It's been a while...but lots have happened... Graduated... asthma attacks, Santa fun runs...

[runfatboy81]

Hello,

So figured I need to update this blog, and tell you of my story so far.

So a few months back now, I started week 5, and decided to go against what Laura was telling me, she said Walk, So I said I am going to see If I can continue to run during this walking period... just to see how long I can run for... Well to my surprise, I completed the rest of the session running! WOW now for a guy who is hitting 24.12 stone (lost weight, WOOP!)

that felt pretty damn amazing!

So I started to listen to week 9 from then on in, and running... and finding I was completing the runs! happy days!

ok so the weight loss, is mostly to do with Weight watchers, as well the running.

But I am not running as much as I would like, things such as life gets in the way, and my running partner (AKA my Mrs!) is very busy at times, and since I have done something silly and made her my inspiration, as much as I would like to go running on my own, I now struggle mentally to do it without her by my side!

Anyway we go as often as we can, sometimes its 3 times a week, sometimes just once a week. but we are doing it.

SO me being me, I figured My Mrs and I needed some target a goal to go for! and well the SANTA FUN RUN is happening here in Swansea, and I enrolled her (without her knowledge) and Myself... and to stop her killing me declared it on Facebook first ya know a get out of jail card so she would see all the encouragement from her friends and family first before she gets a chance to kill me! it worked!

so now on 2nd of December we will both join the many silly people dressing up as Santa's and running 3k around Swansea and it has worked to keep us going and running.

So back to my running...

So anyway two weeks ago I discovered the graduate scheme! Amazeballs!

So now I use the stepping stones track and Its perfect! granted I can not run as fast as she is telling me too, I am no fast runner!

I run an average of 5.6k to 6kph... that's right just above walking pace for most of you!

but I found my pace and it rocks to be able to run for the full time, not be knackered and do about 3.5km so this makes me happy.

the downside... Asthmatic + this cold weather = Asthma Attacks!

my first run last week in pretty cold weather caused me to have an asthma attack and I could not regain my breath!

but luckily for me, the weather got warmer this week and I have been ok!

So to battle this cold weather, I have gone and bought a face mask (you know them ones that carpenters wear) well it is all in aid to warm the air up as it hits my lungs!

if this works I may then invest in an anti pollution Face mask... (looks cooler lol)

otherwise I may have to cancel running on days colder than 7C and below!

Anyway so in short.. Happy to be where I am, and looking forward to dressing as Santa and running my first race! I would never have thought I would enter a fun run ever! so this Couch to 5K has a lot to answer for EPIC!

thanks for reading!

[spinrek Graduate]

congrats! Its great to read such inspiring stories - keep it up! Ive just signed up for Nos Galon (5k on new years eve) and Im only on week 6! pressure! lol! Have you seen 'buffs' - neck scarf thingy you can wear over ur face, or head, or neck. I have a few and they are great over ur mouth and nose till ur warm? good luck on ur Santa run xx

[runfatboy81]

Thanks may check them buffs out good luck with the NOS GALAN run sounds great

[swanscot Graduate]

Congratulations on completing the C25K programme.

Do try a buff - I have a collection of 4 or 5 (keep a couple in each rucksack and spares!) and I used one to keep my nose warm on Sunday when out walking when it was about 2°C. You can wear a buff with one or more layers covering your mouth and nose and they let you breath easily. Another option is a ski mask - my son used to wear one to cycle to school when he was about young and had asthma.

[swanscot Graduate]

Oops forgot to add, good luck with the Santa Run. I was going to do the local one for the Goodhearts charity, but am currently resting a gammy leg and don't wish to make it worse by running for 5K.

[rolphie2 Graduate]

Wow what an inspiring blog well done to you and your Mrs!! Can't wait to hear about your Santa Run good luck

[mo-mentum Graduate]

Great stuff - I love the way you avoided being killed by the Mrs for entering her in to a fun run!

And well done for getting to be able to run for 30 minutes, especially with asthma! I have it too and have found my chest much improved since starting the course over 8 weeks ago.

Buffs are great, but you might also think about visiting your GP to talk about medication. I used to do a lot of sport when i was younger and sometimes needed a reliever inhaler if i got a bit 'chesty'. Now I've change my preventative inhaler to one that has a very small amount of the reliever drug in it I only ever get asthma with a chest infection or if i'm exposed to big fury animals! If your GP doesn't think you need to switch medication he/she may be able to suggest different ways of taking the meds you are on to improve/prevent attacks during the cold spell.

Hope that helps, and good luck for the Santa run! Mo x

[runfatboy81]

Thanks guys for all the support and comments means a lot to see so many people going through the same troubles as me. take care. x

[Pearsey]

Well done! So inspiring! You know asthma is triggered by the cold, so make sure you either wear your mask or have a scarf over your face. ALWAYS carry your ventolin inhaler-or whatever bronchiodilater you have been prescribed- with you at all times. 2 puffs at the half way mark will help you get through your run-whether you feel you need it or not. Be careful not to "snatch" your puffs-breathe in slowly, hold your breath, then exhale slowly to make sure the powder hits the bottom of your lungs. You will, over time, find a marked improvement with your asthma. Try not to road run-because of the pollution. Choose a park, or, if you're lucky like me, run by the sea. I have found an amazing improvement-I can even run when it is wet and raining now!

You have done so well to run for 30 minutes. You are a star! As the weight comes off you will feel so much better-and you're doing great with that to with the support of weight watchers.

You will find the support you need right here-we are family!

You are fantastic, an inspiration and I bet your Mrs is so proud of you

Looking forward to more of your wonderful blogs.

Keep on Running

Colette x

[runfatboy81 in reply to Pearsey]

wow thank you so much for your advice and encouragement again means a lot, and yeah the cold is a terrible trigger for me! I shall try the half way mark inhaler, see if i find it improves. and I just bought the mask anyway, as a result of so many positive comments about them on here. so can't wait for it to arrive, and use it.

[smhall Graduate]

What a fantastic blog, Santa!! I also love the way that you worked the Mrs. into a run and announcing it on Facebook to avoid death!! Well done, indeed!!

You have so very much to be proud of!! From the weight loss to the running...you are doing brilliantly!! Keep going, Santa!!!

Keep Running!!

Steve