Couch to 5k

[Lizzie14]

Not done much exercise and at 64 am I too old to do couch to 5k

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I started at 65.. and I am by no means the oldest

Still running, three times a week , up to 10K now.... Loving every moment.

This is a great programme.... welcome

Follow the programme carefully , take rest days... so important and the biggest thing... slow and steady.. the slower, the better.

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

There is so much advice and support here, all given in a friendly manner; we have all been on this journey, so we know what it may feel like.

Listen to your body... try other exercise on your rest days... swimming, cycling yoga, or walking... anything you fancy.

Ask questions, and post! Great motivation there, and you find other newbies too, at the beginning of their journey

Share success and even setbacks... we will be right here with you

So.. what are you waiting for ?

“And suddenly you know: It's time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings."

PS

You will get to know me... I run, and I ramble in my posts.. and I love quotations too !

[northernlass1965 Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Hi Oldfloss, I know I'm a bit late to this discussion but how do you manage to run up to 10k 3 times a week and not get injuries?

I'm in my early 50s, having initially done C25k last August and have been hampered by injuries throughout. I've been out for 2 months now with knee trouble, which stops me doing any weight-bearing activities such as aerobics or even cross training. All I can do is swimming and cycling.

I would love to know how you manage to stay injury free!? Maybe I've just been unlucky.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to northernlass1965]

Well.. I don't run 10K, 3 times a week! Gosh no...I do run 3 times a week though.. unless weather or circumstance hampers that

But the only injuries I have had, have really been none run-related... except for a knee twinge.. due to new bouncy trainers! Tigger had nothing on me

My post.."The Curious Incident of the Knee that twinged in the Night time ! "

I broke my ribs last October, falling over a small coffee table whilst getting up early ready to go for a run... I was on the IC for a very short time, but then used my cross trainer ( no resistance, )to keep myself moving! That was the same week my granddaughter was born, so I had no time to feel sorry for myself either.. I, according to my daughter just had to keep moving

Then two weeks ago, twinged my back whilst twisting with small runner in training in my arms... 10 days on the IC..but managed walking and some exercise, again to keep me from stiffening..( 'cos I am so old )! Went back to my 10K revisited plan last week

I walk, a lot. I cycle and I swim... ( have fallen off my bike several times).. and I feel blessed that I have the strength mentally and physically to do it...keep going, not falling off my bike!

I think maybe you have had some rotten luck.. is your knee being sorted now?

It sounds very wearing and although the swimming and cycling is great ..if you want to run...it is rotten.

I think... I really dislike being crocked and often just refuse to give into stuff. I have a daughter who believes in tough love thank goodness.. a really incredible supportive husband and I think, also I have been very, very lucky

I really hope you can get your knee sorted :)x

PS

I bet you wish you hadn't asked now

[runswithdogs Graduate]

Welcome. You're not too old at all, you're in good company here.

[Hidden]

The answer to your question is no !

[Hidden]

I'm 61 started C25K nearly a year ago. Expect still to be running 3 times a week. Doing about 6 1/2K in 45 minutes aim to get up to 8K ish (5 miles). As everyone says take it slow and repeat weeks if need be.

I'm not sure how long I will be improving but some experts say that at whatever point you start you could have 7 years of improvement in you. I don't aim to do marathons but good luck to those that do. I will not aim to do more than 5 miles because have other things in life and the exercise has given me improved health physically and mentally and started studying again.

I am semi retired and still work part time 2 hours 5 days per week. Cycle to work about 4 1/2 K and run there on 1 day per week.

I lost 3 stone over last 2 years and am near my normal BMI . Like most I hadn't done any running since school and couldn't run for a bus. Now I could beat the bus home !

One reason for running was potentially becoming diabetic so have avoided a potential future on medication. I not sure how long I can maintain same pace but am still improving at moment but I will keep going as long as I am able. Some still do marathons into their 90's. I do like a challenge !

Good luck. keep us all posted if you take it up.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

A super example there... Your story ought to spur anyone on...

You will get up to 8 K and when you do..hey, 10 K is only just around the corner

If this Old Snail can..... you know the rest x

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I know your game ! Your like that Mrs Doyle in "Father Ted" who badgers you into having a cup of tea "Go on Go on Go on".

10K is just around the corner I dare you !!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Sussed!!

Ahhh, go on..go on..go on go on!

.You know you want to..🙂

It is my Irish ancestory 😃

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

Same here. Those Irish get everywhere !

We'll see about the 10K !

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Hidden]

If you head to the Big School..(Bridge to 10K forum) you could sit by me 🙂

[Hidden in reply to Oldfloss]

I'll take a look.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

Got to admit I thought if you can do 8, might as well aim for 10!

[Hidden in reply to pollyp1]

Another Mrs Doyle !! Go On, Go on , Go on !!

I promise I'll take a look . I'll even download a podcast if there is one.

[pollyp1 Graduate in reply to Hidden]

And I haven't even got any Irish heritage! Lots of Cornish, tho, and I suspect there are similarities... I started two Asics plans but then decided I'd prefer to do it my way. Got upto 8k and then decided to focus on yoga for a bit. That's helped tremendously and now the weather's better I hope to get back up to going out 3 x a week. Once I've cracked 10k I plan to concentrate on running 2 or 3 times a week at whatever pace / distance I feel like.

[AncientMum Graduate]

No!!

Give it a go.

Keep it slow

You'll have graduated before you know.

[Lizzie14 in reply to AncientMum]

Thanks

[skysue16 Graduate]

Go for Lizzie! You will get lots of support and encouragement from the folk on this forum. Best of luck and keep posting!

[Lizzie14 in reply to skysue16]

Thank you!

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Hello Lizzie14 and welcome to the forum!

You can do this, there are many of us on this forum who began the programme aclittle later in life. I am a youngster, started July 2016 age of 59. Im now turned 60 and have managed to reach a distance of 10k , slow and steady!

Go for it! Check with your GP first if you feel you need to. Download the podcast from the link Oldfloss has provided, get your route sorted, decide what you will wear, and then just get out there!

Keep posting here and you will find lots of advice, support, encouragement.

Enjoy but always slow and steady. The aim of the programme is to run for the allotted time each run. Speed and distance mean nothing until you have graduated and begin the next stage of your running journey.

You can do this 🏃🏻‍♀️😀

[AnnetteGo]

Maybe forget about the 9 weeks but follow it anyway - but start with 30 mins brisk walk till that feels ok - I'm only starting and got terrible back ache but I'm going to continue soon - I read a local article about a bunch of people in their seventies and eighties exercising and running marathons! Good luck - the fact you looked here means you're tempted to start so why not?

[TabbyT]

My Mum has never been a runner. She turned 70 in January - she usually does Pilates once a week and Yoga once a week, but she started the C25K last week!! Age isn't a barrier!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to TabbyT]

It certainly isn't... I run, I walk, I cycle, swim and do my yoga!!! Age... is just a number

[KJO62]

I started at 61, ran my first 5k organised run at 62 and now run 30 minutes 3 times a week . Go with the flow of the podcasts,and put your trust in Laura - I was a complete non-runner when I started C25k and now I can't imagine not running. It has given me a new lease of life! Go for it!!!!