If week 1 was tough going how do you ever get beyond it to try and run for 90 secs?
Can I really get beyond 60 seconds? I'm 66 and... - Couch to 5K
Can I really get beyond 60 seconds? I'm 66 and never run before. Have just completed W1R3 but cannot imagine running for longer than 60 secs
hope2runonedayGraduate
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hope2runoneday
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27 Replies
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Bazza1234Graduate
Ha Ha!!!! have I got something to tell you!!!!! I am one year older than you - and I started doing a bit of exercise in my local park about 5 months ago. There was some exercise machines in the park and I started to try to run to each piece of equipment which were about 100 metres apart -- I couldn't do it!!!
I have never been able to run - and I wondered why I couldn't run and everybody else could . So I started looking around on the Internet - and I found this place. I had one look at the C25K programme - and decided it was too much for me . What?? Run for a whole minute this week - and then 90 seconds the next week???? So I started out using this programme for 7 weeks mayoclinic.org/healthy-livi... It looked a lot easier - I only had to run for 15 seconds at first . I completed it and came back here -- Hmm, maybe I could do this C25K after all??
I now regularly run 5klms 3 times per week - and am training for a 14 klm race in August. So far - I have taken my runs out to 10 klms. I have lost a few Kgs in the process and lost around 7 inches around my waist.
So - yes -- you can definitely do it - and if you have any further doubts watch this youtube.com/watch?v=KbVpCc_...
Just watched the paratrooper video. If you can't get some inspiration from this fellow you never will. It brought tears to my eyes. Anyone with doubts about their ability should watch this. Thank you for sharing.
so inspiring, made me cry
Thanks for posting this today Bazza. I'd seen it before but loved watching it again. It quickly vaporised those gremlins seducing me over to the couch and the Sunday papers! 
Thank you. I have tears running down my face and feel ashamed of moaning about a few aches, pains and breathlessness. Think I'll hold the video in my mind as i try W2R1 on monday. ( almost looking forward to it now).
Good on you! Keep us posted.
AncientMumGraduate
You can do it, you really really can.
tomlertoosGraduate
Yep, you CAN do this! Be sure to take it session by session and even repeat them if you feel the need....no shame in this, you're just building up your body strength until you feel you can move onto the next level. Also, perhaps take extra rest days...that might help. All good wishes and let us know how you're doing!
gingernut49Graduate
I started C25K at 63 and I really struggled with the first week. I progressed through the weeks and quite amazed myself! Now I'm getting towards 65 and I run three times a week and I did my first Parkrun yesterday. YOU CAN DO IT!
Running66Graduate
Of course you can do it! It's mind over matter. I was exactly the same as you six weeks ago and am now running 25 minutes. It does get easier and more enjoyable as you progress. I'm 66 and the running has made such a difference to my life in such a short time. You will soon start to feel more energetic and more alive. Keep running. YOU CAN DO IT!
turnturtleGraduate
Watch the video Bazza posted. I just did and I am inspired to carry on with my journey. I am 68 and a year ago would have described myself as allergic to any form of exercise. This morning I am about to go out with my local running club on a 4 mile run and, what is more, I expect to enjoy it! The sun is shining. The English spring is in full bloom and life feels good. I can do this. YOU can do this. Let others have the doubts (and they will). Just do not doubt yourself. And if you ever do take another look at that guy in the video...
grannyjudesGraduate
Oh yes you can trust me. I started April 16th, could hardly lift one foot off the ground, now Im on week7 and heading for graduation, yesterday I ran ( its more of a stumble type jog at the pace of a sedated slug ) for 30 minutes non stop. I am 68 years old and never run in life before.. So if I can you will. The programme is amazing, just trust Laura, and go slow, very slow, and keep coming on here for support, its invaluable , oh and good luck
Jaqs99Graduate
Hi Hopetorunoneday. Just to add my voice to the encouragement. Go for it! Trust the programme. Loads of oldies here ... We've all surprised ourselves. Can't wait to hear you surprising yourself too. It's amazing! Keep getting out there....and smiling. X
Good morning. I had the exact same fears after week 1. I was 4 stone over weight (yes I'm saying it again!) and completely out of shape.
