I’m game to try couch to 5K

[Upforarun]

I’ve been through chemotherapy in 2020 Relapsed early 2021 and went through second series of chemo - finished March 2021. I’ve had no energy since. Maybe due to long covid as well as recovery from intense chemo. I thought I would give Couch to 5K a go but worried it might be too much. Any tips?

[Maltipoo]

Hello Upforarun,

I was diagnosed with Mantle cell lymphoma in July of 2015 and had 6 months of chemo and then a stem cell transplant. Almost 5 years ago I started a whole food plant based diet. I now eat more fruits and vegetables in one day than I used to in one month. I went from 200 lbs to 155 lbs and am playing handball or racketball 5 times per week. I am 68 and feel better than I did in my 30's. Please go to youtube and watch videos by Dr Michael Greger, Dr Anthony Lim, Dr Caldwell Esselstyn, Dr Michael Klaper, Dr Pam Popper and Dr John McDougall. This is all free and it has made a huge difference in my life. Peace and Good Health!

[Mitzie]

Just be kind to yourself.. If you are tired.. Rest. If you feel energetic do things. Above all don't stress when there are things you cannot do!!Best wishes xx

[Photo_guy]

I say “go for it”. Just keep in mind what my oncologist said to me, “You are not the same person that started the treatment.”

Give yourself a lot of room to build your stamina. Set very reasonable goals for splits and finish time. In fact consider it a 5K run/walk.

To simply cross the starting line is a victory considering what you have been through and what has taken to get to the point that you believe you can complete a 5K.

We are all rooting for you. Let us know how it goes!

[SteveT3]

I was dx follicular lymphona in 2018. I avoided treatment for 2 years then chose rituxan. I had partial success. My energy throughout was bad. So bad I took time out of work and dragged myself through the day.

Walking

I got to the point I just pushed myself to go for walks despite struggling to continue got more than an hr. With perseverance I managed to go from 60 minutes to 2 hrs.

Running

Then added in jogging and built upfrom 20 mins run every fortnight to 3hrs running a week - 17 miles approx. My energy has increased naturally for everything else. I forget I still have cancer.

For you

My suggestion is to first build your walking distance. It will be hard, and as soon as you feel your fatigue come on - walk some more. Drag yourself an extra 10 minutes. Do the same again in 2-3 days. you will be amazed how much your body muscles improve your distance and your stamina.

If you are interested in doing couch to 5k:

Then go to a running shoe shop and get them to test you with some shoes on a treadmill. Fitted running shoes help prevent pressure on joints.

Extra - measure your progress

Get a 2nd hand garmin forerunner 45 to guage your current wakeup body battery and vo2max.

How to start?

Start with 10 minutes slow jogging to adapt to it gently. Go with a group if it helps or a friend.

Increase your distance slowly to prevent excess pressure on your joints. Wait 4 days then go again. After a couple of weeks add 10 minutes to your runs. Then stick to 20 minutes running for a month. Then add another 15 minutes...

Best of luck

[Upforarun in reply to SteveT3]

good advice. Thank you