Creeping in....

[MrsMadHead]

Just to say Hello! Joined the site looking for some inspiration. I've joined Weight Loss Resources to get my eating habits under control and now feel I need to embark on some exercise. I've heard so much about this couch to 5K so thought I'd take a peep......bear with me folks I'm 60 feeling a bit old and very unfit ....all advice greatly appreciated ...thanks.

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Welcome aboard. Have a good look round and you'll see what a supportive wee family we are here. And there are plenty of folk your age or older. Couch to 5k has dramatically changed many of our lives.

Do you have a smartphone and some earphones? You can download the Couch to 5k app and literally take the program with you as you go. If not, you can just note down the plan on a piece of paper and take it with you instead (that's how I had to do it)!

[MrsMadHead in reply to AnneDroid]

Thank you yes I do have iPhone and must dig out some headphones. I've downloaded the app but just working out where to start I don't think I've a run in me yet ...I've only been outside walking for the last 3 days. I know it's not much but it's a start ....just going to work so can't start today as not home till 10. Give me time to work it out a bit, then I'll coerce my husband into joining me ...thanks for your reply.

[AnneDroid Graduate in reply to MrsMadHead]

Walking is a great start! Lots of people need to do that first for a bit.

And then, even once you do start, you're doing more walking than running to start with.

Hang about here anyway until you're ready and you'll pick up hints and tips and inspiration.

[mooning Graduate]

It is always nice to have a new person take up the c25k challenge. I'm calling it a challenge because it won't be easy, at times you might feel like giving up, but ultimately it has the potential to be quite life changing. Everyone here started in the same place, week 1, but came at c25k from different backgrounds. It really is an inclusive programme. Take it slow and steady, remember the runs are not sprints or about covering a particular distance, but rather just getting the runs done. Be prepared to run in weather you ordinarily wouldn't go out in, and for friends/family to think you're quite crazy for doing so, but if you keep at it you'll end up loving it and really surprised by what your body can do. Repeat a run if you need to, repeat a week if you need to, but keep plugging away at it. You might have a number of questions along the way that the community is great at answering swiftly, so ask away. Best of luck and keep us updated as to how you get on.

[MrsMadHead in reply to mooning]

Thank you!

[Jennifersimpson Graduate]

I started 11/17 and am currently on week 7. (Had to repeat some days and Christmas slowed me down a bit) BUT I've stuck with it and can run 28 minutes without stopping.

Now let's go back...

I thought week 1 would be easy. I was wrong. Running for a minute over and over is HARD. I remember on week 3 accusing my husband of skipping ahead because I was dying.

But around week 4 my body accepted we were now runners and it became easier (not easy!) and the satisfaction of completing runs cannot be beat!!!!

Good luck.

[Tomas Graduate]

Welcome abord. It's a nice nice forum, and the programme works. It's not easy, but it is manageable, and we have loads of people older than 60 who have successfully done it and gone on to love running. I'm sure you can as well.

[misswobble Graduate]

Welcome aboard? If you can"t coerce your other half, don't let it put you off. Get out there and get moving. Once you've started, keep going 🙂

Walk as much as you possibly can 🙂

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well.. you have come to the right place..WELCOME!

I am 66, old and very fit (Well usually, currently getting over the dreaded Bronchial Lurgy... which has slowed me down marginally)!

You can do this..all you have to do is... want to

I started in 2015..had my runniversary the week before Christmas 2016 Still running three times a week and absolutely loving it.

Combined with your healthy eating regime...(go you)... this will make you feel so much fitter, leaner, keener and the benefits, mental and physical are amazing. The support on here is incredible, advice, tips and encouragement

You do need good running shoes.. a good bra.. and some gear to run in.. Plenty of sales, and folk will give you tips on where to buy!

Follow the programme C25K and take it as it comes. rest days are essential, take it at your own pace and if you need more rest days, take them. You need to try and listen to your body, which will really protest in the first week or so.. Like in a " What the heck is happening" sort of way. Walking is a great start... I am walking at the moment until my body says I can run again... it keeps everything moving

Plan the time you do your runs, to suit you. I am an early morning bird, but many folk run after work..This is your journey, do it to suit you

Keep posting...the motivation is great; do not be afraid to ask anything and post all your successes and set backs.. folk have been there and we all know what it is like starting out.