I was given great advice when I shared my same concerns; just think of it as 6 runs and 6 had to be easier than 8 surely! Do you know what? That was my mantra... Only 6 runs , only 6 runs...and I counted them down one by one. Don't focus on the length of each run but the number of runs. Week 2 was the week I really started to enjoy it. Have faith in yourself and the programme. It really will prepare you for each step of the way. 6 weeks ago I struggled to run for 40 seconds and now I can run for 20 mins continuously! Take it slow and concentrate on your breathing. I find that breathing when running really helps!!
Windswept1Graduate
If you need to repeat week one and do it more slowly, but like the others I had never run before and did a 10 k last weekend! I am not fast but I get there. Believe in Laura and yourself,
Good luck
ChrisChappelGraduate
Keep going and don't give in. Plenty of people older and in worse shape when they started here who have inspired me to keep going. You won;t belive it when you look back
Chris
Gosh - what a fabulous lot of replies to find early(ish) on a sunny Sunday morning! What great inspiration from everyone. I though I was going to be a good example at 53 but.....
I haven't run for about 4 weeks with one thing and another but I'll be out there today after seeing this lot! And yes, you absolutely can do it! Best wishes!
GoogleMeGraduate
It took me nearly six weeks and somewhere between 12 and 18 attempts to have the 3 W1 runs successfully completed.
Every other C25K run after Week 1 was completed in full first time... it's actually often easier to pace yourself correctly. A great suggestion about focusing on how many runs not how long and you can go as slowly as you need to, take smaller steps, even run on the spot if that's the alternative to stopping or walking.
runningphobe_no_moreGraduate
I thought exactly the same as you six weeks ago, and at the end of week 2, I panicked about week 3. But now I can run for 25 mins without a walking break. It's still hard, but nowhere near as hard as those sixty seconds in week 1. OK - I'm only 60, but the screen name says it all and if I can, you can. But don't be afraid to go slow. Speed might come later, but it's not what it's about...
Hi, we all start I'm sure feeling the same, and it will surprise you but you CAN do it and you WILL do it. It may seem impossible looking at it now but you will be so proud of yourself when you complete the next run. Before you know it you will be running more and more distances. Having said that, don't be afraid to repeat a run until you pass it. Good luck!
grannyjudesGraduate
I really should add, be prepared to be addicted, ask anyone on here !!
Hello hope to run one day!!!! I was exactly the same I just didn't believe I ever would but I am starting week 8 run 1 today and I am amazed!!!!!! I never thought my legs would get me there or that I would ever get my breathing right. I trusted all the good advice I received from everyone on here to have faith in the plan and am so please that I did because it does work. I will not say it was easy and I still struggle but at least I am doing it. At 8 weeks I am completing 2 miles so am stillabout1.1mile a way from the 5k but I would never have thought that I would be able jog for more than about a minute and even that was a big struggle at the time. So persevere it really is achievable in time and believe in yourself.
Best regards
Josie Jo
RenkaGraduate
I lost count of the number of times I repeated week one. I kept at it till I could do it easily and then went to on to do the rest and graduate.
I'm 68 in a couple of months, hadn't run for 50 years and was diagnosed with osteoarthritis in both hips and my spine. I have lost 4 stones in weight doing the 5:2 Fast Diet and at the moment am doing the 30 day Abs Challenge ...I've only done 2 days so far and those sit ups are killing me but I WILL do it.
My 6 year old grandson loves to race me - I never thought I'd have to slow down to let a six year old win!!!!
If I can do it anyone can!!
Rob_and_his_westieGraduate
Hello! I reckon pretty much everyone on here thought exactly the same thing, regardless of age! Don't forget, there's no pressure on you to do anything in a particular time - take it easy, follow the instructions and soon enough it will become a habit.
Good luck and don't forget to tell us all about it!
agedsnailspaceGraduate
You can definitely do this. You have already faced the biggest hurdle - getting off the couch and starting week 1. Now all you have to do is trust the program. Just remember to take things SLOW! I know it's a running program, but it's a big change from the sedentary habits your body is used to. Speed can come later, the first few weeks are about stamina, so slow is fine - better than fine, slow is good! Welcome to the community, let us know how you get on.
When I started I thought 10seconds was long enough. Now just finished week 3 and can do 3 mins. You can do it!
LauraeGraduate
Trust in the programme, repeat if you need to but you can and will get there. The hardest bit is the step out the door to begin. You can do it.
