Too old?

[urpal]

Hi there,

I will be 69 in August. I have COPD, RA, HBP, and Raynauds. I am well overweight. Would this be impossible for me to achieve?

urpal xxx

[Returning2Run Graduate]

Definitely not impossible, but I think it would be worth a chat with your Dr before starting cos they'll be able to advise you better than us lot here.

We're great at the support aspect though so make sure to keep posting and we'll be with you on your fitness journey.

[urpal in reply to Returning2Run]

Thank you.......right now I am in my third week of a rotten cough and cold, when that has gone I will start walking first of all. If I lose 2-3 stones maybe I could start running between alternate telegraph poles.

the ever hopeful

urpal

[JoolieB1 Graduate in reply to urpal]

Walking is a great way to increase fitness, sure there may even be walking plans where you alternate brisk and gentle walking, I will have a look. Never too old to be healthier but just check with your GP

[Slowstart Graduate]

At 69 your a wee youngster compared to some on here but I agree with Returning2Run about seeing your GP first. When you get the OK to do C25K, just work to your own pace, there's no racing on here, its all about the journey.

[secan Graduate]

Definitely achievable (but, as Returning2Run wrote, seek for your GP advice first ).

At 69, with a bit of time and application, you're still young enough to run a few marathons!

[urpal in reply to secan]

very funny!!!

[secan Graduate in reply to urpal]

It was not a joke; there are people here who are doing it...

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

The British Heart Foundation have a walking plan, looks pretty good too - see their website 😀

[Ullyrunner Graduate]

Welcome! Never too old, but I agree with the others that you will be well advised to check in with your GP before getting started.

You can take it all at your own pace and we will be here to support you. Just take it really gently.

Good luck!

[Realfoodieclub Graduate]

I agree with talking it over with your gp. We had a gentleman that did the program on a exercise bike while on oxygen, so it is quite adaptable if need be and you get the go ahead.

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

No, you are not too old but a wise old gent in China said, preparation is all and Confucius is usually right. I had to look up your conditions because I don't know much about them. I see that low impact aerobic exercise is recommened for rheumatoid arthritis so I would suggest walking the programme first. You could download the podcasts and do the 9 weeks as a walking prep course, walk normally in the walking intervals and speed up to a brisk walk in the running intervals. It is only 9 weeks so not too long a delay and you can follow the strength and flexibility programme on this site at the same time. One plus is you would avoid running in the very hot weather which might be hard for you starting out and having COPD. I must say I have found it tough running in the heat even at 6:30 in the morning.

With Raynaud's I see you need to avoid getting cold hands but that isn't a problem with running gloves. They're made of lycra so light and your hands don't get all sweaty in them. I ordered mine online from amazon and wore them through the winter. You can have them in the pocket of a running jacket or in warmer weather in a running belt. These are handy anyway for phones, keys, mp3 players and fairly cheap.

Since a couple of your conditions are often triggered by stress, I think you will find running beneficial, I've definitely found it to be a great stress buster.

This c25k programme is very good because of the gradual way you build up to running. If you get the go ahead from your doctor and you want to jump straight in, don't feel you have to run fast. Any kind of running counts and it is better for your joints if you run slowly and try to land lightly. Make sure you have proper running shoes for support and cushioning and avoid running on concrete. If the rheumatoid arthritis means uou have joint pain in the ankles, knees and hips, these could be the places most likely to get injured, so perhaps your doctor can advise on this, also how much cartiledge damage you may have. Generally it is good to have strong thigh and bottom muscles because this takes the strain off the hips and knees so doing exercises to strengthen thesemuscles (squats for instance) is always a good idea for runners. I've also noticed my back gets tired on longer runs and really we could all do with stronger back and stomach muscles.

So without going overboard I would suggest, do it walking first and see how your joints and lungs cope. Don't run in isolation, do some work on strengthening parts of your body as well to avoid injury, perhaps on the rest days when you are not running. Take extra rest days if you feel you need them. Go slow, repeat runs as often as you want before moving on.

Oh and get started today, running is fabulous!

[urpal in reply to boptillyoudrop49]

Thank you, and everyone else, for all the support, encouragement and enthusiasm. I will go and talk to my doctor next week.

I used to go to yogalates and enjoyed that, but I cannot even get up and down without leaning on a chair now. Time to get fitter....I have a Bucket List to go through!!

Thank you all

I will come back when I have something to report.

urpal

[Ucandothis Graduate]

Agreed about GP but good on you for wanting to give it a go. It is a wonderful programme and people on here are really supportive. And thanks for making me feel young - I started at 55!

[urpal]

OK kind people....I did go to my doctor last week!!!! Amongst other things we did discuss C25k. At the instant I said it there was a laugh, but not in a bad way. She meant it as "Good on you". She does think I need to build up my walking first of all, so, for once in my life, I will do as I am told.

I have had a sort of underlying dizziness since last Monday so I have not even been walking yet. I feel that might be due to the chest infection I had...sound daft, but I mean just being so zapped.

I will be back when I do start and keep you up to date. Thank you

Urpal