Oldie Newbie (2): I was surprised at the number... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

134,175 members159,523 posts

Oldie Newbie (2)

Austen304 profile image
13 Replies

I was surprised at the number of responses to my first post and the speed with which they appeared. Thank you all for your advice and encouragement. I shall follow up the link about running pants but the suggestion of a skirt over tights is a step too far for this neighbourhood. Before starting to attempt to run, I went to a specialist shop and received advice about shoes from an assistant who runs half marathons. The shoes I bought have been excellent and taken away my fears about knee problems (though stair climbing is nowhere near brisk on the day after a run). I started the programme in May and have repeated each week's runs until the last two weeks, which I completed only once. I remain astonished that I have progressed from the first week, when I was willing the 60 seconds to end soon, to a stage when I can run (albeit at a funereal pace) for almost 30 minutes, not without strain and constant complaining to Laura, and even simulate real running over the last couple of minutes - and at an age when being on a couch is expected and not considered a sign of lethargy.

Written by
Austen304 profile image
Austen304
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
13 Replies
misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

If you are stiff after the sessions don't be surprised. I walk down the stairs in Frankenstein monster fashion (thump thump thump) to this day. Oh to be young again

Good luck. Go steady. Slow is the best way to approach this. Don't bother about times/distances or pace. That's an order!

Have fun!!!!!!

Austen304 profile image
Austen304 in reply tomisswobble

Yes miss!

AdamB profile image
AdamBGraduate

Those legs have got quite or few years of running left in them still. I've just looked up the results for the 80+ group in the Great North Run. There appear to have been 39 finishers in this group and the times some were putting in were fantastic. One of them started off by covering the first 5K in under 20:45 minutes (how many people would dream of that for a parkrun time?) and went on to complete the full half marathon in 1 hour 43 min. I know I'll never reach this sort of time and this guy has 20 years plus on me. We have a parkrunner at my local run who I have good reason to believe is 90 plus.

Enjoy that running and don't let anyone tell you that you are too old. Once you get to that 30 minutes and complete the course just remember to keep getting out regularly. C25K isn't an end in itself - it's the start of a new beginning for many of us.

AdamB profile image
AdamBGraduate in reply toAdamB

To second what misswobble says - the time/distance is unimportant (and I possibly shouldn't have quoted times above). What is important is that you get out and enjoy it.

AvatheGardener profile image
AvatheGardenerGraduate in reply toAdamB

OMG that's an amazing time for 5K. blimey! inspirational!

and indeed C25K can't be the end- it's just a way to get started :) :) :)

Austen, they're a pretty friendly supportive bunch on here- all those worries about proper runners looking down their noses at you are unfounded as far as this forum goes, it seems :)

AdamB profile image
AdamBGraduate in reply toAvatheGardener

Never forget - we are all "proper" runners. We get out, we run. That's all that's needed. Don't let anyone dare tell you otherwise.

Austen304 profile image
Austen304 in reply toAdamB

That's very encouraging. I don't have aspirations to run half-marathons but it's reassuring that there are over 80s doing so, in significant numbers. No time to feel smug, I have some way to go.

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

If you are feeling stiff after a run then try stretching nhs.uk/Livewell/c25k/Pages/... These are a good basic set and helped me to get over post run aches. I still do them after every run.

Rignold profile image
Rignold

I am trying to imagine a neighbourhood where wearing tights under a skirt would cause moral outrage... What is the accepted way of wearing a skirt in your neck of the woods?

Excellent work on the running though. As others have said, time is immaterial (literally in fact) and stretching is important.

Austen304 profile image
Austen304 in reply toRignold

The skirt is the problem, not the tights. Usually reserved for females in this, rather conventional, neck.

Rignold profile image
Rignold in reply toAusten304

Puh! Are you living in the 1950's? Have your neighbours not heard of the transgender agenda?

Of course, living in Glastonbury where wandering around dressed as Gandalf or Mavis Cruet does not raise an eyebrow, my judgement on such matters may be somewhat out of sync with the rest of the country.

Austen304 profile image
Austen304 in reply toRignold

In the West Midlands, with its industrial history, the dress code in foundry and forge did not encompass skirts, jewellery, or even fur coats. Tradition in the workplace still pervades the factory, though the banking, insurance and IT crowd have their own preferences today.

definitely do the stretches :D they do help .. as the others have said don't worry about speed or distance just go out and enjoy the runs :D

Not what you're looking for?

You may also like...

Oldie Newbie

I am on week 8 and I have only very recently discovered this forum. I wish I had done so earlier...
Austen304 profile image

New oldie

Hi I have just started C25K - have completed week 1, and 2 runs in week 2. Finding it hard to run...
JoP61 profile image
Graduate

My Second Park Run: New Shoes Make A Difference!

Last week, I wrote about my first parkrun experience. I titled that blog entry "A Humbling...
IronMatt profile image
Graduate

Running Again!

I'm back! :) Have not been around on the forum for a while but having now completed my MSc will...
melly4012 profile image
Graduate

The right shoes - don't be a fool!!

I started out my C25K journey wearing a pair of shoes ... They were comfortable and it's not like I...
Richard7 profile image
Graduate

Moderation team

See all
MissUnderstanding profile image
MissUnderstandingAdministrator
Annieapple profile image
AnnieappleAdministrator
Yesletsgo profile image
YesletsgoAdministrator

Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.

Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.