Couch to 5k so disheartened

[Mama1980]

So I started c to 5k today, I have numerous physical issues, requiring blood transfusions and including a part side paralysis but my dr said it was ok to try. I only got through the first two runs and my blood pressure went haywire and I had to sit down dizzy. Ended up at the drs whilst he checked me out......I'm never gonna get fit ever again am I?
It's so disheartening, I feel weak, I'm far too thin....I want to feel some strength in my body.
My dp said he would come with me later in the week to try again (he's a physiotherapist) but I just want to cry.
Apologies for the self indulgent moan....I'm just wondering if anyone else has managed to recover their physical health/strength with a long term condition?

OP, I haven't got any experience - but it is great that got checked out. Please don't cry . It must be so disheartening but running is hard and the main thing is you want to improve your strength and fitness. Maybe start with something less high impact? I improved my fitness a lot by walking, and built up from there (I run, do bodyweight stuff eg pull-ups, HIIT etc now). If you aren't walking regularly, I would start with that - build up gradually till you can walk briskly for an hour say.

Sorry to hear you are struggling.

This might sound like a silly question but how fast were you running? To start with you want to be going at barely faster than your walking pace to get used to the running motions...there’s actually no such thing as too slow!

Yes walking is so great. Maybe you could also try some weight training/resistance training of some sort using YouTube videos. There are bound to be some really good free ones out there.

Google Niko-Niko running on YouTube. You really don't need to go fast or "run" to get the benefit. Try 30 seconds at first instead of the full minute and have longer recoveries in between.

You might need to try alternating walking with a slow jog to start with. It’s taken me months (since lockdown) to reach the point where I can jog continuously round my usual circuit. I’m slow, but I’ve tried to focus on my posture and keeping to a good pace. You will get there!

Silly question but can you briskly walk for 30 minutes? If not then start there before you start trying to run.

Would it be possible for you to do a gentler exercise like yoga or Pilates? Pilates really does make you feel stronger.

I think others have given great advice about starting with brisk walking. Running is really hard on your body.

I started a ‘return to running’ programme under the support of a physio recently - the first six weeks all I did was jumping and hopping on the spot - to get used to the impact again, and build fitness. I wonder if you need to start with something less high impact and lower levels of aerobic exercise? Running is hard work when you haven’t done it for a while.

I’m now doing 1 minute running, 5 minutes walking, for 30 mins.

I've just pulled out of C25k programme at week 6. I'm absolutely gutted to stop but I've had muscular skeletal issues over the past two years and running has been too hard on my body. Otherwise I'm fit, healthy, not overweight, so I really didn't expect it to affect me so negatively.

I've seen a physio this week whose suggested walk/cycling/yoga as an alternative. I absolutely wish you all the best, but I would proceed with caution. I'd certainly start with some brisk walking to get your fitness up.

Over a year ago I had a bad accident and broke a lot of bones including my pelvis and back. Luckily I didn’t need an operation but it has been a long way back to fitness. I started with short (really short!) walks and basic Pilates which was built into my physio. Now I can do long walks and low impact cardio plus Pilates and some weights work. I am now relatively fit and strong. I can run 5k but it is too high impact for my back to do regularly. You will find the right balance for you.

Maybe start with strengthening?

I am very injury prone and am having much better luck lately with youtube.

I make sure they are qualified as physiotherapists and search for "gentle exercises"

Your frustration is understandable!

How far can you walk easily? Can you walk briskly?