Age limit

[Hexslug]

Hi, am new on this site but have been thinking about having a go at couch spud to 5K for a few months now. However, was wondering if there was an age when this kind of activity became unwise? My age begins with a six.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

As does the age of many of us... as long as the 6 is not the only numeral.. you are just fine

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Haha!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

A recent graduate was 83.................get started, you won't regret it.

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Wow, that's amazing!

[rolysmate Graduate]

My age also begins with a six

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Thanks, see lots of runners in my locality but not in my age group. So, nice to hear there are people of my age that have done it.

[rolysmate Graduate in reply to Hexslug]

Enjoying every minute of it too, life changing stuff don't you know

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to rolysmate]

Ok, will give it a go.

[Gillma Graduate]

Mine begins and ends with a 6! Glad to hear about recent grad of 83 @IannodaTruffe as I really want to stay running into my 80s!

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to Gillma]

Thanks for your reply. i am encouraged by the fact there are others of my age.

[pilquin]

My age will soon begin with a six If I can get to week 7 anyone can you’re still young 💪

[Pc59 Graduate in reply to pilquin]

Me too & proud to say never ran before c25k program! Ok I originally completed the program last October & then never kept it going kept restarting & i am chuffed to say ive just 3 more runs to graduation again!! So must be something that keeps pulling me back! O i know i feel so much better for it physically & mentally 😊so go for & joinn the rest of us with an age beginning with 6👍😊🏃

[martinhermanus]

We have a parkrunner who is turning 90 years old and running his 100 th park. Last year at the knysna parkrun we sang happy birthday to a 90 year old lady. My age starts with a 5 and ends with a four. 😂 I have run 58 parkruns this week I have run 19 km! Start slowwwwwwwwly.

[RuthL Graduate]

My age begins with a 6 too. Currently on week 4.

[JaneM21 Graduate]

So does mine!

[Blitzy Graduate in reply to JaneM21]

And mine!

[VictoriaRuns Graduate]

Six...teen? 🤣

From what I have spied on this forum, you are not the first to worry, but you are a spring chicken compared to some, and all seem to not only manage just fine, but find their lives incredibly enriched from the experience.

Anyway, welcome to the site. It is really a wonderful place. I am on week 8 now and couldn't have done it without wise words and support from here.

[Redcurlew Graduate]

I was also a bit worried about being in my sixties and never run before. But the programme and the support on this forum are great, and in just a few months, running has become a regular part of my busy life. I feel so much happier and healthier, and it’s been worth the challenges along the way. Go for it!! 😊

[angemum Graduate]

Mine has 2 6s in it! And I'm on W7. Take it from me - you'll be fiiiiiiine! Also, there's no rush. Just settle into the programme, believe in it & enjoy! Good luck

[Timd61]

Hi

My age starts with a 6 and I had a heart attack and then a bypass operation in April. I have just completed the c25k and i feel amazing. I feel on top form ....go for it and wait and see the difference.

[Westfieldwanderer]

My age starts with a six too, but not for much longer. But it's just a number.

[LiisaM Graduate in reply to Westfieldwanderer]

Ah! Yours is going down to the 5's now!

[Ebee54 Graduate]

Of course you can do it - like me and you lots of people here are mature in years but young in outlook. As long as you run at a speed that is comfortable for you, you can do it. Don’t get hung up on what the youngsters do - just look after yourself.

[TheRocketMan]

Well as long as there is only one digit after the 6 you should be fine!

I’m 64 and started this year (I used to run 30 years ago) and my PB for 5K is now around 29 minutes. Go for it and, as they keep saying “trust the plan”.

[nikkiwabit Graduate]

No age limit as you gradually build up and run at your own pace. The main limit is what goes on in your head.

[Liz-is-trying Graduate]

Mine also begins with 6

[Hexslug Graduate]

Wow, can't believe how many replies there have been. Thank you all, even the one who thinks 16 begins with a six. You have convinced me that it is possible that I may not make a fool of myself, and even if I do, I will not be the only 60+ runner out there giving it a go.

[Effr Graduate]

I’m 65- never ran a day in my life before this August and couldn’t imagine why on earth anyone would want to! Now I’m slowly working my way towards my new goal of 10k! Stil pinching myself .....

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to Effr]

Did some cross country at school, over fifty years ago. I liked it, probably because of my competitive nature, am sure over 80% of the other pupils would rather have a tooth out.

[LiisaM Graduate]

Okay, all you youngsters! Mine begins with a 7. My son got me doing this, (kicking and screaming all the way.) Different pains in both feet, a pain in my ribcage, and one in my knees all left during my C25k experience. I'm the slowest one running where I run, but I mind my own business running, (meaning that I ignore the "youngsters" zipping by,) and do this for myself because it makes me feel good. My advice is to go easy and slow to start. Go you!

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to LiisaM]

Thanks for your reply and fingers crossed I hope that my experience will be as positive as yours. It is nice to know that others have been apprehensive too.

