I'm a 51 yr old lady who has not run literally... - Couch to 5K
I'm a 51 yr old lady who has not run literally since doing cross country at school! I've downloaded app, is it very difficult to do?
Hi, I am 58 and on week 4. There are many who are older and doing great...it gives me encouragement to get out there and do it.Don't worry about how far or how fast just get out there and doyour best...you will find some days hard going and some not but the feeling of achievement after both is great. Good luck and post on here your progress both good and bad!
C25k is a wonderfully structured training programme that can get just about anybody running for 30 minutes in just nine weeks. It progresses gently and slowly increases the amount of running you do, but does not dictate a pace, you set that. You are in control all the way through, so that if you find any run difficult you can repeat it until you are confident. You will be amazed at your own progress and capability.
Is it difficult????? Well it is hard work and you only get out what you put in, but thousands have had their lives changed by this amazing scheme and wish we had discovered it years ago. You will discover that running is way more than a means of getting exercise, and also that this forum is one of the happiest, most inspirational places on the internet, offering advice, support and enthusiasm for your journey.
Why am I giving you the hard sell? Because like so many other graduates of C25k, we love what it has done for us and take great delight in seeing others make the transformation in their lives too. I was 57 when I started last June and had not run since school. I can now run 10 miles and ran my first 10k race last weekend.
It works. Do it!!
I agree, I am 67, started mid April, never ever ran before that, I like to say I didnt even run when my house burnt down which is true, I struggled dreadfully on week 1 trying to run for 60 secs, gradually got stronger, by the end of week 2 my knees were hurting but took advice off this site and got over that, I am now on Wk6 and have run 20 minutes non stop, a mile in fact , I cant believe it, never thought it possible, but I love it, cant wait to get out there, it is highly addictive. Be sure you got decent shoes and forget speed, is the best advice I can give ( I can actually walk faster then I jog, and a lot of people on here say the same, but speed will come so dont get disheartened like I did in the beginning ) Best of luck and welcome to the friendliest most supportive site ever
I am 54 and had literally not run at all before, not even cross country at school. I completed the programme nearly three weeks ago so it's definitely possible to do from a standing start. I am never going to be able run 5k in 30 mins but I CAN now run 5k on a regular basis. The programme is very structured and as long as you follow it you will have no problem. Don't worry if you find the first week really hard and can't imagine getting to the 30 mins because you will. Good luck !!
Hi Chelle, welcome. Im 53 and nine weeks ago couldn't run a bath ! 
Well I could, if you get my drift , but I was the same as you. I hadn't run since school and I did feel very apphrensive about starting the programme. After my very first run, I was completely hooked, I love it ! Now Im on Week 7 and I am so glad I took that first step.
This programme is amazing, it is truly life enhancing, I would even go as far as life changing. It is hard, but do-able. Its designed to build up your stamina and as you progress, the sense of achievement is amazing. I would say definitely go for it, join us, the people on here are brilliant, very supportive , full of advice and very encouraging and you wont regret it, I promise xxx
Hi there!
I wouldn't say it's difficult as such but it is hard work, however, the program builds you up week by week so each time you are able to manage. I can't recommend this program enough, really never thought I'd manage to run for 60 seconds without being sick however am now doing 30 minutes!
I started it at 63 and I hated running at school, but I'd lost two stone on the 5:2 Diet and felt so full of energy that I needed to do something! I struggled with the seventh and eighth 60 second runs the first time, but progressed through the weeks and couldn't believe it when I graduated nine weeks later!!!
I then went on to lose another stone and have maintained my weight loss ever since by running three times a week and having a low calorie day one day a week. I'm 64 now and feel 20 years younger!
GO FOR IT!
Welcome. I was 50 when I started, 3 months after a hysterectomy. I was on a get fit campaign which also included Zumba. I too had not run at all since school - I hated cross country. I graduated in Nov 2012 and have been running regularly since then and have even managed a half marathon. My advice is slow and steady. Repeat a run if you have to, and don't ever beat yourself up about a bad run - we all have them - at least you will be out there doing it.
Good luck and let us know how you are getting on! Chris
Looks like us oldies are out in force with the replies here! I'm 50 and started running at 49. I hated distance running at school as I was a sprinter. but I determined to do this.
My advice is to say that you should take it easy, don't rush and you will get there.
If you can spare a few minutes, please watch 'running for my existence' on Youtube. If this chap can do it, anyone can.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
I am 59 and hated running at school, even the games that involved it like hockey & netball. The most difficult thing for me was downloading the podcasts! Had to get a young person to do it for me.
