Starting to run at 67

[Aml31]

I have just started this. I’m 67 and overweight. I have never run in my life before. I am stuck repeating week 2. When I feel I can comfortably run for 90secs I’ll move on. Can’t imagine running for 3 mins.

[telford_mike Graduate]

Keep going! Personally I never felt I was comfortable doing those early weeks - I was absolutely exhausted after every single one. It gets better. Good luck!

[Crib Graduate]

Keep going, I have started C25K at 65 & have started on W6 this week, the program definitely works , your body gets more use to it as each week passes. Good luck

[cheeseheads]

Well I’m 50 and over weight and will be starting w5 next week. Just take your time and go slow

[Alanist Graduate]

I agree with telford_mike. I never felt I could comfortably run the times (and sometimes still don't), but somehow just did it from week to week and run to run.

Just run/jog as slow as you possibly can and you will surprise yourself in being able to last the durations. I think one of the keys to succeeding is to not dwell on the times or watch the clock as it only seems to make the time drag on longer.

Maybe try that next run, after all you've got nothing to loose.

You've done fantastic so far and should be very proud of yourself, keep up the good work.

[QueenTea Graduate]

Never too late to start running. Take your time & enjoy it 🙂

[cheekychipmunks Graduate]

Fabulous that you’re sticking at it. It’s a fabulous programme and as long as you go slooooow 🐌, you’ll be just fine. There is absolutely no hurry.

Keep us posted! 😀

[Aml31 in reply to cheekychipmunks]

Thank you, it’s nice to have reassurance. I feel so much better even so. More energy more sprightly. 😊

[cheekychipmunks Graduate in reply to Aml31]

I know what you mean. I’m mid 50’s and fairly active, but running has made everything seem so much easier. 😀

[lexiemcd Graduate]

I'll be 69 at the end of the year and like yourself thought I'd never run 3 mins (I'm doing w6r3 on Sunday). Honestly you will build up your stamina just take it nice and steady.

[Running59]

Take your time repeat the runs as often as you like. I graduated this morning

[GoogleMe Graduate]

Don't mess with the programme.

If you maintain a running motion throughout the run sections and sustaining a walking motion throughout the walk sections and you repeat that on 3 occasions with at least day between each, you ARE ready to move on (well unless you broke your leg or had an actual heart attack) A big, big, big part of the programme is training your mind.

I would still be waiting at Week 1 if I'd waited to feel 'comfortable' with it.

That said, there *is* a useful strategy and that's to slow down - you are still at the stage of 'sprinting' There's this assumption that sustaining a run for longer is harder and it ain't necessarily so, and especially not if you are following an expert programme that has got many people with bigger barriers than yours running regularly.

There's no major harm from doing extra runs you don't need to - it's all boosting your physical fitness but it is slowing the emotional progress.

[lexi6 Graduate]

Brilliant you! Soon you will not only be able to run for 3 minutes but if you follow this programme you will be able to run for 30 minutes, more than once. Trust it, trust yourself and move on to week 3. Lack of confidence in yourself is holding you back, you really can do this. I’m 65 and overweight, but I can run and so can you. Go for it👍

[cazzam16 Graduate]

I'm 64 and never thought I could do it, but here I am just finishing week 4, dreading week 5, but slow and steady should do it, well done on getting started

[Aml31 in reply to cazzam16]

Yes I am pleased I’ve started. I am shocked at how quickly they expect progress, I genuinely feel too heavy to run. It was cooler on Friday and I did run the 90 secs ok. I’ll give it a go next week and try week 3.