Looking through some of the old posts the other day and I wondered how many older runners were still pounding the pavements. So call out if you are still running with your age and favorite distance. This not a poll its just for fun.
so to get it going...age 75 favorite 10k
By older you mean how many runners are still on this forum after 4 or more years rather than their actual age,I have a few time e mailed a few people who were on this forum around 4 years ago, some do run but no longer report on this forum, others told me that they no longer run but did enjoy the forum when doing C25K, as for me I still enjoy running and congratulating runners when they graduate and reach milestone runs such as I did a few weeks ago when I ran my 50th parkrun.
I thought hamit was talking about about physical age, not how many years on HU forums, AlMorr ?
In both cases I'm interested in responses but too much of a baby to participate!
I wasn't too sure what 'older runners' meant but I think I fit into both categories, so I have it covered 😂😂
👍 🏃🏾 I have been a cyclist since I was 7, it was when I cut down cycling in my early 70's from cycling 4 times a week to a short Sunday morning bike ride that I thought I would start C25K in April 2018, a month before my 72nd birthday, I managed to get through the 9 weeks training program without needing to repeat any runs and graduated from C25K 3 weeks after my 72nd birthday, this morning at parkrun I was 3rd in my age catorgary - 75/79 and there was a man who is 80 ran his 200+ parkrun in just over 35 minutes.
You are truly inspiring AlMorr as well as the 80+ year old runner who did your parkrun today in such a fantastic time!😀I can only aspire to do what you both do.
The 2 runners who were a little ahead of me ran in a time of 31:45, he is 79, the other man who is 78 was 2 seconds in front of me, the 80 year old ran it in a time of 35:14,
I can only dream of those times! 39 minutes is my Parkrun time. Just brilliant just getting around after a lifetime of NOT running.
... but at least you are now running, I believe those other men have been running since they were teenagers or younger, the man who ran 31.45 told me he had ran several marathons but that was a long time ago, he only runs no more than 10Ks.
Wow this is amazing, (you are amazing). This is why I love this forum, I get to read so many inspirational posts 🤩
Impressive AlMorr, you are a legend.
Well I've been here since 2018, now 65 and when life and other things don't get in the way I aim to run 20k a week, that's generally split into 3 or 4 runs.
Age 65 so, older? Been running on and off since 2019 (spent most of lockdown on the IC).
Loving running, increasingly, as I do it a bit more, and still haven't found a favourite distance; still a novice after several years, IMO.
I enjoy being on a run, which may be one way someone like me can get closer to a meditative and peaceful state of mind.
70 years young; I started C25k aged 66. I like the longer runs now, with a nice steady pace. Recently most runs have been around 8k, going up to 10 miles today.I probably won’t do it, but I am slightly tempted to do my third HM in September.
You did it 🏆Booooooooom
Hello hamit please could you clarify what you mean by older runners?🤗
Well I suppose anyone who qualifies for a Bus Pass.
I'd qualify for a bus pass in London but have another 3 years to go where I live 😂
Well that makes me a younger runner then.
Although my other half is an older runner and has been running all his life to stay fit for hockey. He runs with me occasionally to slow him down - can’t run slowly on his own apparently!
Needs the incentive of your company Dexy5 🙂
61, only been running 2 years, but fave distance 10km
Still enjoying the running lark 
started just after I turned 56 - now 62 (How the heck did THAT happen! lol ) Been an insanely busy year this year, plus monster heat waves alternating with rainstorms, and a bad foot ( bad foot! Bad, bad bad!!! lol ) so for a while now I basically regard my running as barely qualifying as 'maintainence' until I can get back to former levels
Aiming for 10k again but currently at 5k. Started C25K in lockdown aged 61.
Been running since I was 65 using C25K and this forum and am now 70. Favorite is 5k parkrun with a PB this year of 28:45 but after 100 parkruns in France all parkruns now suspended here !! My "coach" is a 78 yr old woman who despite being treated for cancer is still running and is now training for a HM.Keep on running ...
