Hello. Felt happy when I found this website - I started the NHS Couch to 5k in February and completed the third podcast of week 5 earlier today - 20 minutes running sandwiched between two five minute walks. I was motivated to start the course because I signed up to do a sponsored trek for a charity and I came across some people older than I am who recommended it. I used to do athletics and cross country running in my teens. Nearly three years ago I had to have surgery on one leg for sarcoma and my mobility was compromised for a while. Everyone's experience and motivation is different and personal. I am at least two stone overweight and I am aged 66. Beggars belief I am doing this, but I am, and I love it and plan to start Park Runs in April. My dog is getting exhausted but the worst that happens to me is I get wet.
back of the pack but still standing... - Couch to 5K
back of the pack but still standing...
Well done. The health benefits are huge. And Parkrun is the most amazing movement ever. Enjoy the rest of your C25K journey.
Damien
Thank you Damienair
Hello 👋. It’s a fab forum with lots of info and encouragement. My health both physical and mental is so much improved since I started this and along with getting back to being sensible about eating I’ve lost a stone in 9 weeks. Good luck 🍀 on your C25K journey 🏃🏼♀️😊
Thank you Tonkabella - I'm thinking running = endorphins as well as the other things, and wow, you're losing weight. I need your secret as I suspect I'm eating more!
Your right with the endorphins ... I always feel so much better after my slow jog. As for the weight loss... much as I’m not a slimming world member anymore (I was for 7yrs) I more or less stick to their plan. I don’t cut out any food types but I do watch my portion sizes and limit things like biscuits and chocolate which are my go to foods if I get stressed for any reason. To me it’s the old fashioned way of eating like when I was a child at home Porridge for breakfast and 2 meals consisting of meat and veg/salad and fruit as a snack mid morning and mid afternoon, hot chocolate for supper. It’s what works for me. 🏃🏼♀️😊
Welcome aboard LR and dog 
Love the picture, the scenery is stunning. Not sure about running up the hills but getting to the top would certainly be worth it.
If you dont mind me asking what trek are you doing? I've done a couple of ultra walks which were challenging, awful and amazing all at the same time!
have fun with the park runs and please keep us posted with your progress
Happy running x
The scenery was caught from the top of The Orme but I hadn't run up there. I signed up to do a Mount Olympus mountain trek in October raising funds for Tenovus Cancer Care but they've pulled out and I didn't want to do it by myself, so I'm waiting to see where else the charity will be getting a team together for. Hope it's somewhere as good. I was disappointed but as it was the catalyst for me starting the Couch to 5k it's not so bad. Thanks for your lovely welcome.
Just looked up mount Olympus, that would have been some trek, such a shame you can't do that one. I totally understand not wanting to do it on your own, some things require a mate to suffer with you
Fingers crossed they'll find a good alternative.
X
Hi I’m 66 and at least 2 stone overweight and I run with my dog! We are running twins. I’m just on week one getting ready for run 2 tomorrow. I’m actually looking forward to it.
Well, well. A Border Collie by any chance? Well done starting this voyage into what seems like the unknown but isn't really. If I look over the top of my flabby tummy my legs seem quite skinny - born to run. If you're a Virgo and born in Nottingham then we may have been separated at birth!
Border Collies rock and love running. Me and mine have a special lead for when we are on the road and he gives me a turbo boost if he sees someone he likes
Good luck with the running
Would be interested to know what the lead's like. Currently I run on heathland where she can be off lead.
It goes around my hips and onto his lead (but would clip to harness). Yes much of my running is on trails and the we prefer this - no stopping for wees and lots of things to chase. However, sometimes (like during Gareth) it's nice to stick to the road. Just search for canicross on amazon and there are loads of examples
Thanks for that, will do
Ha no I’m running with a springer spaniel and I’m a Yorkshire lass ! I would be interested to know a bit more about the special harness. I have my dog on a lead for the 5 minute walk then we are on the foot/ cycle path so he’s off lead. I can see he would give me a turbo boost or jerk me to a stop!
My dog got the hang of it very quickly- and I guess a springer would too. He likes to be at the front so is keen to lead the way
Welcome to the forum and well done on getting started.
This guide to the plan is essential reading healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
Enjoy your journey.
Thanks for that info helenwheels. Just back from run 2 week 1 and I think it was a bit easier today. I saw people ,,, no one batted an eyelid at me. Mind we were on a walking section of the couch to 5 k. I’m sure I look a dream in my Lycra tights , beanie hat and jacket!
You've cracked it now... when I bought some lycra stuff in Tesco, thumbing through the size 16/18s there was a poster of size 8 Davina McColl above the rack, in leopardskin attire. Grrrrr. I've got some camo ones now and considering luminous ones next, I just don't care anymore 'cos I can move.
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