Middle aged and struggling: Hi, I'm 5... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

132,410 members158,563 posts

Middle aged and struggling

Lazy52 profile image
12 Replies

Hi, I'm 52, overweight and have never run in my life before. I lost my mum last year and decided to try to run to improve my mood. I have just started week 5 and can't see how I will ever be able to run for 30 minutes without stopping so watch this space.

Written by
Lazy52 profile image
Lazy52
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
12 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

One foot in front of the other... well done you! Keep it slow and keep it steady and you will get there:)

Jo__ profile image
Jo__Graduate

So sorry to read your sad news.

I felt daunted by run 3, I couldn’t comprehend that I would be able to run for that length of time. I had to get the negative thoughts out of my head.

I did Week 5 Run 3 last night. I kept it slow and steady, had my music on and managed to complete the full 20 minute run without stopping.

Well done, keep up the good work, you CAN do it!

oldwheezer69 profile image
oldwheezer69Graduate

Ah if you read the early posts of graduates you will see that virtually every one of us, without exception, used to post the same sorts of things! And every one of us managed it and went on to complete C25K..... Hang in there, I'm not saying it's easy, but it's a well designed programme and you will find that keeping your speed really really slow (think walking pace) and staying well hydrated will see you through week 5 and beyond! Keep going! 😀

AlMorr profile image
AlMorrAmbassadorGraduate in reply to oldwheezer69

I graduated on Monday,(18th June) but when I look back on the history of my posting telling all here on C25K about my progress, I did not post anything until week 4, since then I told everyone regarding my progress. Perhaps the reason I did not post anything before week 4 was 'deep inside' I might have to abandon the runs so I thought better to stay silent than admit defeat, I am not certain about that as once I start anything I like to complete it. The program is well designed, I stuck with it 100% my week was Wednesday, Saturday and Monday, on a Monday I usually go somewhere further so the last day of my week as was my graduation day was about 35 miles away from where I live. I think it's better to have the 3 runs a week on the same days as I did than every other day, that way you have two rest days. If you do run every second day, it works out at about 8 weeks rather than 9 weeks.

Jay66UK profile image
Jay66UKGraduate

Hey. Sorry to hear about losing your mum.

I’m also 52, overweight and I had never run in my life before.

I think I pretty much felt the same as you at various points through this programme - feel free to look back at my posts and you’ll see.

I stuck with it and graduated about 3 weeks ago.

Most of the fight is with your mind, not your legs or your heart and lungs.

Please keep at it. Whatever made you start, draw inspiration from that and keep going.

We all want you to succeed, the programme is designed to stretch you in a manageable way. Let the forum help you and you will get there.

Chrisj31 profile image
Chrisj31Graduate in reply to Jay66UK

Your an inspiration for others dude! :)

ccarter100 profile image
ccarter100 in reply to Jay66UK

I so agree. How you think determines your outcome. Believe in your success and it will happen, at a snail’s pace to be sure, but who’s keeping track? 😂

Bridget007 profile image
Bridget007Graduate

Im 54 and I thought it was hilarious that anyone thought I would ever be able to run for 30 minutes but I can! 😃 slow as anything but I love it .. you can definitely do it 😃

Lozzer-B profile image
Lozzer-BGraduate

Hi I’m 58 and over weight and I haven’t run since I was at school I have just done week 7 run 2 a little bit slower than run 1 but I did it and I have lost 4 inches off my waist 😊 keep going you can do it, Just pace yourself and you will be surprised 😊

Tinker5393 profile image
Tinker5393Graduate

Hi also in the 50s club. 53 and recently graduated keep going you will do it .good luck

Chrisj31 profile image
Chrisj31Graduate

You can do and will do it :) one run at a time. Well done for starting.

Fabulous450 profile image
Fabulous450Graduate

You’re at W5 Lazy52! That’s absolutely brilliant. I hope the runs are helping to support you. We are all here to help too! Keep going! You’re doing so well. ❤️

You may also like...

No fool like a middle aged fool

therefore decided on my last run to follow advice and slow it down and got a huge surprise - the...

Middle aged newbie saying hello

enjoyed the training plan, so two more runs to do before week 9 is over. I'll keep it up though....

The Five Laws of Middle-Aged Running.

gremlins inside your MP3 player are watching your elegant (ahem!) running style carefully. They are...

Middle aged man runs for the first time since leaving school

Couch to 5k run this morning, never felt so good about myself, I'm a typical slightly overweight...

Long teenage legs versus short middle aged legs

per minute it was amazing to see what a difference it made to how far we both ran. I've decided I'm...