[p1M2l3]

Hi. I am in week 3 of the programme and my age begins with a 6. I can't believe how well it's goi. Have a go ! It will make you feel so well physically and mentally

[Hidden]

Hi welcome aboard I’m still in the 5,s but woke up one day and decided to give it a go.... like you I loved cross country( think that’s where my determination grew... never ever quit just kept going) at school but never run again after leaving(now wish I had) not posted in a while because it’s taken me a while to get through the program due to starting it loving it and actually joining a running club but I’m still plugging away W9R3 due this weekend....😬 Congratulations get out the door I’m sure you will love it x

[Lorraine3 Graduate]

I’m early 60s and started C25K a few months ago. I was very unfit and was breathless after each 1 minute run in the first week but I kept going and found that it really does work. Believe in the programme because it truly takes you from the couch to 5k. I had to repeat a few runs because I started out too fast so, as a very wise mentor (yes, you Oldfloss) says, just go slow and steady. I’ve now graduated and was first in my age group at my local Parkrun last Saturday. My goal now is to do 5k in under 30 mins. Go for it, you won’t regret it.

[HeleneCorsa Graduate]

Hello and welcome! Do give it a try, you'll see that there are lots of people in the same age group who have taken up running to great effect. You will find your own pace and suitable level - that's the beauty, you find what suits your body and are not dictated to by others. Take things slowly and trust in this incredibly well-crafted programme, and I am willing to bet you will surprise yourself... xx

[ladyofcastile]

Never! I just did my first triathlon at 53. just go to a specialist shop ( I personally go to Runners Need) get your feet checked and they will probably also check how you move on the treadmill. Then get the best running shoes you can afford. The best investment ever. I wish I had known how essential it is earlier on. running and destroying your hips, spine, knees, ankles or feet on the process is quite counterproductive.

[Cliff_H Graduate]

I’m in my 40’s and regularly see what look like octogenarians go skipping past 😊

Good luck and welcome to C25k!

[HeleneCorsa Graduate in reply to Cliff_H]

I quote often see a man out running, going like the clappers and with a really impressive physique. It was only recently that he passed close by enough for me to see his face and I was quite shocked by how much older he was than I would have thought. I am not good at gauging age but my dad is in his 70s though very youthful,and this guy was much older. Not only did he look very athletic, but also supremely happy - a poster boy for running at 70+ if ever there was one.

[Duddles Graduate]

My age begins with a 7 - and a little bit more - finished Couch to 5k a few weeks ago - it really does work and encouragement on this site helps. Currently moving on to being quicker and running further/longer with follow up Couch programmes. Take your time initially and once the bug bites you will feel unleashed......

[reticula]

Yes. I would stay away from the couch to 5k program if you're over 599 years old.

[Bridget007 Graduate]

I asked last week if 53 was too old and was told no and they were right 😊 am now on week 2 and am really enjoying it. Good luck 😀

[AELP Graduate]

My age also begins with a 6 and I was very apprehensive too about starting this programme...struggled to even run for a minute but I have finally made it to Week 9, albeit at a slower pace, and I couldn't feel better. The self confidence and sense of pride you will feel each time you run is amazing, so go for it you definitely won't regret it!

[Ailsa2]

Hi, I'm 61 and haven't run since my 20s, when I was told not to because of a knee injury. But advice has changed now so am giving it a try. To try to avoid injury I'm doing every week twice before moving on. On week 5 now and no problems so far :-).

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to Ailsa2]

Well done you for giving it a go and i like your sensible approach of repeating. We have to be allowed some concessions for ages beginning with 6.

I don't need anymore encouragement though because have been on my first run. I actually enjoyed it!

[Speedygirl]

Hi Hexslug

Wow what a lot of replies you have sparked! Just a thought - Im a 5.9 (!) and got to week 8 a couple of weeks ago no problem, felt fantastic, then suddenly both my knees gave out. Im now resting for 2 weeks, plenty of ice etc. and slowly improving. Looking back it wasnt a stamina problem it was wear and tear caused by the longer runs. I think there should be more advice about the importance of not wearing any old trainers, which I was, but really good running shoes and mixing runs on hard and soft surfaces. I have learned my lesson here. Im reasonably fit generally but the last thing you want at our age is extra injuries to contend with.

Let us know how you get on.

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to Speedygirl]

Hi Speedy thanks for the warning. Although my post was more about the appearance and capability of 3rd age people running, I did have concerns about injuries too. The longer you have been inactive the more conditioning you need before pushing yourself too far. Ailsa2 suggests repeating each weeks training before moving on to the next step, to address this issue. Have chosen a very large playing field so that I can run on grass, I am carrying a bit of extra weight and am sure pounding the pavement in a relatively unfit state in not good for your body. It may be that running on grass is a bit harder, tried hard to avoid mud, but hopefully it is a little kinder to your joints. Also chose this site because very few spectators to my exhibition. Although good running shoes must help, think taking your time is very important too. Hopefully, doing this kind of exercise will prolong our active lives, so don't see any need to rush.

Got another post brewing but might get a couple of runs under my belt before sticking it up.

[Hexslug Graduate in reply to Speedygirl]

Ps. Hope your knees are mended soon.

[Speedygirl]

Thanks Hexslug, sounds like you have a good strategy. It is so worthwhile, keep going. My kneecaps got irritated (painful) so I've decided to give it a complete rest and its working. Im doing some swimming which is low impact but not nearly as much fun as running/jogging in my view. Ive done some reading up and it sounds as if other key things are 1) always have a day's rest between runs to let your muscles recover and 2) do some gentle strengthening exercises too to tone up if you can.

I'll be looking out for your next post.