Sorry to hear about your coach whibbles I hope she makes a full recovery. Please could you explain why parkrun in France is suspended?
Thanks and In France, for reasons I dont understand there is a requirement to have a medical certificate to take part in sporting activities and here's the full explanation ( its in english at the end ) - blog.parkrun.com/fr/2022/07...
That's such a shame whibbles . I hope they come up with a solution soon and are able to reinstate parkrun in France 🤗
That’s a shame whibbles. You are probably safer running at parkrun than on your own, as all parkruns have to have a defibrillator, and there are people available to help. I don’t blame parkrun for not wanting to change their model, which works throughout the world though.
Hi , I joined 2018, aged 72. Took 27 weeks to complete C25K. Pulled muscles, Achilles’ tendon etc., have had my fair share of injuries since then too, but keep “getting back in the saddle” . Managed 10 miles for my 75 th, best 5K 31.15 last year and best 10K 1.09. 51 also last year. Currently nursing calf and Knee injuries, after 5K yesterday. ☹️. Now 76, and I think my favourite run is 10k, which I liked to do once a week, but for various reasons, haven’t managed to do often this year, but still try to run three times a week, between 3 -8K depending on how I feel. My goal is a HM, and a sub 30 PR but we’ll see🤗 got to have something to aim for!
Good post from you john46, you are the same age as me, began C25K the same year, our times are around the same, sorry about your injuries, the reason you took 27 weeks to complete the course, I do think that if I had had all those injuries, if nothing else my family in no uncertain ways would have told me to stop running and continue with cycling, what I have been doing since I was 7, I wish you luck with all your runs and the possibility of running your goal of a half marathon, my longest run is 10 miles/16K, I have ran 5 of them since graduating from C25K.
Hi, I’m 70 and enjoy cycling and running. I have to take care with my knees but I run 2 to 3 times a week. I recently ran my first HM and my favourite run is around 5 to 6 miles.
Wow, unbelievable. How often do you run a 10k?
Age 71 and female. Still running twice weekly, over 50 minutes each session.
This is a brilliant post 👍🏻 Love reading all the replies 🤩
I'm almost 71 (September) I didn't start running until I was 69. I still go out 3 or 4 times a week, early morning for me. My favourite distance is 5k although I have done 4 x 10k since I graduated. I enjoy 5, 6 and even 8k but find I get bored with anything more than that.Since graduating I have done C25K twice more, helping 2 friends (who didn't believe they could do it) through to their graduations.
I said right from the start that I would run as long as I enjoyed it and if I stopped enjoying it I would stop running. That hasn't happened so I'm still here
I started C25K 4 years ago aged63 and am still running. I normally run 3 times a week for a minimum of 30 mins (around 4k) but sometimes I just go with the flow and end up running for up to an hour (7-8k) I struggle with the heat so prefer to run in the early morning. I've been swimming rather than running recently in the heatwave!
Me to. This heat has knocked me off my perch and I don’t enjoy running in it. Have loved doing outdoor swimming instead though. Itching to get back out running, but waiting for it to cool down😎
Good morning all- gosh you are all amazing 🤩 I started c25k in March 21 aged 61 - still running 3 times a week nothing takes away my joy and amazement of being a runner. I run 5 k and am trying to pluck up the courage to do a park run- but I will, not keen on running in this weather though and still work so be happy when it rains.
Do the Parkrun, you must. No courage needed. If you are comfortable with completing 5k then you are competent as many in the field. I run at a 40 minute or so pace. I start at the back and stay there more or less but a few start behind me and I pass a few who end up walking, as many do. My slow steady pace is the key, I know I won't have to walk. But all ages, shapes and sizes do Parkrun. A few really fast ones give me encouragement if they pass me and I reciprocate. All the Marshall's are encouraging. You get clapped in at the end. On my 5th Parkrun I got some encouragement by name and there is always someone to talk to. You run alone but you're not alone. It's brilliant.
Sounds fab Thank you so much that’s very encouraging, whenthis heat passes I am going to go 😊
Park runs are good fun, with a real sense of being part of the running community, so l’d give it a go if you can.
