Newbie: Hi, I am having a mid-life crisis... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Sillybilly1 profile image
Sillybilly1Graduate
11 Replies

Hi,

I am having a mid-life crisis moment, lol, I have just turned 50 (male) and always fancied the idea of running to keep fit, but as with most people I never "found the time", but with a new sedentary career (lorry driver) I have decided that the time is right! My goal is a 10 k within the year and if possible, under 1hr.

Wish me luck!

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Sillybilly1 profile image
Sillybilly1
Graduate
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11 Replies
wez70 profile image
wez70Graduate

Welcome aboard! Great news that you've decided to adopt running as your thing, and believe me when I say that after so many abandoned attempts at getting going over the years, this programme is the only thing that has ever worked and kept me at it more importantly! Trust the system, take it easy and enjoy, you'll reach your goal and we're all here to cheer you on :-)

Irishprincess profile image
IrishprincessGraduate

For a mid-life crisis, it's a fabulous way to have one 😊

Welcome to your brave new world, the programme is a blast and will turn you into a mean, lean, fit running machine. A 10K in a year is definitely do'able.

Run very slowly, repeat runs if you need to, stretch after each run and take your rest days. Invest in proper running shoes if you can. And just enjoy this life changing programme.

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Welcome! Mid life crisis...? Just bring it on! :)

As Irishprincess says...it will be so, so good for you...mentally as well as physically!

Get the right gear.. lots of good reasonably priced running stuff out there, take those rest days, more if needed, and keep it steady and slow.

Keep posting, it is great for motivation....onward and upward:)

jaynewoodbank profile image
jaynewoodbankGraduate

Welcome aboard!

Not much to add to what others have said and make sure you have decent running shoes.

Stick to the plan and don't overdo. Some strengthening exercises on non running days is helpful

Millsie-J profile image
Millsie-JGraduate

Great decision! Good luck, slow and steady will do just fine!

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

C25K is about building stamina not speed and you will be reminded of that constantly on this forum. My interpretation of Laura's instructions on the podcasts was not to run as slow as possible, as is often stated here, but to run as slow as necessary, which is effectively as fast as you can maintain. This is defined by your breathing. If you are gasping for breath then you are running too fast, so slow down.

I only mention this because of your stated aim of hitting 10k in under an hour may require to push yourself. Speed will develop in time but if you run the programme as fast as possible you will have a head start. Building up to 10k will require you to slow down to build stamina, so a base of reasonable pace will help.

There is a lot to learn in this wonderful world of running, so welcome, good luck and keep posting your progress.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

It"s a great idea and not too late at all. You are a mere lad! 😀

You will benefit in more ways than you probably expect

The programme is excellent! Start today 🙂

You have to start at the beginning and build,up very gradually. Once your body is built up and your running legs, there is no limit to what,you can achieve. Speed comes with strength - body and cardiovascular - so you have to lay down some miles. Steady, slow miles though which you will eat up eventually

It's fun! Lots of us start out with C25k, Graduate and keep going. Lots here have done half and full marathons as a result of the programme

Good luck 🙂

Redbillie21 profile image
Redbillie21Graduate

Good luck! 👌

LonelyWalker profile image
LonelyWalkerGraduate

I'd say go for it, if you have a goal to achieve and you've shared it then you are much more likely to put in the effort. We'll support you along the way and don't let anybody put you off, being off the couch is far better than staying on it!

Jeburian profile image
Jeburian

From a 55 year old who started running a year ago, I would repeat what others are saying. Slow and steady works best. Get to the 5 or 10k mark at a brisk walk or slow jog first. As you get fitter, the speed will come naturally without having to risk injury. I walked for 2 years previous to running to lose 50 pounds so I could safely run. Im still about 40 pounds above my optimum weight, but have recently run a 5k in just under 30 mins and my best 10k in 1:03 (half in 2:21). The only injuries that I have had were during HIIT training. Knee and calf muscle.

AnneDroid profile image
AnneDroidGraduate

Good for you. Go for it, man! And hang out here and we will cheer you on as you progress. Welcome aboard. :)

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