Couch to 5K

As some of you may know, over the last couple of years I’ve been dealing with some breathing problems that developed unexpectedly and for which doctors don’t have any concrete answers for. The current thinking is that they may be post Covid complications, although that does seem to be a catch all term these days for anything that can’t be easily explained. Physically it means that I went from a fit person who did 2 long dog walks a day and went horse riding 3 times a weeks to barely being able to walk the dog once a day. Aside from feeling like I just couldn’t get enough air I also had absolutely no energy. It’s been really tough on my mental health as I love being active and being outside, as well as I’ve put on weight which doesn’t feel great either.

After 18 months of waiting for doctors appointments and tests, resting as much as possible (well for me anyway) and taking supplements I’m finally seeing some small improvements. My energy has definitely improved, although I still have to be careful about resting, and my breathing isn’t as laboured as it used to be. I’m looking forward to working with an allergy therapist to see if there’s anything in my environment or diet that I can improve that will help. I’ve also decided to start increasing my physical activity. My thinking, is that by pushing my body a little bit it might help it become stronger and it will only be a good thing for my mental health.

I’ve decided to start running (even though I hate running) because I thought it could be an activity that I could do with Lemon that she would enjoy. I’m following the couch to 5k app and even if I have to stay on the first level for weeks (or forever!) any movement is better than no movement.

A break in the rain this morning seemed the perfect time to start, and Lemon and I headed out.

It all started well enough but about a quarter of the way through Lemon decided she didn’t want to run anymore and threw herself on the ground in protest!

In order not to ruin my run I let her off the lead and she ambled along behind me thoroughly confused. Apparently we both need training!

The great news is I completed the first 30min! I didn’t die and although I’m pretty exhausted now, I’m feeling the endorphin high and almost looking forward to going again in a couple of days.

Let me know if you have had success doing couch to 5k and if you’ve got any tips of how to train a dog to be a good running partner!