Low Motivation : 60 something bloke who tries to... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,405 members158,557 posts

Low Motivation

JohnTR profile image
JohnTRGraduate
10 Replies

60 something bloke who tries to eat healthy and wants to be fitter, but has low motivation. Retired and very sedentary. Find I am more motivated in a group situation but there's no clubs or groups in my area, that I can find, that cater for men of my age. There are groups but seem to be directed at women and young mothers, so I've given up on that. Thought I'd try the couch 2 5K app and so far I'm part way through week 2. Need a kick up the backside to maintain motivation so here's hoping this group, or whatever it is, can help.

Hello all!

Written by
JohnTR profile image
JohnTR
Graduate
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
10 Replies
SendWine profile image
SendWineGraduate

You're already on your second week so must be motivated, you just haven't realised it yet. We all started in the same place but stick to the plan and you well soon be on your way.

Good luck 🏃‍♂️

Hello John!

This is just the place for support and motivation, welcome 👋🏼 Be warned, instead of needing motivation you’ll soon be forcing yourself to have rest days and finding trainers your new favourite shoes. You’ve already started so that’s the hardest bit done.

iwmtb31574 profile image
iwmtb31574

Hi John, I think motivation is the biggest hurdle to overcome, but you can do it .

I am over 60 too, just starting w8 and had run1 this morning. Music or a blog helps to pass the time pass and gives the brain something else to think about.

Good luck, as Laura says you can do this.

theoldfellow profile image
theoldfellow

Don't know if this helps John, but here goes. I am 68, and I'm struggling through this program too.

Motivation is for sure the biggest issue we face as we get older. There seems to be little point in life unless there is family or friends to focus on. Generally any career objectives have been met, or abandoned. In my case I have an unpaid job to do, and I realised that my sedentary lifestyle was making that very hard to do. I watched all the people running the London Marathon, especially a nephew of mine, and thought that perhaps running might be the way for me too.

And indeed it is providing more than just the improved mood and improving strength. There is also this very strange community, who are both supportive and motivational, non threatening and not judgemental. I'll probably get shot for saying it, but it's much like my church.

Week 2 is hard, but by the end of week 3 it's easy. Week 6 is hard, but it for sure put week 5 in it's place.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleGraduate

All of life is out there. Get out there and enjoy it. 😃👍

Running is just fabulous. Free, and can be done almost anywhere, any time. It’s big fun! You don’t need to be quick. Slow is just fine and dandy!

madaboutsaffron profile image
madaboutsaffronGraduate

Hi John – don’t despair, please take encouragement from a retired, overweight, sedentary over-65 who was being sucked into spending too many hours on the computer (truly they are the thief of time!).

I started C25k at the end of April and can’t believe that I’ve just completed week 5. It’s not easy but it’s strangely enjoyable and it really does work. My routine is to run every other day if possible – get up, 3 cups of tea (and a wee!), plug in to Laura’s podcast, then home and jump in the shower. I’m lucky to live just across from a large green open space so It takes only about half an hour out of my day. My pace is very slow but that doesn’t matter - I’m feeling fitter, motivated, and ridiculously pleased with myself!

With regard to groups, have you checked out if there’s a U3A in your area? They tend to cover a wide range of interests (cerebral and physical) for men and women. u3a.org.uk/

Good luck, and I hope you find your C25k motivation!

Pippayoungart profile image
PippayoungartGraduate

This forum is the right place for motivation! I started in March after 59.5 years of exercise dodging. I realised that by not being as fit as I could be I was making my world smaller - turning down activities I felt I might not be able to manage. It become my 60th birthday bucket list goal - to run 5k - and last Monday I did it!

The weird thing that has developed through the programme, is that despite still identifying as 'someone who is not interested in sport', I found that I look forward to the next run and even feel slightly deprived if I have to delay it for a day. It's still hard, but I feel so much better and more energetic and I don't want to go back to my sluggish old self.

So whatever your original motivation for starting, you will find that this group will scoop you up and help you through. I can't promise that it will be easy, and the most difficult thing to overcome is in your head rather than your legs, but you won't be alone!

Good luck!

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

Make contact with other people on here doing the same week as you. Being part of a virtual “cohort” really helped when I found it tough.

Dexy5 profile image
Dexy5Graduate

Hello JohnTR , another 60 year old here and now a running addict, despite never being interested in it before. The great thing is the improvement in body and mind . I graduated in 9 weeks- it’s so brilliantly designed. Enjoy the forum too - great support and advice from everyone who’s been where you are now.

l3grj profile image
l3grj

Hi,

You will see that most people find motivation to be an issue some times.

I do my best not to think about reasons for not getting out there. I consider my age certainly isn’t one. I’m 50ish by the way, not50 but 50ish😑

Choose a nice place to run and go for it.

Everyone will support you here young older, female and male

You may also like...

Motivation

I really want to try and start my C25K again but I really can find the motivation to do it. I’ve...

Motivation

minutes. But I got through it. Now I need some motivation to do run 2 off week 9 in the cold grey...

Motivation

the plan but it hasn’t and struggling to find the motivation to continue. I’ve completed one...

Motivation

for sharing all of your progress - I find it really motivating when I feel myself flagging.

Motivation

I’ve really lost my motivation since graduating. Has anyone else found this. I can’t seem to get...