Here goes...!: Hello everyone. Lovely to read... - Couch to 5K

Couch to 5K

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Here goes...!

Pennycat profile image
25 Replies

Hello everyone. Lovely to read all the posts.

I’ll get the excuses over with-I’m almost 63, have arthritic knees, asthma and bunions! So, not a lot going for me, but I’m going to give this my best shot.

Over the past 2 years I’ve successfully lost, and kept off about 25kgs with the help of my son who’s a PT. I’ve also been trying to get fitter, stronger & more flexible and although since retiring I can’t afford to go to the gym anymore I still exercise and go for long walks daily.

The C25K seemed like the obvious next step. Without sounding too negative I’m not sure how well I’m going to manage it, but I’ll certainly at least try.

Wish me luck!

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Pennycat profile image
Pennycat
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25 Replies
Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate

Go girl!!!

Excuses are excused....

I started at 65..three years ago.. still here still running and ready to start my HM training in a week's time!!

So..you've lost the weight..you exercise already..you have your own personal trainer..Wow..!

You're on the way...check out the FQ post for Newbies...keep posting...and enjoy!!!!

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Oldfloss

Thank you so much! Actually ‘my’ special PT moved to Australia (sniff) but he’s always there to support, despite an 11 hour time difference!

I exercise but slowly, and probably not enough. But if I don’t start this now I may not be able to in the future.

I’m (almost) looking forward to it ;-)

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Pennycat

Slow is perfect... I am infamous, sorry.. famous :) for my constant reminders! It gets us exactly where we wish to be...

Pop in some Strength and Flex exercises, alongside those lovely long brisk walks... they will work towards stamina and strength...

nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/s...

Many of the forum friends use and used these... on the rest days.. they are useful:)

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Oldfloss

OhI had the talk from son yesterday on how I ‘can’t build a house on quicksand’ and a Skype call today to go through hip strengthening!

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Oldfloss

Just looked at the exercises, there’s some very useful info on there...

Knitruntalk profile image
KnitruntalkGraduate

I too am 63 and never been very fit or athletic. I lost almost 2 stone while waiting for gall bladder surgery and decided I needed to up my exercise to try and stop the weight returning. I also need to maintain or improve my fitness and flexibility to keep up with the grandchildren. Work and dark evenings mean I can only run once a week but I tell myself this is a lifestyle change, not a goal in itself. So I am making slow progress through the programme, but it is progress. Good luck, I am sure you will surprise yourself at how much progress you can make if you stick with the programme. I found the posts on here very helpful, especially the reminders that if you are getting out of breath, slow down.

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Knitruntalk

Thank you for the advice, you’re absolutely right that it’s a lifestyle change. Even if I never make it to 5k the efforts will still be worthwhile.

I’m still working through the posts but it definitely helps to have inspiration from people like yourself.

Thanks again 👍🏼

Oldfloss profile image
OldflossAdministratorGraduate in reply to Pennycat

Do not even focus on 5K... the idea is to reach the 30 minute runs.. enjoyably and safely:)

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Oldfloss

You’re right, and if I never make the 5k it really won’t matter.

That I’m making an effort is all that matters to me. I’m essentially lazy, but this is for me & nobody else 👍🏼

Shelley2310 profile image
Shelley2310Graduate

Trust the programme, run really slow. You don’t have to do it in 9 weeks. I’ve just completed week 1 after re running one of them as I couldn’t finish all the runs.

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Shelley2310

Thanks Shelley. I am respectful of my limitations, and doubt that I’ll ever do a marathon but it’s a start. And if it takes longer than 9 weeks, so be it.

Thank you for the advice, and good luck with your training xx

MadLizzie profile image
MadLizzieGraduate

Hi Pennycat. I had never run before starting this and have never been to a gym. I am 54, overweight and have been suffering joint pains. I walk my dogs and look after my horse but haven’t even been able to ride for a year as she’s now retired. But I have just completed week 5! When I did my first 60 second run in week 1 I was sure that I could not do it 7 more times - but I did. Week by week I doubted but kept surprising myself and on Friday I ran non-stop for 20 mins. I nearly cried. I’m actually starting to believe that I can do this. It really does work. So ... you can do this. Believe in yourself. It sounds like you have already achieved so much. Good luck and keep us posted how it goes.

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to MadLizzie

Hi Lizzie, it sounds like you should be really proud of yourself. You’re doing brilliantly! 😄👏🏻

Thanks for the motivation, if I do as well as you I’ll be happy xx

IannodaTruffe profile image
IannodaTruffeMentor

Welcome to the forum.

This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5... and is full of tips

We are all about positivity here..............so look what you have going in your favour and believe that you can do this and that it can change your life.

Enjoy your journey.

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to IannodaTruffe

Thank you for the advice. I’ll never know if I can do it until I try. And I’ll certainly try hard 😄👍🏼

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to IannodaTruffe

P.S. I’m still reading through the plan, there’s a lot to get through but it looks really interesting & informative...👍🏼

Erddig profile image
ErddigGraduate

I’m 64, also with arthritic knees. I’ve lost 30 k over the last 14 months. I’m just about to start week 5.

Well done for achieving a amazing weight loss AND keeping it off. I’m also hoping to maintain my weight loss and I believe Couch to 5 k will help me fo this.

You won’t regret starting this programme. I’m absolutely amazed that I’ve got this far, you will be too. 🍀 Good luck.

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Erddig

Thank you so much for the support, you’re certainly an inspiration. 👏🏻😄

PleasantSurprise profile image
PleasantSurprise

I've started from nothing at age 67, now finishing Week 6 and surprising myself by actually enjoying it. Managed to get through the hard parts by just slowing right down without walking, and relaxing. Good on all of us !

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to PleasantSurprise

I hope I can follow your example. So glad you’re enjoying it, I guess that’s one of the main motivators, if we don’t enjoy it we won’t do it!

Well done, you 😉👏🏻

Petpuffin profile image
Petpuffin

Hi Pennycat age doesn’t matter. I’m 74 and just starting Week 2. I am not a runner but a year ago I signed up to do the London to Paris Bike Ride for Women’s cancer charities. I followed their training plan and successfully completed the ride in October. 280 miles over three days. The sense of achievement was awesome so bouyed by that success is why I have embarked on C25K. Who knows I might even get to a half marathon one day. Not yet though, small steps is the watchword. Good luck with your training and let’s get off the couch!!

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Petpuffin

Well said! You’ve done brilliantly, and I think you’re right, following the training plan is key. I’m trawling through all the information I can, there’s lots of really useful stuff out there. Thank you 😊👍🏼

Sidgreen profile image
Sidgreen

Good luck. It will be hard at first.

Pennycat profile image
Pennycat in reply to Sidgreen

I know 😕

But I’ll give it my best shot...

motowngirl profile image
motowngirlGraduate

You'll manage fine. I've just had my 70th birthday and never ran before. Now I've just completed W6, so feeling pleased. Just go slowly, good luck. H

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