58 and just starting

Week1Run1 - 58 years old - gotta start someplace. My daughter (22) runs marathons and has loved running since grade school. I'd love to quietly do a 5K to surprise her, but needless to say I'm old(er) and out of shape. I saw the couch to 5K and thought I can do that - so I'm going to do that!!!

[GreedyMolly]

I'm sure you can do it. Thanks for posting - if you can I can! Just turned 50 & feeling old.

[Steve_L Graduate]

Hi, Buddy - I started C25K five days after my 58th birthday in January. Although I was generally healthy, I certainly wasn't running fit, and I'd never really run in my life. I always thought I had no stamina. The C25K programme performs miracles. In my week 9, I ran 5K for each run, though not in 30 minutes. It took me a few months before I could run 5k in under 30 minutes, but I can now. A couple of weeks ago, I ran in a 10k race (Run Jericho in Oxford), I'm signed up for the Oxford half marathon in October, and today I signed up for a 5 mile road race. I love it. I hope it goes the same way for you.

If you want to share more, or would like to share my experience as you go on your journey, or just want encouragement, feel free to drop me a message.

Well done for taking the first step!

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

And you will! Many of us have started at a similar age and level of fitness and gone on the succeed with the programme. Come back to share your successes and when you need some encouragement! Have fun!

[poppypug Graduate]

Welcome to the board !

This programme is amazing and it really works ! Youve done the hardest step in getting out of the door !

Please keep posting , would love to hear how you are progressing . This place is brilliant, full of lovely, supportive people who are going through or have been through exactly the same thing.

Keep going, and enjoy it ! xxx

[Hidden]

DONE!!! NO CHEATING!!!! Water, I need water!!!

[poppypug Graduate]

Ha ha , Well done ! Oooh and dont forget your stretches xxx

[Hidden in reply to poppypug]

what stretches - legs?? walk around - hint??

[poppypug Graduate]

Cool down stretches

Just to stretch out the muscles in your calfs, hamstrings and quads helps to stop that horrible stiff feeling that makes you walk like Frankensteins Monster the next day !

Sorry I am a bit of a computer numpty, but if you search in the bar at the top it should bring you to the stretches . Hope you find it, if not I am sure someone more savvy than me will point you in the right direction ! xxx

[Windswept1 Graduate]

You can do that. I started c25k in January last year. i had been doing jog Scotland once a week but nothing else, and never run before. Then, for my 59th birthday at the end of January, a 'friend' entered me in a marathon as a present. So from graduating at the end of March 2014, I did a marathon on 2nd August. I say 'did' not ran, as I jogged & walked it, in 6hrs 34 minutes, but I did it.

So YOU can do that!!!!!

[Hidden]

You CAN definitely do it. Take it slow and steady, just jog along for the required amount of time and you WILL be able to run for 5k. What a great surprise it will be for your daughter. Do let us know how you get on, the days and weeks will fly by.

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/...

That's what you need - it really does help with the muscle ache and stiffness.

[poppypug Graduate in reply to Ullyrunner]

Thanks Ully xxx I don't know for the life of me how to post links xxx

[Ullyrunner Graduate in reply to poppypug]

It's always a bit of trial and error with me too!

[Hidden in reply to Ullyrunner]

thank you!

[rmnsuk Graduate]

prepare to be amazed. In 9ish weeks you could be doing your graduation at parkrun, with your daughter running at your side.

It'll be tough and your legs will ache a lot over the next few weeks but it's all worth it. Run slowly and listen to your body. If in doubt post here and someone will offer advice.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This programme is amazing and you will succeed, regardless of age. I was 57 when I started C25k two years ago. Within five months I had run 10 miles non stop. I now run 20-25k every week and am fitter than I have ever been as well as happier and more positive about life in general. At our stage in life physical fitness is a hugely important thing to hang on to and running will help you get there.

You also discovered this forum, which is populated by the nicest people in the running world, and can give you advice, encouragement and consolation whenever you need it. Keep us posted and good luck.

[sgee80 Graduate]

Excellent idea. I started at 60, done a couple of 5K runs now started training up to 10K for Movember runs. All the best as you start out.

[nhs2015 Graduate]

58? You are a spring chicken! You will do it no worries. Young and old, we are all motivated just like you. So keep posting.

[IronChamp]

I started running also to encourage my daughter. Okay, I was 30, but it's never too late. I'm same age as you and running still. It helps, if you vary your activities: swimming, on the bike, rowing, hill-climbing, badminton, whatever and it all helps to balance muscle development and increase your metabolism and motivation! So, hope your daughter gets a surprise. Starting is hardest, but remember little by little.