Hi, first time on here and interested to see what people think. EVERYBODY else knows more than I about running as I haven't done ANY for about 48 years! I was rubbish at it then too...
I started cutting down on food in January being at my heaviest and then had to diet in earnest in May due to two diagnoses in five weeks. One for diabetes type 2 on my heels and the other for Asthma. I've lost 3 stone (with at least another 2 to go) helped by MyFitnessPal and MapMyWalk. I swam almost every day during the summer and started yoga a year ago but needed something for the winter months to enable me to eat more whilst still dieting. That's where Couch to 5K came in. I am as astounded as my kids and grandkids are that I am even attempting to run at my size and age after being a non-exercising sugar junkie.
I cannot believe how wonderful it's making me feel but this morning was extra tough. I'm only at the end of week two and I don't know if it was because it was SO cold this morning but I really don't feel ready to start on week 3 on my next run. I was thinking of repeating week 2 until I get more comfortable with it before attempting to double the run time? The 90 second runs this morning nearly killed me although I persevered! I don't want to muck up the sequence but I'm a little concerned that the regime doesn't take into consideration age or weight. Don't want to make excuses but I am a 61 year old big old lot with asthma (kicked the diabetes...for now)!
Hope this isn't making eyes bleed (!) but clearly need some advice from 'fellow runners'. Cheers...
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JenJan
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Good on ya JenJan. This programme works for most people and the secret is that you are in control. If you need to repeat a run, then no problem, but the structure is such that you will be ready for the next run if you finished the last one. Try to move on and if it is too much, repeat until you have it licked. Don't go too fast. That is the commonest problem. Try as you may, you will not catch Usain Bolt. There is no race, just a personal challenge to better yourself and all on here will vouch for this brilliant programme, which really changes lives.
Thanks very much. So let me get it right (that's what age does for ya love!) I should at least attempt the next one? If it's too much THEN repeat a week? I will do that and fingers crossed I manage it. Think I get a bit scared because it seems such a ludicrous thing to be doing after being SO fat and unfit for 30 odd years. However, that is all changing and I'm loving it. Thanks again Iannoda. Will indeed keep you posted...
hi jenjan . you is certainly kicking some ass with everything you have done so far well done ..Like Ian said run slow and steady and try moving on, the program does work . 57 yr old ex smoker here ,it is a life changer and just as much a mental challenge as a physical one , the rewards are there for you keep at it and good luck
Thank you Rob, appreciate the advice. I'm going to do what the other chap suggested as well as yourself. I'm going to attempt it and if it's too much I'll back track for a week. God willing and with a fair wind I'll survive and I am LOVING it! Next time I'll wrap up warmer, think the cold made me feel worse? Thanks again...
no problem dont wrap up to much, you might get to hot,it is surprising how warm you can get and i remember sweating for ages after those early runs ..
68YO here!!! -- redoing a C25K week is always good!! In fact, I am now of the opinion that C25K programme is too short at 9 weeks and it could be extended a little by spending more time in the early weeks. However most people (including me) are always keen to go forwards.
There is a theory that our body responds to extra stress given to it by strengthening itself (during the recovery period after the stress has been applied) - however there is a further theory that it takes some number of repeats of that added stress before it does so -- THEN it is time to move ahead with increased stress. I am current running to a plan whereby I run 4 days per week for 4 weeks - before moving on to the next 4 week block ( which then does tasks which are longer/faster than the previous 4 weeks) .
Cheers Bazza, I'm going to give it a go I think and if it proves too difficult I'll repeat a week. I'm an impatient old biddy but would hate to injure myself and impede progress so I'll listen to my aches and pains. Good luck with your longer\faster runs, I can't wait...
Hi and welcome from a nearly 60 year old who found week 1 really hard but can now run for 30 minutes. C25K really does work just believe you can do it and, as others say, take it slow. Good luck.
Fantastic.....you are doing brilliantly ...and yu may find it helpful to repeat each week twice, I know alot of people who have done that, and it gives your body time to adjust. Good luck and well done
Hello JenJan, just wanted to welcome you to the board and this amazing programme. Along with stopping smoking , this is the best thing Ive ever done.
Each run lays the foundation for the next one, we all started off the same with those first few tentative steps, so don't worry. I couldn't run for toffee before I started this. If someone had told me a year ago I could run for even 5 minutes non stop, I would've said they were barmy !
Good luck and keep going ! Oh and keep posting cos it really helps. This place is really friendly and encouraging , its full of really nice people and we all support each other, plus we have a right laugh too !
And _do_ post regularly to let us know how you are getting on. We're all here to cheer you across the finishing line, and we're pretty good at giving out a quick 'kick up the backside' if you needs some special motivation
Welcome JenJan , well done for getting started and glad you are enjoying it. Another 60 year old here who managed to complete the programme a year ago and have kept running 5k two or three times a week ever since. The beauty of the programme is that you can take it at your own pace. A slow and steady build up of stamina is preferable to rushing at things and risking injury. If you want to repeat a week, just do it!
