Some advice please.

[Katie1920]

I loved running when I was younger but got out of the habit many years ago. I'm now nearly 70 and wonder if I'm too old to start running again! I don't have any medical conditions but don't feel as fit as I used to. I try to walk 10,000 steps every day but not sure I could cope with running again but would like to try. What do you think!

[MarkyD Graduate]

Hi Katie, and welcome. In your late 60's... so you'll be a spring chicken on this forum. Meet Bazza1234 for example. You're very active at 10k steps per day, and so I think that the very gentle start to C25K will be right up your street.

[davelinks Graduate]

Certainly! Go for it! Nice and slow & steady!😊

[AnneDroid Graduate]

Welcome, Katie. The Couch to 5k program is carefully worked out to minimize the risk of injury. It should be fine for you if you're walking as much as that. Many people on here are in their sixties or over. (It's one reason I like hanging out here. My kids think I'm old but on here 51 isn't seen that way.... )

Also, although it's designed to get you able to run for thirty minutes without stopping, over a period of nine weeks, there is no pressure to do it in just nine weeks. Lots of people repeat one or more weeks as they go through the plan, so that they don't build up the difficulty until they feel ready.

The trick is to go slowly, by the way. The slower the better!

[mfamilias Graduate]

As my Dad always says, "If you don't try, you'll never know"... If you can walk, you can run. And if you are here, it's because you want to try. So get your running shoes on and give Week one Run 1 a whirl instead of wasting time wondering, then get back to us with your first impressions. Mfam in the vineyards, over and out.

[TabbyT]

Nope. I've mentioned it before on here, but my Mum turned 70 in January and started C25K 3 weeks ago she's loving it - also, she's literally never done running before in her life! So I'm sure you'll be just as able.

[JenRunsSlow]

Based on the number of seniors who have passed me in various 5k and 10k races, you will be in good company! Running has no age limit imho.

[Katie1920]

Nice to read all your comments... just need to get started! Thanks for all the positive feedback.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Go for it.. there are a few of us seasoned folk on here ( I am 67).

Slow and steady.... download the podcasts;

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

Take your rest days, more if you need them... carry on with your walking on your rest days, and any other exercise you may fancy too

Keep posting...lots and lots of support and encouragement to be found here. We are all in this together and will be with you all the way!

Go on...you know you want to...time for a new adventure??? Yes!

[Bazza1234 Graduate]

Katie - I started "running" when I was 67. I had been doing a bit of walking before then - but it sounds like you are way ahead of where I was at that time with your walking. When I first looked at the requirements of C25K , I thought it was way too much for me - and I found this easier programme mayoclinic.org/healthy-life... - which I completed in the 7 weeks and enjoyed it. This then gave me the confidence to start C25K and I have not stopped since - I recently ran my 3rd half marathon and I will be doing my 100th 5K parkrun this weekend. C25K is meant to get you running non-stop - but this is not necessary - you can continue your walking but with some running bits added into your walk. Walking is good - but for me it doesn't raise my heartrate or breathing enough - I have to do at least a slow jog to improve my cardiovascular fitness. Anyway, I encourage you to have a try at either of the programmes - the C25K programme or the MAYO clinic programme. . Take it easy , don't strain - and have some fun. It has been for me a wonderful new life experience and my similarly aged friends don't know what has become of me

[Katie1920 in reply to Bazza1234]

Thanks for the encouragement... I like your story!

[mfamilias Graduate]

So, Katie? Have you taken the plunge? Don't leave us all in suspense! (Mfam starts sing Kim Wilde... "you just keep me hannnnging oooooonnn..."

[Rignold in reply to mfamilias]

Kim Wilde? KIM WILDE???

Hang your head in shame and do 100 squats penance, mfam.

The Supremes.

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Rignold]

I did think about the Supremes version, but Kim Wilde had to get the mention -we celebrate our birthdays on the same day. I have yet to do a squat, Rig - unless you count the emergency 'behind a hedge" variety.

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Rignold]

There you go. You're welcome.

youtube.com/watch?v=xJZF-sk...(Not working as expected?)

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

We once slept in Kim Wilde's bed. That's all I'm saying 😏

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Irishprincess]

Oooooh. My. I hope she wasn't in it.

[Irishprincess Graduate in reply to mfamilias]

😉

[Katie1920 in reply to mfamilias]

Hi... no not started yet but have ordered my sports bra in readiness and have downloaded week one and listened to some of it BUT haven't yet taken the plunge.. I'm away for the weekend and plan to get started as soon as the gear is in place... I've never owned a little thingy that plays tunes into your ears so I need one of those as well as the bra!!!! I'm going to do it.. really!

[mfamilias Graduate in reply to Katie1920]

Oooh, SHOPPING The bra is a definite necessary item. Can you download the program onto your phone? Glad to know you're on board!

[Katie1920 in reply to mfamilias]

Definitely need the bra! I must be the only person in the universe not to have a posh mobile phone, I'm afraid mine only does the bare essentials!

[Katie1920]

Well here I am reporting on my first and second day.................. First day went really well, I felt as though I'd achieved something and it felt good. First 60 second jog was a bit of a shock to the system but I got into the swing of it and thoroughly enjoyed my first day out.

However that evening my left hip was sore, I've never had a hip problem and I walk several miles a day so didn't think it had anything to do with me running but on my second day out this morning I had to stop as I was in a lot of pain after my first 60 seconds! I'm absolutely gutted as I was determined to do this and felt like I could manage it. Not sure what to do now, should I give it a rest and have another go or am I of an age that my body is telling me to think again! Feeling fed up!