Running at 60 for the first time in 30 years

[maureenohara]

I am almost 60 and I would love to run 5k. I am nervous about doing myself some damage though! I have osteoporosis. Are there any 60+ women running for the first time out there?

[Wizziewood]

Hello and welcome.

I started running last year at 59yrs 9mnths. I had never run before but followed the C25k to the letter and nine weeks later I was running for 30mins. The day before my 60th birthday I ran my first Parkrun.

I can't comment on your osteoporosis only to suggest you consult your GP.

Each week of the C25k program your strength will grow and if you follow it to the letter you will avoid injury.

So my advice is get started!

Good luck!

[maureenohara in reply to Wizziewood]

Hi Wizziewood!

Thank you!

I’ve been to 10 local park runs, walking briskly with a tiny bit of jogging. C25k seems really hard!! Thank you for the advice. It’s great to hear about your success!

[Wizziewood in reply to maureenohara]

If I did it so can you, believe me it is achievable!

[Not2old2 Graduate]

Hi Maureen, yes there are lots of ‘running veterans’ who have completed or are in the process of doing this wonderful program. I am 73 and graduated recently. Check with your GP that they are happy for you to start if you are not sure yourself. Advice I would give you is get your gait analysis done and get the appropriate type of running shoes, you don’t have to pay silly money there are some decent shoes about at reasonable prices. Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in ( you can start wearing Lycra later!!!) (1)Take it slow and steady, then slower still if need be, (2) don’t compare yourself to how others are progressing what’s slow for you could be fast for someone else and viceveras.(3) NEVER run two days together ALWAYS have the rest days.(4) Do some stretching after your run (5) keep well hydrated But most important of all ENJOY. Good luck and happy running.

[maureenohara in reply to Not2old2]

Hi Not2old!

Thank you for taking the time to give me some very helpful advice. Is the gait analysis done by physiotherapists?

I’m happy never to wear Lycra!!

Best wishes,

Maureen

[AnnieW55 in reply to maureenohara]

Gait analysis is done at the sports shops. Go to a reputable shop and explain you are new to this and about you're osteoporosis (have you checked you're OK to start this? Although running is a good bone strengthener) and you're budget and they will be able to help you. Gait analysis is usually free and during it you run for a very short whole on a treadmill while they look at how you run to get an idea of the best sho s for you. Don't worry about the treadmill, it's not for long and there is no pressure.

Lots of info here:

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[Not2old2 Graduate in reply to maureenohara]

Just a word of warning once you get into this running lark like me you’ll soon have a collection of ‘ proper’ running gear. I’ve found sports direct good value. Keep posting so we can support you and know how you are doing .Happy running

[Not2old2 Graduate]

Sorry forgot to tell you, have a look at healthunlocked.com/ couch25k it contains lots of very valuable information. Happy running.

[maureenohara]

And you!

[Boxergo]

Lots of older runners on here, me included! Here is recent post of mine which I hope motivates you to keep at it....

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

[maureenohara in reply to Boxergo]

Thank you 👍🏿

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome.

If you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... there is mention of the 83 year old graduate who completed last year.

Age is a number. You can do this.

[icklegui Graduate]

running is a good bone strengthener, but if you already *have* osteoporosis, you definitely need to check with your medical professionals because running is high impact. A few things to think about like where you're affected most, whether falling+breaking something is a worry, etc... but hopefully you'll be given the OK or at least given a route to ease yourself towards it.

[maureenohara in reply to icklegui]

Thank you for the sound advice.

Maureen

[icklegui Graduate in reply to maureenohara]

You sound fairly active so hopefully you'll be good to go with some care! I hope you're at least satisfied that age in itself isn't a concern

[ClarriePan Graduate]

I have osteoporosis, I’m 58 and started running before taking any medical advice! But my gp referred me to an endocrinologist regarding my osteoporosis and I saw her a month ago. She was very happy I had started running. I think you need to be aware of your balance because if you fall you could have a break. I think the advice others have given you to see your gp is a good idea. Good luck.

[maureenohara in reply to ClarriePan]

Hi ClarriePan,

Thank you for that. It is very encouraging to hear that the endocrinologist supported your running. Very good point about fall risks though.

Best wishes,

Maureen

[Dexy5 Graduate]

Welcome to c25k. Another oldie here - I’m 60 and started in March and have just completed week 7. I have dodgy knees with a touch of arthritis and they did ache a bit when I started, but things have improved as I get through the course. I couldn’t run at all when I started and am amazed to have done 4 25 minute runs - you will be amazing too. I recommend Jo Wiley tAlking you through the BBC App - she’s inspiring. 🏃‍♀️😀

[maureenohara in reply to Dexy5]

Wow

Well done. Thank you for that.

[limberlou Graduate]

Another oldie here, coming up to 65 in June, and I am currently on week 8. Take the advice of the other replies on here, get proper running shoes and go slowly at first, and then slower still. I have arthritis in one knee, and my toe joints, but I wear separate toe socks and a knee support and stretch well after each run. And I’m getting stronger by the week.

Yesterday my dr told me, at a Spirometry test, that I have the lungs of a woman ten years younger ( must be the running).

Good luck