Starting Again...Again!!!

I am 53 years old and a couple of years ago I did the Couch to 5k, although I never completed it I repeated the separate weeks over again and gradually built up my stamina and along with a change of diet over 12 months I lost 2.5 stone, I felt good and I had energy I went from a size 14-16 to a size 10-12 and I enjoyed the summer and my holiday abroad more than ever because I wasn't feeling self conscious any more and looked and felt better than I had in a long time, but now I am back to the same old same old!. I don't know what happened but I am a size 16-18 now, I stopped running a long time ago and I feel lousy not just physically but also mentally, I am tired all the time and I don't want to do anything so I decided I am going to start the Couch to 5k again...TONIGHT! , but with one difference, my Husband is going to give it a try with me as well, but boy am I scared, I have been diagnosed with Eptopic Heartbeats and even though they are not dangerous they can be frightening, I am taking beta blockers for them and they have settled down a bit so I am going to start Week 1 Run 1 tonight, this time I am more bothered about feeling better and less lethargic than I am my weight because I can't carry on feeling as miserable and low as I do, I know how running made me feel last time so I know I just need to grit my teeth and get on with it and hopefully I will feel better after a while, the stupid thing is is I know I can do it because I did it before, so here goes!☺

[NewlifeLil Graduate]

Hi Francesanna

It is essential to discuss running with your GP, but then hopefully you will not be afraid to go for it. As you say, you know you'll feel better, and you know the programme gets you going gently and that you can do it. I started running because I was coming off antidepressants, and I knew that I felt better with activity. 18 months on, and I'm enjoying my running and feeling great. Be gentle but firm with yourself, and enjoy.

Best of luck.

[runningphobe_no_more Graduate]

Take it EASY. Do as Laura tells you, and don't try to break any records. That way, you can do it without hurting yourself. I really do know - I started at age 60 having never run before in my life (hence my screen name). Try to move on week by week, though. No week seems easy until you've done the next. Finishing is all that counts. And you already know how good for you it is mentally and emotionally.

[AdamB Graduate]

Like anyone else here, I can't comment on the medical issues. However, assuming that your doctor is happy, just go for it. You have the great advantage that you've got someone to follow the programme with you this time as well. You know that the end result is worth it. Good luck.

[Coddfish Graduate]

If your GP is happy for you to start again then it does seem a good way to start to improve your health and wellbeing, with the advantage that you have some idea of what to expect in terms of what you have to do and what you can gain. Good luck.

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good for you as long as the doc etc has signed off on it then go out and enjoy it especially as your OH is going to do it with you

[carerof Graduate]

oh bless you! I really hope you achieve your goal as you are right in saying running makes you feel sooo much better both physically and mentally. I can understand your fears though and as long as you have informed your GP and they agree then i say good luck and go for it!!!!