New to running

[laterunner]

Forgot to mention I am 61 years old, so don't know if I am too old for all this but I am going to give it a try

[ginbin Graduate]

I'm 66...you are never too old

[laterunner in reply to ginbin]

When did you start

[ginbin Graduate in reply to laterunner]

I actually began a little over a year ago but this was my 'official' time around the C25k program. Previously I used the free app on my iPhone. The podcasts are so much better. I graduated on Monday. I would also suggest joining the C25k-er group on Facebook.

[paul2014 Graduate in reply to ginbin]

....and a great inspiration ;o)

[laterunner]

2nd run tomorrow am looking forward to it, will post how I get on

[Hidden]

In the words of Miles_Yonder - "Utter Hogwash"...

Never too old to keep active!

[runner56 Graduate]

I agree. The beauty of the programme is that you run at your own pace. It is nkt a race and is designed for folk of all ability and ages.

Good luck and keep us posted

[carerof Graduate]

Good morning and well done you. There are several 'oldies' on this forum myself included, nearly 62, i started earlier this year and was never a 'runner'. The sense of achievement, the challenges, both mental and physical all give me a massive sense of well being. I am also able to maintain my weight. I lost about 7lbs overall, but i do not diet, just eat healthy and have the occasional treat. I say go for it you never know what you can do till you try. I would just point out don't rush things as you may suffer an injury which could take longer to heal due to age, this i know from experience. But i aim to run 3 times per week, 3miles each time. I am not worried about increasing the distance as i know my knees are delicate so don't want to chance causing a problem and have to go on the 'bench' again!!! Good luck with your quest and let us know how you get on. Welcome to the forum.

[catchmeifucan]

No, definitely not too old, I know I'm 'just' 53 but hadn't ever run since school and started just last November. Take it slow, don't worry if you take an extra day or twos rest at times or repeat weeks, just keep going and you'll definitely get there. Expect a few aches and some discomfort from time to time, it's your body getting used to this, it'll pass eventually. If not already then don't leave it too long before you get some gait analysis from a decent running shop though and some good running shoes (I did so around week 4/5, once I was fairly sure I'd carry on).

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Hi welcome and congratulations for getting started. You will find there are quite a few C25kers in the elite over 60ies group, so yes, it is perfectly possible. Just take it slow and steady and take extra rest days if your body tells you to. You will be amazed at what you can do and how great it makes you feel. Good luck!

[laterunner]

Thank you,

[PilgrimPip Graduate]

Hello laterunner and welcome from another relative newbie. I am also one of the elite older members of this group (61 last month). I started running in April and graduated in June. That first run was the hardest ever but the gradual, careful process of the podcasts a and the gentle encouragement from Laura are brilliant. It's worked for so many people; and this group is fantastic. Lots of friendly, knowledgeable people, all writing from their experience and wanting to share the joy of getting fitter and healthier.

Do take it slowly and take good care of knees and feet. I am frustrated this week, having done something to my right foot/heel that's now so painful I can barely walk, let alone run - it does take longer to heal as we age. Anyway, good luck and take care!

[Paraloopy Graduate]

At 63 I'm one of those late starters!! (Don't link to think of myself as an "oldie!") and I was apprehensive but I completed run 2 of week 8 this morning so it's definitely possible! Just take it steady and you'll surprise yourself.

[paul2014 Graduate]

61? Youre a youngster compared to some people on here ;o)

PS I'm 53 by the way ;o)

[ginbin Graduate]

Quite a few of us over 60s, maybe we need our own group. We could call it "Never too old to sprint"

[misswobble Graduate]

Well said Ginbin! We have Oldgirl, Baz and Grannyjudes who are all older than you Laterunner. That's just off the top of my head. I'm sure there are others. They'll probably pop up and introduce themselves, all running and enjoying it

Lots of us are late starters to running, I waited til I got to 56 before I started. I could kick myself but hey I'm doing it now and absolutely loving it. Never run before, ever. Always been a lardy bum but no more

You'll love it when you get going. Just follow the programme to the letter and you'll be at Graduation in no time. Take care though

[laterunner]

Thank you, my daughter has been doing it and ran 5k on Saturday, she has always been allergic to exercise, but she loves It and she has encouraged me to start, I felt self conscious to start with,

[gingernut49 Graduate]

I'm 64 and started C25K in January 2013 at 63, having not run since hating it at school. Now I run three times a week including a 5k parkrun on Saturday mornings. I'll never be speedy or run 5k in 30 minutes - ha! - but I'm faster than those still sitting on the couch!

[laterunner]

Thank you for your post, you give me the belief that I can do it xx

[Hidden]

I've never forgotten something I read a number of years ago about a 94 year old who put her longevity down to learning new hobbies every couple of years. She had just mastered belly dancing and was about to take up the saxophone! I'm 54 and have always been active, just never been able to run, well I can now!

[AnnieF Graduate]

Nope, you're not too old. I'm nearly 61 and I just love running. I've occasionally done 'a bit too much too soon' and have picked up some achilles tendontitis which is needing careful handling. Also got a long standing knee prob. I do think running finds you out if you have any residual physical problems so do listen to your body and take care. I intend to keep going for as long as I can. I feel so much better when I run, more positive and some weight gone from round the middle.

[Unfitdad59 Graduate]

I'm 60 years young, never run before in my life. Started Laura's course so I could enter a Colour Me Happy charity run. I started in April, did the run, graduated a couple of weeks ago. At the moment, I am managing 3 runs a week. I have started using the C25k+ podcasts. But I will probably settle down to just using Racekeeper to time me for a 30 minute run. It's all very nice at the moment but what happens when it gets colder and rainier? Time will tell!

[Beek Graduate]

Hey! You are all babies compared to me. Didn't start until 66 and now 67. It's the best thing you can do for yourself and you will very quickly start feeling all sorts of subtle improvements to your general well being.

Well done for starting and good luck for your journey! Don't forget to keep posting! There are some lovely, wacky people on here who will give you all the support and encouragement possible - so keep in touch!

[laterunner]

I deff feel better today than I did after my first run on Monday

[frannyfran Graduate]

Well done for making a start. Definitely not too old.

I started in the spring aged 61 too. Had a massive improvement in general health and energy levels.

There will be good days and bad days, good runs and not so good runs but the only failure is not getting out of the door.

Enjoy the program.