Too old to run?

[Kate2018]

Can I start running for the first time ever at age 70? Is there anyone out there who has started this late in life?

[Kamia Graduate]

I replied to a 65 year old earlier so I think if you feel you can do it just go for it.

[Kamia Graduate]

You could probably find them if you scroll through the messages.

[Kate2018 in reply to Kamia]

Thanks. I've discovered the message thread and feel reassured.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Welcome to the forum.

If you read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... you will see that we had an 83 year old graduate last year.................so age is not a barrier.

The plan puts you firmly in control and you will never be asked to run a specific distance or pace.

If you want to do it, you can.

[Nakimbugwe Graduate]

Plenty of us. Never one for exercise, I'm now on week 8 aged 72. It ain't easy, but the support, encouragement and good advice on this forum have kept me going. I'm immeasurably more fit, both physically and mentally. Best thing I ever did, wish I'd done it years ago! So get out there and start! You'll love it.

[Bridget007 Graduate]

You can do it! You don’t have to run like Mo Farah you can just plod along at your own pace like I do 🐌

[SandieF Graduate]

Total respect to you and by the sound/feel of your post, you want to do this. So do it, try it and see how you feel. As mentioned before, you are never asked to go faster or further than you want. Slow & steady is the mantra here 👍

I look forward to your 1st run report

[Tbae]

Best decision of my fitness life at almost 75.Make it yours too.

Slow and steady and find your happy pace.No fear only belief and enjoyment.

This programme and forum will look after you. Believe it and believe in you.

Going off tomorrow to my first 12.5 km.

Loving it and I am sure you can too.

[Pippayoungart Graduate in reply to Tbae]

Wow! 12.5k?! I’ve been whinging to myself that i ‘m too old to be doing this at 60. I do my graduation run on Monday. You are an inspiration for me to keep going.

[Tbae in reply to Pippayoungart]

You better start practising your smile.🤔 I will be watching out for your podium.👍

You will do that and more in your own good time.🌟👏👏

Keep smiling and enjoying.

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Pippayoungart]

Ditto

[Dexy5 Graduate in reply to Tbae]

I am so impressed Tbae.

[Tbae in reply to Dexy5]

We all try our best, don’t we Dexy5.🌟👏👏

[davelinks Graduate]

Yes, there are plenty on here, if you're in good health go for it!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I am 68.... loads older than me and the most awesome runners too

I started this amazing programme and Graduated at 65 and now 68...just on my first Half Marathon plan

Slow and steady is what i am famous for, that and my rambles...

Join us.. it is fantastic

[petrometro Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

ramble on.. as a 68 year old should know from Zeppelin 1

[homlyme]

I have just recently started Jogging again after an absence of twenty five years I am 69 and have now manage to get to three miles a day with a pace of 17.00 ph. and I am also in the very obese category, if you have any medical probs ie; high blood pressure you should consult your doctor first and take it very steady to begin with

[Ang62 Graduate]

I think you can see from the posts age is not a barrier. Listen to the advice and be prepared to amaze yourself!

[Agelesslass]

Go for it, I’m 64 and loving running or jogging I should say it is, but I’m out there doing it and it’s great

[Rumour Graduate]

I started at 66. I am now 67 and just on the last week of C25K. I suppose I find it harder than the young whippersnappers, but it is certainly doable. We (my lovely lady and I xx) are just back from a 30 minute run. Yes up and out by 7:30 am on a Sunday and earlier twice in the week. We found it really helps to be early birds. Less heat and lots of nature where we run.

So go for it, the only thing stopping you is you.

[Bettyb719 Graduate]

Hi Kate! I am 72, never ran before. This morning I did the 1st run of week 3. It was a bit hard, but I know the 2nd and 3rd runs will be easier. Go for it!

[Caf16]

If you are in any doubt please consult your Doctor first. My Doctor advised me to join this but informed me to take it at me own pace even if I was just walking briskly to begin with. Only on my second run of week one but determined to stick with. Good luck

[Effr Graduate]

Started c25k last August aged 65. Am 66 now, can manage 11k and have got my pb speed up to 6.26pk. But I got too obsessed with trying to improve distance and speed - have realised I should just slow down and try to make it fun. And I’m finally beginning to enjoy it!

[Seuzan Graduate]

The best advice someone gave me was a reminder that you control your own pace and don't need to run flat out - just go at a nice steady gentle pace and listen to your body.

Definitely give it a go and increase your pace according to what your body tells you.

[Notjustjanice Graduate]

I’m not quite 70, 67 and I am on W7:2. I think the one thing I would say is my recovery time is longer than the younger people on here but apart from that it’s ok.

[madaboutsaffron Graduate]

Yes, definitely.

I’m 66, recently retired, overweight, I’ve done no running since I was at school and have never been to a gym. I’ve just completed week 4. Every run is hard because it’s meant to be, but I'm doing them and feel fitter already.

I decided that at my age I need all the help I can get so at the outset I bought decent running trainers (swallowed my embarrassment and got helpful advice in a running shop – no more expensive than elsewhere) and a couple of tops that wick moisture (bargains available in TK maxx). They were a good investment – I feel comfortable and less chance of knee injury – and the money I spent is extra motivation for me to complete the programme and continue thereafter!

I don’t use an app, I just downloaded Laura’s podcasts onto an MP3 player and off I went and it’s great.

I run really slowly, I’m breathless at the end of each session (and during!) and at the end of every week I wonder if I’ll manage the next stage of the programme but so far, so good - it really does work and I'm actually enjoying it. The advice on this forum is incredibly helpful and encouraging.

It was reading posts from other oldies that spurred me on, so I hope this encourages you.

Good luck – you won’t regret it.

[Tasha99 Graduate]

I tell you what, the octogenarians at my local ParkRun put everyone to shame! Go for it!

[Gran4z Graduate]

Absolutely not! I turned 70 in February, and I've just completed Wk7 run 1 and I love it! I feel fitter than ever, more relaxed and actually good about myself.

Take it slow and steady, it's not a sprint, make sure you have your rest days, drink plenty of water...relax and enjoy the experience.

I actually started last year, but I got an injury...was really saddened to have to stop. But the break was good, I had some physiotherapy, I did strengthening exercises at the gym and started again. Happy days 😀.

Let me know how it goes, would love to hear, good luck 🖖,