Hi, thanks for replying. I'm in awe of you! If anyone had said EVER that I would be doing this I would've laughed. The fact that I'm loving the buzz afterwards is a revelation but I am scared. All the preconceptions I've had about injuries that runners suffer are a bit closer to the surface than I would like. Only time and patience will tell (I'm NOT a very patient person!) but I do aspire to doing what you are and can perhaps encourage another newcomer in a years time, who knows? Thanks again for the encouragement...
I started when I was overweight and 68. Every week of the prog is a challenge. Often it is a mental one as much as a physical one. But when you look back it is amazing how you progress. Try to avoid big hills and make sure to warm up to avoid straining bits.
Thank you for your support. I am running on the flat at the moment but actually looking forward to being able to push myself harder (albeit a bit scared!). I'm LOVING that there are more older people out there too, don't feel quite so mad at trying this so late in the day. Will definitely spend a bit more time warming up when it's really cold, definitely made my run/walk harder yesterday. Thanks for advice...
it sounds like you're doing really well! As a fellow asthma sufferer, I recommend wearing a buff pulled up over your mouth (and your nose if you're nose breathing) when the weather's really cold. It warms up the air that you breathe so it doesn't aggravate the airways as much. It really helped me last winter when I was just starting out so it might be worth a try for you....
Thanks so much for the advice, I'll try that when it's really cold. I always carry my pump and of course use it half hour before I exercise. It's one of the reasons I'm trying this to help the Asthma, want to kick IT'S butt as well as diabetes! Blood pressure's gone down too so it's all good. Thanks again...
Hi Jenjan seems everyone is giving you some great advice so I am just going to welcome another 60 + and say keep on running it makes you feel great inside, there up and downs but these guys will help you through them :))
Thanks a lot, what a nice bunch on here. I could certainly use the advice and encouragement as there's almost a feeling of being a tad foolish attempting something so radical at this age. It won't stop me though as I'm enjoying it so much, thanks again...
Well, everyone gave good advice so nothing else to add, just good luck from a 62 years young who run in Sweden since this year.... and I also have a stone or so extra weight!
However, don't expect miracles on the weight loss from running. You would need to run about 5 hours to lose a pound.... but it will streamline your shape!
So sorry, but extra food not an option if you want to keep to your diet!
It's amazing just how much you have to do to lose weight isn't it? I'm still dieting with the help of FitnessPal but have plateaued after 3 stone. Need the running to 'kickstart' me again I think. I'm in it for the long haul and sensible eating is a priority with diabetes sitting on my shoulder but I'm very happy with the muscle tone that I didn't think would be achievable after 60?! Thanks for your reply...
Just to add to the advice you've already had. I'm a 66 year old female who graduated a few weeks ago. I was "obese" when I started the program and am now "overweight". My biggest problem was taking care of my knees while also wanting to run. I found that sometimes I had to allow extra days in between runs to give myself a bit more recovery time. I still managed to finish it in under 10 weeks doing that.
Wow, well done you! My left knee feels 'clunky' sometimes the day after, not surprising as I'm still obese, another three stone to go. I even thought about a knee support but don't have a clue? Just continuing with yoga stretches and it seems to be working for now anyway. It's really encouraging to hear others of similar age doing so well, thank you.
Jeez! Just tried your exercise (thanks for posting) and had to have a 'pump' in the middle. Can REALLY feel the pull so it should do me good, if my wobbling knees are anything to go by it'll do something good. Thanks again...
You've had loads of great advice here already. So just hi and welcome from me really. But WOW you've done amazingly well so far and looks like there'll be no stopping you As has been said, slow and steady and if you need to repeat any runs/weeks then do what you feel is right
I admire your courage and dedication JenJan! Welcome to this forum
I also wanted to share with you my personal experience - I found Week 3 easier than 2, oddly enough.. Keep at it, listen to your body, and take your time when you need it. Best of luck! xx
Not anything to add to the comments, but I just wanted to say how much I admire what you've already achieved! You will not regret starting the C25K
I too suffer from asthma and used to use my fast acting inhalers about 5 times a day and my slow release ones twice a day. I'm just starting week 5 and I haven't used my fast release inhaler at all since week 1 and now only use my slow release once a day!
I'm aboht 4 stone overweight and was worried about moving on weeks a couple of times, but I have always managed so far- even though it's been a close call sometimes. But I reckon you'll surprise yourself, just make sure to stretch well after running and not push it too much on the speed front
Eating a banana before bed helped my dad to keep his blood sugar stable through the night, but he was insulin dependent so I don't know if it might be different for type 2 diabetes.
Anyway, happy running, good luck and keep posting xxx
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well done ..Like Ian said run slow and steady and try moving on, the program does work . 57 yr old ex smoker here ,it is a life changer and just as much a mental challenge as a physical one , the rewards are there for you 
keep at it and good luck 
As has been said, slow and steady and if you need to repeat any runs/weeks then do what you feel is right 
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