Follow Laura, don't try to go fast & you will be fine. Beware though it is addictive!
They're right, you know! It's a brilliant programme. It isn't always easy but it's definitely do-able and well worth it. I started at 61, having not run since school 46 years previously, graduated on my 62nd birthday and am still running at 64. Go for it!! At 51 you're still a spring chicken!
I'm in my mid-40s and hadn't run since school, hated PE and although I walked a lot, I found running a completely alien concept. The hardest part was week 1 - my body went into shock, but once I got into a routine, I loved it. Take it slow and steady, don't worry about speed and don't be afraid to repeat weeks.
I'm 60 and like you haven't run since the PE teacher at school stopped bullying me. (Even then I found quite a few ways to dodge - especially cross-country). I did the first run on a canal towpath with a springer on a lead and the most supportive shoes I had with me, because I was afraid if I put it off till I had proper shoes I might not start. Nearly all mistakes! I missed out the 7th 60 sec run because at that point we met three CRT employees with mowers and strimmers and controlling the dog was more important. For the rest of that day and all the next, I could hardly move. I went out and bought proper running shoes at a shop where they do gait analysis, and left the dog behind for my second run - which also hurt, but I recovered much more quickly. Still - I couldn't believe I might be able to run for 90 secs in week 2 and as for 3 whole minutes in week 3!! I'm on week 6 now, and nothing has been as hard as those first two in week 1. But from Day 1, even though my legs were screaming at me, I was hooked on the feeling of aliveness I have all the rest of the running day. I haven't felt so awake and alert in years and all my family and friends are beginning to comment on the difference. Get the best shoes you can afford and go for it. PS I've promised the dog that after I've graduated I will take him with me if he promises not to pull
Another golden oldie here! I am 66 and have recently started the c25k. Am now on week 5 and looking forward to my runs now along with my dog, Molly. Bought some decent running shoes and the dreaded sports bra which did make a difference to my uncomfortable zones. Happy running!
Hi I'm 44 and extremely unfit and 2/3 stone overweight with Asthma. I'm on week 4. In my experience so far it really does work! I know people in their 60's who have completed it. Good luck!
Hello everyone ... you lot are, simply put, inspirational!!!
chelle63 come and Join The Club!!!
We all LOVE it and are seemingly ADDICTED to our running, whatever stage of the programme and however far or fast we can run! (W4R2 ticked for me = addicted Newbie)
C25K is THE BIZ!!!
You are a spring chicken compared to a lot of us on here chelle. I started this last year at the age of 67 and no way had I ever done cross-country at school. (I regularly forged letters from my mother to get myself excused from gym). Determination and the support of the lovely people on this forum are all you need (plus some ear plugs to drown out the concerned comments from relatives and friends who think you're doing too much for your age 
)
Hi chelle63, I'm almost 50 and did my first run today! The first 60 second run was easy but by the third my ankles were aching so I slowed it down and tried to run in time with the music. It seemed like it was really slow but I'd read on here about starting slow so I stuck with it. By the 6th little run I found pacing myself with the music seemed more natural but I was amazed at how slow it was. Didn't get painfully out of breath so I worried that I'd taken it too easy but when I got home and saw my bright red face I thought maybe it had been enough! When do you plan to do your first run? Maybe we could train together virtually. (Or for real - anywhere near North Essex Uk?)
Thank you for all the encouragement guys, makes me determined to start this programme. 1st run planned for next week as we're going away for a few days for the school holidays x
Another oldie here that also hasn't run since school - I would much rather run around a tennis court as it seemed much more sensible. I have followed the C25K programme religiously each week and this morning did the first run of week 9, the final week, consisting of 30 minutes running. I hope that you go for it Chelle - don't worry about speed. If you can't keep up with the running, then just slow down but do try to last for the full times. If you don't feel ready to move on to the next week, then just repeat the week that you are on until you are ready to progress. Good luck.
I am 60, hated PE at school, never ran at all, asthmatic child, always bad chests, etc etc.However, I wanted to get myself fit for my "golden years" when I turned 60, and slowly, quietly, patiently, started doing this in January and can now run for 40 minutes without stopping and just pleasantly panting at the end. If I can,anyone can. Do it! Don't give up, repeat weeks if you need to, go as slow as you need to, don't compare yourself with others, make sure you do the rest days, so that you are raring to go when your run day comes round again. Be proud of yourself. I wish my old PE teacher could see me now!
