[--John-- in reply to MissUnderstanding]

Many thanks for your reply MU. I had surgery on my right leg 5 years ago which completely cured the problem but now I have it in my left leg and the surgeon has advised against further surgery due to the increased risks (I am now 81) so I am doing all I can under my own steam. As I mentioned I have started trying to introduce a little jogging to my treadmill work. Just a couple of minutes at a time to start with. But I don't know if that's the best way of getting up to 5k jogging!

[MissUnderstanding Administrator On a break Graduate in reply to --John--]

The “best way” is the one that works for you! All the beginners programmes basically do the same-a gradual slow build up of run time. The details might vary but essentially that’s it!

I know I’ve gone down massive rabbit holes trying to find the perfect plan to hit my next distance goal, but keeping it really simple and increasing gradually over time gets you where you where you want. No plan is set in stone-they’re just helpful guides to adapt to your personal fitness, preferences and lifestyle. Running for a few minutes, gradually increasing over time gets you to 5k.

You might want to look at jeffing your event which is where you keep alternating between running and walking for your whole run. I did my last 10k race like that-it’s a great way to run and can be a bit easier on your body. The early runs of couch to 5k are like this

Have a chat with your doctor/nurse and hopefully you can get started.

Hope all goes well!

[Cmoi Graduate]

If you look at the C25K programme - and from your post I'm not clear as to whether you've already done that - you'll see that it builds up very gradually.

As mentioned in another reply, I'd also recommend reading the FAQ -healthunlocked.com/couchto5... - particularly the advice re health issues and not pushing too hard.

[--John-- in reply to Cmoi]

Thanks for your Message. A couple of years ago I was entering 5k and 10k charity events and had no need of C25K. But then I developed PAD in my left leg and everything went pearshaped. I have been walking as much as I can and am now introducing some bits of jogging in the hope of getting back into 5k by May. At the moment I can only manage a few minutes at a time and I'm keen to build it up. I'm 81 so time is not on my side!!

[Mollydex Graduate]

well done John , impressed that you are managing the 5 k and 1pm with poles

[--John--]

Many thanks Molly😍

[drl212 Graduate]

Well done, you!!! Fantastic efforts with your walking.

As others have said, I would get some guidance from your medical professionals about where to go from here. You wouldn't want to do anything that might jeopardise your gains thus far.

Best of luck and keep us posted...

[--John-- in reply to drl212]

Many thanks