New here. Need a big helpful slap

[Kentoldlady]

Good evening all. I am nearly 60 and am an overweight granny. I went to see my gp a month ago about pins and needles in my hand and have come away with hypothyroidism, hypertension and type 2 diabetes. Now I am scared to go back!!

Whilst looking for a magic cure I found this site and I am wondering if any of you have started running at my age with a great deal of weight to lose?

I need to be more active, and used to enjoy walking and swimming, but for the last couple of years have just wanted to stay under the blankets. Hopefully now I will start to have more energy, but am thinking that this site might just be too ambitious for me?

Has anyone else done something similar? Would very much like to hear your stories.

[Hidden]

Over 60 and with medical conditions is no barrier to fitness.

There's no excuse.

I know of a bloke that retired. Got bored after a few years. Had a massive heart attack but thankfully survived it. Then decided he might try martial arts for fun. He went on to achieve his black belt.

I know another bloke who at 70, had a horrible accident. A fall from a ladder while painting and upstairs window. Somehow his leg went through the glass as he fell, so not only did he fall onto tarmac from upstairs height, but his leg was also ripped open. He recovered with the right treatment and sheer determination, and went on to enter time trial races on his pushbike. I remember him being down in the dumps because on one race of about 80 miles, he'd struggled to rank in the top 10 out of 60 odd racers. Most of them were in their 20s and 30s. He felt old, because he hadn't managed to completely leave in the dust a bunch of people in their prime, who hadn't just fell from an upstairs window a few months before.

I know a bloke that was actively training horses right into his late 80s.

There's no excuse.

[Kentoldlady in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for that. Very encouraging.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Your story is reflected by many here, so no, this is not too ambitious for you. Age is no barrier......there are plenty here older than you. Running in itself will not make you lose much, if any weight, but it will help with all your conditions.

When are you starting?

This programme, along with this forum, can help you turn your life around. It is not too late. It will be tough, but it is flexible and you are in control.

It is no magic bullet or quick fix, but if you put in the effort, we will help you on your way.

[Kentoldlady in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks, I have started walking again already. My new and lovely thyroid meds mean I can now stay awake past 6pm and plan to start the plan on monday.

I dont expect to lose weight from this, just become less stiff.

I dont actually believe in a magic bullet, but one would be nice. I have lost nearly 2 st since starting meds, and feel so much better.

Are you over 60?

[IannodaTruffe Mentor in reply to Kentoldlady]

Well done on the weight loss and for making the decision to start. I am sure you won't regret it. Just remember to go as slow as you need to.

I am 61 and discovered this wonderful place four years ago. It has changed my life.

[Hidden]

On the type 2 diabetes front you might want to get Michael Mossley's Fast Diet book. Interesting about more than just weight loss.

[Kentoldlady in reply to Hidden]

Thanks

Bought it read it doing it! Well except for the recipes. Very expensive, time consuming and I do not think the calorie count is accurate. But love the idea.

[snack_shack Graduate]

Hi kentoldlady. I'm newish to the forum and there is such a mixture of abilities on here, along with the reasons people started the couch to 5k programme and your story is echoed around the site, which I hope you find encouraging. Only you know what you are capable of and starting out is always the hardest part - sometimes the thought is worse than the actual run! I would suggest you just do what you can to start with and not put any pressure on yourself. To take that first step (literally) is the important one and what happens after that is down to what you feel comfortable with. Good luck

[Hidden]

I'm nearly 57 and I started running for the first time 12 weeks ago. I need to lose 2 stones, but haven't lost any weight through running. I have started the Fast Diet again (as mentioned by SCB1). I went on it last year and lost a shed-load of weight so I can fully recommend it, but you would need to check with your doctor first to see if it is appropriate for you. By far the biggest benefit I have found from running is how much better I feel mentally. I feel so much less stressed and I'm sleeping a whole lot better. The programme takes you through gradually and you will be astounded at what you are capable of. Of course, get the go ahead from your doctor first and then go for it!

[Rowville]

68year old granny here 4 weeks in, so worth it,feel loads better with energy!

[Jewel84 Graduate]

Hi Kentoldlady,I'm overweight nearly 60 and have hyperthyroidism and anaemia. Also dodgy knees. I understand your apprehension. There's a lot of us on here in similar positions. Just take it SLOW. You can do this and you'll feel so much better for it. Let us know how you get on. Go girl! 🌟🏃🏼‍♀️💪🏼

[Kentoldlady in reply to Jewel84]

Hello. So good to hear from someone like me. Has your hypothyroidism been treated?

And may I ask how you started the actual running???? So far I have just progressed to walking very fast, but I am usually pushing a buggy at the same time.

I do occasionally have a little jog!

[Jewel84 Graduate in reply to Kentoldlady]

Mine is overactive meaning everything runs fast. Probably why I don't sleep. I take it very slowly in the beginning and am finding the pace is increasing as my stamina builds up. But that's not to say I'm very fast at all 😂. Still a snail but we're doing this and it's better than sitting on the couch 😉

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Lots of us in our 60's on here. "Slow and Steady" is our mantra. Good luck.