I'll be 60 this year + I'm not doing resolutions but doing goals. I'm fitter than I was 10yrs ago newly diagnosed with RA. I'm now refusing drugs + biologic infusions as I hate the risks +side effects.
My BMI is 23.5 and I'm starting the 5k at Week 5 as I've been running/walking for 3 weeks now without the programme.
Good luck. I'm also not linking my progress to NY resolutions as my good intentions never last and I just happened to feel motivated to start the programme probably at this time as I had had a nice rest over the festive period.
Good luck, Heather. Let us know how you get on.
Good luck Heather. Week 5 is a taxing one, but it looks like you've completed the first one without too much trouble. Well done, and welcome to the forum. You'll find lots of advice and encouragement here. They are a really lovely bunch of people. 
Well done.
Although you may have a good starting fitness, do not underestimate the potential damage that running can do, because of the impact. This guide healthunlocked.com/couchto5... should help with general advice.
Keep us posted.
Thank you for your advise + links. I have bought the best shoes, hand made orthotics, good Bra's and clothes and a pile of heat/freeze rubs for my knees and hips... You're perfectly correct. Even walking my 13k per day steps up + down my hilly town has its negative effects on already arthritic joints. Cheers
Hello and welcome!
The programme will build good habits , stamina and running legs in a structured manner. I would say therefore, start at week 1. Its a nine week programme, whats the rush, why not enjoy the journey?
I think I'm put off mostly by the 1st walking part as by the time I'm ready to go out into freezing cold, I've stretched a fair bit + it's too cold to walk. I walk on my 'off days'. I get what you're saying though. By starting on Wk 5 I've really decided I'm up to there already having run almost daily for the past 4weeks.. Im now going to run every other. It's so icy + hilly where I live.
Thanks a bunch for your encouragement
Running everyday is rather extreme unless you have been running three/ four times a week for a significant time, at least a year, possibly more for us more mature runners.
This forum is for new runners and as such doesn’t advocate daily runs. It does seem from your posts that you have decided not to actually follow the C25k programme.
I've only just found the C25 having decided to start running a few days before Christmas. I walk/run/walk run. I found this app/forum yesterday +actually have decided go ftom the start.
My only problem now is to find a 5k walk/run from home which won't have me running up the steep hills around me.
Presumably the actual programme does take you 5k each time?
That is a great decision. The programme has worked for many thousands of us. The programme gets you to running constantly for 30 minutes over a period of nine weeks ( you can take longer should you wish). The distance travelled will depend on the individual’s pace. Few graduates cover 5k within 30 mins, but from graduation you can build your distance and pace etc.
There is a lot of very trusted information here
healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Come back and tell us about your journey regularly. You will find this is a friendly and very knowledgeable forum supported by a large number of experienced graduates and mentors.
Enjoy! Slow and steady, always take a rest day after a run day.
Good luck. Let us know how you get on 👍
Well done you, great to have goals, I am a little concerned by your new diagnosis and not being keen on medication (but do understand it is your choice) - here is a quote from Rheumatoid Arthritis Research
'What happens in a joint affected by rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation in the synovium. The result is very similar to inflammation that you may have seen if you’ve had an infected cut or wound – it goes red, swells, produces extra fluid and hurts. The redness is caused by the flow of blood increasing. As a result, the inflamed joint may feel warmer than usual. The inflammation is caused by a build-up of fluid and cells in the synovium. Your joint hurts for two reasons:
Your nerve endings are irritated by the chemicals produced by the inflammation.
The capsule is stretched by the swelling in your joint.
When the inflammation goes down, the capsule remains stretched and can’t hold your joint in its proper position. This can make your joint unstable, and it can move into unusual or deformed positions. Some damage is done to the joints every time they're inflamed, and the joint can be worn away after repeated flare-ups (periods where your joints become inflamed and painful).
So please be careful with your joints. Years ago before the meds we have today, people lived with terrible deformities of their joints, but the new medications can stop the damage from the get go, so please do some more research on your condition, so you can keep running 
Best wishes.
After 10 yrs of treatment and a life time of nursing I'm aware of the risks but thank you.
I understand RA + OA well + have rejected meds after 3 yrs of biologic infusions just made me sick. I refuse to self inject (I can't anyway as I have 85%disability in my hands)
You're correct, drugs like methotrexate are a god-send for many. The side effects for some are worse than the benefits. So, it is with and after much thought, research and with my consultant's knowledge that, for now if not forever, I am meds free. Thanks for your kind thoughts +advise
I can't see where to edit my original, but it should read, I am fitter now than when I was newly diagnosed with RA 10yrs ago 😊
Sorry.
I think I mis-read that, as recently diagnosed. I didn't realise you have been through the mill - so to speak - of drug therapy. You are under a consultant, so in the best hands, so full steam ahead with the C25K
I had my first go at the C25K on holiday, just this December gone, I did the first 3 days and got terrible burning in my feet and shins, so much so, that I did not move on to day 4. I have been meaning to get advice on here, when I had the time, as I would like to progress.
I will look at the link to running shoes, and trying to find somewhere flat to run was an issue LOL.
Best wishes.
I cannot even begin to imagine running 25k I'll be happy if I can manage 5k regularly. I'm trying to find hill-less runs, that means only the last bit + 1st bit are hardest as we are halfway up a steep hill.
I'm finding negotiating this site a feat so it's my fault you read it wrongly. 👍 cheers H
I'm so thick.. I just realised C25 is couch to 5k...durr
couch to 5k
Completed couch to 5K
Couch to 5K
Couch to 5k