I’m 75 and took up C25K again during lockdown after doing it in my fifties. I’m happy doing 5K twice a week, as I have too many other interests to spend more time on it. I take pleasure in knowing that I’m fitter than a lot of much younger people!
Born in the 1950s, running 2x5ks most weeks in the 2020's!
No intention of stopping! 😗
How inspirational you all are. Well done for keeping yourselves so fit and healthy. Something truly for all of us younger runners to aspire too. I will remember these posts when I am feeling a run is too much or too hard. Thank you.
Age 67, favourite distance 15 kms, been running for years but need a days break between runs.
Nice Post from you Oneta, I am glad that you enjoy your running and 15k is your favourite distance, I usually run on a Wednesday and Saturday, go a bike ride on a Sunday, this morning I went a 17K bike ride, part of that route towards the end of the bike ride was along the off road route that I run, I stopped to speak to a man and his wife who recognised me when I am running, they asked me "not running today," I told them that Wednesday and Saturday are my running days and a Sunday is bike ride day, they congratulated me and I continued with my bike ride.
I am a young 64 year old, still running several years since C25K, regular distance is still 5k but occasionally 10+ and done 2 halfs, I mainly go out just to keep my fitness up, both physical and mental. Parkrun is also great.
Hi Hamit! 64 here Between 5 to 10k is my favourite.Started running properly 1980 in the army met my darling hubby in the army We got married then both left army ,life got in the way and after a few years of not running started again 8 years ago with C25Kand yes I’m still pounding the pavements which I still love to do😂…….well trail running really as I live out in the sticks🐑🐂🐖. Hubby cycles and I run so not a bad combination 😀😀
67 and started running 18 months ago. Could run 5K in 32 mins and was halfway through a programme to run 10K, then got Covid 4 weeks ago. Did a 4k run 2 weeks ago non stop running, overdue it and did something to my lower back 😧. Going to try a shorter run/walk in the next few days. I have a lot of ground to make up to get back to where I was. I'll get there!
There you are ! I have been tagging you in Catch-Up Cornered, but thought you got lost!So good to know that you are still here and still active. Have no fear, you will get there... the runs do wait ... just take it slow and steady ! xx
76 female
Completed C25k in 2919 (I think). Took 3 attempts as I began the program with unsuitable trainers and refusal to believe what the lovely Laura said about not trying to go too fast. I felt embarrassed about my age and didn’t want to look stupid running so I did go too fast. Result = injury and the first of several spells on our friend the Injury Couch. I felt that during that first year I should have had the Sports Physio on speed dial.
3 years later I don’t seem to pick up injuries any more. I try and run 3x per week, one of which is parkrun. My parkrun time is currently approximately 36:30. It has been that for many months so I suppose I am stuck in a sort of ‘consolidation’ situation which I keep meaning to address as I’d like to progress – never seem to get round to it though. Maybe responding to hamit's post will give me the nudge I obviously need.
Just to say that this is a really great forum. I haven’t posted for ages, but am an addicted lurker.
Pop into Catch-Up Corner, there are loads of folk there just feeling like you x
Yes, I think I will, now that i've had that 'nudge' It will be in September though. I'll have to navigate my way through the options available then. Watch this space Thanks Oldfloss
How do I find Catch up corner please (apologies if it’s blindingly obvious). I’m guessing there are instructions about how to become involved.
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Just look for past posts and there will be a new one up tomorrow and it is going to be all about the more seasoned of us !
What is "older" nowadays?
Plus 65
No... after 70 ? xxx
According to my daughter who works at the hospital old/older is after 80! hmm 🤔
She's probably right... on a good day, I would agree with ehr..in this heat... hmmmm!
I agree with her too on a good day…… we are planning a trip to Malaysia next April, and I’m wondering….. not sure what I’m wondering though 😀 3 generations of women and guess which one will run and swim most? 😂
Err, let me think. .. you!!!!
