Couch to 5k

Chattycathy - thanks for posting, especially re asthma. I’ve only recently been diagnosed and a bit nervous re exercise, but you’ve prompted me to give it a go! Thank you.

I tried couch to 5K about 3 years ago. I was happily in to week 4 when my ankle suddenly seized up whilst out jogging and I was in agony. Had to hobble home for half a mile. Ended up 2 months off work with a partially torn achilles tendon.
My Osteopath hates apps like this, as they do not know if you could have any underlýing health problems before starting.
Indeed, neither did I. Seems I had the start of psoriatic arthritis without even knowing it.
Just be very cautious as I thought I was fairly fit, but it uncovered (painfully) a problem I didn't know I had. Apps like this assume everyone is starting on an equal playing field, but I found out to my cost that isn't the case.

I also have mild asthma and am maybe half a stone overweight but generally fit at 59. I would love to be able to run and have tried Couch25K a couple of times. I always get stalled at about the same place and have decided - I know it sounds odd - that I just have the wrong running technique! I decided to use my treadmill until I was fit to be seen out in public, but have never yet reached that stage!

Ok....here goes...started again today...week 1 run 1......is a nice morning, 19 degrees so perfect temperature ...wasnt too bad....was glad when the runs finished

Did the 2nd run today, didnt feel quite so self conscious.....next run Friday .

Week one done and dusted...now into week two ??

Shirleyw
Well done you!! I started C25k about year ago,I'm 66 years old and I completed it during lock down.
I had TB of the lungs in my late 20s in both lungs and have badly scarred lungs as a result. If I can do it anyone can!
Having said that, I have had a bit of pain in my ankle which goes away if I rest for a day or two so listen to your body and make sure you have plenty of rest days between runs

Thanks sart, that's really good....do you still carry on running every week?
I'm still doing it....I'm doing week one on week 3 as I'm comfortable with that so I'm not pushing myself too hard or I know I won't stick to it, I'm just pleased I'm keeping it up lol.....I've a dodgy knee, reckon it s a bit of arthritis creeping in....or probably a weight thing , it's not as bad as it was but funnily enough it's ok when running....

Shirleyw
I started c25k last October. I had many set backs and did many weeks more than once. Just before lockdown, for some strange reason I started again and completed it on 24th May so it took me 7 months!!
I then did what they suggest which is consolidation runs for about 9 runs, by this time I was running 30mins 3 times a week. No way was I running 5 k but so what?
Had a break in the summer when family came to stay and am now back to trying to run 3 times a week but usually not succeeding as I work full time so if I can run 3 times a fortnight I feel I am doing ok!!
Apart from the lung problem, I have rheumatoid arthritis, fortunately not so bad that I need medication, 2 prolapsed discs and severe wear and tear in my neck (work related)
I have tried yoga, pilates and tai chi, all of which I ached after but for some strange reason, running is fine and causes no pain except from the odd sore muscle. My dodgy ankle can start to ache before a run but seems to be fine after?!
Have you looked at 'Health unlocked ' on line? Lots of information and support for those doing c25k.
Good luck, make sure you don't run 2 consecutive days and always stretch after a run.