Haven't started yet am I too old: I am 67 about... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Haven't started yet am I too old

Seaforsure profile image
19 Replies

I am 67 about 3-4 stone overweight am I kidding myself that I can do this and should I check with Docs first

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Seaforsure profile image
Seaforsure
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19 Replies
Gillma profile image
GillmaGraduate

You're definitely not too old (I'm 67) - why not check with your doc? I say get as much reassurance/support as you can. You can't have too many people on your side- this forum proves that on an almost hourly basis!

Seaforsure profile image
Seaforsure in reply toGillma

Thank you so much

Gillma profile image
GillmaGraduate in reply toSeaforsure

You are so welcome. Keep us informed!

Never too old, just get a quick check with your doctor, my GP does phone call consultations, and if you haven't got any underlying health issues, a quick chat maybe enough to allay your worries.

There are a number of members who actually start walking first to get them prepared for the regular rhythm of undertaking exercise, that may be an option for you too?

The beauty of the plan is that you can take it at your own pace, the 9 weeks is an aspiration not a strictly defined limit. Most of us took longer than the 9 to graduate.

Nice to hear from you and hope that you start running and posting your success soon

Seaforsure profile image
Seaforsure in reply to

Thank you so nice of people to reply so quickly

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate

You're definitely not to old and if a chat with your Dr is going to put your mind at rest then give him a call

Seaforsure profile image
Seaforsure in reply torolysmate

Thank you Rolysmate

rolysmate profile image
rolysmateGraduate in reply toSeaforsure

I'm 60 on Monday, stopped smoking in March and completed cto5k 2 weeks ago

Hope that helps

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

68... me... check with the GP... then start this, if you get the go ahead... :) Slow and steady !

If you feel like you want to do it then go for it. The program is really good. I like listening to Jo Whiley on her pod cast. Do it at your own pace. Repeat if you feel it's too much and I'm sure you will get there 🏃🏼‍♀️

JennyChan profile image
JennyChanGraduate

You're not kidding yourself - believe me! You can do it - if I can anyone can. Start slowly & build up. Talk to folk on here, they will help you build your confidence xx

reluctantrunner76 profile image
reluctantrunner76Graduate

17, 37, 67. Old, middle aged, young. It's all a state of mind. One thing for sure is your defo not old at all. If for medical reasons you can't that's different but whatever age you are we all have the same issues with fitness and running. Giving it a go and getting started is just as scary for all of us. Good luck:)!!!

Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate

I started C25k when I was 67 (4 years ago). I never consulted a Doctor before i started - I know more about my body than a Doctor does. Doctors are well known for advising older people to not try running -- "it will ruin your knees" , "walking for you old people is a much better form of exercise!!" Etc. I will withdraw this advice IF the Doctor is a runner him/herself.

I first started walking for about a month and bought a heart rate monitor right from the start. I increasingly walked as far and hard as I could with an eye on the monitor. I did think initially that C25K was too much for me - "what, me? run for 1 minute????" So I did this 7 week Mayo clinic plan first mayoclinic.org/healthy-life... . It only had me running for 15 seconds at a time at first. After I successfully finished that I moved onto C25K. I completed a half marathon in April this year in 2 hours 23 minutes at age 70. It can be done.

Seaforsure profile image
Seaforsure in reply toBazza1234

Wow that is so inspiring well done

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

I darent go to my gp with any running related issue as he doesn't like it and says I'm just storing up joint problems down the line

He tried to push statins at me but I politely refused. So I wouldn't be running anything past my GP any time soon 🙂

If you look after your health, get moving, keep moving and shift the weight you won't need a gp 👍🏃‍♀️💪✔️🙂

Bazza1234 profile image
Bazza1234Graduate in reply tomisswobble

My GP thinks that walking 5K is a really really big deal!!!! :) Maybe it is on a broken foot - but what is a man to do?

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

Just a thought about your fractured foot taking a long time to heal.

My son had a foot problem and was told at the hospital that because the foot is furthest from the heart it's slowest to heal, as the body sees it as a low priority. So, to get round that you have to eat your way healthy. He was advised to eat a diet rich in vitamin b foods!

Worth a try 🙂

Seaforsure profile image
Seaforsure

Thank you everyone who replies and for the encouragement have decided to have a quick check with gp who is Italian and seems to have a completely different attitude than some other doctors, but will keep everyone posted.

Thank you

Jinty55 profile image
Jinty55Graduate

Definately not to old! Checking with your GP is sensible but this programme is doable just go at your own pace. The hardest thing is getting off the couch!!. And as Gillma said lots of encouragement to be found here to keep you going. Good luck.

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