No more excuses at 69

[FungalFit]

After reading so many inspiring C25K stories, I am ready, at 69, to stop making excuses and start to become my dream of being a walk/ runner, doing a 5k easily. I feel that with this forum, I won't be doing it alone. Thanks!

[runningnearbeirut Graduate]

Welcome, and you're right, you won't be doing this on your own. Keep posting on your progress, and if you need a kick out the door we're here to push you too

[TabbyT]

Awesome. I've posted it before, but I'll post it again as encouragement...my mum turned 70 in January and started C25K a few weeks ago. Before this she'd never attempted running before in her life.

She's had a couple of setbacks with slight knee pain, but purchasing a proper pair of running trainers and a bit of rest sorted it and she's back out there!

Good Luck!

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to TabbyT]

Well done mum!

[Eatcakeandrun]

Congratulations on starting, and you definitely won't be alone!

Incidentally my next door neighbour is 64, and started a few weeks ago - she is already running 6 mins in a stretch, and can't believe it! It really does happen.

[Candystripe]

Good morning.

I'm 65 and throughout my journey here I have lost 7 and a half stone. Wow you might say, BUT my focus wasn't on running! Yes I've done running but I don't enjoy it at all, so found other options that gave me just as much fitness and encouragement.

What I'm saying is keep your options open and if running doesn't suit you then don't give up, try something different. We are not all born runners and even at 65, a non runner, My body fat is equal to that of an athlete.

Find something that you enjoy rather than something that you think you should enjoy!

Good luck. X

[turnturtle Graduate]

70 is the new 40! Of course you can do it. I started C25K at 67 and ran the Berlin marathon at 70.This year I have entered two half marathons and another marathon. I follow the Galloway walk/run method, which is ideal for oldies like us and lets you finish strong. Go for it!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to turnturtle]

Go you!!! x

[mcgurranhouse Graduate in reply to turnturtle]

Wow!

No other words necessary!

[mcgurranhouse Graduate]

Starting C25K at 69 sounds like a ridiculously inspiring story to me - deserves a standing ovation I think! Well done you - I hope I am as adventurous at 69 - fabulous. I will be keeping an eye on you to see how you are getting on. Congratulations and by the way - on this forum there are no stupid questions - I know - I have asked them all already and you will ALWAYS find answers here from those who have been in your shoes. Well done and good luck.

[susiewoo75 Graduate]

Go for it! Age is no barrier, just listen to your body and heed all the excellent advice on here. I started at 59-62 now- and love it. I found I needed more rest days when I started so it took a little longer. I think older bodies are in shock for a while until they get used to it. Good luck!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I feel you will love it.. I started at 65 and still running at 67..three times a week.. Running up to and just about over 10K now

For me, and many of us, it is about so much more than running and exercise etc etc. I run, then I write up about my runs and ramble away on the forum...( Infamous for my rambles)

You certainly will not be alone, so many of us here to offer support and advice... follow the programme slowly and steadily, take your rest days, add walking or swimming or another exercise on those days too.. that helps

Post your successes and setbacks. listen to your body and remember it is your journey... there are a few posts with a real, need for speed, theme showing at the moment. This C25K programme is not about speed or distance..it is about a slow and steady build up of running stamina and fitness..

You are in great company here, with so many really experienced runners...of all ages

Looking forward to your first run post

Welcome

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Good luck, Great decision.

[nhs2015 Graduate]

😍

[nhs2015 Graduate]

What's 69? Just a number. You are what you want to be. I am 70 and loving it, (ok, not the wrinkles).

Believe in C25K, it will take you there.

I have signed up for a run this Sunday and will get a medal. I luuuve medals. It will be you before you know it. Happy running

[Sarahb18 Graduate]

Well done and you go for it !

I'm 59 and started 3 weeks ago , already I feel stronger and so glad I did it 😊

Good luck .... nothing like the can do spirit 🏃🏼

[GoogleMe Graduate]

The only people who are not born runners are those born with particular impairments (and some of those may be able to become serious wheelchair racers) Some have the physical make up to become competitive athletes (and plenty who have the physical potential don't have the mental fortitude but the notion of not being a born runner is poisonous. There are lots of us here who don't have the classic middle or long distance runner build (even when we've shed weight we may be carrying unnecessarily)

I think you'll find that although C25K represents a challenge (and is all the more satisfying because of that) it will be easier in the end than putting effort into excuses and rationalisations. (Sometimes that's all that gets me out of the house!) Occasionally people do find that running genuinely isn't their thing for whatever reason, but actually doing and completing the programme is worthwhile even if you never run another step afterwards, it's about far more than what your legs, or even your heart rate do. But most of us do run quite a few steps afterwards...

I don't think you are wanting to hear "Oh but you might not like it" (why would you, given that you've posted here?) We're delighted to have you here and we'll be with you - on the inspired days, the down days (there will be a few), all the days.

[davidhwynn Graduate]

You're definitely not alone .. I started out back in December last year at age 71, I've re-started the programme three times after getting "stuck". I'm now on my FOURTH attempt at the programme and the finish line is at last in sight (at W9R2 tomorrow). I never thought I'd say it but I now actually enjoy my runs, well they are more like very slow snail-like staggers. This forum is what has got me through my darkest ("I can't do this") moments. Well done, GO GO GO ... keep posting here and let us all help and support you, there will probably come points where it's what you need to keep going. For me I couldn't even run those week one 1 minute running intervals back in December last year and my 9 week C25K programme has actually taken me nearly 24 weeks. I don't care, I'm nearly there and feeling MUCH better about myself both physically and mentally. GOOD LUCK - get those trainers on and get out of the door.

[Hidden in reply to davidhwynn]

Fantastic! You are an inspiration. The key is going at your own pace and taking it slowly. Good luck for the final 2 runs!