Hello -I've been thinking of doing the training but concerned I might be too old, 63 soon. Any one else new to running and a late starter like me? I walk and cycle so not totally unfit but have struggled with running in the past so never given it a proper go. Any advice gratefully received, thanks.
Too old to run?: Hello -I've been thinking of... - Couch to 5K
Too old to run?
Written by
Enyala
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33 Replies
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Bazza1234Graduate
- you are not a late starter There have been many over the last few years who have started later - me, for example - started at age 67 four years ago.
The only advice I can give is to only run/walk at the pace that allows you to finish the days task - no more and no less. The first run of each week quickly tells you what that is
GoogleMeGraduate
Go for it! You want to do it, and you are not even unused to being active. So long as you bear in mind that it is a running motion and a walking motion rather than anything to do with speed, and take those non-running days in the programme you should be fine.
You are never too old .....I started running at 61 and 11 months old that was November 2017☺did 7k this morning and Intend to go further. Also ran when I was a lot younger but for some reason it's a lot easier for me at this age 😃
Hi
I am 62 this time, I also cycle to keep fit, average 30mile time trial every Saturday, and cycle to work each week day.
I started running last year, you need to pace yourself and start slowly, it does take time to get up to 10k distance but with diet and a positive attitude you can easily achieve your goal.
Just be careful with the knees and don’t overtrain.
OldflossAdministratorGraduate
Hi there...
Loads of us here started late I began two years ago at 65 I run three times a week and run up to ( at the moment ) 10K
Check this important information post out... the links in it will give you a great deal of advice and support for your journey.
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Then as GoogleMe says, you will be fine, whilst remembering that running is a very different from walking or cycling.
Many if us felt reasonably fit, only to realise when starting this, that there were bits of us that did not seem quite that fit!!
The mantra, which I am famous, or (infamous) for using, is...slow and steady!
It works...it will get you to the 30 minute runs, injury free and having had fun
So....nothing to stop you at all, follow the programme, listen to your body ( it gives great advice) , keep posting for incredible support and advice and enjoy
Thank you all for the positive replies and sound advice. I was wavering but now I'm going for it. ☺
orchardsGraduate
Just looked in before going to do a parkrun. I started C25K about 1 1/2 years ago, aged 63, active but not having done any running and now enjoy parkruns, the local running club and going off by myself. C25K is a great programme - structured in a way that helps you get going. Don't worry if you find the first week really difficult - loads of us did! And worth saying Oldfloss mantra again, slow and steady. There is no such thing as too slow. Enjoy yourself!
ruralfranceGraduate
Hello Enyala and happy new year,
I am 64 and completed the programme two days ago! I had never run in my life and was both unfit and overweight. I won't say it's been easy. It took me two or three outings a week from August, a lot more than 9 weeks, then. The long runs were particularly challenging because I had good days and bad days. But even on a bad day when I walked part of the way I was building fitness.
The programme is excellent. The forum is even better. You'll find a great deal of help and encouragement here. If I had to pick a favourite it might be Oldfloss and her 'slow and steady' mantra. I only have one speed, very slow, and I have managed to avoid injury and pain! But I have lost weight and, more importantly, feel better physically and mentally.
Of course you can do this! Good luck and keep posting.
Hey, make sure you get your graduate badge!! Congratulations for completing the programme!!!
Thank you, Sweatyfaced. How do I get the badge?
You should be able to search for "January graduation badges" (or similar wording) as a pinned post, one of the admin guys will have put it up. Then you just add your name to that post and hey pesto, the badge will appear!
Congratulations again, it feels good, right??!
It's great, I'm really delighted, and surprised!
You should write a little graduation post so we can all jump up and down and raise a glass to You!! Marvellous You!! We love celebrating graduates!!
