Too old to run?

[Booboo001]

I am 59 years old and I have never really ran, always done lots of walking. Will I really manage to run for 5 k, just done my second run of the first week .

[TailChaser Graduate]

Of course you aren’t and of course you will 😊

I’m 50 and never really run for a long period (I dabbled before kids but only to enter a 5k run, I stopped shortly afterwards). But like you I do lots of walking. It’s a good basis for starting to run as you should have some strength in your legs already. Just take it gently for now, ease into it and let your body get used to it.

I’m now 6 months in to this running lark with 8 Parkruns under my belt. I can walk further than ever before, I’ve lost loads of weight and I’m happy with myself for the first time in a very long time.

You can do it, it really does work!

[Booboo001 in reply to TailChaser]

Thanks , going to give it my best, made me feel much better reading all of these replies

[TailChaser Graduate in reply to Booboo001]

That’s great Booboo, go for it, and if you feel wobbly again we’re all here to help you 🤗👍😊

[Runsome Graduate]

Yes you will . Believe me back in June on the first week my lungs were screaming for the next walking section and this followed on for a while. Then before you know it and with the wise words of the good folk on these pages you just start to do it. little by little you become a runner and look forward to your next run I’m in my mid fifty’s too and I did my first 10k last weekend. The trick to remember is slow and steady and then slow down a bit and you’ll be fine. If you want to start chasing fast times then worry about that after graduation. Good luck with the runs and never hesitate to ask on these pages we’ve all been where you are and have got through it 👍😀

[steviej99 Graduate in reply to Runsome]

Great advice Run some, graduate then work on pace

[Booboo001 in reply to steviej99]

Sounds like good advice. Thanks

[Grannyruns Graduate]

I’m 64 and I managed it so you can do it. Believe in yourself.

[Booboo001 in reply to Grannyruns]

Well done you, quite looking fwd to it.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Well if you're too old.. i guess I must be ancient

No you are not too old.

On here, age really is just a number Check out this post for Newbies..it is an essential read.

healthunlocked.com/couchto5...

Slow and steady is the mantra... put in some extra non impact exercise in too, on some of your rest days... walking is fine, as is swimming, cycling or Yoga, Pilates etc...

Rest days are non negotiable.. and if you need more than one, between runs, that is fine.

You may never run 5K in 30 minutes...all that is needed is the 30 minute runs The 5K may follow

Welcome and well done you!

PS

I am 68

[Booboo001 in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the advice. Already looking forward to week 2 .

[antonioa Graduate]

I'm nudging 60 and if I can do it, anybody can Follow the plan - it WILL work

[Booboo001 in reply to antonioa]

Thanks

[Wizziewood]

No ... and yes!

Well done for starting C25k, you've got over the first hurdle!

No, no, no ... you're not too old to start running. At 59 I was a total non runner, started C25k Feb 2017, graduated April 2017, ran my first Parkrun the day before my 60th and I'm still plodding along at 61!

.... and yes you will definitely be able to run 5k, you will definitely be running for 30mins at the end of the program, it might take a couple more weeks to get to 5k but you'll do it.

Take it slowly, trust in the program and always take your rest days and you'll get there.

There's lots of advice, encouragement and support to be found on this forum, I wouldn't be running now without all the lovely people here.

So go for it! Good luck and happy running!

[Booboo001 in reply to Wizziewood]

Thanks

[steviej99 Graduate]

I'm 62 and haven't run for 10 years. On week 3 now and loving it. The advice here is perfect, slow and steady and always take rest days. You'll do great

[Booboo001 in reply to steviej99]

Thanks I’m getting more positive by the minute . Can’t wait for my next run now, only on week one, bring on week 2

[AlMorr Ambassador Graduate]

There are many folk here on C25K who began to run are 70+😊,so you are not too old to start, just enjoy your running🏃 🏃 and forget about how old you are, in less than 9 weeks from now you will have graduated and feel like a man at least 30 years younger than you are 😊

[Booboo001 in reply to AlMorr]

Thanks,

[Beccym Graduate]

No, no and no.

I have one friend who runs in my running club 68 and one who is 75 (started running at 70) both faster than me.

[Cathkinboy]

I am 58 and hadn't run for 30 years+ before giving C25k a go. Now at week 8R1 having followed the programme religiously. Feel great for doing so and can inky recommend it. Stick with your preferred guide's comments and the general info on here to take it as slow as you need to. Well done for starting it....why stop now? Go for it.

[Odibrack]

I am 74 and have had an office job most of my life but I graduated recently and this week ran my second 5K in a week. It is difficult at first but the sense of pride at the end makes it worthwhile and I can now keep up with the wife!

[Olympiad]

Well I am 58 and has done little sport or active physical activity since I was in my late teens due to three separate operations for slipped disc. I started on the programme mid-August this year when I could barely run 2 straight minutes at a time. I am now regularly running 25 minutes without stopping. Apart from any medical conditions you which may prevent you from starting the programme (in which case I suggest seeking medical advice first), I see no reason why you should not be able to do it. I still sometimes look back at mid-August and can’t belive what I have achieved. The programme is absolutely excellent and you just need to follow it through step by step and you will amazed at what your mind and body can really achieve! Good luck.

[Booboo001]

Thanks for that and well done to you. Definitely going to give it my best .