Got it in one…. it’s only at the thinking stage but granddaughter is taking her second year at uni there so we’d like to go for a visit….. they fly the nest so quick don’t they?
They do indeed..small runner in training is 6 in October... Time flies!
Started running in 2020, I had suggested a friend might like to try C25K and then wondered why I wasn’t doing it myself😬. I’m 69 years old. Haven’t run in over a week, because of the heat- been swimming instead, but definitely getting twitchy to be back out there. Really enjoy park runs. Go with my son when I can. I usually run about 5 to 6K, but when I’ve done longer runs found I really got into the zone after 5K, it started to feel like I had hit my rhythm and could run for ages. Waiting for cooler weather to do longer runs though. Thanks for asking the question, it is inspirational to read about runners older than me still out there running- often faster than me by the looks of it😁.
Just fantastic!
Started C25k in 2018 age 68 graduated after 9 weeks - still running - slowly lol three times a week - 73 in December
I did C25K when I was 66, having never run before, and am still running 5 years later. I usually run 7k 3 times a week, in about 46 minutes. There are some very inspiring replies to this question!
Almost 70 female, still run but mostly treadmill after a couple of falls outdoors. Run 3 miles 4 or 5 days a week
71 here, started c25k at 69.... I usually run 3x / week but stopped because of heat. Last run was 8k 10 days ago...now waiting for it to be cooler at 6am. I like the longer runs...8k+ and managed my first hm in June this year. I run solo and end up in the north sea usually. I was never a runner before 2 years ago but play along of tennis, swim and walk loads. Good post Hamit. Interesting reading all the stories.
Started C25k 2 days before 66th birthday. Having never run before. Will be 70 in November and run three times a week usually between 2-4 miles. Depending on how my knee feels. Love Parkrun and hope to be able to get back to 10k by end of the year.
You will... just slow and steady!
You guys are all incredibly inspiring. I’m 58, so don’t qualify just yet, but I intend to keep running and running until I can’t run any more. Keep going everyone. ❤️
A mere baby Cheeky! xxx
Haven’t been called that for a while OF! 🙏🏻🥰
I finally got my bus pass a few weeks ago 😊
Age 66 now, I started C25K as a New Years resolution in 2019. I run-walked a half marathon in 2021 in around 2h 50m and recently completed a marathon length Macmillan Mighty Hike, walking.
Normally my favourite distance is around 8k but since Covid in April I have struggled with more than 5k. Really looking forward to cooler weather and getting my distances back up again!
Yes, I’m still running, think it’s about 4 years now - time flies when you’re having fun! By the way, I’m 74 😎
Still here, still running 3 years after completing c25k, still enjoying 20-35 minutes 3 times a week …. But getting slower, about 35 minutes to do a 5k, never yet managed it in less than 32. Doesnt matter, it’s the getting out there that’s important and at 66 I feel so lucky to be able to do so. Onwards and upwards.
Hi, I'm still running on and off after 4 years. I do love it. I'm 76.
Hamit, that was a great question and I’ve loved reading the replies, so many people running in their 60s and 70s. It’s just brilliant
Hi hamit , yes I am running I have been for about 6months I have ran k25k on and off for the last 10 years , i started again when I moved house , I saw these ladies running and laughing and asked if i could join them they took my number and the next thing I new I was added to there what’s app running group, it’s been delightful to run with them, it turned out they were GPS lovely kind , friendly, real people really do well with them we run for 35 mins now lol we not fast but it definitely has its benefits , not bad as my age is 66 lol take care
Started running at 65... Graduated C25K in the winter of 2015,,,, completing the 5K in 30 minutes because I thought I had to...duh!
Carried on running, became famous on here, (or should that be infamous), for my mantra if SLOW and STEADY...!
I was fortunate after a year or so to become a Mentor and have continued, here with the team reaching the giddying heights of Admin now
This is an honour and a privilege to be part of the hundreds and hundreds of folk's running journeys that I have followed.
To watch the progress of people, unsure, and nervous and see the wonderful events that follow.... it is incredible! I absolutely love doing what I do here!