So, you have made a start.. you're here! Now.. are you gonna stay ? Yes, of course you are

I will watch for your next post!

PS

If husband won't be coerced.. do it anyway!

[davidhwynn Graduate]

Welcome aboard! Like Oldfloss I've got years on you, you youngster ..... unlike Oldfloss I am definitely not fit, but I'm very gradually getting there. I've only got part-way through week 4 yet, so a long way to go. When I first tried this programme I simply couldn't manage week 1, so I found a pre-C25K programme that took me through preparation for C25K week 1 over three weeks. It worked, it got me moving. I've moved on to week 4 and I'm still going. This forum is magic, like having a bunch of friends urging you on. Personally I prefer the podcasts that you can download to the C25K app. The podcasts feature a lady called Laura, she's great but I really don't know whether to love her or hate her because she tells me to run, even if I have told her I don't want to! Listen to the folks here, but now you've found C25K AND this forum, GO FOR IT! Welcome to the fold.

[Davoda Graduate]

Great decision!

Loads of great advice on this post. The only thing I would add is "the longest journey starts with the first step." Doing lots of walking before you start wk 1 will be a great preparation.

Enjoy your journey & keep us updated. We love watching the progress of those coming behind us, coz we've all taken this journey too!

[Bazza1234 Graduate in reply to Davoda]

I like your pithy statement "the longest journey starts with the first step." -- so profound and so true!!! My second favorite is " How can you eat an elephant? Answer - one spoonful at a time! " That applies to all aspects of life so much - including our running

[Tractorman Graduate]

Hi Mrs Madhead. Welcome!

I'm 62, and just 10 weeks ago was on the edge of being officially obese when I started C25k and now, combined with a bit of dietry control like you are doing, I've lost over a stone and can run for 25 minutes. I've NEVER run for 25 minutes even when I was a kid!

Everyone is different so don't get stuck with goals that you make up in your own mind like I've done (see my post yesterday where I was certain I HAD to do the 5k in 30 minutes to graduate).

Looking back on my own experience, you have already made the greatest step forward just by deciding to have go at some form of structured exercise. I found doing the NHS Strength and Flexibility podcasts really good on the days I didn't do C25k - I actually started them before C25k which gave me the confidence to tackle some running - the breathing exercises are especially good prep.

Good luck and I'll follow your progress... as will many others. There's loads of support here!

[Worldsend Graduate]

58 very unfit am now on W3 R3

Hard first run (waddle)seriously thought I might be found collapsed in a ditch

I run at night so no one can see me but now I don't care what people say

Give it a go

[NickiCS Graduate]

Hi. I am 45, never run before in my life as I have Cerebral Palsy and have managed week 5, run 2 this morning, so I know you can do it! Remember C25k is suggestions and if you need to repeat any of the weeks or build up more slowly, then do so.

The only thing hindering me is a sore right ankle as it's not been used much, but I k ow I'll get there because I have too much determination for my own good, haha.

Good luck. Don't forget to post and let us know how you get on.

[Jazznblues]

Welcome (even though I just joined yesterday)!

As folk have said to me "The first step is the hardest!" and joining this community is a huge step. A step along the path to a fitter you 8)

[Chrysanthemum Graduate]

Hello MrsMadHead.

I am a nearly 60 year old woman who has just began week 3 and I thought I might be too old, especially as I don't see older women running, it's always young women and any age man. I choose to run in the evening as it is dark and no one can see me except if I go out of my area and can wear my hat and sunglasses ( then I think that no one can see me properly ) and I have a life time battle with over eating and need to sort that out. What's the weight loss resources thing you mentioned?

Anyway, I'm sure you will love this running thing, there seems to be plenty of us and it is addictive. The feeling you get after doing the run is so good, so give it a go, on a level if you can and to start with walking is a good start. As I got told when I began this: to get up and out is better than staying seated on the couch!

Do let us all know how you get on.