Couch to 5k…

Run rabbit, run rabbit, run run run…
This year has been affected a lot by my wrist injury. It’s actually getting worse again, even though I barely use it. It also means I’ve not been able to play badminton or dance with Jason. I try not to let it get me down, but it’s very annoying.
I’ve noticed that because I can’t do any of the sport activities I actually enjoy, I have gained a lot of weight. Also I can’t cook properly as just peeling potatoes results in hours or days of pain and I want butternut squash soup SO BADLY but I can’t peel that thing without taking weeks off for my wrist to recover again. So I snack constantly as making something nice brings me pain. I also find it hard to sew and cut material out, so even that I don’t do a lot.
I’ve really noticed how important health is this year and so for the third time since arriving in Germany I started the NHS’s couch to 5k running app.

Basically it’s a phone app that helps you to learn to run properly and at a good pace for your body. I don’t run. Ever. If the train is there I know there will be another one along in five minutes, so there’s no need to rush. This time however, I have tried to push myself. And it’s actually worked! You listen to Laura, your friendly trainer, via headphones while you run. It’s not easy, but you need to run three times a week and slowly over time the amount of running versus walking increases. In week one you run for 60 seconds and walk for 90 seconds to recover for a total of 20 minutes. I have to say it felt like it was going on forever. For someone who doesn’t run, even 60 seconds of running is actually quite tough. But the app is great – it gives you advice (eat a banana after working out or put your heel on the ground first when running etc) and the pace feels hard but just-about-doable.
I have tried to start the routine of running twice before. The last two times I got to day one and day two. Very poor effort. It was cold, I found it hard to breathe and I didn’t know what to wear to be comfortable. This time I prepared myself better. I have comfy shoes, good clothes, a sports bra and I ALWAYS use my asthma inhaler before I leave the house – this makes such a difference. I’ve pretty much always hated running, but I noticed last week that the sun was shining and I actually felt like I WANTED to go for a run. A first-time feeling for me, but exciting none-the-less!
I’ve just gotten back from a run now. I’m grim, my face is a tomato and drippy and I can barely stand upright, but I can’t believe I did it! I ran for three minutes and five minutes TWICE! It feels good, but I have to say I’m terrified of week 5! Wish me luck – I’ve told you all now, so I have to stick to it 😉