AGE BARRIER?

[Buffy007]

Anyone started this aged 55 (I'll be 56 in 9 weeks!) and with wonky knees?

[AncientMum Graduate]

Yep, me. Started last March age 55. Had a shedload of knee trouble along the way, but this programme is the best thing I've ever done. Never was much for sports before this, but running hooks you in and, next thing you know, you're planning your week around your runs and looking forward impatiently to your next one.

My advice to you is to follow Laura's instructions to the letter, take things very very slowly to begin with (you can work on speed later if you choose to) and do the quad strengthening exercises on the NHSChoices website to protect your knees. oh, and most importantly, keep posting on here. The support and encouragement you'll get is amazing. So go for it Buffy, the first step is the hardest, after that it's just practice!

[Buffy007 Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Ancient Mum - ha ha. That's me too! Thanks for your encouragement. I'm going to start in about an hour .......... maybe .............

[poppypug Graduate]

Hey Buffy, Welcome to the board and this magnificent programme ! There is no age barrier on here. We are all ages , shapes and sizes, but we all have one thing in common- a desire to improve our health and general well being.

This programme really works , I cannot praise it highly enough . You have definitely come to the right place, the support , advice and encouragement is amazing, 'tis the most friendliest place on the interweb

Very good advice there from Mum, she knows all there is to know about wonky knees. She is our resident wonky knees expert

So now , its over to you ! Oh one thing I have found... When you say that you are going to go out, you must , otherwise we all come round to yours and rattle on your letterbox ha ha

Good Luck and let us know how you go on ! xxx

[Hidden]

Yup me too , was 56 when i started never to old Buffy It is an amazing program you will love it and be so addicted to running like the rest of us the truth is you can teach old dogs new tricks

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Thanks you three. Exhausted but exhilarated - Run 1 done - and on slippy, icy roads too. Roll on Thursday. By the way, anyone starting this, don't expect it to be easy. I hadn't researched it, so didn't know how many runs to expect - I thought there'd be 3, but they kept on coming and coming. Anyway, I did it and looking forward to next time being easier.

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to Buffy007]

Fantastic!! Very well done Buffy. You know exactly what to expect now and, most importantly, you know it's do-able. Make sure you do lots of stretches after your runs, to keep the achy muscles at bay. There is a great selection of post-run stretches on the NHSChoices site. You'll soon get into the routine.

[Hidden in reply to Buffy007]

well done you got the 1st run/s out of the way no said it was easy but that is part of it it isnt just about running .

[poppypug Graduate]

Good stuff Buff, bet you feel great now ! Cor it is soo slippy today . Well done to you xxx

Oh forgot to mention, if you would like to see the runs/walk sequence in written form, if you click on the Posts button at the top on the Grey Bar, it should take you to the pinned posts that are written in Blue. There is a chart you can download, if it doesn't come up straight away, if you click " Show more " it should be there xxx

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to poppypug]

You been out today Pops? I took one look at my neighbour sliding up the road to the pillar box and decided it might be wise to wait. Desperate for a run but not desperate enough to risk it just yet xx

[poppypug Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Hi EM, I was out yesterday, that took the place of the run I missed on Sunday as it was too icy then.

I am due for a run today , but will see how it is when I finish at the coal face . It was soo icy this morning when I walked to work . Scary stuff ! xxx

[AncientMum Graduate in reply to poppypug]

Great stuff! Ain't no stopping a girl with a 'plan'! x

[poppypug Graduate in reply to AncientMum]

Hell Yeah ! xxx

[Hidden]

I'm 54, started last year. I had a knee problem too - notice that "had"? Running seems to have sorted it out, along with all sorts of other things!..well done on starting in this weather!

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Gosh, this forum is great. Shows we're all the same. I ache already - but, and this is the strange thing, feel more energised already (even 'tho I'm aching). I KNOW all the benefits of exercise etc, etc, but when its ACTUALLY happening to YOU, it gives you an extra buzz. I hope this 'public' announcement / forum is the spur to keep me going. Thanks everyone.

[AndyD Graduate]

Better to have an ache from running that one from too much time on the sofa!! Well done Buffy, you've made a start and hopefully this is the beginning of something that will change your life and you can buy cool running gear and toys hee hee

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Too true (to the aches)!

[misswobble Graduate]

Yeah me! I was 56 when I started. I'm 57 now and never felt fitter. I can't tell you just how much this programme has changed my life. I'd never run for a bus before C25k

Go very steadily, and do exactly what Laura says and when, and you'll be fine. Slow running is the key. It goes like lightening so enjoy it. Have fun!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

I was 59 last week and started C25k 18 months ago. It is brilliant and you will feel twenty years younger by the Spring. If you ache do these stretches after your run nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/... They really help and reduce the risk of injury.

Good luck and welcome.

[65go Graduate]

Hi Buffy. C25K is just great for getting you going gradually and safely, if you don't go too fast at first. I started when I was nearly 66 and have managed to keep running post Laura too which is amazing. Thing is to take it at your own pace and listen to your body. It is the best thing I've done for years - really transforming! Hope you enjoy doing it too.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

I started at 59 and I'm still loving it nearly 18 months in! Make sure you take your rest days - or an extra one if you need it. Good stretching afterwards is essential to help minimise aches and stiffness. Well done for getting started.

[ancientrunner Graduate]

I was 56 and had never run before, not even at school, so it honestly does work. good luck.

[rmnsuk Graduate]

I'm 57 and obese (though in three pounds I'll be officially overweight). Knees not great.

Week1 run 1 was horrible. Completed w2r4 relatively easily. Not looking forward to w3 though.

Just stick to the plan, and take it easy. I was amazed how addictive it's become, and my knees feel better now than they have in years.

[ju-ju- Graduate]

My mum started aged 62.. And she's doing fine. I think you will find there are a lot of people on here a lot older...so fear not you are in good hands

[OldNed Graduate]

I started at 61, graduated on my 62nd birthday and am still hard at it as I approach 65. You'll love it & your knees will cope. Enjoy!

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Well, I'm looking forward to tomorrow to get 'running' again. thanks for all the encouragement.

[frannyfran Graduate]

Started at 61 but no knee problems.

On the other hand, my dog who comes on every run with me is now in a much better shape than last winter and we have been able to stop his pain relief medicine for a hip problem!

[Buffy007 Graduate]

2nd run done. Think I'll sign up for a sponsored 5k run later in the year - incentive.

[poppypug Graduate]

Good stuff Buff !

Yes, definitely sign up for that 5k. I did a Race for Life not long after I graduated , I had signed up for it when I started the programme too. Yes , good idea. It will keep you focused and motivated.

Happy New Year ! xxx

[Buffy007 Graduate]

Thanks Poppypug. Happy New Year to you too - at least it should be healthy. Starting this programme is amazing.

[Buffy007 Graduate]

I'm still going! Run 2, week 2 done. Sorry to hear about your shins Poppypug.

[Griffy2]

Yes .... I started in September (aged 55). I had a setback in Week 1 due to me running too much in the wrong shoes but after resting up, back on track at Week 5 Run 3 and knee feeling good. I learnt the hard way ..... keep your jogging light, landing mid foot, stretching before and after runs, a day’s rest in between and most importantly wearing supportive shoes. Never thought I’d say it but love the challenge each run gives me! Enjoy.