I only ever intended to reach 5K, but, as we all know the runs evolve...and we move forwards. Completed 10K after a year or so... then just running for pleasure.
I am a lone runner, with the odd visit to more inhabited running events, usually for charity or to meet with forum friends where there is a chance.
I run faster up hills than I do on the flat, although that has developed a tad over the years... I had to do a flat Park Run with some forum friends to prepare me for my first HM which I completed when I was 69. I ran for Alzheimer's UK.. and just ran it to see if I could... it was fabulous, and great fun.
Since then, running through the good and the bad, success and setback... the odd injury and illness and the pandemic problems. Back to square one at one point ... C25K repeated... and building back still, to my former glory... ( Ha ha)!
Running for me, is running and rambling, ( again, infamous here for my looooong posts), I write up every single run I run... and have a book..( hopefully, published soon), which is composed of those rambles.
I pavement pound when necessary, but my favourite runs are across my beloved fields and tracks.
I run still , at 72... why? For Pure JOY x
PS
My favourite distance is 10K too.
I remember AlMorr 's very first park run so well... he is a legend!
PPS
Told you I rambled...!
Hi! Yes, i'm sure 66 years old counts as an older runner!! Started when I was 60 from zero and have run ever since. Lost count of 5k and 10k races but have signed up for my 10th, 11th and 12th half marathons in Valencia (October), Barcelona (February) and San Sebastián (April) so that I always have something to train for. I like to do 2 half marathons a year but with two already so early in 2023, I feel sure that I will need to do another one in the Autumn. I hope to carry on for as long as I can and can't really imagine my life without running all around my village and down to the beach every other day. I'm not ready to give up my job yet so running really gives me a nice relaxing place to be!! Just saw on my running app today that I have completed a 222-week streak of running at least once a week. In my case, it was three times minimum and is only not longer because of a fall and the subsequent twisted ankle... Favourite distance - 10k and the half!
Hi I like your story. Could I ask which running app you use? I like the idea of recording my running streak; currently using a technophobes' diary
Hi! Yes, I started with a diary and still log how many runs, races and best times every year but I only write them up every 3 months using the info on the app. I started with Runtastic, which changed its name a while ago to Adidas Running. I pay for the Premium because I love all the information you get, seeing your run and pace etc each time and participating in the challenges that appear every now and again. The voice coach is set to tell me every half kilometre I run, which is a great incentive especially during long runs. I would really recommend it.
Hi Hamit! I started C25K at 57 expecting to run W1R1 repeatedly for 3 months during mid winter dark days when cycling is not great. Having managed W1, I decided that I might as well run W2 for those 3 months, then a week later…guess what?! 9 weeks on I had completed W8 & had “astonished” written all over my brain & eyebrows!😂Now 63, various rude interruptions from injury/ illness appear & disappear, but I keep coming back & picking it up again. 😄
I think I qualify as an older runner I qualify for a bus pass and I joined HU in 2018 I joined when I did C2 5K for the first time but only after I was returning from an injury when I started running 13 years ago I didn’t know C2 5K existed I just started running and walking lamppost to lamppost to start and gradually built up until I was doing 5K did that for 9 years and then the first injury came when I had recovered I did C2 5K and the rest is history too much to tell everything.That’s me. During First lockdown got to half marathon distance.
Aged 69, hated any form of sport at school- mainly due to 1. Sadistic PE teachers2. Being really skinny and having to do forwardrolls etc on wooden floors with no mats
3. Being hyper mobile my ankles used to give out, with no warning, especially the right one and then swell up like a balloon for a few days
At Grammar school I used to be better at the discus,javelin, shot putt, long jump rather than running. ThenI was about 38 and my friend and started jogging - well running as far as we could then walking a bit then running again ( mainly to get a break from the kids ) and this became a 3-4 weekly thing around early evening. Then we did the Fun Run which was about an HM from the next town Park back to our Park. We did this 3 years in a row and then she moved away and I didn’t like running on my own so I stopped - didn’t run for over 20 years
I did do a manual job in between and coach gymnastics too for over 10 years , which involved a lot of moving heavy kit and flinging heavy gymnasts around too so I didn’t just sit on my ….. hands 😂
Then my daughter decided she wanted to join the army and started running C25k and I joined her again at age 65!! She changed her mind after she got an engineering apprenticeship and she stopped running for a couple of years but I carried on,…… after a fractured ankle and torn ligaments…. After a broken big toe…. After a very nasty virus from Oct 2019-end of Jan 2020 ( which I now think was early covid 19… if not covid 18 😂) and being given inhalers now to help with my breathing .. and after 2 bouts of covid this year… I am still running.