All right, then, you've talked me into it!
rolysmateGraduate
Started last June at 59 this year June I'm running my 1st half marathon, follow the programme, take your rest days and run slow, very low and you'll be fine
LookNannyrunsGraduate
I’m sure you’re going to be inundated with replies to this question I was a 67 year old starter in September and found the programme extremely good ,you’re more likely to get your non running peers saying you’re too old - don’t listen! It’s not an age thing it’s a mind set and you will get oodles and oodles of support on here . There’s nothing quite like it for chasing away the ’old ‘ blues. Give it a go you have nothing to lose good luck
davesmithGraduate
Hi Enyala, and welcome! Just to add my two pennyworth, I started C25K last year after I turned 65. Other than walking, I had done no other exercise for more years than I care to remember! Take all the advice already offered, do it at your own pace, and I am sure you will be fine. You will soon be amazed at your progress! (I certainly was!)
IannodaTruffeMentor
We had an 83 year old graduate late last year.
Read this guide. healthunlocked.com/couchto5... be sensible and you will have a wonderful time.
I'm 71 and now on week 9 of the program. I did check with my GP when I was a couple of weeks into the program, but that was because of old injuries to my leg (fractured femur and knee split to the bone and now just scar tissue). She told me that running is the best thing not only for my leg, but for heart, lungs and bone density.
angemumGraduate
I started a few months ago, aged 66. Have never seen myself as a runner, but the programme suits me just fine - as I'm sure it will suit you as well. Go at your own pace ... and enjoy! Good luck
I’m 67 and started last year. Got to week 6 and had an injury and then illness. Back in track now into week 2. Definitely good if you’re in your 60s!
chriswatsonGraduate
Do have a go! I started couch25k eighteen months ago age 65 and found it brilliant. It is also an excellent lead into parkrun 5k. Just go steady and make sure you warm up before you start. I have never previously been a runner but success with running has shown me that being convinced that I couldn't run was definitely all in the mind. Give it a try!
KoKo30Graduate
you have loads of replies! so most of it said already. I started at 65 and still running 3 times a week aged 66. Slow and steady and not beyond 5 k but that is what suits me. Its a great programme and this is a great forum, go for it. Physical and mental benefits are enormous. Good luck!
Hi, I tried to get started with couch to 5K last year, but failed due to life being too hectic. My disabled husband died in April after a long illness, there was lots to be sorted out, I work full time, and I think I was just not ready to be Superwoman at that point in time. So I got going with Active 10 and have boosted my self confidence with that. I still hope to do c5k sometime, but at least I have made a start and am making regular time for exercise as part of a very busy life. Go for it! But if you feel c5k may be too much try active 10 first. Good luck!
I started with Active 10 too. I am 66, started last April, graduated July and have progressed very very slowly since then. . If you’re ‘out there’ you’re winning - and it’s nice to progress but going out and enjoying the process at your own pace, just feeling yourself breathe and move, is the main thing.
RenarGraduate
Hi Angela
Just started at age 64. Never run before. Just at the end of week 5 now. Was worried about the 20min run but the forum was great. Everyone was so supportive and I managed. I do agree that you have to go slowly at your own pace and ensure you have the rest days. Thecprogrammecis great though and really gets you through. I am determined to graduate in the near future. Good luck. You will not regret it
ancientrunnerGraduate
See, there are hundreds of us. Good luck and welcome to a whole new world.
lyndamoragGraduate
I started at 64yr 6 months 15 months ago and have today done my 60th 5k parkrun/walk. My friend started at 72 and is about 10 minutes faster than me . We have a 84 year old who has just done a marathon . I don't think age should be your excuse to do it. Go to your local Parkrun and see how many people who have just started to run by run/ walking their way round the 5k ( 3.1 mile) course. You can either join in or run where you want, when you what , just start ...........and welcome to our world. You want regret it.
That’s inspirational, thank you for the encouragement. I have a new challenge!
Hi. I am about to complete the 9 weeks programme this Sunday. I am 63 years old and 4 stone overweight, although I have been going to aerobics classes several times a week for 10 years. I realised I am not a classic couch potato but I have never run before in my life, not even for a bus! I am astonished how I have taken to this and I am determined not to give up after the work to get here, even if I don't run further than 5K. It has been easier than I imagined and I also look forward to losing weight as a result. Don't judge how this will feel until you've tried it! There's so much benefit physically and mentally! Good luck
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