New to running

[HelenWms]

Hi just joined the group today I am a 51 yr old female who has not exercised for about 30 yrs and could never run even as a healthy teenager! I was stuck on Week 1 for 3 weeks as I was so unfit but have just done run 3 of Week 2. Has anyone else tailored the programme in this way?

[Sadie-runs Graduate]

Hi Helen and welcome!

Well done on completing week 2, good work! I had a bit of a false start with C25K - did the first week, then went to Scotland on holiday. Could not face hill running, being such a new runner, so had a week gap. Got back to London and was worried that after a week off I would not manage week 2, so did week 1 again. Have not looked back nor repeated a run since. I have two theories on this:

1. I joined this forum and Oldfloss (and many others besides!) told me to slow it right down - snail pace if needs be. The key is to complete the run, not be fast.

2. It suddenly dawned on me I needed to also believe in myself, and trust the efficacy of this programme. With each new week and each new challenge it is all too easy to convince yourself you cannot do it/are not ready. We call this "gremlins". You have to ignore them, trust yourself, run super slow and steady and give it a go. If you don't complete, then don't worry. Have a rest day and try again.

Be sure to drink lots of water - even on rest days.

Enjoy your journey, and do shout if you need help/support or have questions!

Sadie x

[HelenWms Graduate in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks Sadie that’s so helpful- I need to rethink my approach! I have definitely been listening to my gremlins too much. Helen

[Maddee_6333 Graduate in reply to HelenWms]

Many people name their gremlins 😀 makes it easier to tell them off after.

[Glossy Graduate]

Week 1 is the hardest week! Well done for cracking it.

The only thing I'd say is if you've completed three runs of one week try and be brave and move on to the next week. Don't wait for a week to be easy before moving on. You'll be amazed how quickly your stamina improves.

Keep going, you're doing brilliantly!

[HelenWms Graduate in reply to Glossy]

Thank you!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Well done on your progress.

Many people tailor the plan to suit themselves but be careful about repeating a week over and over, just because you feel comfortable with it and not sure you can do the next one. It is all too easy to repeat runs, believe that you are not really any fitter than before and give up, because of lack of progress.

Repeat any run that you don't complete, but then move on. That progression is crucial in my opinion. Runners need belief and also the ability to accept a challenge.........it is a very psychological pastime. By moving forward you keep up the impetus and build self belief.

You won't know if you can do it unless you try. If you don't complete, you have found your current level. The repeat makes you stronger and on you go. You only fail if you stop trying.

Enjoy the journey.

[HelenWms Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thank you that’s great advice. I have a lot to learn! Helen

[Maddee_6333 Graduate]

So many people have done it that those runs you repeated till you could do them are called practice runs 😀

There’s plenty in here have started in their fifties, me included.

[ancientrunner Graduate]

Welcome and well done - just keep going through at your own pace.

[HelenWms Graduate in reply to ancientrunner]

Thank you!

[AnneDroid Graduate]

I'm 51 too. Repeat after me: "We. Are. In. Our. Absolute. Blossoming. Prime."

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Welcome to this great forum.. listen to IannodaTruffe 's great advice..

Each run makes you stronger, just keep it slow and steady!

[Virginia60 Graduate]

Hi Helen I am 57 and just started end of April and have never run before. I have repeated weeks now and again when I really have struggled and also took lots of advice from here about slowing down! That was my biggest problems going too fast to start with and trying to control my breathing. I am now going to start week 8 tomorrow at Parkrun and never ever thought I would be a runner and now it is completely part of my life and I do exercise every day, i have even started going to the gym, and non running days to a fast walk with my dog. You can do it and as they say on here slow and steady. Good luck

[HelenWms Graduate in reply to Virginia60]

Thank you very much. I think I need to get my head around slowing down to get through the run sections, rather then repeating weeks. Good luck tomorrow!

[Virginia60 Graduate in reply to HelenWms]

Thank you