Just my luck

[Changemylife]

So started wk3 last week and struggled big time. Having COPD I thought at this stage my lungs wouldn’t cope, but no it’s my legs. They are agony, heavy and not cooperating. Also the shin splints are excruciating. Now have a blooming cold. So peed off this week. Next week is another week tho so thinking of going back to week 2 😩😩. All advice welcome

[DiscoRunner Graduate]

Well done for starting this with COPD. I’d definitely say take it slow, run slowly and repeat weeks as necessary to build up your lung capacity slowly. It could be a number of things - running shoes? But mainly I’m thinking oxygen. You have a lung condition that is reducing the amount of oxygen in your blood. So your legs might not be getting the fuel they need.

So if your shoes are good running shoes, I’d say - make sure you’ve had plenty of water before running (but do wait to have a pee before you set off 😬), Run very, very slowly (my brisk walk is still much faster than my running) and as you are already doing an amazing thing by taking up running with COPD, I’d say repeat each week for as long as needed, and you can change coach voices to add some variety. Doing it is the point, and listening to our bodies. But huge admiration coming your way for working at turning your health around. Let us know how you get on.

[Changemylife in reply to DiscoRunner]

Thank you 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Have you read the guide to the plan? healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Most new runner's aches and pains are primarily caused by the impact of running, so do all you can to minimise it. Slow down, avoid heelstriking, keep footfall under your body, not out in front, run on grass or treadmill and wear proper running shoes fitted after a gait analysis done at a specialist running shop.

Stretching after every run strengthening exercises will also help.