Age against me?: Hi Guys, I am in my fourth... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Age against me?

lillibell profile image
18 Replies

Hi Guys,

I am in my fourth week but can't call it running more a slow jog & I am finding that I cannot "run" faster just get knackered! I have just had my 70 th birthday & wonder if I will ever be able to run properly or is my age against me? I do get a few odd looks from other pensioners.

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lillibell profile image
lillibell
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18 Replies
Beek profile image
BeekGraduate

Hi Lillibell

You are a star to be doing all this at 70! I am only 66 but I must admit I often want (sometimes NEED) to sleep on running days. Ignore the other pensioners - they're only jealous of your determination to actually get out there and do something. You are up, out and doing something great for yourself! All strength and power to you!

lillibell profile image
lillibell in reply toBeek

Many thanks for your reply will keep me going, rest day today so just pottering around the house. My last "run" of week 4 tomorrow, deep breath for week 5.........

lillibell profile image
lillibell in reply toBeek

Hi Beek,

So nice to have such a cheerful & supportive reply many thanks, Am starting my fifth week soon deep breath(s).........

Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate

Hi Lillibell, well done on starting the programme and I have no doubt that you will do well with it too. Take it steady, as we get older we can't expect to move as quickly so don't worry about your speed. As for the other pensioners looking at you they are more than likely amazed and wish they could do it too, so why not ask them to join you. ;)

Oldgirl profile image
OldgirlGraduate in reply toOldgirl

Forgot to say, it is always best to check with your doctor before starting any new exercise programme especially when you are not used to it and a little bit more advanced in years. So if you haven't already it would be a good idea to do this.

PamJK profile image
PamJKGraduate

That's fantastic. I'm really impressed. I so hope that when I am your age (I'm 47 now) I'll have your enthusiasm. Well done you! :D x

ktaylor217 profile image
ktaylor217Graduate

You are amazing! So inspiring to read that you are 70 and taking on this challenge. I would echo everything that Beek said.

At (only) 36 I found some of the runs a challenge but it has taken me until now (almost a year after starting!) to really fully understand that slow and steady does win through in the end when it comes to running. I was getting through the runs ok but was finding it hard at times and was never enjoying it... until a couple of weeks ago I did something different. I ran slower. And what a difference. I loved it. I felt great. I kept going for longer. Now I try to run slower in general and am getting so much more from my running. Listen to Laura when she say's it is not about speed but about getting miles under your belt. That applies what ever age you are.

In addition it took me several months to really start to see the health benefits of the running, so just keep going with the programme, repeat bits as you feel necessary and you will get there. You will soon be leaving those funny looks behind in a cloud of dust!

lillibell profile image
lillibell in reply toktaylor217

Many thanks for your support I have had some really lovely responses that will keep me going. I will continue but not worry too much about speed. I really would like to say to my hubby I'm off for a 5k run. Then possibly more in the future?

boudicca profile image
boudiccaGraduate

63 me. And I'm still slow - I'm sometimes surprised at overtaking pedestrians. But what the heck, just being able to run for 30 minutes is awesome. I never thought I'd be able to do it.

lycranotlikely profile image
lycranotlikelyGraduate

Hi Lillibel

WELL DONE for joining the program...notpheidippides my partner is 72 and I'm 66. Neither of us have run since adam was a lad ( as my mother used to say). We run "together" but he laps me about half way. He doesn't write a blog but listens to what i read out from other bloggers. He says "Rubbish - the odd loooks you get from other pensioners are admiration or jealousy". I go very very slowly indeed but Laura says slow and steady wins the day. The main thing is that we are exercising. So best wishes ...Laura will see you through.

Pat184 profile image
Pat184Graduate

Hi Iillibel I was 73 when I started last June, graduated in September. I found it a hard slog the first few runs but it slowly got better. I was 74 in January, still go out three times a week slow but out there hopefully keeping myself fit . Do what Laura said and you will be fine and don't worry about being slow. Good luck Pat. -:)

lillibell profile image
lillibell in reply toPat184

Hi Pat,

Well done to you fantastic. I'll remember you when I'm out tomorrow!

All the best

Lillibel

greenlegs profile image
greenlegsGraduate

I'm a mere baby of 54, but slow and steady works for me. My running during c25k was slower than my brisk walking, but it got me right through the programme, and now, three months after finishing it, I'm getting a little bit faster, and can keep going for a lot longer too (100 minutes!)

Enjoy your running, and just smile at any silly faces. :)

lizfish profile image
lizfish

I'm not even going to tell you how old I am because you lot are putting me to shame. I say, if you feel ok to run, and your doctor says you're ok to run, then do it. And do it as slow as necessary to get through it. I guess you might want to take extra rest days between as runs get longer (from what others have said) but you're only competing against yourself. You can always improve speed later. Best of luck!

OldNed profile image
OldNedGraduate

Take it at a pace that suits you and you'll get there. You're certainly not too old. I'm 63, hadn't run since school, and have just returned from a 10K run this afternoon. which I enjoyed! If you'd told me that when i started I'd have hooted with derision. Now I'm a runner; you will be too. Well done for starting.

gdeann profile image
gdeannGraduate

CHEERS TO YOU! :-) I'm a baby of 50 and salute you for giving it a go! Wishing you many years of running success!!!!! :-) Gayle

Olivia78 profile image
Olivia78

This is such an inspiring thread! At a mere 34, I think you're all marvellous.

I have just started running at the age of 57 and I do each week twice before going on to the next. I don't worry about speed, just enjoy what I'm doing. If you are concerned about doing this at your age, well, for inspiration, you might like to google Ernestine Shepherd. That's awesome!

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