OK, been thinking about running for a while, bit of a scardycat! Do I commit and go get shoes today or not? Any other 50+ scardies with advice out there??????
Scardycat!!!: OK, been thinking about running... - Couch to 5K
Scardycat!!!
mrsb58Graduate
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mrsb58
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GoogleMeGraduate
If getting shoes is what it takes, get the shoes today and run today. But if you've got anything vaguely suitable ie trainers of any sort (I started in light walking boots as I didn't have trainers) then download the first podcast and just GO. All you have to do is what Laura tells you so when she says a light jog, she does not mean a sprint.
You'll feel so much better for actually getting over this hurdle and giving it a try, even if it takes you a lot of goes to work up to completing the first session, as I did. Thinking about doing the NHS C25K is far more exhausting than actually doing it!
adidas1961Graduate
Age ain't nothing but a number.......50+ graduate....... as a famous spotswear motto used to say.... "just do it" 
Joh2020Graduate
I was a 40 something scardie cat who felt tearful the first time I ran as I had convinced myself I couldn't do it. 1 year on, just got back from my 9th Parkrun (which I also put off for ages because I thought I couldn't do). Turns out I can! Go for it! Let us know how you get on x
Almost 50 does that count?! Give it a go today. I would say don't without getting proper trainers because of the support they will give your ankles which in turn with help calves and knees, but actually the important thing is getting started, so just go and do it. Take is easy, if the running is too much a slow walk/fast walk will be a great help. I spent 3 weeks walking 2 miles every day before even starting this (trouble was I ended up 40 miles from home!)
There are 2 things that are important in achieving success.
1) getting started in the first place
2) regularly posting. The support you will get is mind blowing.
Good luck and let us all know how it went.
mrsb58Graduate
Thanks soooo much, I walk a lot but running, gulp!! WILL do this and appreciate the support, think I might need lots of kicks up the backside!
We are so good at those on here. Hehe. We are a really friendly bunch and very good with the support. I was a walker before I started and I hit 50 next year. I hated the thought of running nearly my whole life and now I love it. Looking forward to hearing about your journey.
rmnsukGraduate
If you are wary of spending a lot, and running shoes tend to be expensive, try sports direct and buy a pair of their cheaper shoes. The salesman should be able to help. When you are sure you want to do this, get your gait analysed and maybe buy another recommended pair if your gait warrants it. Or apparently there are online things that will tell you what kind of shoes to buy (google "run gait analysis"). (apparently I over-pronate slightly (like most people) and I should wear shoes with some support, and I'm a bit overweight, so cushioning is good too). PS I'm 57 so you are not too old to start.
Windswept1Graduate
Go for it. For the first couple of weeks ordinary trainers or walking shoes will be fine. I graduated in March last year and did (Note I am not saying ran, because I jogged & walked) a marathon in August. The entry was a 59th birthday present from a 'friend'.
I always hated running and any games involving it like netball and hockey.
Just off soon to do a 5k cancer challenge ladies run.
the hardest thing for me was the technology downloading the podcasts! 
Beware though, it is addictive.
stop thinking about it and just do it!! loads of 50+ here and older who made the best decision ever and started C25K
It really is the one of the best things you can do
UllyrunnerGraduate
I'm 60 now and started this just after I turned 59, so you are a relative youngster! We all start in trepidation but the sense of achievement you get is just brilliant - just go for it!
smiler61Graduate
51 when I started (3 years ago) 54 now and still running
mfamiliasGraduate
Buy yourself a cheapish pair and get going! I'm 46 (going on five), and when I decided to do C25K, I threw on my son's cast-off tracksuit bottoms and an old pair of trainers, and got going. After a week my ankles and knees informed me that my trainers were rubbish, so I invested in new ones in the sales.
If you hesitate for too long you may end up putting it on the bucket list, and that would be a shame. Strike whilst the trainer's hot, I say
poppypugGraduate
Go for it ! 50 is the new 20 ha ha
Theres loads of us 50+ on here , running our little socks off all over the place .
The support you will recieve on here is amazing, this is a very supportive forum - the best !
The first step is always the hardest .
Take that step, you wont regret it , I promise xxx
jules50Graduate
Yep all of the above advice is priceless, im turning 50 in 2 months and taking up running is the best thing ive done in a very long time, stop over thinking it and just do it!! You will not regret it i promise ☺
CoddfishGraduate
Start as soon as you can in any old trainers you may have. Invest in a properly fitted pair once your body starts to tell you through aches that you need a better pair and/or you are sure you will keep going.
mrsb58Graduate
Thank you for support, might just be feeling a little happy with myself right now. Done it!!!
