Starting running at 59

[Anniejen]

Hello. Am 60 years old this year and have never really exercised (apart from Pilates) so know I'm unfit, but I want to change that. Have started Cto5k and am on week 2 but it seems to take ages for my heart rate to return to normal. I want to press on but am also anxious that I'm putting my poor little unfit heart through too much so quickly. Any thoughts or advice out there?

[davelinks Graduate]

Unless you have known heart issues c25k shouldn't be a problem. Do you have regular Doctor's checkups and maybe had an ECG in recent years? Being unfit it will take time to recover, remember to only run slow and steady, the programme will build you to be able to go on to the next runs, you can repeat runs if you want, there's no rush to go on to the end..

If you have any worries with heart health then maybe wise to see your GP for reassurance..

I did c25k at 60 and of course it was torturous to start with (and doing it in the Summer heat made it feel harder) but I became fitter breathing gradually became easier and recovering quicker and in time have gone on to run 5k and 10k distance.

[Anniejen in reply to davelinks]

Thanks - that's good advice. I'll take it steady, one step at a time!

[misswobble Graduate]

I doubt it but I'm no doctor It's only tiny jogs to start with and walks the rest of the time . It's designed for all fitness levels and ages

It's best done very slowly anyway It's not about speed distance or time. the only job is to complete the sessions. That's good news isn't it 😃

It's progressive so don't worry 🙂

[Hidden]

Why not check in with your practice nurse for an MOT and then you can feel re-assured and have a baseline measure for before and after; when you will be sleeker and fitter

[Wizziewood]

Firstly, well done for getting started. As others have already suggested, if you are at all concerned check with your GP but if it's just your fitness level and the hot weather go for it.

Like you my 60th birthday was looming when I started C25k, I had never run in my life and I wanted to get fit for a special holiday. It wasn't easy but with the advice and support of the folk on this forum I did it and have continued with running 3 times a week since graduation.

Take each run at your own pace, slow is good and always take at least one rest day, more if you need it. Keep well hydrated particularly in this hot weather.

Keep posting to let us know how you're getting on.

Good luck, you can do it, happy running!

[Anniejen]

Thanks for all the replies - all really good advice which I will heed! I have also joined a local group called Run Like a Girl who base their 8 week course on Ct5K, although just looking at the programme makes me feel faint! Was pleased that I went out this morning and repeated the six lots of 90 min runs and actually felt quite good afterwards, so onwards and upwards.

[Jcab Graduate]

I think if you've been doing Pilates you can't be that unfit. Perhaps a check up for your heart if you're worried. I guess Pilates doesn't call for so much oxygen so perhaps it's just you noticing your heart rather than anything to worry about.

As Michael says take it easy, a slow jog. Good luck.