So favourite run is 5k… I throw in a 10k once a month and I have done HM distance before all the viruses but I think I will leave it as between 5 and 10k now. I run alternate days and get twitchy if I miss another day
Age is easy - 65. Favourite distance, not so easy. Probably 10k, but I'm increasing distance to half marathon and that is getting towards being my favourite, so my current favourite is somewhere between 10 and 20k. My favourite type is trail running.
Thank you all. So many replies so many stories it has blown what's left of my mind. So many things to comment on that would need a book, so to wrap it up. ROCK ON, we may be senior but we can all Run.
Gosh, I guess at “only” 57, I don’t quite qualify as an “older” runner yet!🤣🤷♀️ but I just have to say that I too, am blown away by all the replies above! Amazing stuff and I certainly plan to be following in your footsteps…you are all heroes - keep on running!💪🙂🏃♀️🏃🏽❤️
Sometimes! 5km, slowly 😁
I am totally blown away by all the inspirational replies on here. I found running aged 56, like so many people, during the first lockdown after a lifetime being convinced I hated it. I don't have a favourite distance, but my favourite runs are those no pressure runs, runs that you run just for the joy of running, just because we can.
Just had a birthday, 68. Started out on C25k aged 65 in the first lockdown, discovered amazingly that I enjoyed running! Hated PE at school. Forced to stop running after one year because of hip pain, but still going, now on my fourth go at C25k and up to week 5 (again). Aiming to run 5k comfortably is my goal, then to run Parkrun
Just turned 65. Started running in Jan 2021.
Ran Winchester Half Marathon in Sept 2021. Now really enjoy running 10km in training and race events.
75 here. I started running sometime before the pandemic because my silly son thought I could do it and agitated me until I got going on c25k. Wow! I couldn't believe that I graduated and Laura said I was a "proper runner." I felt so proud of myself! Every year I start c25k again after the winter snows. This year I'm up to c25k+ again, as usual. I'm slower now; I'm sure, but I enjoy running (jogging?), and in fact, it's a necessity. I get cranky if something stops me from getting out to run. I don't go very far because I am slow. Even so, I think there is something special about having a totally free mind for the about half hour I run every other day, 3 times a week.
Started C25k the day after I retired at 65 (2 years ago)…to give me some focus for my week! After graduating, slowly built up to 10k…then had a loss of mojo last Autumn ☹️
Started again…even more slowly, graduated early this year. Now up to 9km…but taking it easy. Should have been the second 9km today, but fancied a short one instead…so that’s what I did! I’m sure I’ll run 10km at some stage, but it’s not the be all and end all.
I don’t have a favourite distance…I like long runs along the canal, and my little 2 mile circuits along the river. Usually have my 70’s rock tunes, sometimes use a NRC guided run…sometimes run “naked” 😂
Embrace your inner snail! 🏃🏻♀️🐌🎶
Run on, majo,s like Rock. I run with some Texas Blues, keeps my mojo under control.
First time back on here for a while and yes I'm still running, just had a lay off due to a few health issuesWas up to running 24 miles on my long run day but after 6 month lay off through blood poisoning issues and then after 2 months back a further lay off caused by covid I've got a long way to come back but I will. Distance running/trail running is my preference
Run on👍
Runners Bowel
Runners red!
Seasoned runners - can you help
There are runners and everyone else 😂
