5k

I am 68 years old and reasonably fit , walking approx 3 miles about three times a week. Would it be sensible to start the couch to 5k

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Absolutely! You will be in good company with a number of us oldies on here. The beauty of the programme is that it coaches you and builds you up steadily to increase stamina and develop your technique. The aim is to be able to run 30 minutes non-stop by the end of the programme, but you can take as long as you like to get there - repeating days or weeks if you think it necessary.

Well worth giving it a go. You will need properly fitted running shoes to help avoid injury and you need to take the rest days - or more if your body needs them. Get into a routine of stretching out after the run to minimise stiffness.

I don't think you will regret it - it can swiftly become addictive!

Good luck!

[Hidden in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thank you Ullyrunner. I start tomorrow

[misswobble Graduate]

I would say so. I think we have folks on here in their 70's, in fact I'm sure we do!

You only run very short distances to start with, 30 seconds and then you get to walk. It carries on like this progressively til you're running all of it by the end of week 9, which is a full 30 minutes of running (slow jogging is absolutely fine)

Give it a whirl and see how you get on. Nothing ventured ......

Good luck

[Hidden in reply to misswobble]

Thank you misswobble my trainers are at the ready

[Gspete]

Go for it. You are the same age as me, and I had no previous running experience. I completed the course earlier this year and am now aiming for a 10k race next month. I still can't believe it but I can run

[Hidden in reply to Gspete]

Thank you Gspete you've inspired me. Trainers are go

[misswobble Graduate]

Good for you Verulam! Let's know how it goes

Be slow!!!!!! Laura will get you through. She tells you what to do just a little each time.

[Hidden]

There is only one way to find out...Give it a go and see how you feel. It seems to work for nearly everyone. Good luck.

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your support henpen90

[Miles_Yonder Graduate]

I think you'll be absolutely fine. As others have said, follow Laura's instructions and you'll do great. Let us know afterwards how you get on.

[Hidden in reply to Miles_Yonder]

Thanks for your support Miles_Yonder

[gingernut49 Graduate]

I was 'only' 63 when I started and totally amazed myself and my family. I run three times a week and my daughter did the podcasts this summer - of course she's loads faster than I am, grrr!!! I was thrilled that we did the Muddy Race for Life in July together.

Trust the programme and don't try to run too quickly - just a gentle jog. You will amaze yourself too!

[Hidden]

Thank you ginger nut 49. All the good wishes and support have inspired me - but why did it have to rain on the first day!!!!

[Pollynorris Graduate]

Rainy runs are the best! So long as you can still see! I've taken to removing mine.

The rain stops you getting too hot.

Go for it Verulam!

[Hidden]

Thanks Pollynorris. I start today rain or shine

[Hidden]

Good luck! My whole attitude to rain has changed since my first run in what was really very light rain on week 2, now I love the rain! One word of warning though, be very careful, this running stuff is very addictive and might just take over your life!

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

Yes Curlygirly I know what you mean. When I finished my run I had a shower and then had an irresistible urge to do it again. I'm sure I wouldn't have managed it

[PilgrimPip Graduate]

Hello Verulam - I hope you've done your first session with Laura by now. Along with others here, I think you'll be fine and you'll enjoy it. I was not-quite-61 when I started inapril and, sure enough, I was running 5k by the end of the ninth week. It is an amazing programme. There seem to be several variations: mine has music, but a friend downloaded a version that has no music. I'm not sure whether that's an android/apple difference - others may know. The music does help with the rhythm of running and breathing, I found.

The other really important thing, as I've learned to my cost, (along with properly fitting shoes) is stretching. You might want to try Laura's Strength and flexibility programme on your non-running days, but also take a few minutes to stretch before and, especially, after running. especially calf muscles - if they are too tight, you could end up with plantar fasciitis and/or damaged Achilles' tendon, which have put me out of action for the foreseeable future!

Do, yes, go for it, but take it slowly, and enjoy it and wonderful sense of achievement you will certainly feel at the end of each run!

[Hidden]

Thank you PilgrimPip for your encouragement and very good advice. I enjoyed my first run tremendously and yes I have tight calfs but my knees feel okay at this time. I never imagined that at 68 I would be taking up jogging.